STUCK CABLE OR TOOLS

Wireline logging involves a risk or sticking, in either of two ways. Either the tool will stick and the
cable in the hole above the tool will remain free, or the tool will remain free while the cable will be
stuck further up the hole above the tool. Figure 1 illustrates the difference.

Figure 1

Once the system is firmly lodged, the first thing to do is determine whether the problem lies with
the tool or the cable. The standard procedure is to apply normal logging tension on the cable and
let it sit for a few minutes while the following data are gathered:

 the present depth of the tool

 the cable’s surface tension just before getting stuck
 the cable type and size
 the cable-head weakpoint rating
The cable is marked (using chalk or friction tape) at the rotary table, and a T-bar clamp is securely
positioned around the cable, just above the rotary table. If the cable should break, this clamp will
hold the cable end at the surface to prevent all the cable from snaking down the hole and landing
in a tangle on top of the tool.
The winch operator then applies 1000 lb of tension on the cable and measures the distance that
the cable mark has moved at the rotary table. This distance amounts to the stretch produced in the
elastic cable due to 1000 lb of extra tension. Now, the length of free cable can be estimated from a
stretch chart or from knowledge of the stretch coefficient. If the length of free cable so determined
proves to be the present logging depth, then the tool is evidently stuck and the cable is free. On
the other hand, if the length of free cable is less than the present logging depth, then the cable
itself must be stuck higher up the hole.
In the case of a stuck tool, pulling on the cable will achieve one of three results.

 The tool will pop free,

 the weakpoint will break (leaving the tool in the hole but saving the cable), or
 the cable will break at the point of maximum tension at the top sheave.
Of the three, the first is most preferred. Of the remaining two, the breaking of the weakpoint is
preferred. But which will occur first? Will the cable part at the surface before the weakpoint
breaks? Figure 2 will help to explain the tensions involved.

Figure 2

CAUSES OF STICKING
Differential pressure sticking of the cable occurs as the cable cuts through the mudcake. One side
of the cable is exposed to formation pressure while the other side is exposed to the hydrostatic
mud column. The resulting difference in pressures will force the cable against the formation, and
the resulting friction stops any further cable movement (Figure 3). Other cases of sticking may be
attributed to ledges, borehole caving, severe doglegs or corkscrewing of the borehole.
 Figure 3 .

With these factors in mind, it is safe to say that the risk of sticking a tool increases with dogleg
severity, length of the tool, and the amount of time that has passed since the last conditioning trip.

ALTERNATIVES TO FISHING
There are a number of alternatives available for recovering the stuck tool and/or cable:

 Leave the cable attached to the tool and run a side-door overshot.
 Use the "cut and thread" overshot technique.
 Break the weakpoint, recover the cable, and fish for the logging tool with the
drillpipe, or push it to the bottom of the hole and mill it up.
Figure 4 illustrates the different methods.
 Figure 4

The side-door overshot is not recommended at depths greater than 3000 ft. Historically, the cut
and thread technique is the surest way to recover a stuck logging tool.