Identifying and Handling Downhole Challenges During Tripping Operations(1)

By China Welong | Email: renee@welongpost.com

In oil and gas drilling operations, encountering complications while running drill pipe into the wellbore is not uncommon. Understanding the root causes and implementing proper countermeasures is essential to ensure safety and efficiency. Below are two frequent situations encountered during tripping in (running in) and how to manage them.

1. Drill String Running Obstruction – Causes and Solutions

Common Causes:

• Wellbore collapse after tripping out.
• Poor mud properties, such as high fluid loss and thick mud cake, leading to borehole shrinkage due to formation swelling.
• A new bit with a larger diameter than the old, worn bit used previously.
• Inadequate circulation of drilling fluid before tripping in.
• Changes in BHA (Bottom Hole Assembly), such as using larger stabilizers or switching bit types.

Preventive & Corrective Measures:

• Circulate the hole thoroughly before tripping out.
• Maintain proper mud properties to prevent formation issues.
• Always pump drilling fluid during tripping out as per procedure.
• When resistance is encountered while tripping in, ream or backream the hole—avoid forcing the drill string downward.
• Verify bit size and type before tripping in.
• If BHA configuration is changed, control trip speed and strictly follow operating procedures.

2. Why Circulate Mud While Tripping In?

Main Reasons:

• The well has remained static too long, or insufficient circulation was done earlier.
• Signs of formation collapse have been observed.
• Mud contamination (e.g., saltwater or gypsum intrusion) has deteriorated its properties.
• Minor loss zones exist downhole.
• The well condition is complex, leading to difficulties in starting the mud pump.
• In deep or high-pressure wells, staged mud conditioning is required to avoid pump pressure spikes, formation losses, or stuck pipe incidents.
• Circulating mud mid-trip helps to flush out debris scraped off by the drill string.

Proper handling of these situations helps reduce drilling risks, improve efficiency, and extend the life of drilling tools. For more support or to inquire about our drill pipe solutions, contact us at: