SPE 159223

Planning for Successful Jarring Operations - Effective Use of Drilling Impact

Systems Helps Release Stuck Pipe
Jose L. Mercado, Schlumberger

Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 1114 November 2012.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited . Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The ab stract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
Jarring is a cost effective alternative to free stuck pipe. Impact tools have been used in drilling industry for many decades and
the technology has helped operators save significant amounts of time and money. To keep improving this technology, a new
Drilling Impact System (DIS) has been developed. The DIS uses innovative double-acting hydraulic Drilling Jar/Drilling
Accelerator and BHA analysis software. The unique modeling program enables engineers to identify/recognize the optimum
impact/impulse values and key operational considerations during the BHA design process. The optimized BHA with
accelerator amplifies the energy created by the drilling jar. As a consequence, it increases the probability of freeing a stuck
BHA.
This paper focus on the drilling bottom hole assembly (BHA) design process and best operational practices to ensure a
successful drilling operation. The author will discuss effectiveness of the impact system and proper pre-job analysis
procedures for optimum jar placement to avoid lost-in-hole (LIH) situations. The planning process includes: 1) operational
considerations; 2) QA/QC system and; 3) software analysis. Case studies are presented to illustrate how the utilization of the
drilling impact system culminated in the successful execution of a jarring operation to free stuck bottom hole assemblies.
Introduction
As wells are drilled deeper, companies are concentrating more on minimizing non-productive time and eliminating losing
expensive drilling equipment downhole. However, there are still situations in which lost time due to inadequate planning of
jarring operations still occurs. The need for eliminating lost time due to stuck pipe has increased the demands for better impact
systems and technologies capable of enabling longer intervals through a range of formation types without becoming stuck
requiring unwanted fishing jobs. These demands have been met with the implementation of a new Drilling Impact System
capable of addressing these technical challenges and performance risks.
The DIS utilizes a double acting hydraulic drilling jar, a double acting drilling accelerator and a jar placement/impact analysis
program. At the heart of the system is a powerful hydraulic drilling jar which includes an improved torque transmission
system, revised sealing configuration, enhance detent system and design changes that have significantly improved durability.
Functional testing of the jar includes the use of a data acquisition system for verification of test loads and detent times prior to
sending the tool to the rig site. The second key component of the system is the drilling accelerator, as its inclusion amplifies
the impact created by the jar increasing the chances of freeing the drillstring. The jar placement/optimization software ensures
the tool will deliver the best jarring effect at the stuck point.
Pre-Job Planning
Pre-job planning is import for the successful placement of the drilling jar. Close communication with the operator is required
to understand the demands and requirements of the job. The BHA design must be approved by the operators drilling team,
directional driller and the jar supplier after considering all aspects associated with the sticking mechanisms, the effect of pump
pressure on jar, wellbore angle, dogleg severity, hostile downhole drilling conditions and BHA design/drilling parameters
within the specification of jar/accelerator design constrains.1 Three issues have been identified to be fundamental and will
have a considerable effect in the final outcome if facing stuck pipe situations:

SPE 159223

Operational considerations
QA/QC system
Software analysis

Operational Considerations
Below are some important rules for planning for optimum tool placement for a successful jarring operation:
Running jar with accelerator. If the concerned interval has inclination higher than 45 then a combination of jar-accelerator
should always be run in the string. An accelerator tool amplifies the force generated by a jar by more than 200%. It does this
by storing additional energy and releasing it closer to the jar resulting in a more efficient energy transfer. Accelerators are
usually run above the jar hammer mass to ensure that during hammer free travel, the hammer acceleration is not impeded by
hole wall friction especially in directional wells. Always run jar with an accelerator if:

Concerned interval inclination is higher than 45

Concerned interval is below a sharp change of direction of the well
Well is shallow
Main jarring action is downwards
Not having sufficient drillpipe stretch
Well is extended reach/horizontal
String overpull is limited
Trying to protect rig floor
Trying to protect string from overpull
String design restrains jar too far away from stuck point to be effective

Maximum detent load of jar. For hydraulic jars, the maximum overpull (detent load) at the jar during restriction is based on
the limiting collapse pressure of the detent mandrel and the limiting burst pressure of the detent cylinder. As the applied load
increases, the pressure in the detent chamber increases as well. When applying an overpull in excess of the maximum detent
load the pressure build up inside the detent ring chamber is increased faster than the time that it takes to meter the hydraulic
fluid through the detent ring orifice. As a result, the combined tension and pressure built inside the chamber will either
collapse the mandrel (Figure 1) or burst the cylinder (Figure 2), whichever is weaker. Therefore, the recommended maximum
detent load at the jar should never be exceeded.

Figure 1 - Detent mandrel collapsed

Figure 2 - Detent cylinder burst

SPE 159223

Incorrect hole size vs jar size. Very large collar-to-hole clearances will cause fatigue of jar connections and shorten their life,
even in mild doglegs. Connection strain and stress is proportional to the bending moment from lateral deflection of the collars.
Lateral vibrations are due to bending of the drillstring. Shocks are generated when the drillstring deforms enough to make
contact with the wellbore. Lateral vibrations are generally most intense in low angle wellbores (low damping forces), with
flexible (low stabilization), heavy BHAs. Tensile strength is not the issue in this application; it is the susceptibility to high
rotational bending stresses in the large hole sizes that is the major problem. To avoid fatigue damage, the recommended
maximum hole size versus tools size should not be not more than 1.70 times the tool OD in vertical wells and two times the
tool OD in horizontal/deviated wells. Field experience in different formations and under different drilling conditions will
ultimately dictate the maximum hole size that the tools can be used in. It is recommended not using a jar in larger hole sizes if
an adequate jar size is not available.
Cross-sectional changes. Too much difference between large and small cross-sections will accelerate connection fatigue and
failure. When placing the drilling jar too close to a cross-section change, the jar will take excessive bending stress and could
cause accelerated fatigue and failure. Jar locations close to the section change incur high stress due to the high bending
tendencies concentrated in these areas. A jar has approximately half the stiffness of a similar OD drill collar. The stiffness
ratio (Z=I/c) at the jar must be limited between 2.5 to 3.0 to avoid placement where larger, stiffer components are placed on
either side producing bending stress concentration in the jar. Engineers should always run at least one stand of the same cross
section above and below the jar. The gradual change of cross section distributes the stresses over a longer distance, reducing
stress levels and providing for longer jar life. Jars flex more readily than other drillstring components of the same OD due to
an exposed mandrel and working parts inside causing bending stresses to concentrate in the smallest sections of the tool. These
stresses are more uniformly distributed and less damaging in components of constant cross section.
Backreaming. Rotating the drillstring stores a high amount of energy which is transmitted to the bit to cut the formation. If
the BHA does not touch the formation this energy is dissipated throughout the BHA in the form of shock, vibration and
friction. Excited and eccentric BHA elements off bottom amplify vibrations. Underreamers, hole openers and bent motors are
some of the main excitation elements. Increased friction causes unstable rotation, stick slip, vibration and lateral shock.
Increased RPM creates more energy in the system and thus higher amplitude of vibration and the higher level of shocks create
a higher level of cyclic bending and torsional stresses on the BHA elements.
Rotating off bottom in highly deviated wellbores where inclination decreases with depth in the dogleg subjects the drillstring
to higher bending stresses in the curve portions of the well. When rotating the bit off bottom the upper portion of the drill
collar, usually where the jar is placed, is subjected to tension equal to the entire weight of the collars. Most drillers will apply
torque while backreaming. Excessive torsional load will significantly reduce the tensile capacity of connections and failure
can occur.2
For backreaming, it is recommended to rotate at 40 RPM or less. Low RPM will result in less energy and less potential to
cause damage which will reduce stresses on the connections. Off bottom rotation can cause more vibration because the bit
face is not in contact with the formation and will not help to dampen vibrations as when drilling. High lateral shocks can
damage BHA components and can cause connection back offs or twist offs. Whirl and backward whirl are also likely to appear
in the free end of a rotated BHA. When backreaming, establish initial optimum parameters (pump pressure, torque and hook
load) and determine backreaming speed based on those parameters. An increase in these parameters can be an indication the
annulus is loading up. Stop operations and circulate the hole clean and continue only if parameters are stable or improved.
Neutral zone. The neutral point is when the drillstring moves from compressive stress to a state of tension. Bending
disturbances generated at the drill bit and uphole by drillstring borehole interaction concentrate at the neutral point leading to
large local accumulations of vibrational energy. Many twist-offs occur near the neutral point. Generally damage is caused
when the shock waves produced by bit bounce and wall slap of the stiff drill collars, move up and meet the drillstring
vibrations moving down. The jar is more flexible and will absorb these combined stresses resulting in damage. Drilling jars
need to be positioned either below or above the neutral point. If the jar is placed too close to the neutral point, it will
continuously cycle between compression and tension. This could accelerate fatigue and drive system damage decreasing
operational life. It is usually recommended to place a jar at 15%-20% of the WOB above or below the neutral point.
Change out recommendations. Change out recommendation refers to the maximum operational hours (drilling and
circulating) before servicing the jars. The time interval to inspect a jar should be less than it takes for a visible crack to
propagate to the point of causing a downhole failure or less than the time interval that would take for severe drilling conditions
to degrade and damage a jar seal. Even though prediction of the exact interval cannot be made, experience has shown that
periodic inspection drastically reduces downhole failures. The actual time interval between inspections periods must be
established for each area and condition including hole size and bottomhole temperature. As the hole size increases so does the
clearance between the tool and the hole wall resulting in an increment on tool deflection which can lead to more bending

SPE 159223

stresses and more cumulative fatigue at the connections, especially in vertical or low angle wells. Temperatures in excess of
450F will have an adverse effect on the seals. Drilling with corrosive mud additives can also damage to the chromed surfaces
depending on the exposure time, temperature and concentration of the corrosive agent.
Dogleg severity. Pure fatigue of the BHA components is caused by rotational bending which exceeds the endurance limit of
the metal. This stress usually occurs when drillpipe or BHA components are rotated in compression, because of insufficient
drill collar weight, or in a wellbore that has a change in hole angle or direction (DLS). High normal fatigue occurs in most
doglegs and is accelerated where the change of hole angle or direction occurs in a short interval. The maximum DLS limit
while rotating is based on the calculated bending stress level to not exceed the endurance limit of the jar components. This
will reduce the chance of fatigue damage. The maximum DLS for non-rotating (sliding) is based on the calculated stress
levels and should not exceed the yield strength of the jar in bending.
The faster the rotary speed the more fatigue life expended while rotating in the dogleg. If it is planned to rotate the jar in
higher than recommended doglegs, then maximum rotating hours between tool change out/inspection should be reduced to
lessen the likelihood of downhole failure. When jars are run in DLS that exceeds recommended, even though the jar shows no
damage, it is likely the tool has accumulated fatigue damage resulting from the exposure to high bending stresses and would be
susceptible to developing fatigue cracks in a short period of time. Monitor and reduce parameters such as RPM and tensile
load to reduce the fatigue stresses slowing rotary speed
Drill collar tension weight. RSC connections are subjected to induced static stresses due to the make-up torque, tensile and
pressure loads. In addition to these stresses, connections are coupled with fluctuating stresses resulting from service loads.
Bending loads induce bending stress that coupled with static stress and can cause fatigue failures in connections. Excessive
drill collar tension weight below the jar can result in jar connection failures as a consequence from collar/BHA bending as it
rotates through doglegs, from collar bending due to their own weight or when hole angle changes. Drill collar whirl and
slapping the hole wall creates vibrations and lateral load. Cyclic loading from downhole vibrations causes fatigue failures. If
make-up torque increases the lower the allowable bending loads at the connection. Reducing excess of drill collars tensile load
and using lighter HWDP can reduce the fatigue cycle frequency.
Unstabilized drill collars in compression. Collars bending under their own weight cause bending stress. Bending stress
couple with rotation produces alternating tension and compression which even at low levels can initiate metal fatigue.
Corrosive agents. Corrosion pitting is commonly observed on jar bodies (Figure 3). This electrochemical reaction takes place
if chlorides, moisture and oxygen are present in a system. Pitting acts as a stress concentrator and will amplify the mechanical
fatigue effect. Any discontinuity can generate a micro-crack where drilling mud can adhere. When the mud dries it becomes
more saline resulting in severe corrosion. Presence of CO2 and H2S also contribute to pitting. To mitigate pitting damage
corrosive properties should be eliminated by excluding O 2 using sodium sulphite scavengers, by establishing good practices
and by controlling the reaction of catalysts such as PH, temperature and pressure. Jars must be thoroughly pressure washed
internally and externally as soon as they come out of the hole. Jars must not be left sitting at the rig for periods of time after a
job is finished. They must be sent immediately to the shop for service due to internal components being exposed to drilling
mud.

Figure 3 - Fluid Cylinder Corrosion Pitting

SPE 159223

Hydrochloric acid is used to peel chrome off plated parts. When used in 100% concentration, hydrochloric acid attacks
chromed surfaces producing corrosion. In most drilling operations some type of corrosion inhibitors are used in downhole
pills containing hydrochloric acid to protect drillstring steel. The inhibitors protect the steel; however it is not known to what
extent it will protect the chromed surfaces in the jar. Concentration and exposure play a fundamental role in the effectiveness
that can be produced by using hydrochloric acid. Using the goof judgment and drilling best practices will assure that no
damage is induced to the drilling jar. API Recommended Practice3 established the minimum recommended PH as 9.5PH.
Running a drilling jar in an environment with a PH less than 9.5 can be considered as running the tool out of specification.4
The same is true for O2 content, efforts need to be made not to run jars where concentration of O2 is higher than 1ppm.
The concentration of H2S that standard equipment can tolerate varies depending on pressure, temperature and time of
exposure. Some studies have shown that a conservative maximum H2S concentration to run standard equipment in without
control of the operating environment is around 1-3 ppm. Higher levels of H2S can be tolerated given proper controls are in
place such as using certain type(s) of drilling fluids and the use of sulfide or zinc oxide scavengers.
Torque while jarring up. This common fishing practice is not recommended when firing a jar. Studies have shown that
putting torque in the drillstring prior to jarring during a fishing job can result in considerable damage to the drillpipe or the jar.
Pressure waves in the string set up by tripping the jar result in actual reduction of pin torsional strength below that of the tube
and can result in pin failures. At the moment of jarring, several hundred-thousand pounds of tension are generated due to the
jarring blow. Applying torque under high tensile load could reduce the torsional capacity of the pin connection and with very
low torque and high tensile load the connection may fail. Trapping torque for an extended period of time can fatigue the jar
drive pins. When the jar drive pins wear to a point they are gone or consumed, free rotation of the jar can occur. Another
adverse effect of trapping torque while jarring is induced friction. Friction reduces impact acceleration resulting in lower
impacts and impulse.
Stabilizers above jar. Running a stabilizer above the jar should always be avoided. The tubulars above the jar must always
be of an OD no greater than the jar, otherwise the risk of becoming stuck above the jar is high rendering the tool ineffective.
When a stabilizer or roller reamer is positioned above the jar a potential sticking point is immediately established which is
clearly not desirable. If jarring down in a deviated well is required, the string will be lying on the low side of the hole. By
setting weight down on the jar the tendency is for the stabilizer or reamer to dig in to the side of the well, increasing the risk
of significantly reducing the load that can be imparted to or set down on the jar.
Stabilizers below jar. Placing the jar too close to a stabilizer can induce severe bending stresses within the jar and reduces
the tool effectiveness to deliver impacts at the stuck point. Place the drilling jar at least one stand above the closest stabilizer.
Jars in vertical wells. Jars have a thin cross section and are susceptible to rapid fatigue if buckling occurs in a rotary
application. Do not run jars in compression in vertical intervals (zero deg). Place the jar in tension to avoid buckling, as in this
situation is much less likely to bend, reducing fatigue. When running a jar in a zero degree well it will buckle it as soon as it
goes into mechanical compression. The Dawson-Pasley equation predicts zero stability in vertical holes.
Fcrit =2[EIwKbSin/r]1/2 where;
Fcrit = Critical buckling load (lbs)
E = Modulus of elasticity (psi)
I = Jar equivalent moment of inertia (in4)
W = Unit weight in air (lbs/in)
Kb = Buoyancy factor
= Hole angle at point of interest (deg)
Hole angle and size have a significant influence in Fcrit. As the hole angle increases so does the critical buckling load.
Conversely, as the hole size increases the critical buckling load decreases. Therefore, maintaining an acceptable hole to tool
size ratio and keeping a safety margin of the jar buckling load while running in compression is vital for jar optimize jar life and
function.
Workshop QA/QC System
Quality control plays a fundamental role in the pre-job stage. Jars should be serviced every time they come back from a job;
tests should be performed to determine if the tools are functioning properly and results should be recorded in a data acquisition
system to provide objective evidence that all tools meet specifications. Audits of inspection workshops should be performed at
least twice a year to make sure procedures are strictly followed at all times. Parts should be thoroughly inspected with
magnetic particle and other applicable nondestructive tests. Chromed and seal areas must past inspection criteria. Torsional

SPE 159223

strength is reduced with joint wear, outside diameter wear should be closely monitored and components must be replaced
when not meeting wear down tolerances. O-rings and seals should be discarded after every job. New seals should be installed
if the jar is stored for a long period of time. If tools are store outside a warehouse, they must be protected from extreme heat or
cold weather conditions.
Software Analysis
There are several applicable software tools available for job planning. Although these programs are reliable, they are not
intended to be a substitute for sound field judgment. They should mainly be used for making decisions about BHA design
and configuration before the jarring operation.
BHA stress analysis. To meet drilling objectives, operators must select the most appropriate BHA. This includes both correct
tool selection and tool placement. BHA design can influence the performance of the drilling jar. Stress analysis software
should be used to predict bending stresses and lateral forces generated at the drilling jar by hole conditions and BHA design.
Torque and drag analysis. This software is helpful when designing the jarring string and to determine the expected
forces/stresses on the jar and drillstring components5 especially in high angle wells.6
Jar placement and optimization analysis. A placement and optimization analysis is recommended for every jar that is run in
hole. It is essential for assuring that jar overpull will be sufficiently amplified and converted into a tensile force high enough to
overcome a sticking force. It will also ensure the jar is placed within the BHA where it is less affected by damaging stresses.
Output results include the following:

Location of neutral point, jar and accelerator

Up and down jarring loads corresponding to respective overpull and downloads
Impacts/impulse optimization by adjusting hammer mass
Calculation of jar pump open force
Recommended change out hours
Warnings exhibited if the hole size for specified jar is too big or when jar is too close to the neutral point

Case Study 1
An exploratory well with limited offset information was scheduled in the Gulf of Mexico. The well plan called for a long
interval of salt drilling. To efficiently achieve the objective, an enlargement tool would be run in the BHA. The operator
decided that underreaming a 16 x 19 hole was the best option. However, these long salt intervals generate drillstring
vibration capable of causing twist-off. This, along with the expected pack-offs posed a great economic risk. When planning
the job, the operator did not want to run the jar in compression and also had concerns about running the tool in tension because
it would place the jar too far from the potential sticking point. The operator wanted to optimize the jarring tool for highest
impact and the recommended BHA design placed the 8 jar in tension at 782ft from the bit (Table 1).
Table 1 - 16 x 19 Underreaming BHA
Equipment

OD (in)

PDC Bit
RSS
Flex Stab
LWD
NM Stab
Other
Stop Sub
Filter Sub
IB Stab
Underreamer
DC
IB Stab
DCs
X-over
DCs
Wear Sleeve
X-over
HWDP
Drlg Jar
HWDP

16.50
9.50
16.38
9.50
16.38
9.50
9.50
9.44
16.38
16.5x19.0
9.50
16.38
9.50
8.50
8.25
7.94
7.00
5.88
8.00
5.88

ID
(in)
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.25
2.81
3.50
3.00
2.81
3.00
3.00
2.81
3.00
2.88
3.88
3.00
3.88

Length
(ft)
1.20
8.22
12.27
25.15
5.69
12.13
2.45
5.37
8.25
31.56
30.99
6.83
154.83
4.07
92.94
7.50
4.06
368.61
32.10
246.13

Total Length
(ft)
1.20
9.42
21.69
46.84
52.53
64.66
67.11
72.48
80.73
112.29
143.28
150.11
304.94
309.01
401.95
409.45
413.15
782.12
814.22
1060.35

SPE 159223

However, the string got stuck while taking a directional survey and could not be freed by rotation and/or movement. The
optimized hammer mass delivered impacts of 1,282 klbs (Figure 4) and when the jar was activated it moved the drillpipe up
78ft until freeing the string saving the operator a round trip to pick up a fishing assembly. The successful jarring operation
saved approximately 20 hours rig-time for a cost savings of $830,000USD.

Figure 4 - Optimized impacts at stuck point freed drillpipe/BHA

Case Study 2
While drilling a 12 hole section to TD, a BHA containing high-cost tools became stuck while flow checking prior to pulling
out of hole. During initial jarring operations it was evident that another suppliers drilling jars were not functioning as
intended. After the wireline team ran a successful free point indicator and backoff, the jars and accelerators were recovered
from the drillstring. The new-type 8 DIS system was proposed as the most efficient BHA to jar downward. The system was
optimized with the jar placement software. The new tools were placed in the BHA and within a few hours of commencing
jarring operations the desired pocket had been successfully achieved allowing for circulation and rotation of the string and
successful recovery of the entire BHA. Close cooperation between operations and wireline services ensured that this highvalue BHA was successfully recovered. After the procedure, the client was able to recommence drilling operations avoiding a
costly sidetrack.
Case Study 3
An operator drilling in West Texas took planned measures in case of stuck pipe by adding a drilling jar to the BHA. The
operator also wanted to reduce damage to the top drive if a jarring operation was conducted. To satisfy requirements, a BHA
that included a 6 jar and accelerator was recommended (Table 2). During an attempt to make a connection, the operator
became stuck due to heaving shale. Jarring was started immediately and after 45 minutes and more than 40 blows, the operator
had the string free. The accelerator protected the top drive which did not sustain damage and a costly sidetracking operation
was avoided.

Table 2 - BHA design with jar and accelerator

Equipment

OD (in)

PDC Bit
Six Point Reamer
Short Drill Collar
Three Point Reamer
Integral Blade Stabilizer
24*DCs
Drilling Jar
03*DCs
Accelerator
02*DCs
HWDP

8.50
6.63

6.75
6.50
6.75
6.50
6.75

SPE 159223

Case Study 4
An operator wanted to include a jar as a precaution to drill a difficult dolomite/carbonate formation (Table 3). The jar was
designed to be run in compression and the jar hammer mass was optimized to produce high impacts in such a configuration
using applicable software tools (Figure 5). During drilling, the string became packed off and a combination of backreaming
and high impacts from the jar freed the stuck string. The jar hit more than 100 times without losing power.
Table 3 - Jarring BHA
Equipment
PDC Bit
Bent Housing
Stabilizer
NMDC
UBHO Sub
NMDC
3*Spiral DC
Drilling Jar
3*Spiral DC
17*HWDP
DP

OD
(in)
7.88
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
4.50
4.50

ID
(in)

Length (ft)

3.25
2.75
3.25
3.25
2.87
2.87
2.75
2.87
2.75
3.75

31.30
6.11
30.54
6.26
30.67
90.21
31.00
89.95
510.00
5821.22

Figure 5 - Jar placement was optimized with software system

Conclusions
To avoid excessive NPT careful consideration must be given to the planning of jarring operations. Using a double-acting
drilling jar amplifies force applied to free stuck BHA components during drilling or workover operations. The jar can be
utilized for upward and downward movement for consistent and dependable hitting action in any application. The tool uses a
unique temperature-compensation process to produce consistent impact for repeat blows. Its high-temperature seals make it
suitable for hostile drilling conditions. High-temperature seals are available for conditions up to 650F. In most applications,
the jar should be run with an accelerator tool to increase impact and to protect the drillstring and surface equipment from

SPE 159223

shock. The hydraulic jar gives the driller operational flexibility of controlling the direction (up or down), force and frequency
of impact. The tool is balanced to hydrostatic pressure through ports open to the wellbore, ensuring consistent hitting
performance regardless of changes in downhole pressure. It is also temperature-compensated through the use of a unique
detent system. This provides more consistent loading and firing over a broad range of borehole temperatures. These
capabilities combined with careful materials selection and field-proven engineering deliver a rugged and reliable downhole
impact system.
The jar performs effectively in various drilling environments. It can be used on land or offshore, in vertical or deviated wells
and deep/hot boreholes. Because the system works without applied torque, directional drilling tools maintain their orientation
throughout the jarring operation. The drilling jar may be run in compression or tension enabling optimized placement in the
string.
The fullbore design minimizes pressure losses and provides wireline tool compatibility. The jar makes up, racks, and handles
like standard-length drillpipe reducing trip time. The jarring mechanism remains inactive during drilling operations. It
expands options for drilling, coring, cementing, testing, fishing, workover and remedial operations.
The use of software analysis is of paramount importance in the planning stage. These programs utilize expected operating
conditions of the drill string to provide a complete systems analysis. The output will help the drilling team make informed
decisions about optimizing BHA performance for a specific application and environment.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank management at Schlumberger for permission to publish the data and case studies contained in
this paper. Finally, thanks go to Craig Fleming, Schlumberger, Smith Services for his editorial contributions.
References
1. Wilson, G.: Factors to Consider for Selecting the Proper Bottom Hole Drilling Assembly, IADC/SPE Drilling
Conference, Denver, Colorado, March 6-8, 1979.
2.

Bailey E., Smith J.: The Goodman Diagram as an Analytical Tool to Optimize Fatigue Life of Rotary Shouldered
Connections, Paper SPE/IADC 79874, SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, February 19-21, 2003.

3.

API Recommended Practice 7G: Recommended Practice for Drill Stem Design and Operating Limits, Sixteen
Edition, December, 1998.

4.

TH Hill Associates, Inc.: Standard DS-1 Volume 3-Drill Stem Inspection, January, 2004.

5.

Xie, L., Moran, D., Yan, L., Mercado, J.: Sophisticated Software Analysis System and Use of Torque/Drag
Modeling for Complex Well Operations Increases Operational Efficiency paper IADC/SPE 149898 presented at the
IADC/SPE Drilling Conference and Exhibition, San Diego, California 68 March 2012.

6.

McKown, G.K.: Drillstring Design Optimization of High-Angle Wells, SPE/IADC Paper 18650, SPE/IADC
Drilling Conference, February 28-March 3, 1989.