Why use a slick joint stinger rather than packer cups?
The choice of a slick joint stinger over packer comes down to three factors: safety, pressure, and cost—and in that order. Downhole pressures will work to push the liner back up the well bore, especially in the deeper wells being drilled in the industry today. When that pressure encounters the packer cups in the work string it is spread out over the surface area of the cups. The larger the liner ID, the larger the surface area, the higher the pressure as measured in psi. If large downhole pressures are anticipated this may result in an unsafe condition on the rig. Conversely, a slick joint stinger has a diameter of only 4-1/2″. That diameter remains constant so overall pressure pushing on the work string is greatly reduced creating a safer work environment. Of course cost is always a factor. When using a slick joint other accessory items are required in addition to what is necessary with a packer cup type completion. These items include a 6’ long extension located just below the liner
