STUCK PIPE PREVENTION UPGRADE I: SOLIDS INDUCED PACK-OFF

SOLIDS INDUCED PACK-OFF TRAINING MATERIAL UPGRADE RE: STUCK DRILL PIPE PREVENTION COURSE

By Dr Michael Gibson

Wellideas.co.uk are pleased to announce the upgrade of the Solids Induced Pack-off Section of their Stuck Pipe Prevention Course which has been held world-wide for 15 years now, which is the only Stuck Pipe Prevention Course which covers both Drilling Engineering and Drilling Operations Aspects. Also, because of covering both the Drilling Engineering and Drilling Operations aspects of Stuck Pipe Prevention, Wellideas.co.uk have advised a number of Operators and Drilling Contractors on a Drilling Consultancy basis to prevent Stuck Pipe from occurring on their drilling rigs and platforms.

Today’s high drilling costs necessitate the avoidance of Stuck Drill Pipe. Otherwise, wells can be lost or cost far more than budgeted for. Stuck Pipe Prevention requires both excellent Drilling Engineering, Drilling Consultancy and Drilling Operations.

It is a multi-faceted and complex area, involving Geology, Drilling Planning and Engineering, Directional Drilling Expertise, Drilling Consultancy and Excellence in terms of personnel on-board the Drilling Rig – both 3rd. Party (e.g., mud loggers and geologists) and Drilling Contractor personnel. Two examples of Solids Induced Pack-Off are shown in the schematics below to assist with understanding:

The first schematic shows how unconsolidated rock formations can collapse into the wellbore thereby “packing off” around the drill pipe so causing the drill-string to become stuck.

The second schematic shows how tectonically stressed shale can collapse, especially when drilled through at high angle, around the drill pipe so causing again the drill-string to become stuck.

stuk pipe prevention
Schematic of Collapsing Rock Formations Causing Stuck Drill String
Schematic of Collapsing Tectonically Stressed Shale (which readily collapses at high angle) Causing Stuck Drill String

This first section of the updated Wellideas Stuck Pipe Prevention Course – i.e., Solids Induced Pack-Off – begins by discussing the principal Geological reasons as to how and why drill pipe can become stuck when drilling for oil, gas, condensate, or geothermal wells. Geological aspects such as rock type, fractures, reactivity with drilling fluids, integral strength and rock stability are covered in detail.

The Solids Induced Pack-Off Section then goes on to discuss what the Driller’s “First Warning” signs are regarding becoming stuck, which includes what the Mud Loggers, the Rig’s Geologist and Computerised Equipment can do to assist in the prevention of Stuck Pipe through this sticking mechanism.

This next section of this course discusses, in detail, what the Driller’s First Actions should be upon coming stuck – which are crucial in the “fight” to become free.

An example of the trends which the Driller might see (due to Collapsing Stressed Shale for example) is depicted below:

Example of Drilling Trends which the Driller Might See

Also, simple to use Hole Cleaning Charts are used to ensure optimal flowrate.

This Wellideas Stuck Pipe Prevention Course will also, apart from the Well Engineering / Geological aspects, teach the Driller and Drill Crew, what to do should the drill-string become stuck – based upon Drilling Cuttings Indicators, Torque, Drag, Stand-Pipe Pressure and Other Indicators – both mechanical and geological.

Who is Dr Michael T. Gibson?

Dr Michael T. Gibson has 40 years in the Oilfield, working initially as a Drilling Engineer when he studied Mechanical and Offshore Engineering at Bachelor’s, Diploma and Master’s, Degree Level at Robert Gordon’s in Aberdeen under the expert tutelage of Professor Blythe McNaughton. He then went on to take a PHD over an 8-year period whilst working offshore as a Drilling Supervisor.

He began teaching / lecturing full-time 15 years ago in many parts of the world for Oil Companies, Drilling Contractors and Universities and has written the vast bulk of Wellideas’ material, ranging from Manuals, Pocket Handbooks, PowerPoints and Videos for the Classroom and Zoom Meetings, through to E-Learning Modules for distance learning.

Citations

  • “Stuck Pipe Prevention While Drilling Wells to Limestone and Sandstone Reservoirs in Southern Iraq” by authors T. Eren, M.H. Azeez & B.A. Tawfeeq.
  • “Stuck Pipe Prevention Book” by Shyne Coleman.
  • “Integrated Stuck Pipe Prevention in Geothermal Campaign” – Proceedings, World Geothermal Congress, 2021.
  • SPE 160875 “Stuck Pipe Potential Solutions in Deep Gas Drilling: New Approaches” by J.M. Guzman, 2012.