api vt-5 wireline operations and procedures 3rd ed. book 5 of the vocational training series

7/16/2019 API VT-5 Wireline Operations and Procedures 3rd Ed. Book 5 of the Vocational Training Series

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WIRELINE OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURESTHIRD EDITIONB O O K 5 OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERIES

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION DEPARTMENTAMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE

yright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102

Not for Resale, 03/26/2007 07:23:27 MDTsseproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

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" " -P I I T L E s V T - 5 74 M 0732270 0533350 423 M~ - . -WIRELINE OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES

Third Edition

Issued byAMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTEExploration & Production Department

FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING TECHNICAL CONTENT OFTHIS PUBLICATION CONTACT THE API EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT,

SEE BACK COVER FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING HOW TO OBTAINADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION.

700 NORTH PEARL, SUITE 1840 (LB-382), DALLAS, TX 75201-2831- 214) 953-1101.

Users of this publication should become familiar with its scopeand content, including any provisions it may have regarding marking ofmanufactured products. This document is intended to supplement rather

than replace individual engineering judgment.

O F F I C I A L P U B L l C A T l O N

REG. U.S. P A T E N T OFFICECopyright O 1994 American Petroleum Institute



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The third editionof this manual was written to update and outline the application of thevarious wireline tools, equipment, and operations in the oil and gas industry. The manualdoes not cover all aspects of the subjects presented. Instead, the basic applications andprinciples of wireline work are covered in a simple nd uncluttered manner.This manual should be used as an introduction and guide to wireline operations, not as acomprehensive treatise. An individual wishing to learn more should go to the specializedtraining texts or programs used by the various wireline companies.Wireline equipment use nd technology has been growing steadily, along ith significantimprovements in wireline capability. Thisas a natural evolution resulting from the varietyof geographical frontiers and well conditions in which the industry operates today, i.e.,offshore, arctic areas, deserts, inland waters, etc.Chapter 1 contains a brief review of early wireline work and a description of surfaceequipment used in performing various wireline operations. Tool strings and service tools aredescribed in Chapter . Subsurface equipment sed in completion operationsnd productioncontrol is covered in Chapter 3 . Wireline operations, including offshore procedures, areoutlined in Chapter . Illustrations are used throughout this manual to make the words easierto understand.Preparation and review f all material n the third edition f this manual- he fifth in theAPI Vocational Training Seriesof publications dealing with various oilfield operations-was accomplished by a Task Force appointed y the API Executive Committee n Trainingand Development.

Other publications inhe API Vocational Training Seriesre:Book 1: Introduction to Oil and Gas Prod uction,American Petroleum Institute, ProductionDepartment.Book 2: Corrosion of Oil- and Gas-well Equ ipment,American Petroleum Institute, Produc-tion Department. (Sponsored jointly by National Association of Corrosion Engineers andAmerican Petroleum Institute.)Book 3: Subsurface Salt Water njection and Disposal, AmericanPetroleum nstitute,Production Department.Book 6: Gas Lif t , American Petroleum Institute, Production Department, 1994.



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TABLE OF CONTENTSAPI WIRELINE OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES MANUALCHAPTER 1.URFACE EQUIPMENTINTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1WIRELINE ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Solid Wireline .............................................................................................................................. 2Stranded Line ............................................................................................................................... 3Wireline Handling ....................................................................................................................... 3MEASURING DEVICES ............................................................................................................... 4WEIGHT INDICATORS ................................................................................................................ 4REEL SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................. 5FLOOR BLOCKS OR PULLEYS ................................................................................................. 6STUFFING BOXES ......................................................................................................................... 6LUBRICATORS ............................................................................................................................... 7QUICK UNIONS ............................................................................................................................. 7WIRELINE VALVES ...................................................................................................................... 8LINE WIPERS .................................................................................................................................. 8GIN POLES OR MASTS ................................................................................................................ 8CHAPTER 2- OOL STRING AND SERVICE TOOLSINTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 9WIRELINE TOOL STRING AND SERVICE TOOLS .............................................................. 9Wireline Socket ........................................................................................................................... 9Stranded Line Socket ................................................................................................................. 9Wireline Stem (Weight Bars) ................................................................................................. 10Knuckle Joint ............................................................................................................................. 10Wireline Jars .............................................................................................................................. 10TUBING CONDITIONING TOOLS ........................................................................................... 12Tubing Gage ............................................................................................................................... 12Paraffin Scratcher ..................................................................................................................... 12

Tubing Swage ............................................................................................................................ 12Tubing Broach............................................................................................................................ 12Blind Box .................................................................................................................................... 12Impression Block ....................................................................................................................... 12Star Bit ........................................................................................................................................ 13Locator Tools............................................................................................................................. 13Sand B ailer................................................................................................................................ 13Hydrostatic Bailer..................................................................................................................... 13Wireline Spear ........................................................................................................................... 13Wireline Retriever ..................................................................................................................... 13Magnetic Fishing Tool............................................................................................................. 13Non-Releasing Pulling Tools.................................................................................................. 13Releasing Pulling Tools ........................................................................................................... 13Kickover Tool ............................................................................................................................ 14Cutter Bar ................................................................................................................................... 14Go-Devil ...................................................................................................................................... 14Wireline Cutter .......................................................................................................................... 14Sidewall Cutter .......................................................................................................................... 14Shifting or Positioning Tool ................................................................................................... 14Tubing and Casing Caliper ...................................................................................................... 14Bottom Hole PressureGage (Bomb) ....................................................................................... 14Alligator Grab ............................................................................................................................ 15Tubing Perforator...................................................................................................................... 15



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. ......... ...."A P IT I T L E s V T - 5 9 4 m 0732290 0533353 332 m.TABLE OF CONTENTS(Continued)

Choke Extractor ........................................................................................................................ 15SAND BAILING AND WIRELINE FISHING ......................................................................... 16Sand Bailing .............................................................................................................................. 16Wireline Fishing........................................................................................................................ 16CHAPTER 3 - UBSURFACE EQUIPMENTINTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 18SUBSURFACE COMPLETION EQUIPMENT ....................................................................... 18Landing Nipples ........................................................................................................................ 18Removable Locking Devices................................................................................................... 19Polished Nipples ........................................................................................................................ 19Flow Couplings .......................................................................................................................... 19Blast Nipples and Blast Joints ................................................................................................ 20SUBSURFACE PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT....................................................................... 20Equalizing Subs ........................................................................................................................ 20Bottom Hole Chokes ................................................................................................................ 21Bottom Hole Regulators .......................................................................................................... 21Safety Valves .............................................................................................................................. 22Standing Valves and Tubing Stops ........................................................................................ 23SEPARATION AND COMMINGLING EQUIPMENT ........................................................... 25Ported Nipples and Assemblies .............................................................................................. 25Retrievable Valve Mandrels .................................................................................................... 26Sliding Sleeves.......................................................................................................................... 26PACKOFFS..................................................................................................................................... 27Gas Lift Packoffs ...................................................................................................................... 27

Retrievable TubingPlugs ......................................................................................................... 21

TYPICAL ILLUSTRATIONS UTILIZING SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENT........................ 28CHAPTER 4 -WIRELINE OPERATIONS (INCLUDING OFFSHOREPROCEDURES)INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 32WIRELINE SAFETY .................................................................................................................... 32RECOMMENDED OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES ............................................................ 32Land Locations. Wireline Truck or Trailer........................................................................... 32Marine Locations. Inland Waters ........................................................................................... 34Offshore Locations. Platforms and Well Jackets ................................................................. 34GENERAL OPERATIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................................ 35Job Dispatch Sheet.................................................................................................................... 36TYPICAL OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................ 38Running Tools ............................................................................................................................ 38Pulling Tools ............................................................................................................................. 38

Positioning Tools...................................................................................................................... 40

Factors To Consider in alanned Wireline Operation ....................................................... 37

Tubing Conditioning Tools..................................................................................................... 38Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP) Surveys................................................................................... 40Tubing and Casing Caliper Surveys ....................................................................................... 42Fishing Tools and Procedures ................................................................................................. 43General Fishing Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 45Packoff Anchors ........................................................................................................................ 46Tubing Perforators.................................................................................................................... 46SPECIAL PROBLEMS ................................................................................................................. 46Corrosion ..................................................................................................................................... 46



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~..I_ " ~ ~A P I T ITLE*VT-5 9 4 W 07322900533354079~ ~TABLE OF CONTENTS(Continued)

Corrosion of Wireline Equipment........................................................................................... 47Internally Coated Tubing......................................................................................................... 47Sand ............................................................................................................................................. 47Paraffin ........................................................................................................................................ 48Hydrates ...................................................................................................................................... 48Crooked Tubing ......................................................................................................................... 48

RECORD KEEPING ..................................................................................................................... 49GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS .............................................................................................. 49GLOSSARY OF TERMS ........................................................................................................... 50

Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV).................................................... 48

BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 58LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS .................................................................................................... 59



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" ~ ~ - ~A P IT I T L E S V T - 5 94 W 0732290 0533355 T05 W._ _ -Surface Equipment 1

CHAPTER 1SURFACE EQUIPMENT

INTRODUCTIONWirelines have been in use since he early days of the oiland gas industry. The development of surface equipment forsolid wireline operations has kept pace with the developmentof new methods and tools used in well completion, remedialand work-over operations. Solid wireline is used for depth de-termination, deviated hole surveys, temperature and pressuresurveys, paraffin cutting, and cementing operations. Solidwireline may also be used to set, retrieve, and manipulatechokes, circulating plugs, gage cutters, swaging tools, safetyvalves and gas-lift valves.As the oil industry grew from the first shallow well inTitusville, Pennsylvania in 1859 to the first roducing well onthe Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico in 1947,wireline servicing also grew in complexity.ince then, wirelineoperations have kept pace with industry needs for work indeeper and more corrosive wells, deviated holes, and wellsdrilled in deeper water offshore.The expansion of oilfield activities from conventional ter-rain to marsh, muskeg, desert and offshore locations has re-quired mobility in wireline equipment for proper servicing.In the arly days of solid wireline operations few problemsoccurred with mobile equipment.Trucks with wireline winches,skid-mounted equipment, and fixed units mounted at strategiclocations handled most solidwireline work. The truck is nowthe primary transport vehicle for wireline land operations.Wireline equipment was later moved to inland water andmarsh locations by mounting the equipment on speed boats,tugs, or small barges. Today a diesel powered shallow waterspud boat, with a built-in hydraulic system that controls thewireline spool as well as the boat spuds, is usually used in

bayous, streams, marshes or lakes.As oilfield development moved offshore, equipment andmethods of transportation changed. Self-propelled ackup ves-sels are ordinarily used on shallow water locations. The jackupvessel is built on the sameprinciple as a spud barge, exceptthat the spuds are replacedith long legs to jack theboat outof the water. This enables the crew to work in rough seas andwater depths of up to ahundred feet ormore.In remote offshore areas a specially designed skid-mounteddiesel-powered wireline unit with built-in hydraulic pumps and

motors is used. The unit is transported to the offshore plat-form or rig on a upply boat and lifted onto theplatform by acrane.Drilling and completion of oil and gas wells in desert ter-rain is accomplished by mounting the equipment on large-wheeled vehicles (trucks or cars) capable of driving in softsand. Wireline equipment is moved to esert locations the sameway.Weather conditions in arctic areas call for specially designedcold weather units; however, these are also easily transport-able by truck to remote locations.Since early days when the operator used a small hand crankand spool containing a short length of solid wire, many mecha-nisms have been developed for supplying the power source toturn the wireline spool. When the solid wireline proved a prac-tical means of depth determination, and the need for greaterdepth runs developed, the power source alsochanged. Manynew methods of rotating the reel came intose, such as: gaso-line engines equipped with speed-reduction devices; diesel

engines; electric motors; and hydraulic pumps and motors.Due to fire azard on offshore locations, a number of op-erators have restricted the use of sparking power sources andactuating devices. Diesel wireline units operating on the OuterContinental Shelf are required to be equipped with spark ar-restor mufflers and shut down devices on theair intakes.Transporting the wireline and associated equipment to a lo-cation is obviously a necessary part of the job. Surfacequip-ment to be used at the wellsite is likewise an obviousnecessity.The surface equipment required to perform wireline opera-tions depends largely on the well pressure and tubing size.Figure 1-1shows the standard components used in a normalwireline operation on a well with less than 5000 psi surfacepressure and 2% inch ID tubing. The surface equipment listcorresponds to the item numbers in Fig. 1-1."*A certain amount of flexibility must be considered whenrigging u p the surface equipment. The components are namedand numbered only or identification by the reader as they arediscussed in this chapter.



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2 Wireline Operations and ProceduresWIRELINE

l . Wireline2. Measuring Device3. Weight Indicator4. Reel System(s)5. Floor Blocks and Pulleys6. Stuffing Box and Blowout Preventeror Back Pressure Valve.7. Lubricators8. Quick Unions9. Blowout Preventer@)Wireline Valve

10. Gin Pole and Mast11. Bleeder Valve

Fig. 1-1- irelin e s u ~ a c equipment(Example of an arrangement)

The earliest wireline used in measuring well depth was aflat steel tape with marked or stamped figures indicating foot-age, similar to a surveyor's tape. As well depths increased,tape of sufficient length became difficult to obtain. Correctdepth readings were also a problem- tretching of the cali-brated tape under load caused inaccurate measurement. Whenthe flat ape was lowered into a well under pressure, the stuff-ing box and pack-off added to theproblems. These disadvan-tages brought about the adoption of the solid wireline for depthmeasurements and pack-off control. The line was tagged atequal increments of length and the operator kept a record ofthe amount of line reeled in and out. Later, measuring deviceswith calibrated wheels came into use because they were moreconvenient and provided accurate measurements. The mea-suring device is discussed in detail later in this chapter.

Solid WirelineDeeper wells and heavier loads imposed on the measuringlines necessitated development of high-strength steel wirelineto minimize weight of the wire and size of the hoisting equip-ment. A small-diameter wire was developed with the follow-ing results:1.Reduces the load due to its own weight.2. May be lowered over a small-diameter sheave.

TABLE NO. 1(Solid Wireline)WELL-MEASURING WIRE SPECIFICATIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6Nominal Diameter in. 0.066 0.072 0.082 0.092 0.105 O. 108mm 1.68 1.83 2.08 2.34 2.67 2.74

Tolerance on diameter in. -0.001 -0.001 kO.001O.001O.001 -0.001mm -0.03 -0.03 k0.03 k0.03 k0.03 +0.03Breaking strengthMinimum lb ....................................................... 811 961 1239547 1996 2109kN .................................................... 3.61 4.27 5.51.88 8.74 9.38Maximum lb ...................................................... 984 1166 1504877 2421 2560kN .................................................... 4.38.19 6.69.35 10.77 11.38

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Elongation in 10in. (254mm), per centMinimum ........................................................... 1 l 2 1% 1I2 112 1112 112Torsions, minimum number of twists in8 in. (203 mm) ................................................... 32 296309*For well-measuring wire of other materials or coatings, refer to supplier for physical properties,



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Surface Equipment 33. May bewound on a small-diameter spool or reel withoutover-stressing by bending, keeping the size of the reeldrum to minimum.4. Provides a small cross-sectional area for operation un-der pressure.The most common diameter sizes of solid measuring linecurrently in use are: 0.066,0.072,0.082,0.092 and 0.105 inch.Larger diameter line, 0.108 and 0.125 inch, are being used tosome degree inwells with tubing strings larger than 2% inchID . Measuring lines areavailable from themills in onepiecein standard lengths of 10,000, 12,000,15,000, 18,000,20,000and 25,000 feet. The most popular material, because of itshigh ultimate tensile strength, good ductility and relatively lowcost, is improved plow steel. Cold-drawn improvedplow-steelmeasuring line has an ultimate tensile strength of approximately230,000 to 240,000 psi. API Specification 9A, Specification

for Wire Rope" contains a section on well-measuring wirespecifications. Table No. 1 contains requirements from APISpec 9A s well as information developed for this manual.Nowireline manual would be complete without mentioningHydrogen Sulfide (HzS) sometimes referred to as "sour gas",and Carbon Dioxide (COZ).Many wells drilled in the past fewyears have been deeper completions in sour gas reservoirs.Severe corrosion, excessive temperatures and pressures -plusdepth- ave introduced many wireline problems that wereunknown a few years ago. When corrosive components areencountered in a well, cold-drawn improved plow-steel linesmay be affected by hydrogen embrittlement resulting in re-duced service life. For service in hydrogen sulfide atmospheres,

Type 316 stainless steel is ecommended because of its resis-tance to hydrogen embrittlement.The ultimate strength of stain-less steel measuring line isower than that of improved plow-steel, its cost is appreciably greater, and it is ess ductile. It ismore susceptible to cold working which results in brittlenessand reduction of service life. There are several methods whichcan be used in wireline operations to reduce or eliminatepoten-tial problems where corrosive environment is present. Thesemethods are discussed in Chapter 4- ireline Operations.Stranded Line

Stranded line s commonly used to replace solid line whenline size is larger than 0.105-inch and added strength is re-quired. This line is available in the following sizes: % inch(0.125), '164 inch (0.141), %Z inch (0.156), 3/16 inch (0.187),1/4 inch (0.250), and 5/16 inch (0.312).

Wireline HandlingIn order to realize good service and maximum life fromwireline, it isnecessary to take certain precautions in itshan-dling and usage. Figure 1-2 shows the right and wrong prac-tices when transferring or rewinding wireline.1. Properly transferring the measuring line from the ship-

2.

3.4.

5.6.

ping spool to he reel is very important for extending theperformance and service ife of the line. Fig. 1-2(A) showsa recommended setup for rewinding so that the curvatureof the line is ot reversed. Fig. 1-2(B) shows animpropersetup. Improper winding causes reverse bending of theline, making the line more difficult to handle, and caus-ing it to kink and tangle. Fig. 1-2(B) shows a less desir-able arrangement than Fig. 1-2(A) because it induces apartial reversal in the line, but does not affect the line asseverely as the method shown in Fig. 1-2(C). Exercisecaution in using this method, as there is a greater ten-dency for the line to cut into the wooden flanges of thespool, if i t becomes misaligned. Line tension is increasedby frictional drag of the spool on the ground. Best resultsare obtained when both spool and reel aremounted onhorizontal shafts and spaced far enough apart to makelevel winding easier and reduce undercutting.Avoid gripping the line with tools, such as pliers or hard-ened jaws. Nicking or gouging the surface of the wirecan cause failure when the line is ubjected to tensile andbending stresses.Uncontrolled slack and resultant kinking must be avoided.When retrieving the line from thewell, clean the line ofwell fluids (See p.8,Line Wipers), and give it a protec-tive coat of oil as it is reeled onto the drum.Do not pull a line beyond its elastic limit.Before beginning a job or at frequent intervals duringextended work periods, cut 15 to 20 feetof line off thespool and tie another knot.There are imes when a line may need changing because of



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4 Wireline Operations and Procedurescontinuous use, damage, or lack of care. Some ways of detect- 2.ing a bad line are:1.When a line is laid outn the ground and does not forma coil or loop as on the drum. This indicates the line has 3.exceeded its elastic limit and is considered a dead line.

When tying a knot, the wireline breaks easily. Remove afew feet of line and tie a new knot.When kinks will not straighten out. This indicates theline has been subjected to extreme tensions or stress.Change the wireline.

MEASURING DEVICESOne of the most important pieces of wireline equipment isthe measuring device, Fig. 1-3. It is a necessity on any job,whether it is simply measuring shallow well withlead weighton the end of the measuring line, a delicate logging survey, orthe intricate setting or retrieving of a variety of special tools inthe deepest known wells. In order to perform any type ofwireline operation efficiently and safely, the operator must

know the location of the tool with relation to the wellhead orother reference point. Knowing the location of a tool as it ap-proaches the wellhead during retrieval enables the operator tocontrol its speed and bring it to a stop before hitting the well-head sheave or stuffing box. This will help to prevent a fishingjob ordamage to the tool.A mechanical measuring device that has proven accurate,rugged and reliable with minimum maintenance is one whichholds the measuring line in slip-free contact with an ccuratelyground, hardened measuring wheel driving a counter or odom-eter for egistering the linear nits (meters or feet) of line con-tacting the measuring wheel. The measuring device is gener-

ally mounted on moveable supports to allow it freedom tomove.When the measuring wheel is worn, the counter or odom-eter will give falseeadings and the wheel should be replaced.If not replaced, damage could occur by the shaving of thewire from the grooves cut into themeasuring wheel. Duringextended jarring operations, it is recommended the wire betemporarily removed from the assembly. This will prevent thestress associated with the repeated bendingktraightening of

the wire around the measuring wheel. In addition, counterwheels are wire size specific and are not interchangable. Forlarger sizes of wire (.105, .lo8 and .125) thecounter wheeland stuffing box sheave diameter must be increased to preventover-stressing the line which would-cause hardening. Careshould also be taken to avoid over tightening the pressurewheels, which would result in the flattening of the wire andreduced life of the line. Under tightening of the pressure wheelsor worn counter wheels will give false odometer readings.

WEIGHT INDICATORSIn heavy-duty wireline operations when it is necessary toload the measuring line to its maximum safe load (usually inconnection with mechanical or hydraulic ars), the use of sometype of weight-indicating device is necessary. Various typesin use are: Mechanical, Hydraulic and Electronic. A hydraulicweight indicator is shown in Fig. 1-4. These instruments arecalibrated in pounds (ormetric equivalents), and indicate thetotal load on the line athe weight indicator. These indicatorsare eitherncorporated into, ordesigned s attachments, to the

measuring devices.

Fig. 1-3- easuring device

Fig. 1-4- ydraulic weight ifzdicatoryright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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-~ ~A P I T I T L E * V T - 5 9 4 m 0 7 3 2 2 9 0 0 5 3 1 3 5 96 5 0 mSurface Equipment 5

REEL SYSTEMSWireline reels make it possible to conveniently and safelyhandle continuous measuring lines in performing wireline op-erations. Reels are necessary to transport the line from onewellsite to another without damage. Basically, the wireline reel

is a spoolof sufficient size to accommodate the required lengthof line toperform the job. The small easuring reels do notrequire apower source to lower a tool into the well. The weightof the line and tools is sufficient to unwind the line from hereel. However, all presentday reels have provisions for sometype of power source. On the larger reels where slow or con-stant speeds are desired, ransmission or hydraulic brakes areused to lower the tool(s) into the well. Other necessary com-ponents on the reelassembly are: reel drum brake; clutch fordisconnecting from the power source; power source start-and-stop controls; and speed controls where applicable. When awide range of operating speeds is required, multi-speed me-chanical transmissions are sometimes used.

Different types of measuring-reel mountings are:1. Skid or base-mounted- ortable (Fig. 1-5)2. Truck-mounted- ruck-engine-driven (Fig. 1-6)

3 . Trailer-mounted (Fig. 1-7)4. Boat-mounted- ngine-drive (see cover picture)5. Automatic paraffin scraper mounted on wellhead.On most current offshore wireline jobs, doubledrum units(two reels) are used. One is for routine wireline work, and hasapproximately 20,000 feet of 0.082-inch diameter solid line.On the other reel is approximately 20,000 feet of inchstranded line which is used for heavy pulling, such as swab-bing or fishing operations. The reels and hydraulic controlsare mounted on a separate skid from the power unit. Separa-tion of the two is necessary to reduce the weight and ease hetransfer from a supply boat to the offshore platform with aminimum size crane.The newest type of single-reel hydraulic unit fora routine

wireline operation is a compact system with the power sectionbuilt on the sameskid, because it is easily portable it is usedextensively in offshore operations. However, because of itslight weight it should always be properly secured to preventmovement and possible injury.

Fig. 1-5- kid or base-mounted (p ort abl e) measuring reel mounting

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~~ ~ ~ ~A P I T I T L E * V T - 5 94 m 0732290 0533360 372 m~6 Wireline Operations and Procedures

Fig. 1-6- ruck-mounted- ruck engine driven measuring Fig. 1-7- railer-mounted wirelin e reelreel inountng

FLOOR BLOCKS OR PULLEYSWhen the wireline is routed from the reel to the stuffing-box sheave, conditions may require changing the direction ofthe line several times. Floor blocks or pulleys with sheaves,properly sized to prevent over-stress in bending, are used for

this purpose. Snatch-block type pulleys are generally installedon the line o keep from having to thread the end through thepulley supports, Fig. 1-8.Note that the pulley is attached tothe load cell of the weight indicator. For accurate weight indi-cator operation the angle the wire makes around the pulleyshould be 90degrees. Also osition the pulley as close as pos-sible to the lubricator to prevent side loading.

Fig. 1-8- natch-block type pulley

STUFFING BOXESWireline stuffing boxes (Fig. 1-9)are used when it is neces- wireline valve). The purpose of a blowout preventer is to shut-sary to perform work on a well under pressure. The stuffing off the well flow through the stuffing box in the event the pack-box consists of apacking chamber with an external adjustable ing is cut, blown out, or thewire breaks.nut. The nut is either manually or hydraulically tightened tominimize leakage around the line resulting from well pres-sure. In most caseshe stuffing box provides a swivel bracketand sheave which guides the measuring line down into thepacking gland. The radius of the stuffing box sheave must alsobe changed to accommodate larger size wirelines.

When stranded line isused in wellsunder pressure, the mul-tiple lays in the construction of the line make it difficult to sealoff the well. For this reason, a stuffing box was designed witha grease seal. The grease is pumped into thestuffing box un-der pressure, forming a barrier against the flow of wellheadfluids or gases. This comdetelv seals the flow and lubricatesHeavier stuffing boxes can be equipped with a bleedoff the line. This grease-seal stuffing box is used by all wirelineassembly and a place for setting a blowout preventer (not a companies (including electric line) whenever line is equired.

yright American Petroleum Institute

ided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102Not for Resale, 03/26/2007 07:23:27 MDTsseproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

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Surface Equipment 7

Fig. 1-9- tuffing Box

LUBRICATORS

Fig. 1-10- uick union

A lubricator may be described as a number of tubular sec-tions of pipe assembled together with a stuffing box to packoff the wireline on top. The tubular sections are assembled onthe ground (or platform) and held together with quick unions.The entire assembly is then raised to a vertical position abovethe wireline valve. The size andength of the assembly mustaccommodate the workover tools, any fish that might possi-bly be recovered, and have a working pressure rating equal toor higher than the string of pipe hrough which the tools arelowered. The lubricator is generally standard in length-usthigh enough tohandle the longest string of tools between thewireline valve and the tuffing box and is easily transported toand from the location. For offshore wireline operations, thelubricator may be as long as twenty feet without the union

connectors: however, most boats and platforms are equippedwith either hydraulic gin poles or cranes so the length andweight present no problem.Specially designed lubricators are used when problem situ-ations arise, such as exposure to sour gas (Hydrogen Sul-

fide)orCarbon Dioxide. he lubricator s generally constructedof low alloy steel, heat treated and softened to comply withNational Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Stan-dard MR-01-75, 1978 Revision, Section 11.9.5. Lubricatorsshould be tested as referenced in 30 CE% 250 or AFI 14B.Test the lubricator to maximum anticipated well pressure, butdo not exceed the manufacturers recommended workingpressure.

QUICK UNIONSQuick unions are connectors which are screwed or welded union and is secured by a large nut which is screwed to theon each end of all lubricator sections, and are designed with female half. It should not be disconnected while there is pres-an O-ring type seal tohold the well pressure (Fig. 1-10). As a sure on the lubricator.safety feature, one alf of the union slips inside the ther half



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8 Wireline Operations and ProceduresWIRELINE VALVES

The wireline valve is a ram-equipped device used on the anticipated well pressure, but do not exceed the manufacturer'swellhead to prevent or control blowouts, Fig. 1-11. In addi- recommended working pressure.tion to providing positive protection against blowouts, thewireline valve is a means of isolating the well pressure fromthe lubricator without cutting or damaging the line. This isoften necessary during wireline fishing operations. It is ac-complished by manually or hydraulically pressing together aset of rams made of resilient packing to form a seal. Once thevalve is closed, the ubricator can be bled off.After removingand changing wireline tools, the lubricator must be repressur-ized before opening the rams. This is doneby opening a spe-cial equalizing valve on the side of the wireline valve. It al-lows the well pressure to be routed around the closed ramsinto the lubricator. Then therams can be easily opened with-out damaging the tool string or ubricator. Regulation govern-ing offshore wireline operations require the use of at lease onewireline valve. The valve should be pressure tested beforebeginning any job. Test the wireline valve to the maximum Fig. 1-11- ireline valve Blowo utpreventer)

LINE WIPERSWhen retrieving the wireline from a well, the fluid clinging presses the rubber plug until it envelopes the line and strips itto the line drips or is thrown off the floor blocks and pulleys, of fluid. This line wiper has a hinge pin to anchor it to thecreating a possible safety, maintenance and housekeeping pro- floor block or pulley frame for alignment on the line. Otherblem. Line wipers of various types generally do a very effec- types are built on the same principle as the stuffing box, con-tive job of cleaning the line at r near the wellhead. One form taining packing and an adjustable gland for cleaning the line.

of line wiper is a housing with an internal split neoprene rub- Oil from the wiper should be collected i n a suitable container.ber plug. This plug has a threaded bolt adjustment that com-

GIN POLES OR MASTSDuring wireline work-over operations when it isnecessaryto use tall high-pressure lubricators and heavy tool strings,removing and replacing the heavy loaded lubricator off andon the wellhead becomes a problem. A stiff leg, with a block

and tackle, electric hoist, or mast-type structure (Fig. 1-12)mounted on a truck is sometimes used to handle the lubricator.When the work is performed on a rig, an air hoist or cat linecan be used. Wireline boats have a special mast or crane to dothe job. On offshore platforms, a platform crane, or an A-frametype structure over the well is used. However, it is recom-mended that a gin pole and a block and tackle be available asa backup, in the event othermeans of lifting is not available.

Fig. 1-12- ruck mounted rigyright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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Tool String and Service Tools 9CHAPTER 2TOOL STRING AND SERVICE TOOLSINTRODUCTION

Various tools frequently used in wireline operations are de- are included, along with their application to fishing jobs whichscribed in this chapter. Descriptions of special fishing tools sometimes occur during wireline operations.

WIRELINE TOOL STRING AND SERVICE TOOLSWirelineSocket

The wireline (rope) socket (Fig. 2-1) fastens the wire to thetool string. The mostommon rope socket consists of a body,spring, spring support, and disc. The body is bored to accom-modate the nner parts, accept the wireline through the upperend and the stem frombelow. Near the upper end is a fishingneck that accepts pulling tools in standard sizes. Above thefishing neck, the body is tapered to guide theulling tool andfacilitate its ngagement. The flaton the upper end is a strik-ing surface to prevent peening the metal and closing the wirehole, if the socket is subjected to jarring during fishing or otheroperations.The spring acts as a shock absorber to prevent the knot fromfailing under severe impact, as during jarring operations. Thespring support centers the disc and the load so that the force

applied is a straight pull.

support

The wireline is fastened to the disc which is grooved aroundits entire circumference. This groove is deep enough to pre-vent damage to the line when the disc comes to bear againstthe spring support. To absorb the punishment to which it maybe subjected, the knot fastening the wire to the disc must betied with great care.

Stranded LineSocketThe stranded line socket serves the same purpose as thewireline socket. It provides the means by which a strandedline is fastened to the tools. It is secured by babbitt instead ofbeing tied around a spool. Slip type rope sockets (Fig.2-2) aredesigned to be used with small stranded lines, through5/16 nchdiameter.In some nstances a rope socket with no knot may have to

be used on conventional solid wireline. Conditions such assour service require using a special metallurgy solid wirelinewhich does not have much capability to withstand torsion ef-fects. A no-knot or wedge-type rope socket similar to thestranded line socket should be used in these cases. However,remember to include a knuckle joint below the rope socket oprovide the needed swivel action.

BODY

SLIPC A R R I A G ESETS C R E W

L O W E RSUB

Fig. 2-1- ireline (ro pe ) socket and knot-tying techniques Fig. 2- 2- tranded Line Socketyright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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10 Wireline Operations and ProceduresWireline Stem (Weight Bars)

The stem (Fig. 2-3) provides the weight to pull the wirelinetool string into thewell. The stem also adds the needed weightfor jarring operations or shearing metal pins which releaserunning and pulling tools. The stems influence may be in-creased or decreased by changing its total weight, i.e., the to-tal number of lengths of stem. To increase weight without in-creasing length, weighted stems are sometimes used. Theseare made by using a good grade of 4140 or imilar steel tubesand filling them with lead. Box and pin ends are then screwedon the ends and welded in place to keep them from backingoff. A stem is essentially a round rod with a pin connectionand fishing neck at theupper end, and a box connection at thelower end. Stems can be provided in outside diameters of 3/4in. 11/4 in., l/z in., and 13/4 in. They are usually made in 2-ft, 3-ft, or5-ft lengths.

Stems also have special pplications. They may be used asspacers when it becomes necessary to position tools at a higherlevel in the tubing. For instance, in perforating perations where

Fig. 2-3- ireline s tem

Sub

Roll Pin

Socket

Ball Pin

Box

Fig. 2-4 -Knuckle joint

a tubing stop has been set, the stem will space the perforationat a slightly higher level, if desired. A stem may also be placedimmediately below jars to position them at a higher level inthe tubing string when there is apossibility of their being fouledby wire during fishing operations. Other uses will be dis-cussed later in the chapter.Knuckle Joint

The knuckle joint (Fig. 2-4) is similar to a stem, but has aball swivel in its mid-section. Its purpose is to provide flex-ibility in the string of tools to facilitate taking hold of varioustools, and to enable he tools to pass through crooked tubingwhere they might otherwise be fouled. The knuckle oint, whenused in the string of wireline tools, should be immediatelybelow the jars where flexibility is important. If crooked tub-ing is encountered, knuckle joints may be placed between thestem and jars; and, in extremely crooked tubing, between theindividual stems.The knuckle joint should be inspected frequently to makecertain that the threads and ball and roll pins are in good con-dition. If the roll pins become loose, the tool should be sent infor rebuilding to prevent its coming apart in the well.

Wireline JarsThe purpose of the wireline jar is to provide a means ofstriking the wireline tools while they are in the well. The strik-ing force can be ither up or down. Stroke jars,ubular jars,and hydraulic jars are the most common, and they are avail-able in various sizes and strokes.Stroke jars Fig. 2-5) are of the cable-tool type and use theweight of stems, connected immediately above, to deliver ef-fective jarring impacts by manipulation of the wireline at thesurface. Their effectiveness is largely dependent upon theweight of the stem and length of the stroke. However, the sizeand depth of the tools, density and viscosity of the fluid n thetubing, well pressure, and even wireline size are actors whichmust be considered. Stroke jars arecomposed of two pieceslinked together much like long chain links. They are free o beextended or collapsed. In use, a string of tools consists of awireline socket, one or more stems, wireline jars, and someform of operational tool (running or pulling tool, etc.) This

tool string is lowered into thewell bore on a solid steel mea-suring line. Bv manipulating the wireline at the surface, thejars may be extended or collapsed. If theyare extended gradu-ally or gently and permitted to collapse abruptly, a downwardblow will be delivered. If extended abruptly, an upward im-pact will result.

The use of 1-l/2 in. outside diameter (OD) stroke jars inpipe larger than 2- Ih in. inside diameter (D)s not recom-mended,as this may allow the jars to ow or buckle and causea scissoring ofhe two sections thereby preventing them fromentering restricted openings. This is especially true when theyare used in casing below a string of tubing.



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Tool String and Service Tools 11Tubular jars (Fig. 2-6) are ordinarily used in connectionwith jarring in casing or large tubing, during fishing orsandbailing operations. The jars tubular in construction, andthe tube section is perforated for fluid bypass when the plungeris moved up or down.Hydraulic jars (Fig. 2-7) are designed for upward jarringonly. The impactof the stroke is roportional to thestrain onthe wireline and the weight of the stem ection used above thejars.Since hydraulic jars do not permit downward jarring, me-chanical jars are run in conjunction with and usually belowthem to provide for downward jarring action. Then, too, if thehydraulic jars fail tounction properly because of loss of fluid

or gas filtering into thechamber, the mechanical jars may beused to complete the operation. The hydraulic jar consistsbasically of an oil-filled body, machined internally over a por-tion of its length to restrict the movement of a tight fittingpiston. As the piston moves upward through the body, it deliv-ers the jarring stroke. A balanced piston in the lower bodysection maintains equalized pressure with the outside hydro-5

Fig. 2.5- troke ja r~ ~

LOCKING Pst4

JARRINGECTION

Fig. 2-6- Tubrdarjar

static pressure. As strain is taken on the line, the piston move-ment is comparatively slow through the restricted body sec-tion because of the smaller annular clearance for the oil tobypass the piston. The jarring stroke occurs as the pistonreaches the larger internal body area where the oil bypasseseasily to rovide rapid movement of the piston against the bodyinsert. After the jar has been tripped, the weight of the stemcollapses the piston for another stroke. Hydraulic jars shouldbe checked by collapsing the mandrel, then pulling on the topsub while holding the lower sub. If the mandrel moves easilyor has a springing action when released, the jar is not func-tioning properly and should be repaired.

Knuckle jars (Fig. 2-8) are items of accessory equipmenton wireline units and are similar in construction to the knucklejoint. The difference is that the knuckle jar has a floating ballwithin a 4-in. socket and, in effect, is a tubular jar. Knucklejars are commonly used as a means of jarring the stem loose

I"I-M I D D L EOD YF J S E R TM A N D R E L O N - E X T R U S I O NI N GM A N D R E LE A L R O T E C T O R I G GM G N D R E LE A LF I L LL U GF I L L - P L U G E A LM I D D L E B O G YPJSEET SEALM I C D L EO D Y

V A L V E - P L U G S P R I N GV A L V E - P L U G S E A TV A L V E - P L U G S E A LV A L V EL U G

L O C K I N GI N

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E G L LP I S T O N O N - E X T R U S I O N I N GP I S T O NE A LPISTOPJROTECTOR RlPJGB A L B N C EI S T O NO C K I N GIN

BOXB O T T O M U B

Fig. 2-7- ydrarclic ja rFig. 2-8 Knrrckle ja ryright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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18/67

12 Wireline Operations and Proceduresfrom wedged places in the tubing when mechanical jars are stuck choke or imilar control. It can also be used to put a holefouled. With proper handling, the knuckle jar can be used to through a bull plug or to take a deep impression with an im-advantage as a jarring mechanism, but is not recommended pression block. It is almost impossible to get mechanical jarfor such use except in an emergency. to hit hard enough to loosen a stuck choke in an extremelydeep or crooked hole. The explosive jar can therefore be ofgreat value.he explosive jar strikes downward with an explosive forcethat drives a hammer. (The knuckle joint and upper barrel ofthe perforator are used for the explosive force.) It can be re- The tension jar accomplishes the same purpose as the hy-loaded and used again. The main purpose of this jar is o strike draulic jar, except that this jar isspring loaded and the actiona hard downward blow when it is necessary to knock loose a is mechanical rather than hydraulic.

TUBING CONDITIONINGTOOLSTubing Gage

A tubing gage (Fig. 2-9) should be run prior to running orpulling a subsurface control. This assures the operator that thetubing is unobstructed. This tool may also be used as a paraf-fin cutter.

Paraffin ScratcherThere are several types of tools used to cut or cratch paraf-fin. Fig. 2-10 shows one type f paraffin scratcher. It can alsobe used to scrape the ubing wall, clean landing nipples, andfish small pieces of wireline loose in he well. It is sually runbefore running the ubing gage.

Tubing SwageA tubing swage (Fig. 2-11) is designed to swage out tight ormashed places in the tubing string. The outside diameter ofthe swage is the sames the driftdiameter of the tubing.

Tubing BroachA broach is a tool run to remove metal burrs and imperfec-tions from the tubing wall prior to running or pulling service

tools. It is equipped with graduated rings, diamonds, or seg-ments that are case hardened and highly sharpened. One formof tubing broach is shown in Fig. 2-12.Blind Box

A blind box (Fig. 2-13) is a service tool used when heavydownward jarring is required. The tool is flat on the bottomand hardened so as not to damage easily.Impression Block

An impression block (Fig. 2-14) is a lead or babbit filledcylinder with a pin through the leaded section to prevent los-ing the lead. This tool is used during fishing operations to as-certain the shape or size of the top of the fish and may indicatethe type of tool necessary for the next operation.

UFig. 2-9-Paraf lncu t t eror F i g . 2 - 1 0 - Paraf f intubing gagecratcher Fig. 2-11- ubing swage Fig. 2-12- ubing broach



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Tool String and Service Tools 13

Fig. 2-13- lirld box Fig. 2-14 -Impression blockStar Bit

The star bit (Fig. 2-15) has blades on the bottom to cut orbreak up debris in the hole to drive thedebris through an in-tended workover interval.Locator Tools

These tools are designed to locate seating nipples, the bot-tom of the tubing, and the bottom of the well bore all in onewireline trip.The tubing-end locator (Fig. 2-16) is used to accurately lo-

cate the endof the tubing string. Before the tool is run, it isimperative that tubing is cleared by running a tubing gage orbailer. This ensures that the locator will pass through the endof the tubing. A paraffin scratcher may also be used to locatethe endof the tubing, eliminating the need for the tubing-end

BODY

EXPCt iDCBLESPRING0%SHECR PI NP I V O T PI N

F I N

Fig. 2-15- ta rbit Fig. 2-16- lbirtg elld locatorWireline Spear

The wireline spear, or grab (Fig. 2-19) consists of a hous-ing with one, two, or three prongs with pointed barbs weldedto the inner side. This tool is used to fish wireline that hasbroken in the well.Wireline Retriever

This tool (Fig. 2-20) consists of a slotted guide and skirt,with a tapered spear point connected to a moveable inner man-drel. The fullgage skirt forces he straight standing end ofthe broken wire past the spear point and slotted guide. Whenthe inner mandrel is moved up, the wire is locked on the slip.This tool is especially useful and necessary when fishing forembrittled wire because retrieving does not require bendingor crimping the line.

locator. MagneticishingoolSandailer The magnetic tool is used to fishrom the well bore any

The sand bailer (pump type, Fig. 2-17) is designed to re-move sand, mud, salt, paraffin, shale, or other debris from the Non-ReleasingPullingToolstubing or casing. Itmay also be used as a bottom hole sampler.small metallic object that would be attracted to a magnet.

The non-releasing pulling tool is designed to fishylindri-Hydrostaticailer cal necks or tools that have no standard fishing neck. It should

The hydrostatic bailer (Fig. 2-18) is a cylinder or barrelabout 5 ft . long, with a shear disc mechanism on bottom. Thecylinder is sealed off from well pressure with O-rings, and islowered into the well at atmospheric pressure. When the ob-struction is reached, the shear disc is broken by downwardjarring. This sheared disc allows the full well pressure and

only be used in a final effort to retrieve subsurface deviceswhen other releasing tools have failed. There are everal typesavailable. One is an vershot, shown in Fig. 2-21. It should berun with a rope socket and in conjunction with a releasingpulling tool to give the operator the advantage of being ableto shear off at the pulling tool if needed.hydrostatic head to enter the cylinder with a sudden surge. ReleasingullingoolsThe sand or debris is prevented from falling out by a check.This too should be used only when attempting to remove de- Pulling tooh are used to retrieve subsurface tools that havebris from above a subsurface control or some object that will a standard fishing neck. They consist of a skirt and multipleprevent it from burying itself. (See page 40) dogs screwed onto a spring loaded core.The ore has a brassor steel shear pin, which can be sheared by either jarring up or



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14 Wireline Operations and Proceduresdown, depending on the type of tool. Jarring releases the pull-ing tool from thesubsurface tool when it cannot be retrieved.These tools can be repinned many times to add or subtractstem, or change the tool hookup before running back in thewell.

Kickover ToolThe kickover tool is used to selectively locate mandrels thathouse retrievable side-pocket equipment. They can be of ei-ther orienting or non-orienting design.Cutter Bar

A cutter bar is a stem with a blind box attached to the bot-tom. It is used to cutoff line at he wireline socket.Go-Devil

A go-devil is a slotted stem with a fishing neck. It isusedwhen the tool string is entangled in or below the wireline. Thisfishing tool is illustrated in Fig. 2-22 and its operation de-scribed in Chapter 4.

Wireline CutterThe wireline cutter (Fig. 2-23) utilizes a small cylindricalknife section within a slotted body to cutany solid line eitherwithin or below the tubing by simply attaching the slottedassembly around the lineand dropping it into the tubing. Theline is cut as the tapered knife and snipper move together uponimpact against the wireline socket ora solid object.

Fig. 2-17- ump-type bailer Fig. 2-18- ydrostaticbailer

TOPsu0

LOCKPIN%u0SKIRTMANDREL

LOCKPINsu 0RETNNER

SLIP

GUIDESLOTTEDS P M RWlNTFig. 2-19- ireline spear Fig. 2-20- irelineretriever

Sidewall CutterThis tool is equipped with knives that overlap a taperedmandrel to cut the line against the tubing wall. It is sed whenthe tools are stuck, the line has not parted, but the tools havebeen blown up the hole. It can be run with the tool string andset at any point in the tubing. Fig. 2-24 is a diagram of a sidewallcutter.

Shifting or Positioning ToolThe shifting or positioning tool is used to open or close a

sliding side door or sliding sleeve. It may also be used as anipple locator. Several types are available.Tubing and Casing Caliper

Calipers are instruments for detecting and recording the in-ternal condition of the tubing or casing. They may be run onwireline under pressure. Typical caliper instruments areshownin Fig. 4-10.Bottom Hole Pressure Gage (Bomb)

This instrument is used to record bottom hole pressure andtemperature. It is usually run on a conventional wireline.



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Tool String and Service Tools 15

S L I P YENGREL

UPPERUTTERSUB MANDREL BAND

BODYLOWER CUTTER

PIN SLIP CARRIERBODYFILLERPUTE SPLIT RICGNNER LIP PRING

INNER LIP BARREL CRIMPERINNER SLIPS UIDE

OUTER SLIP PRINGKNIFE

OUTERLIP BARRELBOTTOMfi P

O U T E RL I P S @Fig. 2-21- vershot non- Fig. 2-22- o-Devil Fig. 2-23- ireline cutterig . 2-24- idewallreleasing pulling

Alligator GrabThe alligator grab is a tool used to pick up small objectsthat may have been accidentally lostor dropped in the well. It

is designed with jaws similar in shape tohose of an alligator,which are pinned open before running into the well. Thesejaws snap closed when contact is madewith the fish, and areheld closed by the tension of a coiled spring.Tubing Perforator

This isa tool run on wireline to perforate a hole in the tub-ing to erform remedial work. Both mechanical and explosivetype perforators are available. The tool is more fully describedin Chapter 4.Choke Extractor

The extractor was primarily designed to pull side-doorchokes when pressure in the casing-tubing annulus is greaterat the anding nipple than thepressure inside the tubing.The choke xtractor (Fig.2-25) is pressure-operated and isused in conjunction with pulling tools. It consists of a sub toattach a pulling tool, a fishing neck, an equalizing sub, twochoke cups which are mechanically expanded, and a spring-loaded ball which prevents flow through the extractor.In wireline operations, when the foregoing conditions existand normal pulling operations are used, a pressure over-bal-ance in the casing causes the tools and side door to be blown

up the hole and the wire to ball up when the lower packingpasses over theside-door ports.

PRONG EXTENSION

CHOKE CU P

CUP EXPANDER

Fig. 2-25- hoke extractoryright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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16 Wireline Operations and ProceduresThe extractor also has uses for pulling heavy loads that are if it is necessary to pump through the extractor, the spring-not practical for wireline operations. When pressure condi- loaded ball allows flow through the assembly.tions are such hat a differential can be taken across an extrac- An extractor should not be used near the surface especiallytor, a nest of wire can be pulled; tools entwined in wire and in gas wells. A sudden release of an extractor with a high dif-dragging excessively can usually be extracted. ferential near the surface may cause damage to ellhead con-nections, and may even blow surface connections away and

not pulled and the pin in the pulling tool does not shear, a When running xtractors, be sure the equalizingport is open.small port allows pressure to equalize cross the extractor be- When pulling them, be sure no pressure differential existsfore an attempt is made toull with another pulling tool. Also, across the extractor.

Design of the extractor is such that if a subsurface control is cause a well to become wild.

SAND BAILING AND WIRELINE FISHINGSand Bailing

Sand bailing is a complex operation requiring patience andperseverence. When sand accumulates in the tubing, it is usu-ally in the formof a bridge that can be removed by making afew trips with a sand bailer. However, at times an operatormay encounter a bridge with 100f t or more of sand. This takesmuch longer to remove.

There are several types of sand bailers available (See Fig.2-17 and 2-18). All of them can successfully remove sand,depending on certain well conditions. Most sand bailers con-sist of a cylinder and a piston with a ball check on top. Thepiston is manipulated up and down by up and down movementof the wireline, creating a suction. The cylinder housing thepiston fills with sand or debris due to the vertical motion ofthe piston. After the load tube is filled, the bailer is pulled tothe surface andemptied by removing the bottom sub.

It is dvisable to run a leaded impression block before bail-ing when reaching the depth where a subsurface control isexpected. The impression block will indicate the depth of thecontrol and bemarked with the impression of sand, debris, orthe control fishing neck. An impression of sand or debris mayrequire bailing. Chapter 4 contains additional information onsand and sand bailing operations.Wireline Fishing

Fishing for wireline that has been lost in the hole is an op-eration that takes both skill and patience. The first step s todetermine the depth to the op end of the line. This is of primeimportance. If the end of the line is passed with a wirelinespear and the line is grabbed very far below its top end, theline will ball up above the tools causing them to stick as thespear is pulled outf the hole.Most of the time, wireline will stand straight in the tubing.

As a rule of thumb, 0.082 or0.092-in. wire will fall about 3 ftper 1,000 ft in 2%-in. tubing, and about 5 f t per 1,000 ft. in27/s-in. tubing. For example, assume a wireline parts at thesurface as the operator is pulling a 2-in. safety valve from anipple at 10,400 t. If the line breaks at the truck, and the depthmeter reading is 10,000 ft, he tools will fall back down hole

to the 10,400-ft nipple. Assuming that the wireline remainingin the hole will drop 3 ft per 1,000ft of depth, the end shouldbe found in the tubing at about 430 ft. Fishing operations shouldbegin at 400 ft. Asfirst step, the operator should run a com-bination wire finder and spear. Thespear locates the end ofthe line and, at the same time, grabs it with sufficient bite topull the fish to the surface.If the combination tool fails to pull the fish (lost tools), afull-gage tool should be run to find the end of the line, and toball up he line sufficiently below the tool to enable the opera-tor to grab it with a 2-pronged spear. This spear may need tobe jarred into the balled line with two or three strokes of thejars. This should cause the spear to bite the line, allowing itto be pulled to the surface.Upon reaching the surface, the wireline valve must be closedon the line hat has been fished out. The operator must makesure he has enough lubricator to hold the fishing tools andenough room for the spear to be several feet above the wirelinevalve. Pressure should then be bled from the lubricator, theunion disconnected above the wireline valve, and enough linestripped through the valve to thread back through the lubrica-tor. The end of the line can then be tied to the reel, and the fishpulled out of the hole.At times the line may break during lengthy jarring opera-tions, such as when attempting to pull a stuck choke. If theline breaks at the truck during such an operation and the line

luckily hangs up on the stuffing box sheave, the operator canclose the wireline valve on the line. If this occurs, there aretwo courses of action: First, a cutter bar (stem with blind box)can be dropped and the line cut at the wireline rope socket;second, a wireline snipper can be used. The snipper is similarin shape to a stem, but is slotted to accept the line. It actuallyrides the line down until the wireline rope socket is eached.This type of cutter usually crimps the linewhen making its cutat the socket. The crimp or bend will, in most cases, hold thecutter on the end of the line so it can be retrieved with the line.This is desirable when there is little or o pressure on the well.In wells with pressure, the line will blow out of the stuffingbox when pulled within several hundred feet of the surface,because the weight of the cutter is not sufficient to overcome



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Tool String and Service Tools 17pressure across the stuffing box. The cutter would then strikethe top of the lubricator with great force and might cause somedamage. This should beaken into consideration before usingthis tool.

In cases where the line reaks at the surface, tools are stuckdown hole, and the line fallsown the hole (below the tubingflange), drop a cutter bar (stem and blind box) and wait a suf-ficient length of time for t to reach the wireline socket. Thecutter will strike the socket ith enough force to cut the line,or will crimp the line enough fort to break when pulled on.The operator may then run a spear and fish out the line. Apulling tool may then be run to fish out the cutter bar. It isadvisable to run the cutterbar with a regular wireline socketon top.

When the line breaks at the surface and falls back into thewell, but the end of the line tays lodged in the Christmas tree(which has a larger bore than the tubing), it is ometimes im-possible to grab the end of the line. If this happens, a cutterbar must be dropped first, then a sidewall cutter run, and the

cut made about 4 or 5 ft below the tubinghead flange. Thisshort piece will fall down the tubing and can be fished outlater. Next, the sidewall cutter is pulled from the hole and asuitable spear is run. If the cutter bar has reached the wirelinesocket, the line can be pulled. If the bar has not cut the line,enough line can be stripped through the wireline valve to en-able the operator to drop wireline snipper.Prior to droppingthe snipper, a go-devil should be dropped. It will provide acutting surface for the wireline snipper. After the lines pulled(measure it as it is pulled), a pulling tool is run to recover thesnipper, go-devil, and cutting bar.

In some instances it may be necessary to fish out old linethat has been left in the well for a considerable length of time.The line may be corroded and so brittle that it breaks easilyrequiring it to be fished out in short pieces. In this case, a goodtool to try is an alligator grab. A magnetic tool may be used ifextremely small pieces of wire have fallen on top of a subsur-face control.



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" "~"A P II T L E * V T - 5 9 4 0732290 0533372 09418 Wireline ODerations and Procedures

CHAPTER 3SUBSURFACE EQUIPMENTINTRODUCTION

Various types of subsurface completion, production con- their importance to safety and environmental protection, thetrol, and separation and commingling equipment associated Federal and State Regulatory Agencies have special require-with servicing by wireline are discussed in this chapter. Many ments for someof these devices used in offshore operations.applications of this equipment are also included. Because of (See Page 9)

SUBSURFACE COMPLETION EQUIPMENTLanding Nipples

A landing nipple is a short tubular nipple with tubinghreadsthat is run in the well on the ubing string to a predetermineddepth. Landing nipples are internally machined to receive alocking device which has a precision-machined profile thatlocks a production flow control device in the tubing string.The landing nipple is honed to receive high-pressure and high-temperature packing for sealing purposes. The packing is con-tained on the removable locking device. Landing nipples arefurnished in all nominal tubing sizes, weights, and threads,with or without ports (ported nipples are discussed under Sepa-ration and Commingling Equipment), and are available in twobasic types, selective and non-selective. Landing nipples arenormally constructed of special alloy steels, stainless steels,or monel, with strength ratings equal to or greater than thetubing string.

A non-selective landing nipple (Fig. 3-1) is receiver for alocking device. As illustrated below, it utilizes a no-go prin-ciple (reduced I.D.) to locate the locking device in the landingnipple. This requires that the outside iameter of the lockingdevice be lightly larger than the smallest internal diameter ofthe nipple.A selective landing nipple is essentially full-opening. Morethan one can be run in a tubing string if all have the sameinternal dimensions (Fig. 3-2). All selective landing nipplesutilize a mechanical principle for locating removable equip-ment.

Some advantages of using a landing nipple when completinga well are:

l .Plug well from above, below, or both directions.2. Test tubing string.3 . Set tubing safety valve.4. Set bottom-hole regulator.5. Set bottom-hole choke.6. Land slim-hole packer.7.Hang bottom-hole pressure gage with orwithout packoff.8. Hang sand screen.9. Locate and land pump with or without holddown.10.Set standing valve.11. Hang extension pipe.12.Set nipple stop.13.Reference point for checking measurements.14.Set hydraulic packers.15.Set injection safety valve.

LOCKINGRECESSSEALING SECTION

NO-GOING

NO-GO RING

LOCKING RING

SEALING SECTION

Fig. 3-1- on-selective landing nipples Fig. 3-2- elective landing nipple .yright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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. - .. "~~ .API T I T L E S V T - 5 94 0732290 0533373 T 2 0~ -=Subsurface Equipment 19

Removableockingevices The collar-lock (Fig. 3-4) locks in the collar recesses ofcollared tubing strings and is designed to hold ressure differ-lockingdevices 'Ock and in the tubing string' ential from either direction depending upon the attached con-subsurface production may be attached to trol.ne lip-type lock (Fig.-5) consists oftbe slips mountedthese devices. There aretwo basic types of removable lockingdevices. on a tapered body that wedges the slips outward, effecting alock against the tubing wall. Slip-type locks are designed toLanding-nipple locking devices locate, lock, and seal in a hold pressure from one direction only, and are imited in pres-landing nipple. This type of lock (Fig. 3-3) is considered su- sure differential. It is possible that slips could damage the coat-periorother types in that it: ing in wells equipped with coated tubing.l . Provides a positive lock; the ocking dogs are mechani-cally wedged out into themachined locking recess pro-vided in the anding nipple.2. Contains high pressure and high temperaturesealing ringsthat are positioned in the nternally machined and honedportion of the landing nipple.3. Is rated normally at 10,000psi differential.4. Locks and seals pressure differential from either direc-tion, depending upon production control attached.5 . Is more easily set and retrieved by wireline because ofthe internayexternal imensions.Tubing ID locking devices are designed to lock and packoff removable subsurface controls in tubing strings which havenot been equipped with landing nipples. This type lockingdevice uses cup or rubber element type seals which pack offagainst the tubing wall. Pressure-differential ratings are con-siderably less than those of the landing-nipple locking device,and the effectiveness of the seal isreatly dependent upon thecondition of the tubing wall. There are twoasic types of tub-ing ID locking devices.

LANDINGNIPPLE

FISHING NECK

LOCKINGDOGS

SEALING RINGS

Fig. 3-3- anding-nipple locking device~

FISdlNG RECESS

CO-LCRLOCKIN DOGSSECLING ELEMEUT yFig. 3-4- ollar lock

F IS il NO N E C K - m

LOCUING

SELLING

Fig. 3-5- lip-type lockPolished Nipples

A polished nipple is a short tubular nipple with tubingthreads. It is constructed of the same materials as the landingnipple. A polished nipple does not contain locking recesses,but is machined and internally honed to receive a sealing sec-tion. Polished nipples may be used in conjunction with land-ing nipples, sliding sleeves, blast joints, and otherompletionequipment. For example, in Fig. 3-6 a landing nipple is at-tached to the top of a blast joint and a polished nipple is at-tached to the bottom of the same blast joint. The landing nipplereceives the removable locking and sealing device for an t-tached spacer pipe. The lower sealing section is positioned inthe polished nipple. The removable assembly permits the iso-lation of this blast joint in the event f communication causedby erosion.

Flow CouplingsA flow coupling is tubular in construction, normally 2 to 4ft long, and usually made of high-grade alloy steel (Fig. 3-7).The flow coupling is machined with coupling-size outside di-mensions and full tubing inside dimensions which furnish agreater wall thickness as protection against possible internalerosion and corrosion. Flow couplings are positioned imme-diately above and, on some ccasions, below a landing nippledesigned to receive a production control such as a tubing safety

valve, bottom-hole regulator, bottom-hole choke, etc.



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20 Wireline Operations and Procedures

LANDING

Fig. 3-6- olished nipple blast joint, anding nippleBlast NipplesAnd Blast Joints

Blast nipples are discussed in this section because of theimportant role they play in a planned completion utilizing otherwireline completion equipment. They are constructed of vari-ous types of materials, with external and internal dimensionssimilar to those of flow couplings.

Blast joints are usually manufactured in lengths of 10,20and 30 ft , and are run in the tubing string and positioned op-posite perforated intervals in multiple completions. This givesadded protection against erosion resulting from jetting actionsof producing perforations.

TUBING ___c

F LO W COUPLING-

LANDING NIPPLE-

FLOW C O U P L I N G 4

Fig. 3-7- low couplingSUBSURFACE PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT

Retrievable subsurface production controls are run in thetubing string under pressure by wireline and locked and sealedthere to perform particular functions. These functions aid inproviding safety, increased environmental protection, and ad-ditional savings in remedial operation costs. This work isaccomplished without the use of conventional workover pro-cedures and without disturbing the Christmas Tree orpackersettings.

Equalizing SubsEqualizing subs (Fig. 3-8) provide a means of equalizingdifferential pressures across subsurface controls prior to re-opening or retrieving them from the tubing string. They areusually run between the locking device and the productioncontrol. There are two basic types of equalizing subs. Onetype utilizes an equalizing prong attached to a pulling tool.The prong shears a knockout plug, opensaspring-loadedvalvewhich protrudes into thebore of the sub, or shears and'forces

a pinned sleeve valve with O-rings off seat. Another type re-quires retrieving an equalizing prong that is attached to the Fig. 3-8 -Equalizing subyright American Petroleum Instituteided by IHS under license with API Licensee=Vetco Aibel (Sandnes)/5925731102


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~"_A P I TITLE*VT-5 94 m 0732290 0533375 8 T 3 m~Subsurface Equipment 21

locking device by a shear pin. All production controls that aresubjected to pressure differentials should be run with equaliz-ing devices. Under situations that may permit sand, scale, andother debri

api vt-5 wireline operations and procedures 3rd ed. book 5 of the vocational training series

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