2024 11 10 Profiles of Courage - Steve Whalin (Rig Manager) Stuck Pipe

This morning, Sunday, November 10, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling @ 12,359’ TD, 11 fph average P rate for the past 24 hours. We made 214’ yesterday. P rates ranged from 5 fph to 30 fph depending on the difficulty of maintaining desired bit trajectory. The bottom of the hole is currently 1,414’ from the surface location, in a Northwest direction, at an 8.5⁰ angle. The hole also tried to stick us again several times last night requiring several hours to work free, then, wash and ream that same section of the hole, recovering occasion chunks of coal (silver dollar size) over the shakers.
 
It is becoming increasingly more difficult to maintain the desired trajectory to our target, hence; we are seriously considering setting the 7” casing at a shallower depth at approximately 12,650’ rather than the originally proposed depth of 12,800’. There was nothing magic about the 12,800’ depth. This is just another case of the hole “telling what to do”. We should be at that ±12,650’ depth sometime this evening at which time we will run open hole logs and run pipe. We are working closely with our mudlogger, Dr. Mike, to pick a good depth at which to set the casing.
 
Today’s video features Mr. Steve Whalin, one of the Rig Managers for Rig 88. Mr. Whalin has been in the oilfield for over 20 years and has an extensive family history in the same. There are four Rig Managers for Rig 88. Two Rig Managers are always on the rig working 12-hour shifts. Two are always on days off. During their respective tour, Rig Managers are responsible for all rig personnel, rig functionality, maintenance, and repairs. They spend most of their time talking and conferring with all rig personnel to ensure safe, efficient operations. A big job, indeed! In the video, you can see Steve conferring with one of the Drillers as they are working to free up the drill string that had temporarily become stuck at the drill bit. This is nothing out of the ordinary and happens on a regular basis. In directional drilling, this is known as “tool face” stuck. Things get a bit tense until the bit is freed up. Towards the end of the video, Duane Winkler, one of our Wellsite Supervisors, explains how you become “tool face” stuck and likewise, free up the pipe.
 
Also, please find attached a good picture showing the lay of the land!

 

Y’all have a blessed Sunday!

 

2024 11 10   https://vimeo.com/1028081554/8b5a46c2ad?share=copy

2024 11 10 Profiles of Courage - Steve Whalin (Rig Manager) Stuck Pipe