Pulling the drillstring from the hole, also known as tripping out, is a process that is performed during drilling operations to remove the drillstring from the wellbore. This may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as to change the drill bit, to run a wellbore survey, or to perform maintenance on the drillstring.
The procedure for pulling the drillstring from the hole is as follows:
- Prepare the wellsite. This includes ensuring that the well is properly shut in and that the rig floor is clean and safe.
- Circulate the well. This is done to clean the bottomhole assembly (BHA) and to remove any cuttings or debris from the wellbore.
- Break out the drillstring from the BHA. This is done by rotating the drillstring in the opposite direction of the BHA.
- Pull the drillstring out of the hole. This is done using the drawworks, which is a winch that is powered by the rig's engines.
- Lay down the drillstring on the rig floor. The drillstring is typically laid down in stands, which are sections of pipe that are connected together.
- Inspect the drillstring for damage. This is done to identify any damaged or worn components that may need to be replaced.
1. Prepare the wellsite.
Ensure that the well is properly shut in. This may involve closing the wellhead valves or installing a full opening safety valve (FOSV). Clean the rig floor and make sure that there are no tripping hazards. Gather the necessary tools and equipment, such as a drillstring tally, soapstone, and pipe dope.
2. Circulate the well.
Begin circulating the well at a low rate to clean the BHA and remove any cuttings or debris. Monitor the circulating pressure and adjust the flow rate as needed. Continue circulating the well until the mud is clean and the cuttings are being removed effectively.
3. Break out the drillstring from the BHA.
Rotate the drillstring in the opposite direction of the BHA to break out the connection. If the connection is difficult to break out, use a breakout wrench or other tool to assist. Once the connection is broken out, carefully pull the drillstring away from the BHA.
4. Pull the drillstring out of the hole.
Use the drawworks to pull the drillstring out of the hole. Be careful not to pull the drillstring too quickly, as this can cause swabbing. Monitor the circulating pressure and adjust the flow rate as needed. Continue pulling the drillstring out of the hole until the entire drillstring is on the rig floor.
5. Lay down the drillstring on the rig floor.
Lay down the drillstring in stands, which are sections of pipe that are connected together. Use a monkeyboard or other tool to carefully lay down the drillstring on the rig floor. Make sure that the drillstring is properly supported to prevent it from rolling or falling.
6. Inspect the drillstring for damage.
Inspect the drillstring for any damaged or worn components. If any damaged components are found, they should be replaced before the drillstring is run back into the hole.
Additional considerations:
If the drillstring is stuck, it may be necessary to jar it loose. Jarring is a process that involves applying a sudden shock to the drillstring to release it from whatever is causing it to stick.
If the drillstring is heavy, it may be necessary to use a standpipe to help pull it out of the hole. A standpipe is a long pipe that is attached to the top of the drillstring and helps to support its weight.
If the wellbore is tight or has a lot of doglegs, it may be necessary to use a rotation joint to help pull the drillstring out of the hole. A rotation joint is a device that allows the drillstring to rotate even if it is bent.
Safety:
Always follow the proper safety procedures when pulling the drillstring from the hole.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves.
Be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to trip or fall.
Communicate with your crew members and let them know what you are doing at all times.
The following are some additional considerations for pulling the drillstring from the hole:
- Hole condition. The condition of the wellbore can affect the tripping out operation. For example, if the hole is tight or has a lot of doglegs, it may be more difficult to pull the drillstring out.
- Drillstring weight. The weight of the drillstring can also affect the tripping out operation. If the drillstring is too heavy, it may be difficult to pull out of the hole.
- Circulating pressure. The circulating pressure should be monitored during tripping out to prevent swabbing. Swabbing is a condition that can occur when the drillstring is pulled out of the hole too quickly, which can cause a vacuum to form in the wellbore. This can lead to the collapse of the wellbore and other problems.
Pulling the drillstring from the hole is a critical operation that must be performed carefully and safely. By following the proper procedures and taking into account the factors mentioned above, the tripping out operation can be completed safely and efficiently.
