China Vigor details technical approach to identifying stuck pipe locations

China Vigor Drilling Oil Tools and Equipment has outlined its operational procedures for identifying stuck pipe locations using its proprietary Free-point Indicator (VFPT) technology. The tool is designed to diagnose the specific point at which a drill string has become immobilized within a wellbore.

The system utilizes electronic sensors that track strain and torque movement applied from the surface. In the event of a pipe becoming stuck, the instrument detects a lack of movement at the point of obstruction, relaying data to a surface control unit. The VFPT specifically incorporates a memory unit to log magnetic property shifts in the pipe, which are then processed via specialized software to determine the status of the string.

By integrating these measurements into the initial stages of a fishing operation, operators can better coordinate backing-off or cutting procedures. This technical approach aims to minimize rig downtime, as identifying the precise depth of a snag is essential for selecting the appropriate intervention strategy to clear the obstruction.