PEH:Drilling Problems and Solutions
Publication Information
Petroleum Engineering Handbook
Larry W. Lake, Editor-in-Chief
Volume II - Drilling Engineering
Robert F. Mitchell, Editor
Copyright 2006, Society
of Petroleum Engineers
Chapter 10 - Drilling Problems and Solutions
By J.J. Azar, University of Tulsa
Pgs. 433-454
ISBN 978-1-55563-114-7
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Introduction
It is almost certain that problems will occur while drilling a well, even in very carefully planned
wells. For example, in areas in which similar drilling practices are used, hole problems may have
been reported where no such problems existed previously
because formations are
nonhomogeneous. Therefore, two wells near each other may have totally different geological
conditions.
In
well planning, the key to achieving objectives successfully is to design drilling programs on
the basis of anticipation of potential hole problems rather than on caution and containment.
Drilling problems can be very costly. The most prevalent drilling problems include pipe sticking,
lost circulation, hole deviation, pipe failures, borehole instability, mud contamination, formation
damage, hole cleaning, H
2
S-bearing formation and shallow gas, and equipment and personnel-
related problems.
Understanding and anticipating drilling problems,
understanding their causes, and planning
solutions are necessary for overall-well-cost control and for successfully reaching the target
zone. This chapter addresses these problems, possible solutions, and, in some cases, preventive
measures.
Pipe Sticking
Differential-Pressure
Pipe Sticking
Mechanical Pipe Sticking
