Introduction to Jars and

accelerators

Rev: 1.0 24/11/14

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Table of contents
INTRODUCTION TO JARS AND ACCELERATORS..............................................................
Table of contents............................................................................................................................
JARS AND ACCELERATORS......................................................................................................
Introduction...................................................................................................................................
General Comments on the Use of Jars..........................................................................................
Forces Required to Fire Jars..........................................................................................................
Jar Descriptions...........................................................................................................................
Handling of Small Drilling / Fishing Jars (Dailey).....................................................................
Accelerator Description...............................................................................................................
Jar and Accelerator Positioning...................................................................................................
APPENDICES..................................................................................................................................
Appendix 1; Houston Engineering specifications.........................................................................
Appendix 2; Griffith specifications...............................................................................................

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Jars and accelerators

Introduction
Definition
Jarring is the process of transferring strain energy (drill pipe stretch) in the
drillstring to kinetic energy by releasing the detent in the Jar at a given overpull
value.
Detent. Is a device (as a catch, dog, or spring-operated ball) for positioning and
holding one mechanical part in relation to another so that the device can be
released by force applied to one of the parts.

Types
There are three basic types of jar, mechanical hydraulic and hydro-mechanical.
Mechanical and hydraulic jars will be discussed within thisn document.
Hydraulic jars use a hydraulic fluid to delay the firing of the jar until the driller can
apply the appropriate load to the string to give a high impact. The time delay is
provided by hydraulic fluid being forced through a small port or series of jets.
Hydraulic jar firing delay is dependent upon the combination of load and time.
Mechanical jars have a preset load that causes the jar to trip. They are thus
sensitive to load and not to time. It can be seen from these descriptions that the
terms mechanical and hydraulic jar refers to the method of tripping the jar.

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Figure 1: Mechanical jar

Polished Stem

Figure 2: Hydraulic jar

Upper Connector

Upper
Packing Body

Spline
Mandrel

Barrel

Up
Anvil Hammer

Spline
Housing

Jay Rollers

Connector
Housing

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Spring
Stem

Jay
Stem

Down
Anvil

Torque Spring

Upper
Pressure Pressure
Piston
Housing

Flow
Mandrel

Triggering
Valve

ref JA01

Lower Packing Body

Lower
Washpipe
Connector
Lower
Pressure
Piston

Balance
Piston

Wash
Mandrel

Bottom
Connector

Piston
Stop

General Comments on the Use of Jars.

Jars are frequently returned to the workshops marked failed and
subsequently test successfully. The main reason for this appears to be the
inability to fire the jars, often in the down direction. Estimating the force
required to fire jars, when the user is under pressure due to the stuck pipe
situation, is not always performed correctly. This chapter gives some insight
into how jars operate and how to choose the correct surface forces to fire the
jars. There are a number of reasons a jar might fail to fire:
Incorrect weight applied to fire jar - one or more assumptions in calculation
incorrect.
Pump open force exceeds compression force at jar ( no down jar action ).
Stuck above the jar.
Jar mechanism failed.
Jar not cocked.
Drag too high to allow sufficient force to be applied at the jar to fire it
(usually mechanical jars).
Well path is such that compression cannot be applied to the jar. ( no down
jar action).
Jar is firing but cannot be felt at surface.
Right hand torque is trapped in torque setable mechanical jars.
Not waiting long enough for the jar to fire - see firing time v force charts for
hydraulic jars.
Correct use of jars and the correct application of jarring is critical to freeing
stuck pipe. Applying the most appropriate jarring action is key to aiding or
worsening the stuck situation. If while pulling out of the hole, the string
becomes stuck the natural instinct of a driller is to jar up. This is, after all, the
direction he is trying to move his BHA, i.e. out of the hole. However, if the
string is packed off above a stabiliser, a likely cause of stuck pipe while pulling
out of the hole, the act of jarring up may make the situation worse by
compacting the pack-off.
Jarring should start in the opposite direction to that which got the string
stuck
Another reason for the frequent inability to fire jars is the miscalculation of the
forces required at surface in order to get the jar to fire. Although the
calculations are relatively uncomplicated, in the heat of the problem on the
drill floor small calculations can appear quite complex. It is often this type of
situation that leads to the jars not firing.

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ref JA01

Forces Required to Fire Jars

All jars have a firing force envelope for each direction they fire in. A dual
acting jar (one that can fire up and down) will have both an up jar force
envelope and a down jar force envelope.
The firing force envelope consists of two forces, one to cock the jar in
preparation for firing, the second to fire the jar. A dual acting jar will therefore
have two force envelopes, one for up jarring and one for down jarring.
The jar envelope forces can be considered at the jar or at the surface. The jar
firing force envelope at the jar is known.
Jar Firing Force Envelope
It is the job of the rig team to estimate / observe the surface instruments in
order to choose the surface firing force envelopes.
The forces that must be applied to the jar to cock and fire it when it is lying on
a test bench are described by the jar force envelopes ( i.e. forces at the Jar).
In the example above: To cock the jar to fire up, a compression force of
approximately 5k lbs is required. This is to overcome internal friction. Once
cocked the jar will fire once the force at
the jar reaches 90k lbs.

To cock the jar to fire down, a tension of 5k lbs is required to overcome

internal friction, once cocked the jar will fire down once 20k lbs compression is
reached.
The fixed limits of 90k lbs and 20k lbs are typical of mechanical jars. When
using a hydraulic jar, it will fire as long as the jars internal friction is exceeded.
The time taken to fire is inversely proportional to the force applied: the greater
the force the shorter the waiting time. (See hydraulic jar section for more
information).
We have only considered the forces at the jar so far. The driller only knows
the force at surface and must estimate the force at the jars.
It is sometimes easy to see from the measured weight indicator when the jars
are opening or closing. The measured weight indicator needle will stop
moving for a few seconds while the string is still being moved up or down. It

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ref JA01

is a very good indicator that the axial neutral point is at the jar. It is often
observed whilst drilling vertical wells but can be very difficult to observe in
highly deviated, extended reach or horizontal wells.
If this neutral weight indicator is observed it is relatively easy to set surface
jarring forces. The measured weight at which the neutral point is observed is
recorded. The up trip force (mechanical only) is added to this value, together
with any up drag.
Note: When stuck, any pull on the string results in an increase in drag over and above
the normal up drag. The full amount of overpull applied at surface will not reach the
jar. In deviated wells this must be compensated for by additional overpull.
If the pumps are running then the pump open force must also be subtracted
from the firing force and added to the setdown weight used to cock the jars.
Note: The pump open force charts will be found in the manual for the jar being used.
A copy of the current pump open force charts for the types of jars covered by
this text is included after the description of each jar type.
Similarly the down trip force (mechanical only), the down drag and the pump
open force are subtracted from the neutral point reading.
If the neutral point at the jars cannot be observed then the calculated neutral
weight at the jars must be used.

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ref JA01

Pump Open Force

Pressure

Area

The jar pump open force (also called jar

extension force) is the effect of the difference
in surface areas of the jar exposed to
pressures on the out side and inside the jar.
When a differential pressure exists between
the inside of the jar and the outside of the jar
it causes a force that opens the jar.
Depending on the jar type the force acts on
the cross-sectional area of the wash pipe, or
the wash pipe and any floating pressure
equalising piston exposed to the internal fluid
of the jar. The effect on jarring can be
considerable if for example 2000psi is
trapped inside the jar when the string is
packed off below the jar. The pump open
force chart for each type of jar discussed is
included in these guidelines.
The pump open force acts to:
Assist firing the jar up
Assists cocking the jar after firing
down
Opposes firing the jar down
Opposes cocking the jar after firing up

Force

POF (lbs) = Area (in2) X Diff. Pressure (psi)

Pressure differential between the drill pipe ID and the annulus at the jar will
tend to pump open the jar. In normal drilling, this will not have effect on either
the WOB or the jar itself.
- If the jar is in tension while drilling, the pump open force will only tend
to keep the jar extended.
- If the jar is in compression, the pump open force will tend to reduce the
weight on the jar but will have no effect on the jar travel until all the
weight has been lifted from the jar.
Note: Differential pressure at jar can be approximated by using the calculated bit
pressure drop.

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As an example we can look at a situation that happened recently in the

North Sea.
Example Case
Up Trip Force (at jar)
Up Cocking Force (at jar)

k lbs
90
10

Down Weight (at surface)

Up Weight (at surface)
BHA Weight Below Jars

120
240
50

Down Trip Force (at jar)

Down Cocking Force (at jar)
Pump Open Force
Free Rotating Weight of string

k lbs
30
10
34
200

Up and dow n cocking force = jar internal friction

Apply at least
Apply at least
Apply at least
Apply at least

146 k lbs at surface to cock jars for jarring up

246 k lbs at surface to jar up
46 k lbs at surface to cock jars for jarring down
6 k lbs at surface to jar down

Having struggled out of the hole pumping and with indications of pack-offs the string
finally packed off. Jarring commenced in a downward direction. There were 2000
psi trapped in the string and the pack-off was below the dual acting hydraulic jar.
The parameters were as shown at right:
Ascanbeseenwith2000psitrappedinthestringa34klbspumpopenforce
resulted.Downjarringwasattemptedsixtimes,eachtimethemeasuredweight
readingof60klbswasheldfor30secondswithoutanyindicationofthejarfiring.
Downjarringwasabortedandupjarringcommenceduntilthewellwassidetracked.
The three main problems this team had were:
Trapped pressure inside the string while trying to jar down.
Insufficient weight to allow down jarring (even without the pump open force
opposing this action)
Insufficient time allowed for the jar to meter through its stroke.

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ref JA01

Jar Descriptions
Weir Houston
Weir Houston Hydra-Jars are dual acting hydraulic drilling jars.
These jars fire up and down from a central cocked position. The time to fire
is dependent upon the pull applied at the jar and the position of the jar in its
cycle when the pull is applied. The minimum force at the jar required to stroke
the jar up or down is dependent upon the jars internal friction. The maximum
force that can be applied to the jar is determined by two factors:
1) The maximum design pressure in the hydraulic fluid inside the jar gives rise
to a maximum applied force when the jar is stroking.
2) Once the jar is fully open or fully closed the maximum applied force is
determined by the steel strength of the jar.
There is no mechanical trigger or latch mechanism. Therefore the firing force
is determined by whatever force the driller applies to the jar. However, the
lesser the applied force the longer the jar takes to fire. This can be up to 7
minutes if the jar moves from fully open to fully closed. It can also be as little
as a few seconds if the jar is only partially cocked then fired. Once jarring is
established the average delay time will be 1 - 2 minutes. See figure for full
details for delay time versus applied force at the jar.
These jars are subject to pump open forces acting on the cross-sectional area
of the wash pipe. Pump open force is sometimes referred to as jar extension
force.
Floating seals inside the jar keep the pressure of the internal fluid equal to the
pressure of the fluid outside the jar, via ports to the annulus. Grease and or
mud can be observed emerging from these ports when the jar is returned to
surface. This is not an indication of a jar failure and is perfectly normal.

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ref JA01

Details of the jars used in Northern North Sea cold conditions service
(Foinaven Project).
17 1/2": 9 1/2" Weir Houston Hydra-Jar, 8" WH Accelerator
12 1/4": 8" Weir Houston Hydra-Jar,
8" WH Accelerator
8 1/2": 8" Weir Houston Hydra-Jar,
8" WH Accelerator
The jars for the top hole and 17 1/2" sections are filled with very light oil and
modified (slicked metering ring) to give a better response in the very cold
environment. With this setup the Time Delay Times vs Load Graph Line for 4
3/4" jars is used instead of the relevant one for the size of the jar.
The jars for the 12 1/4" and 8 1/2" sections use regular oil and metering but
include stand-off subs (three spaced along the body ), to minimise differential
sticking risk.

Pump Open Force Information

Hydra-Jar Extension Force x 1000

lbs

WEIR-HOUSTON JAR -PUMP OPEN FORCE CHART

70
4.25" Jar

60

4.75" Jar

50

6.25 - 6.75" Jar

7.75 - 8" Jar

40
30
20
10
0
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Differential Pressure - Inside Jar to Outside Jar

Metering Time Information

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ref JA01

Weir Houston, Tool Specification Summary

Tool OD

Tool joint connection

type

NC31

NC38

NC50

NC50

6.5/8Reg

6.5/8Reg

Max working load

while jarring (lbs)

70000

80000

150000

155000

200000

250000

Tensile yield strength

(lbs)

500000

575000

800000

865000

1300000

1480000

Torsional yield
strength (ft.lbs)

35000

45000

75000

75000

150000

150000

Tool ID

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ref JA01

Bowen Jars
Bowen hydraulic drilling jars are often rented by companies other than Bowen.
Bowen do not rent hydraulic drilling jars from Aberdeen. They only sell them.
In countries other than the UK Bowen hydraulic drilling jars may be used by
some service and drilling companies.
Bowen hydraulic drilling jars are a dual acting combination tool. The hydraulic
mechanism is only on the up jar action. The down jar is a friction mechanical
system.
The metering action of the hydraulic mechanism is controlled by ports on an
insert within a piston. This differs from other types which use metering jets.
There are no details on the time delay of the Bowen hydraulic mechanism.

80
70

4.25" UP Jar

60

6" Up Jar

50

6.25 - 6.75" Up Jar

40

7.75" Up Jar
9" Up Jar

30
20
10
0
0
25
0
50
0
75
0
10
00
12
50
15
00
17
50
20
00
22
50
25
00
27
50
30
00
32
50
35
00
37
50
40
00

Jar Extension Force (x1000 ) lbs

BOWEN Hydraulic Up Jar - Pump open force

Differential Pressure Inside to Outside of Jar (psi)

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ref JA01

160
140
120
100
80

4.25" Dn Jar
6" Dn Jar
6.25 - 6.75" Dn Jar
7.75" Dn Jar
9" Dn Jar

60
40
20
0
0
25
0
50
0
75
0
10
00
12
50
15
00
17
50
20
00
22
50
25
00
27
50
30
00
32
50
35
00
37
50
40
00

Jar Extension Force (x1000) lbs

Bowen Hydraulic Down Jar - Pump Open Force

Differential Pressure inside jar to outside jar (psi)

Bowen Tool Specification Summary

Tool OD

Tool ID

Tool joint
connection type

NC31

NC38

NC50

NC50

6 5/8Reg

6 5/8Reg

Max working load

while jarring (lbs)

70000

80000

150000

155000

200000

250000

Tensile yield
strength (lbs)

500000

575000

800000

865000

1300000

1480000

Torsional yield
strength (ft.lbs)

35000

45000

75000

75000

150000

150000

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ref JA01

Cougar & IPE

The Cougar Drilling Jar ( DJ-6 ) can be configured in three ways.
1. Mechanical bi-directional
2. Combined mechanical down - mechanical/hydraulic up.
3. Hydraulic up only.
The mechanism used in each case is the same one.
The most complex, the combined mechanical down, mechanical/hydraulic up
will be described here.
The Cougar mechanical latch mechanism
The jar has a central array of pads attached to the inner mandrel that locate
into a profile on the inside of the outer mandrel. These pads lock the inner
and outer mandrel together until a preset force is reached. The pads then
push together and allow the inner mandrel to slide inside the outer mandrel.
This sliding stops when the hammer and anvil of the jar collide. The force
required to unlatch the pads in the up and down directions are independent
and can be set in the workshop. They are usually set at different values - the
up setting higher than the down setting. These settings determine the jar
tipping force required to fire the jars. When the jar is placed in its central
position the latch re-engages into the profile and the jar is cocked ready to fire
in either direction.
The hydraulic workings of the jar come into play on the up firing mechanism
only. Once the mechanical latch has unlatched, a one way valve closes
causing hydraulic fluid to be forced through a metering jet. As the size of the
jet is small it controls the speed of movement of the inner mandrel up inside
the outer mandrel. After several inches of metering a change in profile of the
outer mandrel allows the hydraulic fluid to by-pass the metering jet. The inner
mandrel is then free to move quickly up the outer mandrel and fire when the
hammer and anvil collide.
There is no effect from the hydraulic mechanism when jarring down.
As with all hydraulic jar mechanisms reviewed so far, the time taken to meter
through the hydraulic part of the stroke is dependent upon the force applied at
the jar.
It should also be noted that the jar can be run upside down to give a
mechanical up - mechanical/hydraulic down jar action.
If the hydraulic mechanism fails, the mechanical latch will still be functional
and give both up and down jar action. The Cougar jar is not sensitive to
torque other than normal torsional yield values given in the tables below.

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ref JA01

Cougar hydraulic Jar Pump open force

pum p open force (lbs)

120000
9 5/8"

100000

8"
80000

6 1/2"
4 3/4"

60000
40000
20000
0
0

500

1000
1500
2000
2500
Diff press inside to outside jar (psi)

3000

3500

Cougar hydraulic Jar metering times

Tim e Delay (seconds)

250
200
150
100

9 5/8"
8"

50

6 1/2"
0
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Overpull at jar (x 1000 lbs)

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ref JA01

Cougar; Tool specification summary

Tool OD
Tool ID

Tool joint connection type

Max working load while
jarring (lbs)
Tensile yield strength (lbs)

Torsional yield strength

(ft.lbs)
Up latch firing force
Down latch firing force
Make-up torque ft.lbs

4.75

6.5

9.5

2.25

2.56

2.75

NC38

NC50

6.675 Reg

7.675Reg

100000

180000

295000

410000

380000

700000

1500000

1500000

30000

60000

100000

120000

30000

80000

80000

80000

30000

57000

57000

57000

10000

30000

50000

60000

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ref JA01

Dailey jars
There are two types of Dailey HDJ-100 jar: the HDJ-100 and the HDJ-100BB. The BB stands for big bore and is a redesign of the original HDJ-100 to
provide a larger through bore for some sizes of jar. If the ID of your drill string
is critical, ensure you specify the BB type. The two types differ slightly in
design. The jars described below are the BB type. These dual acting
hydraulic jars are described below:
The Dailey hydraulic jar consists of an inner mandrel and an outer mandrel.
The inner mandrel has two pistons that seal on the outer mandrel. Between
the two pistons there is a hydraulic valve that is closed when the jar is cocked
and in its central position. When the jar is being fired up the hydraulic fluid
meters through a pair of metering jets which restrict the speed of movement of
the inner mandrel through the outer mandrel. The lower section of the
hydraulic valve connects with a profile on the outer mandrel and is prevented
from moving with the inner mandrel. As the inner mandrel keeps moving
through the outer mandrel under the force applied from surface the two halves
of the hydraulic valve are forced apart, allowing hydraulic fluid to pass through
ports and by-pass the metering jets. The inner mandrel then free, moves
quickly through the outer mandrel until the hammer and anvil collide firing the
jars.
The jar is cocked by placing it in its central position from where it can be refired in either direction.
Jarring in both directions takes place in the same manner.
On the older design HDJ-100 jar the valve is opened by a set of arms that
connect onto a profile on the outer mandrel but the mechanism is very similar
otherwise.
Dailey hydraulic Jar metering times

Tim e Delay (seconds)

300
9 1/2"

250

7 3/4" & 8"

200

6 1/2"
6 1/4"

150

4 3/4"

100
50
0
0

50

100

150
200
250
300
Overpull at jar (x 1000 lbs)))

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350

400

450

ref JA01

Dailey hydraulic Jar Pump open force

pum p open force (lbs)

140000
9 1/2"

120000

7 3/4" & 8"

100000

6 1/2"

80000

6 1/4"

60000

4 3/4"

40000
20000
0
0

500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Differential pressure inside jar to outside jar (psi)

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3500

ref JA01

Daily; Tool specification summary

Jar type Original HDJ100

HD100

HD100

HD100

HD100

Tool OD

Tool ID

2 1/8

2 1/16

Tool joint connection

type

NC31

NC38

NC50

6 5/8Reg

Max working load while

jarring (lbs)

55000

95000

200000

260000

Tensile yield strength

(lbs)

325000

436000

832000

1600000

Torsional yield strength

(ft.lbs)

15000

21200

49300

76400

HD100BB

HD100BB

HD100BB

HD100BB

Tool OD

Tool ID

Jar type
HDJ-100 Big Bore

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ref JA01

Tool joint connection

type

NC38

NC50

6 5/8Reg

7 5/8Reg

Max working load while

jarring (lbs)

85000

175000

300000

500000

Tensile yield strength

(lbs)

500000

934000

1750000

2300000

Torsional yield strength

(ft.lbs)

20000

56200

105000

160000

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ref JA01

Handling of Small Drilling / Fishing Jars

(Dailey)
Delivery to Location
A.

The drilling/fishing jar will be delivered to the location with the mandrel in
the closed position. Approximately a 1" gap will be present between the
bottom of the box end of the mandrel and the top of the upper housing of
the jar. This is a general design feature in some jars that prevents debris
in the well bore fluid from being driven into the upper seals when the jar
is re-cocked causing a loss of seal integrity.

B.

If there is a larger gap or the mandrel appears to be in the open position,

approximately 5-1/2" to 8-1/4" inches of mandrel exposed depending on
jar size, contact the nearest jar representative. Check to see if there are
any indications that the jar has been leaking and advise the jar company
representative of this anomaly.

C.

All service breaks on the jar body / housing connections are torqued at
the Jar Contractor's service center. It is NOT NECESSARY for the rig
crew to tighten the body / housing connections before running the jar in
to the hole or to break the connections when laying the jar down.

Picking Up and Laying Down of Jars

The small drilling / fishing jar is picked up and laid down in the same manner
as any other jar:
1) Tie the pick up line around the middle of the jar and make sure the jar
is balanced when hoisting the jar up to the rig floor.
2) DO NOT use the gap at the top of the jar as a tie on point when picking
the jar up or when laying the jar down. Use a lifting sub.
3) If necessary, use a tailing rope to control the motion when the jar is
being picked up or laid down.
4) Use thread protectors while handling the jar, and do not allow the pin or
box connections to be abused during handling. Damage to the
connection will lead to:
a)

Improper makeup torque on the connection

b)

Galling of the threads

c)

Connection washout

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ref JA01

Stand Back Procedures for Drilling/Fishing Jars

A.

It is not recommended that drilling/fishing jars be racked back in the

derrick when the string is out of the hole.

B.

In fishing or drilling applications it is recommended that when the string

is out of the hole, the jar should be removed from the string and laid
down. Extreme cases where the operation does not permit this, the jar
should be placed on top of the string in the closed position or open with
a jar clamp in place.

Routine Maintenance of Drilling/Fishing Jars in the String

A.

The drilling/fishing jar is a rugged downhole tool that requires very little
maintenance while on the job.

B.

To ensure maximum jar performance, it is recommended that on every

trip out of the hole the rig crew use the water hose to wash off the
mandrel of the jar. The top of the upper housing where the mandrel
goes through the upper seals should also be washed.

C.

Unscrew the jar from the BHA at the pin end and insert the water hose
into the ID of the pin and wash around the compensating piston. (Except
on Weir Houston Hydra jar, which do not have a compensating piston).

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ref JA01

Accelerator Description
The functions of a drilling accelerator can be summarised as follows:
To compensate for the lack of stretch in a short string.
To compensate for slow contraction of the drill string due to high hole drag.
Act as a reflector to the shock wave travelling up the string from the jar
blow.
Intensify the jar blow.
Drilling and fishing accelerators (also called jar intensifiers ) are basically the
same design. The Drilling equipment has an up-rated spline drive mechanism
to enable the tool to withstand 300-500 rotating hours.
The accelerator consists of an outer barrel and an inner mandrel. The inner
mandrel slides in / out of the outer barrel. The two are connected by an
interference fit between a piston chamber on the outer barrel and piston on
the inner mandrel. The piston chamber contains a solid or fluid or gas that
acts as a spring. When a force is applied to the accelerator the tool opens.
The extension is dependent upon the applied force. When the extending
force is released, the tool closes under the spring force of the fluid inside the
piston chamber. Dual acting accelerators work in similarly with both the up jar
and down jar.

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ref JA01

Jar and Accelerator Positioning

Jar positioning programs do exist but all are configured to position the jars for
maximum up jarring effect, which is not always the desired direction for
jarring. To make a full analysis of optimum jar position many factors must be
taken into account. However, this is not normally done for drilling operations.
Usually the jars are run in a position determined by field / personal experience
or company policy.
There are a number of issues that should be considered when positioning jars
in a drill string.
Likely places for sticking to occur.
Most likely jarring direction required.
Well bore contact / differential sticking risk.
Position of the Axial neutral point when drilling with maximum WOB.
Depth of hole section.
Drag in hole section.
Minimum allowable measured weight for plastic buckling when not rotating.

www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk

ref JA01

Guidelines for Use of Jars in Vertical Wells

In vertical wells the jar should be placed such that:
1. They are above the buckling neutral point even when maximum WOB is
applied.
2. They are at least two Drill Collars above the jars.
3. They have differential sticking prevention subs fitted, if differential sticking
is a risk.
4. No stabilisers should be placed above the jars.
5. Use Accelerators in shallow hole section. (Check that it will be possible to
cock and fire the jar before running them)

www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk

ref JA01

Guidelines for Use of Jars in Deviated & Horizontal Wells

1. Do not run the jars if they are buckled. (This is easily said, but complicated
to work out. Jars should not be run below the buckling neutral point in 45
degree wells. In horizontal wells the jars can be run in the 90 degree
section without much chance of them ever being buckled.) The area in the
string to avoid placing jars is the pressure area neutral point. This is the
point in the string where the tension in the steel is zero and is always above
the buckling neutral point.
2. If using two jars or two jars and an accelerator ensure the driller is fully
aware of how to use this system.
3. Use jars with differential sticking prevention subs if differential sticking is a
risk.
4. It is important to calculate the measured weight readings at which the jar
will cock and fire. The drag in the hole may prevent the driller from seeing
the jars open and close on his weight indicator gauge.
5.
In horizontal well drilling, a common problem is the inability to get
sufficient force to a horizontally placed jar to fire it down.

www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk

ref JA01

Appendices
Appendix 1; Houston Engineering specifications
Tool O.D.

3 1/8

3 3/8

4 1/4

4 3/4

6 1/4

6 1/2

7 1/4

7 3/4

8 1/4

8 1/2

Tool I.D.

1 1/4

1 1/2

2 1/4

2 3/4

2 3/4

2 3/4

2 3/4

2 3/8 Reg

2 3/8 IF

2 7/8 IF

3 1/2 IF

4 1/2 XH

4 1/2 IF

5 H90

5 1/2 H90

6 5/8 Reg

6 5/8 Reg

6 5/8 Reg

6 5/8 Reg

7 5/8 Reg

Tool Joint

9 1/2

Length

22'10"

24'5"

29'10"

29'10"

31'10"

31'10"

31'6"

31'6"

32'

32'

32'

32'

32'6"

Max. Detent

46,000

44,000

70,000

80,000

150,000

175,000

230,000

240,000

260,000

300,000

350,000

350,000

500,000

215,000

232,580

310,000

460,000

730,000

900,000

1,100,000

1,200,000

1,300,000

1,600,000

1,700,000

1,700,000

2,000,000

5,600

6,100

16,000

21,000

50,000

61,000

80,000

97,000

118,000

118,000

118,000

118,000

200,000

Upstoke

Dow nstroke

Total Stroke

21

21

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

Tool Weight

350

500

800

1,050

1,600

1,850

2,600

3,000

3,200

3,550

4,000

4,500

5,600

Tensile Yield
Torsional Yield

Appendix 2; Griffith specifications

Tool O.D.

4 3/4

4 3/4

6 1/4

6 1/2

6 3/4

Tool I.D.

2 1/4

2 1/4

2 1/4

2 1/2

2 1/2

Length

2 13/16

9 1/2

2 13/16

2 13/16

12.5'

12.7'

16.3'

16.3'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

575

550

1,300

1,400

1,400

1,540

2,100

2,700

3,000

Ups tok e

4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

Dow nstroke

Tool Weight

Pre set Releas e Up

STD.

40,000

40,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

95,000

100,000

100,000

Dow n 45% of Up

Max.

55,000

55,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

140,000

150,000

155,000

155,000

85,000

75,000

160,000

160,000

190,000

190,000

220,000

250,000

250,000

416,000

354,000

755,000

755,000

828,000

828,000

965,000

1,225,000

1,225,000

16,000

16,000

41,000

41,000

40,000

40,000

68,000

110,000

112,000

6.0

6.5

9.6

9.6

11.0

11.0

14.2

15.9

15.9

Maxim um Load
Tensile Yield
Torsional Yield
Pum p Open Area

Author: Peter Aird

www.kingdomdrilling.co.uk

Ref: