Advanced E-Line Solutions, 1100 Garber Road, Broussard La.

70518
Office: (337) 330-2634 email: sales@ae-ls.com
 ADVANCED E-LINE FPT MANUAL

The Advanced E-Line Solutions free point tool is an electromechanical tool. The
tool is designed to measure the torque or stretch of a given length (52”) of tubing, drill
pipe or casing. This tool can also be adapted to be used in casing using a casing bow
spring section.

It is a low voltage tool, operating on 9.5 to 10VDC. The electrical reset to zero
operates on 185 VDC. The 1 3/8” and 1” tool’s circuitry makes combination runs
possible by means through circuit and a safety diode sub on the bottom bow spring.
Combination sub allows positive voltage through the tool for its operation and allows
negative voltage through to fire the string shot. The free point can be determined and a
string shot fired to back-off the string in a single run thus saving rig time and the
possibility of complication which might arise from making several runs.

The string shot size should be limited to 300 grains for the 1 3/8” O.D. tool and
100 grains with 1” O.D. tool. All three tools have a temperature rating of 500 degrees F
with a pressure rating of 21,000 psi. The smallest I.D. through which the free point tool
can pass is listed below.
• 7/8” I.D. for the 11’16”tool
• 1 ¼” I.D. for the 1” tool
• 1 ½” I.D. for the 1 3/8” tool
• 1 11/16” I.D. for the 1 5/8” tool

The Advanced Freepoint tool uses a bow spring to anchor itself within the string pipe.
There are 3or 4 springs anchored around both the upper and lower sections of the tool.
Magnet sections are also available for the range of tools.

The Freepoint tool consists of three (3) basic sections, and upper bow spring, sensor
and lower bow spring. Sinker bars, collar locators and slack joints are run in conjunction
with this tool. The sinker bars, (steel, tungsten or lead), and the number of them required
are determined by well conditions, mud weight, wireline size, etc. The collar locator is
used to correctly position the tool (between two joint not overlapping) and to position the
string shot in the case of a combination run. The slack joint if manufactured in such a
way that it has a sliding mandrel with a 16” stroke on the 1”, 1 3/8” and 1 5/8” tool, 12”
stroke on the 11/16” O.D. tool’ and is used to remove the weight of the line and sinker
bars. Therefore, it will anchor itself to the wall of the pipe and the weight above the tool
does not force the tool to slide down hole or cause erroneous readings.

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 The bow springs on each section are anchored on the bottom and have a sliding
sleeve and lock not so that once the bow springs are set for desired O.D. they may be
locked in place anchoring them on the tool and allowing the springs to collapse when
passing through restrictions going down hole or coming out. The O.D. for the bow spring
settings depends upon the pipe I.D. it is to be used in.

The sensor section is a hydrostatically balanced assembly. This is achieved by means

of a rubber boot or piston style. This allows movement of the shaft by filling the unit with
light synthetic oil (Mobil Synthetic Oil 5w-30) and vacuuming all the air from the unit.
This pressure balances the tool so that it will operate properly.
When the tool is in operation it is the distance between the pole pieces (The pole
piece which the 20 OHM coil is wound around and the poles on the pole head attached to
the clutch assembly) that accounts for the surface reading which is given in micro-amps.
It is the change in inductance of the coil that occurs when the distance between the pole
pieces is varied. The tool can measure torque in the closed or open position and will read
RHT or LFT, stretch and compression. The line length or resistance of the line has no
effect on the tool, except for the 1 5/8 tool which has a 15 OHM coil.

FREEPOINT TOOL ADVANTAGES

1. Low Voltage inductance type tool.

• 11/16”, 1” & 1 3/8” - 9.5-10 VDC at the top of tool
• 1 5/8” - 5.5-5.9 VDC at the top of tool
2. Electrical (clutch) reset for absolute zero.
3. Lower bow spring swivels 360 degrees (eliminates line torque).
4. High temperature tool (Duncan tested 21,000 #psi at 475 F).
5. Only 2 electronic components down hole (20 ohm coil. 47ohm res. Diode).
6. Reads out RHT, stretch and compression.
7. Reads torque with the tool open (DP and tubing).
8. Combination runs (FO & SS) 1”, 1 3/8” and 1 5/8” O.D. tools.
9. Very tolerant to line leakage (shorts).
10. Audible collar locator indication.
11. Line length or resistance has no effect on 11/16”, 1” and 1 3/8” tools.
12. Capable of freeponting up to 9 3/8” casing and WOP (with long springs).
13. 1” tool passed through 1 1’4” I.D. restrictions.
14. 1 3/8” tool (Std.) will pass through 1 5/8” restriction.
15. Sensor shaft bearing mounted.

Normal configuration for running tools

1. Cablehead
2. Sinker bars normally 2to 3 bars
3. Collar Locator
4. Freepoint Slack Joint
5. Freepoint Upper Bow Spring section
6. Freepoint Sensor Section
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 7. Freepoint Lower Bow Spring Section
8. Grounding Bull Plug or Combination Sub for Back-Off

FREEPOINT OPERATIONS

Stretch Reading

A “Stretch Reading” as it is commonly referred to, is the result of

measuring the amount of elongation “stretch” of drill pipe, tubing or casing
pulling a determined amount of additional weight over the weight of the pipe.
Stretch readings are used in determining the approximate point in which a string
of pipe is stuck. These readings should be one of the first steps performed on a
pipe recovery operation for several reasons:
1. To reduce the time spent in locating the freepoint in a stuck string of pipe.
2. To determine the size of the string shot to be used
3. To determine the type of detonation cord and fuses that will be
4. To determine the proper weight and torque that will be needed for the
freepoint operation.

To Obtain An Estimated Freepoint

1. The total weight of the string, including the block must be calculated. The
buoyancy factor must be used in this calculation.
2. Pick the pipe up to this weight.
3. Mark the pipe at the rotary table (or some reference point).
4. Pull the number of additional pounds (differential) required to obtain 3.5”
stretch per 1000’.
5. Make another mark on the pipe at the rotary.
6. Measure the amount of stretch in inches. Use the proper calipers and or tape
measure.

Pipe Data

Tubular good normal in the oilfield are designed and manufactured to meet the
standards by the API. The various charts and lists of pipe specifications are experts
form or derived from the API specification manuals.
• Pipe Grade: The hardness and strength of the pipe which is determined by
the alloys used.

• Pipe Size: The outside diameter of the pipe. The inside diameter will be
determined by the weight (wall thickness).

Drill Pipe:
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 The commonly encountered sizes of drill pipe range from 2 3/8” to 5” with
weights of 6.9 to 19.5 lbs per foot. Drill pipe grades are D, E, 95, 105, 110 and 135
with 135 being the highest strength. Drill pipe is generally internal upset thus the tool
joints will have a smaller I.D. than the joint. Drill pipe tool joints are much stronger
than the joint of pipe when pulling stretch. The tool joint torque vales in the various
publications are maximum allowable values and to prevent damage to the threads,
they should be rigidly adhered to except in the most extreme conditions. Except for
(S.H.) threads, all the other types will back off at approximately the same torque
values. Tool joints that are not tight cannot be backed-off properly.

Tubing:

Weight, grade and size are also to API specifications and size will again be the
outside diameter with the weight determining the minimum inside diameter (Drift
I.D.). Drift I.D. will be at the point that the upset begins. The commonly encountered
grades of tubing are: J-55, N-80 and P-105. The basic back-off principles that apply
to drill pipe also apply to tubing, variations enter the picture due to the lighter weight,
thinner walls and the reduces strength. The make-up torque is of a lower value but
more rounds or torque will be required due to the increased flexibility of the thinner
walled tubing. Tubing may be joined by screw-on collars or tool joints and may be
internal or external.

The basic tubing collars are:

• Eight Round
(E.U.E. 8-round) collars are probably most common and will tighten well
and hold left-hand torque well for a proper back-off.
• Buttress Thread
Will not tighten up well, continues to screw through itself and therefore is
most difficult type to back-off properly.

Tool Jointed Tubing:

1. C.S. Hydril-Makes up to shoulder the same as drill pipe. It will hold as much left-
hand torque as 8-round. These threads are rather delicate and damage very easily
when you try to screw back into them. Advantages are; very quick make up and
are double sealed. Used more commonly in high pressure gas wells.

2. P>H> 6-Very similar to a drill pipe tool joint & is usually found on very heavy
walled tubing. P>H> 6 has similar back-off characteristics and is probably the
easiest tubing to work with. This tubing is most commonly found in deep gas well
with high pressure.

Casing:

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 Casing is any pipe set in an open hole. Casing comes in sizes from small tubing
up to 36” and larger in varying weights and grades. The casings that are normally
encountered on back-off operations generally range in size from 3 ½” to 10 ¾”. Casing is
more often cut then backed-off. Casing is almost always properly made up as it goes in
the hole and only in rare cases will it be necessary to tighten it before backing it off.
Casing joints are either collared or flush joint. All collars or joint in casing make up well
and torque well. The best way to put torque in casing is to use tongs and a rope to pull it
in.

Differential

The differential weight necessary to obtain 3.5” of stretch per 1000 of free pipe is:

Pipe Size Pipe Weight Differential Pull

(lbs/ft in air) (lbs)
Tubing
1” 1.80 4,000
1” 2.25 5,000
1 ¼” 2.40 5,500
1 ½” 2.90 6,500
2 1/16” 3.40 7,500
2 3/8” 4.70 10,000
2 3/8” 5.30 12,000
2 3/8” 5.95 13,000
2 7/8” 6.50 14,000
2 7/8” 7.90 17,000
2 7/8” 8.70 19,000
3 ½” 9.30 20,000
3 ½” 10.30 23,000
3 ½” 12.95 28,000
4” 11.00 24,000
4” 13.40 29,000
4 ½” 12.75 28,000
4 ½’ 15.50 34,000
4 ½’ 19.20 42,000
Drill Pipe
2 3/8” 6.65 15,000
2 7/8” 10.40 23,000
3 ½” 13.30 30,000
4 ½” 16.60 36,000
5” 19.50 43,000
Casing
5” 15.00 33,000
5 ½” 17.00 38,000
6 5/8” 24.00 53,000
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 7” 35.00 77,000
7 5/8” 29.70 66,000
8 5/8” 40.00 88,000
9 5/8” 43.50 96,000
10 ¾” 45.50 100,000
To determine the required amount of differential pull for any pipe size not listed use
the formula:
2208.5 X Pipe Weight Per Ft.

Equation for Calculating String Weight

Example A:
• 13,500ft. of 2 3/8” 8 rd. tubing 4.7# per ft.
• Fluid Weight = 10.0 lbs per gallon (mud)
• Block Weight = 11,000 lbs

Equation:
• WF = WA x B; where;
• WF = Weight of pipe per ft. in liquid
• WA = Weight of pipe per ft. in air
• B = Buoyancy Factor

Pipe Weight in Air Pipe Weight in Fluid Pipe Weight Including

Block
13,500’ X 4.7lbs = Buoyancy Facto For 10lbs 53,742lbs + 11,000lbs
63,450lbs mud = .847 =64,742lbs or 65,000lbs
63,450lbs x total string weight.
.847=53,742lbs

To Calculate The E.F.P.

Example B:
Assume we had 29” of stretch between the two marks, then the pipe would
be estimated to be free at: 29” divided 3.5 = 8,285’.

Equation:
E.F.P. = S divided 3.5; where
S = Number of inches of stretch

The first freepoint in this case should be taken around 7,000’.

To Calculate Differential Pull

Example C:

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 2 3/8” 8 rd. tubing 4.7lbs per ft.
4.7 lbs x 2208.5 =

Equation:
2208.5 x WA = Differential pull necessary to obtain 3.5” of stretch per
1000’ of free; where
WA = Pipe weight per ft.

The factor 2208.5 is derived from Young’s modulus for elasticity of steel.

To calculate Hydrostatic Pressure

To calculate downhole hydrostatic pressure multiply .052 x depth x mud weight.

Back-Off and String Shot

The suggestions and instructions contained in this section are given as a general
guide. No specific set of rules can be given for backing off pipe. Each back-off
procedure with tubing, drill pipe, or drill collars requires an individual procedure. There
are however three basic requirements for a successful back off that are in the same in
each instance. These requirements are:
1. String shot strength large enough to back off the pipe.
2. Proper weight of the string at the point to be backed off.
3. Adequate reverse or left hand torque at the back off point.

These three points and their interrelation will be outline in the following section.

Operating Instructions
String shot size and position:
The string shot size should be determined as nearly as possible before going into
the bore hole. The use of a stretch reading will greatly aid the operator in this
determination. On drilling locations the operator may not always know at what depth he
will be required to back off weather in drill pipe or drill collars. In a situation like this it
should be assumed that the back off is to be made in the drill pipe rather than the drill
collars.
The shot sizes can vary extremely depending upon what is to be backed off,
tubing drill pipe, drill collar or casing. The charts in this section should be used as a
guideline for determining the shot size. Circumstances such as bore-hole, pipe and fluid
conditions can affect the shot size and should be taken into account.
When the string shot is positioned at the proper depth, the shot will overlap the
collar joining two joints of pipe. The string shot is positioned at the back off point by
raising or lowering the cable rather than lowering it due to line stretch. Zero on a
combination run, or any run in which a transducer is used is normally the center of the
slot. Thus, the operator can slowly retrieve the cable, pick up the collar, noting its
depth, then pick up additional footage necessary to center the shot across the collar. The
shot can then be fired.

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 Freepoint Tool Operating Instructions

1. Assemble tool and attach a line.

2. Hook up 110 AC power cable and line lead to line connection.
3. Turn on power.
4. Place selector switch in free point position on panel.
5. Adjust zero POT, on freepoint panel to bring the meter slightly off zero.
position. Zero POT dial should be in range between 2 and 5 turns for proper
zero.
6. Adjust SENS POT, on freepoint panel, between 0 and 1 turn.
7. Momentarily hit SET switch-FP meter should go to approximately zero.
8. Adjust zero POT for meter reading of zero.
9. Move tool manually to simulate torque or stretch.
10. Freepoint meter should indicate along with tool movement.
11. If combination shot is to be run:
• Remove bull plug and replace with combination sub and shot rod
hanger.
• Move select switch on panel to FIRE position.
• Fire through tool with D.C. negative voltage only.
• Fire with firing safety switches on shooting panel with Simpson meter
on tool pig tail, to check fire through system
• Simpson meter form pig tail to ground should be set on D.C. negative
voltage.
CAUTION:

Be sure all systems are in the SAFE position before attaching any string shots,
explosives etc. to tool.

12. Attach string shot or explosive

13. Run Combination or tool in hole
14. Calibrate tool with SENS. POT in known free pipe by applying proper amount
of torque or differential pull on pipe. Whichever method used, the freepoint
meter should read between 0 and 100 points or percent.
15. Make note of SENS. Pot reading on calibration for future reference.
16. Proceed with the freepointing process.

CAUTION:

With the select switch in freepoint position on the panel the reset switch will fire a shot
on the line, if combination sub is not in place.

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 Weight:
The ideal weight setting at the point of the back off is neutral. This means the
threads of the tool joint are neither in compression or tension. To determine this
condition careful calculations are required and when ever in doubt one should leave the
break tension.

Weight indicators on most rigs are notorious for being in error; they should only
be regarded as an indicator and not the absolute weight. When possible the crew should
be questioned as to the weight of the string shot when it is stuck, was the Kelly on when
this weight was noted, what was the pump pressure? It must also be determined if the
weight indicate was zeroed with the block hanging. The exact neutral weight is too
difficult to be determined therefore some rule of thumb must be used.

a) Calculate the weight of the string to the point of the back off using the threaded
and coupled weight per/ft of pipe, multiplied by the number of feet and the
buoyancy factor.

Example:
Backing off 5,000’ of 4” D.P. weighing 14lbs per ft., plus two 30’ drill
collars 5 ¾” O.D. and 2 ½” I.D. at 71.6 lbs ft leaving one collar in the hole. The
weight indicator read 82,000lbs with Kelly on, the pump was off when it struck,
10 lbs per gal. Fluid.

5,000 x 14 lbs ft x .847 (B.F.) = 59,290lbs

60’ x 71.6 lbs x .847 (B.F.) = 3,638lbs
62,928lbs

b) The weight indicator reads 15,000lbs under a no load condition, the combined
weight of the block hook, bails and elevator. So the back off weight is now
62,928lbs divided by 15,000, the weight of the block. Calculated Weight =
77,928lbs
c)

Weight indicator read (Stuck Pipe) 95,000lbs

Less Weight of the Kelly 14,000lbs
81,000lbs
Less calculated weight of drill collar to -2,148lbs
Left in the hole 78,852lbs

This is close enough to the calculated weight to assume that the weight indicator is
correct. Had a large difference occurred the weight would have had to be adjusted
percentage wise between the calculated weight and the indicator weight.

d) Use a weight from 78,000lbs to allow for the travel in the slips while they are
being set. Mark the pipe at the top of the rotary or some know reference point. If
the pipe has to be handled at any point in the future during the back off
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 procedure with the block, return the pipe to this point rather than indicated
weight.

Reverse Torque:

1. General Information
The type, size and depth and the condition of the pipe should be considered when
determining the amount of reverse torque necessary.

General recommendation should be used as a guide.

TUBING 0’- 6000’ -1/2 TO ¾ ROUND PER 1000’

TUBING 6000’- plus- ¾ to 1 round per 1000’

DRILL PIPE 0’ – 4000’ – ¼ to ½ round per 1000’

DRILL PIPE 4000’ – 9000’ – ½ to ¾ round per 1000’

DRILL PIPE 9000’ – plus – ¾ to 1 round per 1000’

Left hand torque applied to drill collars will be limited by the drill normally found
above them.

Fatigued pipe; 5” Drill Pipe, Bad Pipe etc., require Discretion and will not accept [t
the Maximum Torque Recommendations.

Apply Left Hand Torque To:

• Rotary
• Rotary Tongs and Jerk Line
• Rotary and Rotary Tons

2. Rotary
Most newer drilling and production rigs have controls which are controls
which are extremely flexible and a component driller can often apply the left
hand torque with only the rotary. The normal procedure is to ease in half the
required amount into the pipe, then allow it to ease back out. Assuming all the
torque came back out, ease the required amount and hold in the appropriate
manner.

3. Rotary Tongs and Jerk line

Many times the lead or break out tongs must be used to apply the rig will
not be equipped with the reverse rotary. The torque is pulled into the pipe with
the tongs, via jerk line and cat-head, and is then caught with the rotary lock. A
new bite is then taken and the process is repeated until the torque required is in
the pipe. It is then held in the appropriate manner.
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4. Rotary and Rotary Tongs
Sometimes the rotary handles the pipe too rough and the string breaks
prematurely while applying the left-hand torque. In a case such as this you may
use the rotary to apply the first part of the torque and complete the operation
using the tongs and jerk line method.

5. Working Torque Down hole

The following list shows several conditions in which it would be
necessary to work the torque down, however these are not all but the most
frequently encountered. Remember the correct amount of torque must be at the
point of the back off torque that has been trapped up hole.

1. Crooked or deviated hole.

2. Corkscrewed pipe (normally from being dropped).
3. Mud conditions.
4. Gas lift valves (causing excessive friction).

These conditions will normally be evidenced by the manner in which the

freepoint meter reads while the freepoint is being determined.

To work the left-hand torque down hole set the string to determined
weight for the back-off. Mark the pipe at the top the rotary and refer to this
mark at all times. Do not use or rely on the weight indicator thereafter as wall
friction may not allow a true reading.

Apply half the required amount of the left-hand torque for the back-off,
lock the rotary. Use a jerk and tongs to pull off the rotary lock and hold, or if the
snub line is long enough, release against the deadline. Pick up the string off the
slips and work the pipe vertically several times (do not go below the mark that
was previously made or the string could break at random), set the pipe back on
the slips at the right mark, pull the tongs and relock the rotary. While the pipe
was being worked the operator should have checked the snubbing line on the
tongs to determine how much tension was lost. If the operator feels like the
remainder of the torque can be applied, apply it at this time. If it is felt that it
will not accept the remainder apply half of the remaining torque and repeat the
above procedure until all torque has been applied to the pipe.

6. Air and Hydraulic Tongs:

Handle these tongs exactly like the rotary and hold the torque in the
appropriate manner.

7. Hand Tongs or Wrenches

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 In this instance the crew will place several wrenches in the tubing and
walk around the tubing until al the torque is applied to the pipe. The torque is then
held in the appropriate manner.
8. Holding Torque In The Pipe
Left-hand torque may be held in the pipe while firing the sting shot in
many ways, the operator must choose the appropriate method based on the rig and
length of time torque must be held in the pipe.
Drill Pipe by Using:
a) Rotary Clutch
b) One Way Rotary Lock
c) Tongs

Tubing By Using:
a) A,B and C above
b) Chain tongs or wrench
c) Tongs

Never shoot drill pipe (and tubing, only when necessary), holding the left-
hand torque with a double or positive rotary lock. Back lash against the rotary
lock may break the string at random several points above the intended bask-off
point.
“Nevers”
1. Never fire string shot with rotary locked both ways (Can break pipe at random).
2. Never make run with lines without having hook locked.
3. Never pick up pipe off slips with torque in pipe.
4. Never run a string of tools that your lubricator will not cover unless instructed to
do so by the company representative.
5. Never run string shots, cutters or explosives without checking with a blasting
galvanometer.
6. Never run tools and equipment in hole without knowing size O.D lengths etc. in
case they are lost in the hole. This information is a must for us, fishing tool
operators and company representative.

Suggestions

1. TORQUE:
Prior to applying left torque, always check right-hand torque for tightness
in excess of that which you intend to apply of left-hand torque for the string shot,
thus you may eliminate the string breaking at random.

2. STRING SHOT OVERLAPPING JOINT:

Never overlap more than on joint, thus eliminating the danger of
additional breaks (may leave two fish in the hole).

3. RIGS WITHOUT A ROTARY LOCK:

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 Turn the “back-up” tongs over, thus having both sets operating in the same
direction. This will enable you to cat-head the torque in with one set and catch
that amount of each pull with the other set.

4. APPLYING TORQUE WITH TONGS, OR PULLING OFF THE ROTARY

LOCK WITH THE TONGS:
Always use a substantial soft line (jerk line) on the cat-head. Never use the
automatic cat-head for it is extremely dangerous.

5. SHOOTING OFF TONGS WITH WEIGHT SUSPENDED ON THE

BLOCK:
Many times the pipe spins past the torque point when the shot is fired. If
shooting with the pipe torque point when the shot is fired. If shooting with the
pipe torque on the tongs and with the string weight suspended on the block, be
sure that the traveling block hook is locked; thus should the pipe spin, the
shooting cable will turn with the hook block and drilling line. If the block is not
locked the cable may easily twisted at the block swivel causing the cable to be
damaged.

6. Rigs Without A Rotary (Tubing):

When using a string shot only, prior to going into the hole, you can use the
block swivel for torque purposes; to reset the pipe in the slips with the slip bowl
locked. (Chain slip bowl).
For other set ups, a tubing race ring is applied on the tubing above the
elevator as a swivel, thus allowing the tubing to turn free when the cable in the
hole. For either of the above operations, air hydraulic or hand tongs may be used
for torque purposes.

7. To Eliminate String Breaking At Random

In catching back torque with the rotary lock or tongs, it should be done as
smoothly as possible; a sudden jar of the catch may break the string at random. At
times even in a straight hole with good working conditions, torque necessary.
Here one should only apply part torque and work it down hole, then apply
additional or the remaining for the shot. See. (Working torque down hole).

8. Friction:
Always use a relaxed string prior to applying right or left-hand torque.
Always count the amount in and out as friction may hold part of the torque
applied.

9. Tubing Make Up:

Tubing thread make up is common. One may gain additional make up by
setting the string at various weight. Another method is to work torque down hole
with the tongs, even while applying turns. The thread make up will change the
neutral weight; increasing will be indicated as the threads make up.

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 Torque:
(Rules of Thumb)

Right –Hand Torque (Tightening)

Drill Pipe 1rd./thousand/ft. free pipe
Tubing 1 ¼ to 1 ½ rd. thousand/ft. free pipe
Casing Rarely needs to be tightened

Left – Hand Torque (Back Off)

Drill Pipe 0’ 4000’ ¼ to ½ rd./thousand

Drill Pipe 4000’ 9000’ ½ to ¾ rd./thousand
Drill Pipe 9000’ Plus ¾ to 1 rd./thousand
Tubing 0’ 6000’ ½ to ¾ rd./thousand
Tubing 6000’ Plus ¾ to 1 rd./thousand
Casing 0’ Plus ¼ rd./thousand

The values listed above will of course vary with the hole conditions of the pipe string.

ALWAYS exceed the amount of left-hand torque used for the back off by the amount of
the right-hand torque used for tightening.

String Shot Strengths:

The following charts are given in the total grains/ft. of detonating cord. No
more than 50 grams/ft. should be added to the figures given due to well conditions Use
the next highest depth column for depths between figures given, so for a depth of 7500’
use 8000’ for your calculations.

Number of Strings = Total Grains/ft

Detonating Cord grain/ft. =

Example: A 400 grain/ft. shot has been determined as necessary and 100 grain/ft.
detonating cord is to be used.

400 divided 100 = 4 strings

Therefore, 4 strings of detonating cord would be attached to the shot rod.

String Shots:
Use of the Shot Rod
The shot rod is utilized as the carrier for the string shot in most back-off
operations. It is of sufficient length for any operation where accurate determination
of the depth of the tool joint, which is to be broken, is possible. After the shot rod
has been retrieved it will be bent as a result on the concussion from the string shot.
This does not mean however that it is no longer useable. The rod may be

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straightened and run many times again. Do not try to spud hard with the rod as the
weight driving down will bend the rod.

String Shot Uses:

1. Back-off free pipe at freepoint (DP- Tubing, Drill Collars, Casing,
HWDP)_.
2. Packer jar shot (release).
3. Shuck overshoots (RHT)
4. Perforation clean up shots
5. Annular back-offs (window subs) (tie on shots)
6. Blow jets out of bits
7. Slim hole shots (through restrictions)
8. Hi-temp shots (Hi-temp and hydrostatic)
9. Jump tubing and casing collars (threads &coupled)
10. Clean up shots (before chemical cutter)
11. Back-off safety joints

Completing the Back-Off:

After the string has been detonated, it is the operator’s responsibility to
complete the back-off. Normally the pipe will spin free indicating the box and pin
have completely unscrewed. There are instances however, where the pipe may have
only partially backed-off. Now the operator must complete the operation by the
following method.
1. Apply approximately half of the original amount of torque and the pipe
should back-off while it is being applied. This will be evident by the loss in
the torque load.
2. If the torque in any amount was lost, repeat the above process again.
3. If no torque was lost during the process, it is usually an indication that the
weight was not corrected by applying half the original amount of torque and
catching it on the tongs. Pull the slips and slowly adjust the weight up or
down while checking the tong snub or lead line. When the weight is correct
the torque load will relax. If the pipe did not come free, set the slop at this
point and apply more left-hand torque.
4. Some shallow drill pipe and tubing jobs will allow step 3 to be
accomplished using chain tings and man power. This method makes for a
better feel of the procedure and easier completion of the back –off.
5. The operator can pull the pipe up five to ten feet and check the point of the
back-off with the freepoint tools.

ASSEMBLY OF THE STRING SHOT USE IN THE SHOT ROD:

(Refer to Drawing)
1. The shot rod is screwed into the hanger sub. DO not over tighten or the
threads will break. Attach the bull nose to the end of the rod.
2. Cut a piece of the correct size primacord from the supply. Make sure the cut
is square.

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 3. Insert the square end into either the booster section of the cap or the
appropriate booster being careful not to break the powder train in the
primacord while securing it in the booster.
4. If one of the sleeved caps is to be used seat the booster against the blasting
caps inside the frangible sleeve.
5. Firmly tape the base of either cap to the primacord using self-vulcanizing
rubber tape. Cover this with a layer of friction tape for protection against
well fluids.
6. Attach the cap to the shot rod using several feet of #3 copper wire. This
mechanical connection is made to secure the cap against movement should the
well fluids dissolve the tape which will be applied later.
7. Lay any further strand of primacord needed foe the required shot strength
beside the original strand, starting at the base of the cap. Use tape (friction or
plastic) to secure the promacord to the shot rod every 18”-24”. Do not use any
more tape than necessary. During the course of a protracted back-off the well
fluid may dissolve the adhesive then the loose tape could plug the pipe bore,
thus preventing any further wire line operation.
8. One lead of the blasting cap is stripped of insulation for approximately four to
six inches and secures to the shot rod under a wrap of tape.
9. The other lead is secured to the lead from the firing sub and insulated with a
rubber boot. The boot is then tied o both ends with wax string.
10. Any access lead wire is then carefully folded against the cap sleeve and shot
rod body, this section is then covered with tape for protection. Do not tape
over the hanger sub hole or pressure variations may damage the lead
connections.
11. The string is no assembled and may be attached to the remainder of equipment
necessary for the operation.

Safety cannot be over stressed in this operation. It is the operator’s duty to see
that all necessary safety precautions are taken during this procedure.
Do not spiral the prima cord around the shot rod, it could cut the rod when he
has is fired, thus leaving the remainder in the hole.

TROUBLE SHOOTING DOWNHOLE FREEPONIT SYSTEM

Tool Checks:
1. Operating voltage at the top of tool 2-10 VAC
2. Reset voltage at the top of tool 100VDC pos.
3. From top of tool to ground ohms resistance should read approximately
18-22ohms
4. From top of tool to lower contact below sensor, reading should be
approximately 18-22ohms
5. If combination diode is in place, freepoint tool will read 33-35ohms to
ground.
6. Tool will not operate if not properly grounded below.

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7. “Note: 11/16” slack joint spring has approximately 20 ohms resistance
and this figure must be added to coil resistance if measured as a unit.

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