The objectives of this investigation were to measure the effect of the various factors that contribute to differential-pressure pipe sticking and to utilize this information in the development of a procedure to select casing setting depths The investigation differs from other investigations in that it (1) evaluates several areas in the Gulf of Mexico, not just one specific area; (2) evaluates both deviated and straight holes; (3) analyzes both wells that experience and did not experience sticking problems; and (4) analyzes the factors that may contribute to differential-pressure pipe sticking The results of this investigation normalized all factors that contribute to differential-pressure pipe sticking except differential pressure. It was concluded that the average differential pressure for those wells that experienced sticking problems and those that did not were not similar. It was also concluded that, of the wells that experienced sticking problems, more than 99 percent of them were stuck at pressures greater than 1,298 pounds per square inch The major application of this investigation is a procedure to select casing setting depths based on the ability to withstand a design-size kick and the potential of pipe sticking off-bottom
