Can the tool get stuck or lodged in the casing? What procedures are used to correct or prevent the tool from getting stuck or lodged?
There are three reasons the tool might get stuck or lodged in the hole and all three reasons are ultimately caused by a failure to form a complete positive seal against the casing wall. 1. The first reason is sealing element failure due to wear and tear. This failure is usually gradual and can be prevented by monitoring the charts and tankage for a drop in production rates and/or increase in cycle time. A quick inspection of the sealing elements will confirm wear and tear. An element change can be performed at the next optimal recovery. 2. The second reason is sealing element failure due to blockage of the internal valve in the open position thereby jamming it preventing seal. This can be caused by frac sand, formation sediment, wax, asphaltines or a combination of these substances being allowed to collect unchecked over time. Again, the failure is usually gradual and diligent monitoring of the performance charts can identify the problem and prevent failure with tool maintenance. This
