Drilling & Workover Organization

Property Damage - Clamp

August 2020
The Alerts are provided to all Drilling and Workover Operations Foremen and Liaisonmen so that we all learn from the
experiences of others. The knowledge of this incident could prevent similar ones from happening in the future.
Saudi Aramco policy requires the information in this Alert to be communicated to all crew members and documented on
morning reports.

What happened?

Operation was to run 2.84’’ gauge cutter through the X-tree with slick line. The
gauge cutter could not pass the wellhead and so it was changed to 2.78’’. The AD
relieved the Driller and was in charge of the controls. The AD was instructed by
Slickline-supervisor to pick up on the Top Drive which was attached to the
Lubricator. The AD did not know that the Lubricator was still attached so he over-
pulled excessively and broke the clamp which supported the Lubricator Head.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Consequences:

 Property Damage
 Potential Injury
 Lost Time / Operation Interruption

Why did it happened?

Some common causes:

 Lack of Communication
 Lack of Supervision of inexperienced worker
 Lack of Standard operation procedure

What should be done to prevent recurrence?

(Investigation is still ongoing)

 Proper supervision during critical operation
 Competent worker on the brake while carrying out non-routine job

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

2 Saudi Aramco: Company General Use