Success Stories of a Green Chemistry Based Stuck Pipe Solution in Saudi Arabia's Challenging Top Holes Facing Total Losses to Production Holes with High Overbalance

Abstract

Historically, stuck pipe has been one of the biggest causes of non-productive time (NPT) in Saudi Arabia, resulting in loss of tools, reduced hole footage, and potentially endangering well objectives. Stuck pipe still tops the list of costly non-productive time events worldwide, ahead of items such as well control incidents, waiting on weather, lost circulation, equipment failures, and rig associated problems (Hunter et al., 2014). In Saudi Arabia, stuck pipe incidents occur in all drilling sections. While drilling top hole sections, they are generally coupled with partial to total losses; in deeper sections, they are induced due to high overbalance. Stuck pipe in top hole sections requires a solution that is environmental friendly, as many aquifers used by local communities are also present in these sections. Since the presence of aquifers limits the use of conventional hydrocarbon-based solutions, a novel non-hydrocarbon-based pipe freeing agent was developed. This new technology eliminates the need to isolate the stuck pipe pills at surface after circulating them out; they can be incorporated into the circulating system because of their excellent environmental footprint. When added in the drilling fluid, these pills improve system lubricity. This paper presents an overview of successful applications of this novel chemistry in both the top-hole section with total losses and in the production section with overbalances up to 4,400 psi. Performance-based results and advantages of using this solution to improve overall drilling performance will also be discussed in detail. Best practices and lesson learnt for mixing, pumping, displacement, and soaking will also be covered in detail to provide a guideline for operators in similar conditions across the Middle East.