Stuck pipe events are a common hazard in drilling operations, often caused by differential sticking, packoff, or sidewall collapse. While pipe lubricity pills, acid, and other methods can be employed, a circulating tool is essential in the BHA to create an alternative flow path away from the bit. However, using these tools to pump pills can block throughbore access. Recognizing this imitation—and after a week of trying to free the pipe through 1,500 jarring efforts—the decision was made to conduct a controlled backoff to recover the lower BHA using the WELL COMMANDER valve.
The WELL COMMANDER valve was positioned 250 ft above the bit—just above the stabilized reamer—ensuring, ensuring throughbore access and enabling the deployment of wireline tools, chemical sources, and additional ball-drop tools such as the Rhino™ integrated borehole enlargement system. Unlike other circulating tools, the WELL COMMANDER valve allowed for recovery operations without compromising tool activations. Its innovative design ensured operational continuity by facilitating a controlled backoff and recovery of critical components, while maintaining flexibility for subsequent fishing and sidetrack operations. With this setup, all necessary equipment was in place to execute the cement plug sidetrack operations.
