FPIT

The combined free

point and backoff
system lets you
recover more pipe
more efficiently

The Schlumberger FPIT tool combined with backoff service gives you the capability you
need to make immediate downhole decisions about freeing a stuck assembly.

Applications

Determination of the deepest

free point in any string of
stuck pipe

Backoff of stuck pipe

Determination of pipe tally

Benefits

Timesaving and efficient

operations

Effective operation from

drillships, semisubmersibles
and in highly deviated wells

Comprehensive yet simple

presentation of log data

Improved pipe recovery

decision making

Flexibility in operation and

measurements

Measurement in almost all

mechanical conditions

Features

Combination of tool with

a backoff string shot

Motorized positive anchoring

system

Independent measurement
of torque and stretch
performed sequentially

Measurement of left-hand
and right-hand torque

Real-time monitoring of
stretch and torque as they
are transmitted

Integration of the driller

parameters by the wireline
surface unit

Correlation of the drillstring

configuration with tool
measurements

The Schlumberger FPIT* Free Point

Indicator Tool with combined backoff
shot determines the free point in stuck
drillpipe, drill collars, tubing or casing
and provides the force that frees the
stuck assembly. With the FPIT tool,
Schlumberger personnel can provide
accurate information about the stuck
assembly so you can save both time
and money by making immediate and
informed decisions.

The FPIT tool can be run alone to determine the

deepest free point or efficiently combined with
a backoff run to save you both time and money.

FPIT measurements

Logging head

Correctly choosing the backoff depth

is a crucial part of the pipe recovery
operation. The FPIT tool consists of
a sensor section between two anchors.
The sensor package includes two
sensors. One sensor detects stretch
and is unaffected by torque; the other
detects torque.
Independent and sequential torque
and stretch measurements result in

Casing collar
locator

Upper anchor

Optional
backoff
shot
assembly
Shock
absorber

Stretch
and torque
measurement
sensors

During the course of drilling or workover, the work string can become stuck
in the borehole for many reasons: hole
conditions, formation characteristics,
mud properties, mechanical problems,
assembly tools or operational error.
Saving the well and reducing expense
means freeing the stuck assemblies
quickly and efficiently.
The FPIT tool determines how much
of the stuck assembly may be freed. In
combination with a backoff shot, the
FPIT tool efficiently frees the stuck
section of the assembly by applying
an explosive shock inside a tool joint
to which left-hand torque has been
applied. Up to seven strands of primacord can be used for the combined
operations explosive load.

accurate free point determination.

By observing the measurements from
both the sensors in real time, stretch
and torque are effectively applied to
give the best chance for a successful
backoff on the first attempt.

Full integration
The FPIT tool is controlled from a surface unit that integrates the drillers
parameters with the measurements
acquired during the tools operational
sequences. The percentage of the free
torque and stretch is automatically
computed at each measurement point
and displayed on the surface.
The operation is digitally recorded
and can be monitored in the wireline
surface unit. Using the Schlumberger
InterACT* remote communication
system, the operational data can also
be remotely monitored at the operators
offices. The service is customized to
specific applications to give the most
accurate results during the operation.
The combined FPIT and backoff
service is a cost-effective and efficient
method to free stuck assemblies with
successful backoff. For more information, contact your Schlumberger
representative.

A depth-scaled presentation of the drill string and FPIT tool readings aid in selecting the proper depth
for the backoff shot.

25

Pipe
(in.)

25

10
14000

Explosive
detonating
primacord
Crossover

Lower anchor
Drill collar
Stabilizer

Drill collar

14100

Free in Stretch
(%)

110 10

Free in Torque
(%)

110

By monitoring the stretch and torque that is effectively applied downhole during the backoff
stage, the Schlumberger FPIT tool and backoff service provides the best chance for successful
backoff on the first attempt.

% Stretch
0

Left-Hand
100 100

% Torque
Right-Hand
0

100

Torque worked down

Not all torque applied at the surface is
transmitted downhole. Using a repetitive
pull-release cycle at the surface to work
the torque down will transmit the surface
torque to the target depth and result in a
desirable torque level.

Torque worked out

Torque is released at the rotary table
and worked out by a pull-release cycle.
All torque is removed.

Left-hand torque for backoff

After applying left-hand torque at the
rotary table, the torque is worked down
to the desired backoff depth.

Backoff conditions
With left-hand torque transmitted
down, a light overpull is applied at
the backoff depth, so the explosive
detonating primacord can be fired.

The FPIT tool accurately determines the free point

in stuck drillpipe, drill collars, tubing or casing.

Logging head

FPIT Tool Specifications

OD
Length
Temperature rating
Pressure rating

Casing collar
locator

Anchoring range
Hole deviation

138 in. [35 mm]

178 in. [48 mm] with large hole kit
11.2 ft [3.4 m]
20.1 ft [6.12 m] combined with backoff assembly
350F [177C]
25,000 psi [1,720 bar] run alone
20,000 psi [1,380 bar] combined with backoff assembly
1.5 to 5 in. [38.1 to 127 mm]
0 to 90

Fishing operations are timely, cost-effective and easy with FPIT and combined backoff service.
The chosen backoff depth can maximize pipe recovery, and the combined backoff services
eliminate extra runs to save additional time.

Upper anchor

Optional
backoff
shot
assembly

Shock
absorber

Stretch
and torque
measurement
sensors

Explosive
detonating
primacord

Lower anchor

www.connect.slb.com
SMP-5078

Schlumberger

October 2001

*Mark of Schlumberger