Free Point Indicator Tool is a specialized logging tool and technology used in the processes of oil drilling, well workover, and downhole operations to locate the position where the downhole pipe string (such as drill pipe, tubing, casing, etc.) is stuck (i.e. stuck point).
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Free Point Indicator Tool Technology
◆ Advantages
High Sensitivity & Precise Positioning– The error can be lower than that of traditional empirical methods, and it can quickly and accurately locate the stuck point.
High Efficiency & Low Cost– Compared with blind fishing operations, it can significantly shortens incident-handling time, cuts manpower and material input, and minimizes production losses.
Wide applicability– Suitable for vertical, deviated, horizontal, deep, and ultra-deep wells under a variety of complex conditions.
Safe Operation– New-generation lightweight tools with simplified procedures enhance on-site safety.
Foundation for Subsequent Freeing– Accurate free-point data directly support backoff, cutting, and other stuck-pipe remediation operations, improving success rates.
◆ Disadvantages
Post-Incident Remedy Only– It cannot prevent a stuck-pipe event; it is a diagnostic tool deployed after the incident has occurred.
Expert Interpretation Required– It must be analyzed by experienced engineers to yield an accurate stuck-point depth.
Cable-dependent operation– Most this tools have to be run on electric wireline, which can be impractical in certain wellbore conditions or operating environments.
How to Use a Free Point Indicator Tool?
◆ First, we need to confirm the location of checkpoint target;
◆Subsequently, we need to confirm the tool measurement;
◆ After confirming the measurement section, we will connect all the components, and then the tool can be lowered into the well for logging;
◆ Before the tool reaches the measurement interval (before 2500m in the example), there is no requirement for the lowering speed. When the tool is at the upper end of the measurement section, it should be paused for 5 minutes. After resuming the lowering, once the tool has reached the measurement section(after 2500m in the example), it must be lowered at a uniform speed not exceeding
◆ After the tool reaches the lower end of the measurement section (at 3500m in the example), apply a certain amount of tension to the drill pipe within a safe range (the tension should be the hook load plus a force greater than 20 tons, which must be maintained throughout the test), or rotate the drill pipe as much as possible within a safe range.
◆ Once the drill pipe preparation work is completed, the tool can begin to be raised, passing through the measurement section (2500m-3500m in the example) at a uniform speed not exceeding 600 meters per hour. After the tool has left the measurement scetion, the raising speed can be increased;
◆ After the tool is brought out of the well, first remove the batteries, then dismantle the auxiliary tools, and finally, carry out the data readout process.
Application Range
The Free Point Indicator Tool is mainly applied in the handling of the following downhole accidents:
◆ Drilling Stuck Pipe Accidents Handling
Used to estimate the stuck position of drill pipe, drill collars, etc., and to direct fishing operations.
◆ Workover & Completion Operations
Tubing/casing sticking–During running/pulling operations the string becomes stuck; free-point logging locates the exact depth for cutting or fishing.
Fish Recovery–If the fishing assembly and the fish become re-stuck, a free-point survey is run to plan the next intervention step.
Casing Deformation Detection–It can also identify casing deformation or damage zones.
Old-Well Re-Use & Complex Wells–Reliable stuck-point location in high-angle, horizontal, deep and other challenging wellbores.
Our Free Point Indicator Tool
Summary
Free Point Indicator Tool is an indispensable and key technology in oil-well logging and downhole operations. The ability to pinpoint the exact stuck depth dramatically improves fishing efficiency and minimizes losses when the drill string or tubing becomes stuck. In the future, the integration of artificial-intelligence and big-data technologies is expected to deliver even higher accuracy and full automation, providing far stronger technical support for petroleum exploration and development.
Welcome to contact us to learn more about our tools via e-mail info@a-oneoil.com
