Dynamic Response in a Pipe String during Drop-Catch in a Wellbore

In field operations, during rapid deceleration of pipe (simulated by drop-catch process) or slack-off stop process, significant dynamic effects can occur. The dynamic event can amplify the load on the pipe string, and the amplified load can break a weak thread. It is necessary to understand the mechanics of this dynamic event, and thus, provide guidelines or directions for safe design and operation of the pipe string. An analysis procedure using FEA, which involves fluid-pipe interaction, has been established for this study. It shows that fluid viscosity is a very important parameter in determining whether a given pipe string with a weak thread will be safe or not under a given operating procedure.