Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2
Downhole Service Operations
SL 2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depth Measurement Considerations
SL 2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gauging Operations
SL 2.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perforator Dummy Use
SL 2.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Swaging Operations
SL 2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broaching Operations
SL 2.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use of Impression Blocks
SL 2.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paraffin Cutting and Scale Removal
SL 2.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selection and Use of Flow Controls
SL 2.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W Slip Lock System
SL 2.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D Collar Lock System
SL 2.11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S, N and T, Q Equipment
SL 2.12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X - XN and R - RN Equipment
SL 2.13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RPT Lock System
SL 2.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RPV Lock Mandrel
SL 2.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SAFETYSET® Lock System
SL 2.16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FBN Lock System
SL 2.17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monolock® System
SL 2.18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subsurface Safety Valve Considerations
SL 2.19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running and Pulling Gas Lift Valves
SL 2.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running and Pulling Packoffs
SL 2.21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opening and Closing Sliding Sleeves
SL 2.22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use of Test Tools
SL 2.23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bailing Operations
SL 2.24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General BHT/BHP Surveys
SL 2.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caliper Surveys
SL 2.26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Perforating (Otis Type ‘A’) Mechanical
SL 2.27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Swabbing Operations
SL 2.28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Kinley Power Jars
SL 2.29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Wireline Fishing Operations
SL 2.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General ETD Operations
SL 2.31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running Long Assemblies with Pressure
SL 2.32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shifting (Knocking) Off TCP Guns
SL 2.33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Use of Downhole Purge/Surge Valves
SL 2.34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deviated Well Operations
SL 2.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High Pressure/Temperature Operations
SL 2.36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Downhole Power Unit Operations
SL 2.37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Production Logging (MPL) Operations
• Line stretch
• Line slippage through the counter wheel(s)
• Counter wheel selection
• Expansion and contraction of the counter wheel due to temperature
• Line expansion and contraction due to wellbore temperature
• Counter wheel wear
• Tubing Measured Depth Inaccuracies
• Buoyancy of the line in fluid
• Wellbore friction on the line
Typically slickline depth measurements seldom match up with the Measured Depth of the
tubing in a well. This is primarily due to the environmental stress factors which affect the
true depth measurements made for tubing and slickline.
Tubing Measurement
Before we can discuss slickline depth measurement we must first discuss the way tubing is
measured. Tubing is typically measured on the pipe rack a row at a time.
All tubing measurement is from the rotary kelly bushing (RKB). The difference is height
between the RKB and the tuging hanger flange (THF) is called the elevation. The
accuracy of slickline depth measurement is critical when performing such operations as
pinpointing holes in the tubing, running packoffs to isolate holes in tubing, perforating,
setting bridge plugs, setting flow controls that are relatively close together at depth,
determining fill from the end of tubing, etc. At other times the slickline depth
measurement is not as critical, for operations such as cutting paraffin, scale removal, etc.
3.0 Procedure
1. Inspect equipment (For Mechanical Counter)
a. Confirm that the counter wheel is the correct wheel for the size of wire being used.
b. Check for worn counter wheels and pressure wheels.
c. Check the counter cable for kinks or pinched spots.
d. Confirm that the counter will zero properly.
2. All equipment (lubricator, pulleys, tree connection, etc.) should be in place over the
wellbore and hung at the proper height prior to zero.
a. Zero at the RKB (Rotor Kelly Bushing) when working with a rig on the well.
- Zero at the THF (Tubing Hanger Flange) when working with a tree installed on
the well.
b. Add elevation to the SLM when zero at the THF for RKB measurements.
- Subtract elevation from the SLM when zero at the RKB for THF measurements.
c. Zero counter when the bottom of the toolstring is at the RKB or THF.
d. Zero counter with running and pulling tools prior to assembly of devices to be
installed or removed.
3. Re-zero counter prior to each run. The counter may not return to zero when we pull
the wire out of the hole, due to weight difference going in the hole compared to
pulling out of the hole.
a. Slippage in the counter head may occur due to worn wheels and pressure wheels not
being tightened properly.
4.0 Appendix
See wire charts
Angle correction chart (Martin Decker)
Gauging operations may also be used to clean up minor scale or paraffin deposits and to
locate the depth of various components and fluid levels in the wellbore.
3.0 Procedure
1. Gauging the well:
a. Select the proper size gauge cutter for the relevant tubing size and nipple sizes. If
the gauge cutter is to be run in a flowing well, ensure that enough stem weight is
added to overcome well pressure and friction acting on the wire at the stuffing
box.
Note Adding a three ft piece of stem below the jars may help improve the sensitivity of
seeing the jars open on the weight indicator.
It is not uncommon to run a gauge cutter into a flowing well prior to doing a flowing
bottom hole pressure survey or other procedure that requires that the well remain
flowing. If this is required, ensure that sufficient stem is added to allow the tools to
fall. A no-blow anti-blowup tool may be used if deemed necessary to prevent the
tools from being blown up the hole.
CAUTION Do not run a knuckle joint just below the jars when running a gauge cutter in a well with
slide pocket gas lift mandrels, because the gauge may go into the pocket. Incorporate 3 ft
of stem between the knuckle joint and jars.
b. Visually inspect the bottom of the gauge cutter for egging, and any burrs that
might be on the tool; dress if necessary with a file, and not any preexisting marks.
c. Ensure that wireline valve and lower section of lubricator have sufficient ID and
length to cover (lubricate) the gauge cutter.
d. Make up the gauge cutter onto the toolstring and at the tubing hanger.
e. Raise, install, and pressure-test the lubricator and wireline valve per customer
requirements.
f. Run in hole (RIH) slowly with the gauge cutter to target depth to ensure that it will
not get stuck if an obstruction or restriction is encountered. If the gauge cutter
reaches the target depth, pull it back out of the well. It may then be assumed that
there are no obstructions in the wellbore and other service operations can
continue.
CAUTION Always proceed with caution when making the first trip in a wellbore that has not been
entered into for some time.
g. Should the gauge cutter sit down, pick the toolstring up approximately 30 ft/10m
and run back in slowly. Repeat 3 or 4 more times until the gauge cutter falls past
the obstruction or restriction, and record this depth.
h. If the tools continue to sit down, attempt to jar through the obstruction by jarring
down lightly approximately 4 to 6 times. Pick up the toolstring after 2 or 3
downward jars to ensure that the gauge is not becoming stuck.
i. If still unsuccessful, pull the tools out of the hole and check the gauge cutter for
clues: debris such as paraffin, scale, sand, or damage to the sharp edge of the
gauge cutter. Check the well schematic to determine if a component made up in
the tubing string is at or near the depth of the obstruction or restriction.
j. Use findings from the gauge cutter run to determine the next course of action and
tool selection.
Note If the bottom of the gauge cutter is marked up or scared up significantly, this
might be an indication of an obstruction in the wellbore. If this is the case, then the next
run should be with an impression block to try to further analyze what the problem might
be. If there are no significant marks on the gauge cutter this indicates that there may be a
restriction in the wellbore. In this case, by running consecutively smaller OD gauge cutters
the size of the restriction may be determined and the job might still be accomplished by
using a smaller OD set of tools.
Optional Tool: A swaging tool may be used. The elimination of the sharp shoulder may
allow the tool to pass.
WARNING A well that has experienced a sudden drop in surface pressure may be an indication that
the tubing had bridged over with sand or some other obstruction that could be knocked
loose when running the gauge. If this is suspected, pressure up on the well to the
anticipated shut-in tubing pressure prior to running the gauge cutter or incorporate an anti-
blow/no-blow tool with the gauge cutter toolstring. This will help eliminate the potential
for getting blown up the hole.
CAUTION If the cuttings or deposits bridge across the ID of the gauge cutter, there is a possibility that
the toolstring may get blown up the hole. Occasionally pull the tools up above the deposits
and let the well flow clean off the tools. In situations where hard or major deposits are
present, it might be necessary to pull the tools from the well to clear them off.
CAUTION Scale that is hard set to the tubing wall can cause the gauge cutter to become stuck in the
tubing. The use of a broach is recommended for scale.
CAUTION Use extreme care if scale or paraffin is encountered before the toolstring clears the tree
valves as the toolstring could become stuck across tree and wireline valves.
Table 1:
Table 1:
Table 1:
CN03568
Perforator dummies of short length (5 ft -15 ft), are usually made as a single piece. Longer
perforator dummies (20 ft - 60 ft), are made up from 5 ft long sections to achieve a length
that represents that the logging tool or perforating gun to be run. Perforator dummies are
used to not only gauge the ID of the tubing, but to drift it as well. In some cases the
smaller length of the gauge cutter will make it down the tubing, but the longer length of
the same OD such as a logging tool or perforating gun will not make it past a bend or
curve in the tubing. A dummy is used to determine if the high cost logging tools or
potentially dangerous explosive perforator will make it to the target depth without getting
hung up in the hole. The dummy is used to simulate the length, stiffness, and OD of the
logging tool or perforating gun that will be run in the well later, to ensure that these tools
can reach their target depth without getting stuck or damaged.
Making a dummy run on slickline prior to running a long stiff logging assembly is
becoming common practice with more deviated and high angle wells being drilled. The
dummy run can help eliminate the cost and safety issues associated with damaging or
attempting to fish logging tool or perforator in a well.
Always run a gauge cutter prior to running a perforator dummy, unless a gauge run or
other tools of sufficient OD have been run in the well during the same project. the gauge
cutter OD should be larger then the OD of the perforator dummy. The smaller length and
fluid bypass of the gauge cutter, its proximity to the jars, the smaller OD of the stem, and
the shorter length of the gauge cutter toolstring assembly make it the desired tool to run in
the hole prior to the longer perforator dummy. The gauge cutter toolstring assembly is
easier to jar loose from any well debris encountered and is also relatively easy to fish, if it
is left in the hole.
Do not run gauge on the bottom of a perforator dummy. Some customers may request that
this be done to eliminate a slickline run into the well. The larger OD of the gauge cutter
will be the most likely point that could get lodged or stuck in the wellbore. The length and
OD of the perforator dummy with gauge is left in the hole, an extremely tall lubricator
stack may be required to get it out if the well is not dead.
3.0 Procedure
1. Ensure that proper length and OD of perforator dummy is selected (Table 1). The
perforator dummy should be as long as the logging tools or perforator that is to be run
and must be the same OD or slightly larger if the same OD dummy is not available. If
the perforator dummy is to be run in a flowing well, ensure that enough stem weight is
added to overcome well pressure and flow friction acting on the dummy and
toolstring.
2. Make up sufficient lubricator stack with the appropriate ID to cover the length and OD
of the perforator dummy and toolstring. Test the same in accordance with customer
requirements.
3. Select and run an appropriate-sized gauge cutter for the job. Note fluid levels, tight
spots and location of any increased drag when coming out of the hole.
4. Make up the perforator dummy assembly to the desired length and attach it to a
toolstring consisting of spang jars, at least 5 ft of stem, knuckle joint, and rope socket.
Note To ease makeup and removal of the perforator dummy, it is recommended that a
quick disconnect be used below the jars. The stem and jars are used to facilitate getting the
dummy loose if it gets wedged into a tight spot or crooked tubing. Consider the use of a
pulling tool with a rope socket attached to the dummy.
5. Run in hole (RIH) to target depth slowly, making periodic pickups to determine
pickup weight on toolstring and pull out of the hole.
6. Proceed with caution through those areas identified by the gauge cutter run as tight
spots or areas of increased drag. Get pickup weights more frequently in these
intervals.
7. If it appears that the drag is continuing to increase and is approaching the safe working
tension of the wire, then pull the dummy from the well. Note the amount of drag
(over-pull) required to get tools moving and the interval where this drag occurs.
8. If the perforator dummy sets down, get a pickup weight. If no appreciable increase in
a drag has taken place, then jar down slightly to see if the tools will fall through the
restriction. Pick up after every downward jar to ensure that tools are not getting stuck.
If the tools don’t fall, pull out of the hole.
9. Visually inspect the perforator dummy for wear marks that might give an indication as
to what may have been encountered. Review the well schematic to determine if there
is a reason such as cork screwed tubing, buckled tubing, a tight spot, etc.
10. Based on the perforator dummy run, determine next course of action.
The tool used to perform swaging operations is called a swaging tool (Figure 1). The
swaging tool is tapered on both ends. The upper part of the tool incorporates the standard
toolstring thread connection with fish neck. The tool also contains a fluid bypass. Swaging
tools are available for several sizes of tubing or can be custom-made to meet the
dimensional requirements for a specific job. Swaging tools may also be used to gauge the
tubing prior to running plugs and other devices.
3.0 Procedure
1. Determine the largest ID of the tight spotting in the tubing by running consecutively
smaller gauge cutters and record the largest size that made it through. (See SL 2.2
Gauging Operations.)
2. Select the largest swaging tool with an OD that will drift any nipple encountered, but
be slightly larger than the OD of the gauge cutter that made it through the tight spot.
CAUTION The OD of the swage should not exceed the ID of any landing nipples that may be
encountered, because the tool could become wedged into the nipple.
3. Make up the swaging tool on the end of a toolstring, run in the hole, and jar down on
the tight spot. Jar up on the toolstring occasionally until the tools pull free to ensure
that the swaging tool is not getting wedged into the tight spot.
4. When the swaging tool falls through, pull backup into the tight spot and jar up until
the tool comes free. Repeat jarring down and up through the tight spot as necessary
until the tool moves freely without hanging up.
5. Repeat the above operations as necessary with consecutively larger swaging tools
until the desired ID through the tight spot in the tubing is achieved.
CAUTION When swaging at shallow depths with no fluid, a heavy bouncing toolstring may cause the
wire to pull out of the rope socket. Consider the use of an accelerator.
Note Wire fatigue above a no-knot type rope socket during heavy jarring may be
reduced by placing a knuckle joint between the rope socket and top piece of stem. The
knuckle joint allows the wire to flex freely, thus eliminating the potential for fatigue.
CAUTION Excessive stem weight might cause the swage to get stuck rather than changing the ID of
tubing.
4.0 Appendix
CN03567
• Remove mill scale, mineral scale, and of other hard deposits from the tubing wall.
• Remove metal burrs from the tubing ID.
• Remove internally extruded metal from the tubing connection (where excessive
torque has been applied).
• Enlarge the ID of various undersized components that may have been installed as part
of the tubing string.
Tubing broaches are available in several different designs and used for specific
applications.
Segmented Broach
This type of broach consist of a carrier mandrel, nut, and three (3) broaching spools/
segments with helical-type cutting surfaces (Figure 1). This broach is used primarily
to remove mill scale and other deposits on the tubing walls prior to installation of a
plunger lift system. It can also be used for cleaning up long intervals inside of tubing
where buildup or scale is not severe. Segments and mandrels are available in various
tubing sizes from 1 1/4 in. through 4 1/2 in. (Table 1). This broach should always be
run with two lower segments pointed down and the upper segment pointed up.
Diamond Broach
Diamond broaches contain raised and hardened diamond-shaped cutting surfaces
(Figure 2). They are used primarily to remove metal burrs and short intervals of light
scale buildup.
Pineapple Broach
The raised cutting surfaces on this broach are more square shaped and protrude further
away from the body to allow for more fluid bypass (Figure 3). This broach is used to
remove metal burrs, and for moderate scale build up from mineral deposits over long
intervals.
Tapered Broach
This type of broach resembles a swage with hardened tapered cutting edges. It is used
primarily for removing metal burrs, etc., from very short intervals in the tubing
(Figure 4). Tapered broaches are also available with diamond and pineapple-shaped
cutting surfaces.
Paddle Broach
This broach contains hardened paddles/blades that have been welded to a relatively
small OD mandrel (Figure 5). This broach is used to remove heavy mineral scale
deposits from the tubing walls over long intervals. This paddle broach is ideal for this
purpose as it has sufficient fluid bypass to allow removal of scale while the well is
flowing.
CAUTION Cut the up-facing tip off of the top blades to eliminate the possibility of them hanging at
the end of the tubing or the bottom of seal assemblies that may be encountered in the
completion.
3.0 Procedure
1. Determine the largest ID of the tight spot in the tubing by running consecutively
smaller gauge cutters, and record the largest size that made it through. (See SL 2.2
Gauging Operations.)
2. Select the desired broach depending on the application outlined above. Select a broach
with an OD that will drift any nipples encountered, but be slightly larger then the OD
of the gauge cutter that made it through the tight spot. Consideration should be made
for shutting in the well or flowing the well during broaching operations.
Shut in the well when broaching short metallic restrictions. This is most important
when using a serrated tapered broach as it may get wedged in the tubing. With the
diamond broach the fluid bypass channels may become clogged with paraffin or
scale. In either case, the tools can be blown up the hole if the broach restricts the
flow of the well long enough to create a differential pressure that will overcome
the weight of the toolstring.
Flow the well when using pineapple and paddle broaches with large fluid bypass
during scale removal operations. It is recommended that an adjustable choke be
used during this process to control the flow. In addition, check the broach
periodically to ensure that the fluid bypass areas are not becoming clogged.
CAUTION The OD of the broach should not exceed the ID of any landing nipples that may be
encountered as the tool could become wedged into or damage the nipple.
CAUTION When selecting a broach to remove scale, check broach for fluid bypass through center.
3. Make up the broach on the end of a toolstring, run in the hole, and jar down on the
tight spot. Jar up on the toolstring occasionally until the tools pull free to ensure that
the broaching tool is not getting wedged into the tight spot.
4. When the broach falls through, pull back through or into the tight spot and jar up until
the tool comes free. Repeat jarring down and up through the tight spot as necessary
until the tool moves freely without hanging up. When broaching mineral scales it is
recommended that the tools be pulled back above the scale deposit periodically to
clear away buildup of debris on the tool. Also, the broach should be pulled on
occasion for cleaning and inspection during heavy extended scale removal operations.
5. Repeat the above operations as necessary using consecutively larger broaches until the
desired ID through the tight spot or scale deposits are achieved.
CAUTION When broaching at shallow depths with no fluid, a heavy bouncing tool sting may cause
the wire to pull out of the rope socket.
Note Wire fatigue above a no-knot type rope socket during heavy jarring may be
reduced by placing a knuckle joint between the rope socket and top piece of stem. The
knuckle joint allows the wire to flex freely, thus eliminating the potential for fatigue.
4.0 Appendix
CN03570
Note Re-pour or replace the impression block once the alloy is down to within 1/4 in. of
the impression block housing.
Note Insure that alloy retainers are in place and secure to prevent the alloy from falling
out of the housing into the wellbore.
3.0 Procedure
1. Select and run the proper-sized gauge cutter for the relevant tubing size and nipple
sizes.
2. If an obstruction or restriction is encountered on the gauge run, an impression block
should be run next.
3. Select the proper-sized impression block for the job, relevant to tubing and nipple
sizes.
4. Dress up the impression block to remove all imperfections.
Note A ball-peen hammer and rasp file are most commonly used. Leave enough lead on
the bottom of the impression block to get the desired impression.
5. Zero the toolstring prior to making an impression block up on the toolstring to avoid
possible marking of the impression block while zeroing.
6. Run in the hole at approximately 250 to 300 ft/min. Slow down when encountering
nipples, gas lift side pockets, crossovers, etc.
Note Make pickups frequently while running to insure that the impression block is still
moving freely. The impression block has no fluid bypass and there is potential that debris
could fall on top of it and make it difficult to remove from the wellbore.
7. Stop at point above the obstruction or restriction and get a pickup weight. Proceed in
the hole at approximately 100ft/min and set down. Allow the jars to close and avoid
bouncing the jars.
CAUTION Care should be taken not to flare out the lead or knock the lead off of the impression block
by jarring down too hard.
8. Use the markings on the impression block to determine the next course of action. In
some cases running various sizes of impression blocks may better identify the
problem.
Note To make a copy of the impression, use an ink pad to apply ink to the bottom of the
impression block. Then press the impression block against a clean sheet of paper that is
supported underneath with a thin rag or cloth. This helps in applying the ink to the paper.
This creates a fairly nice picture of the bottom of the impression block that can be faxed to
other locations for further analysis and can be used for marking special fishing tools.
Note Loose sand, scale, and paraffin will not make much of an impression; a bailer
might be consider as the next possible run.
4.0 Appendix
CN03569
3.0 Procedure
1. Paraffin cutting and scale removal well shut in.
a. Select the proper size paraffin scratcher, knife, or cutter for the relevant tubing
size and weight. Consider paraffin/scale type and density.
Note Adding a three foot piece of stem below the jars may help reduce the risk of jars
becoming fouled with paraffin/scale.
b. Make up the cutter, knife, or scratcher onto the toolstring and tubing hanger.
c. Raise into lubricator and make up lubricator to the wellhead. Pressure-test if
necessary per customer requirements.
d. Open the wellbore and slowly go in the hole with the cutter, knife, or scratcher to
target depth. Allow the tool weight to carry the tools in the hole. Feed off-line as
necessary. On hard paraffin or scale, it may be necessary to jar down with tools to
remove paraffin/scale.
e. Continue working the tool downhole, removing as much paraffin/scale as possible
without getting stuck.
f. Pull the tools back to the surface.
g. Close the swab valve. Open the wing valve and flow the well, removing paraffin/
scale that was cut loose.
h. Shut the well in with the wing valve.
i. Open the swab valve, repeat steps until the wellbore is clean.
CAUTION Care should be taken if the toolstring has not cleared the wireline valves and tree when the
paraffin or scale is encountered.
c. Choke back the flow rate on the surface using an adjustable choke or some other
means and monitor the flow rate during operations.
d. Follow steps in the shut-in procedure.
e. Pick up above paraffin/scale and allow the well to flow, cleaning up the tools
occasionally. This will help prevent the tools from plugging with paraffin/scale.
f. Continue until the wellbore is clear of paraffin/scale.
CAUTION Cutting paraffin may cause a plug or ball and there is a possibility that the toolstring may
get blown up the hole. Occasionally pull up above the paraffin/scale buildup and allow the
well to flow, cleaning up the tools. In hard, thick paraffin the toolstring may need to be
removed from the wellbore and cleaned on the surface.
3.0 Procedure
1. For determining the proper assembly to be run, obtain all relevant information from
the well schematic, last well test, BHP, prior WL logs.
2. Verify that the flow control has the proper pressure rating.
3. Always shut the well in when pulling and running flow controls to avoid getting
blown up the hole.
4. Always run a gauge cutter prior to running or pulling the flow control. This help
ensure that the flow control can be run safely in the wellbore. The gauge cutter should
be .010 in.under the nipple or retrieved from ID that the flow control is to be seated in.
3.0 Procedure
1. Can be run on a W running tool or a friction tool (provided the expander pins are
removed) and is pulled with RB, BB, or UO.
2. Gauge run should be made prior to running the W mandrel.
3. See attachment for running and pulling procedure.
4. Always set the W mandrel a minimum of 100 ft below mud line. This is so that in case
you can’t retrieve it, you can still P & A the well without moving a ring on location.
CAUTION Do not use a pulling tool with has a longer reach than the type “RB” or type “BB” pulling
tools. Tools with a longer reach will not unlock the type W mandrel.
Do not sit back down on W mandrel while setting it. It may unlock the mandrel and let it
fall downhole.
Do not use a shear-down-to-release pulling tool as the pin might shear when jarring down
to unlock.
3.0 Procedure
Note The GRL is the only pulling tool that should be run in pulling a Type D Collar
Lockout. The GRL pulling tool has an elongated core that goes into the D collar lock and
recesses into the internal sleeve. Hitting down on the internal sleeve will cause the sleeve
to move down and unlock the keys. The GS pulling tool will latch the D collar lock but
will not unlock it. The internal sleeve must be pushed down in order for the keys to move
inward for the lock to unlock.
Note V equipment is same as S equipment, but has a larger packing bore. It is normally
set higher in the well for swabbing purposes.
3.0 Procedure
1. A gauge run should be made prior to running and/or pulling S, N, T, and Q equipment.
2. After verifying that the tubing is free of obstructions or restrictions, the proper running
prong is attached to the T running tool (primary R/T). The running prong is used for
fluid bypass when running in hole.
3. See attachment for running and pulling procedure for S, N, T and Q equipment.
4. Pinning of this equipment depends on many variables.
In heavy fluid or mud, light pins (brass or aluminum) are adjustable due to
inhibited jar action. If you have to work through any restrictions, steel pins are
advisable to stop from shearing pins before setting lock.
5. This equipment must be equalized fully before you can latch due to the design of this
equipment.
6. In the event that you are unable to use the T running tool, an alternate running tool is
the J running tool. If this running tool is used, no pickups can be made, as the locking
keys’ clogs will not allow you to do so.
3.0 Procedure
1. Following gauging operation 2.2.
2. Select the proper X and R and XN and XR equipment.
3. Select the proper size X, R, XR, and RN equipment for the relevant tubing size and
nipple size. Ensure that stem weight is enough to over come the well pressure and
friction acting on the wire at the stuffing.
4. The corresponding running tool should be made up to the desired X, R, XN and RN
locks, and placed in the select position.
5. Ensure that the wireline valve and the lower section of the lubricator have sufficient
length and bore to cover “lubricate” the selected equipment.
6. Make up X, R, XN and RN equipment onto the toolstring.
7. Raise into the lubricator and make up the lubricator to the wellhead. Pressure- test if
necessary per customer requirement.
8. Open the well-bore and go in hole with equipment.
9. Proceed down into wellbore until the desired landing nipple is located.
10. Next, lower the running tool and lock through the nipple approximately 5 to 6 ft.
11. Raise the toolstring back through the nipple.
12. An approximate 200 lb strain (bind) is recommended to pull the running tool up
through nipple.
13. Now, with the lock/running tool in the control position, lower back down into the
nipple to set the lock.
14. Use downward jarring action to shear the top pin in the running tool.
15. Pull an upward strain of approximately 200 lb to confirm that the lock mandrel has
been set.
16. After confirmation, upward jarring action will shear the bottom pin, separating the
running tool and the lock mandrels, allowing the running tool and toolstring to return
to the surface.
Note The no-go restriction designed into the types ‘XN’ and ‘RN’ Landing Nipples will
not allow the equalizing valve body attached to the RN lock mandrels. The running tool
must be placed in the control position before reaching the landing nipple. This must be
either be done by hand at the surface, or the running tool may be positioned to the control
position in a type ‘X’ or ‘R’ landing nipple (or proper ID packing nipple) located in the
tubing above the No-Go nipple.
As the lock mandrel reaches the no-go shoulder in the landing nipple, the toolstring will
stop, and the lock mandrel may be set in the same manner as types ‘X’ and ‘R.’
If the operator is unable to locate in the nipple with the lock mandrel, after going through
the procedure to places the running tool in the control position, there are several things
that could cause this:
4.0 Appendix
Reference - SL 2.2 Gauging Operations
Once landed, downward jar action shears the top shear pins in the running tool, which
permits the expander sleeve to move down beneath the keys to the fully locked position.
When locked, upward jar action checks to determine if the lock is locked and shears the
lower shear pin to release the running tool from the lock mandrel.
RPT locks have either a shear pin hold-down or interference hold-down feature. The shear
pin hold-down locks the expander sleeve and the key retainer together when the lock is
fully set. The pins must be sheared to pull the lock. The interference hold-down locks the
expander sleeve and the packing mandrel together with an interference fit when the lock is
fully set. These hold-downs inhibit the lock mandrel from being flowed from the landing
nipple.
CAUTION Do not attempt to run the lock mandrel with the running tool in the locate position (keys
biased outward). The lock mandrel expander sleeve will extend under the keys and will
not permit the keys to fully retract when the running tool is in the locate configuration.
Note For specific design information on this lock mandrel assembly, refer to the
appropriate Design Specification Data (DSD).
3.0 Procedure
Installation Procedure
Note This procedure is for when a RX™ or a RXN non-selective running tool is used.
Attach the lock mandrel to the running tool in the no-go or fully extended position as
prescribed in the running tool's Basic Design and Maintenance Instructions (BDMI).
To ensure proper operation of both the running tool and the lock mandrel, the following
should be checked:
CAUTION Do not attempt to run this lock mandrel in the locate position.
2. The lower shear pin should be thoroughly bradded and cross center punched to ensure
that it stays in place during the running operation.
3. The shear pin should be filed flush with the outside diameter of the packing mandrel.
4. Make up the lock mandrel and the running tool assembly on a standard wireline
toolstring.
5. Lower the toolstring into the tubing until the RPT landing nipple is located.
6. Continue lowering the toolstring until the lock mandrel no-go lands on the no-go
shoulder of the landing nipple.
7. Jar down hard to shear the upper shear pins in the running tool and lock the lock
mandrel in the nipple.
8. Test the lock mandrel by applying an upward strain on the wireline. If the mandrel is
properly locked in the nipple, upward jarring shears the lower pin in the running tool
and allows the toolstring to be returned to the surface.
9. If the mandrel is not properly locked in the nipple, it should jar loose before the lower
pin is sheared. If this should happen, lower the mandrel back into the nipple and repeat
Step 7.
Retrieving
The GR Pulling Tool is recommended to retrieve the RPT Lock Mandrel. The GS Pulling
Tool may be used as an alternate as outlined below.
Note The proper pulling prong should always be used with the pulling tool and
adequate time for equalization should always be allowed before jarring upward on the lock
mandrel.
1. Make up the proper size prong into the bottom of the pulling tool and attach the
pulling tool to a standard wireline toolstring.
2. Lower the toolstring into the bore of the tubing until the lock mandrel is contacted.
3. As the pulling tool enters the lock mandrel, the prong ensures that the flow control
device is placed in the equalizing position. (A slight downward jar action may be
necessary to shift the valve.)
4. The weight of the toolstring should be allowed to rest on the lock mandrel while
pressure across the subsurface flow control device is being equalized.
5. After equalization has been confirmed, an upward strain on the wireline indicates
whether or not the pulling tool is latched into the fish neck of the lock mandrel.
6. Jar at least one firm stroke downward on the lock mandrel to loosen the lock mandrel
in the nipple.
7. Place an upward strain on the wireline. In most cases, this is all that is required to
move the expander sleeve up, allowing the keys to retract and extract the lock mandrel
from the landing nipple.
8. In some cases, upward jar action may be necessary to extract the lock mandrel.
9. If the pin in the GR pulling tool shears without pulling the lock mandrel, then a GS
Pulling Tool can be used.
CAUTION Do not make up a pulling prong into the GS Pulling Tool when retrieving a lock mandrel
with an RPT Equalizing Valve attached. Any attempt to jar down and shear off will be
obstructed by the pulling prong and cause damage to the pulling prong or the equalizing
valve.
Once landed, downward jar action shears the top shear pins in the running tool, which
permits the expander sleeve to move down beneath the keys to the fully locked position.
When locked, upward jar action checks to determine if the lock is locked and shears the
lower shear pin to release the running tool from the lock mandrel.
The lock mandrel has matching nonhelical teeth inside the keys and on the OD of the
expander sleeve, which engage and become the primary hold-down when the lock is
subjected to a pressure differential from below. This primary hold-down inhibits the lock
mandrel from being flowed or pulled from the landing nipple when a pressure differential
exists from below.
3.0 Procedure
Installation
(When RX or RXN nonselective running tool is used)
Attach the lock mandrel to the running tool in the no-go or fully extended position as
prescribed in the running tool’s basic design and maintenance instructions.
To ensure proper operation of both the running tool and the lock mandrel, the following
should be checked:
1. Make up the lock mandrel and the running tool assembly on a standard wireline
toolstring.
2. Lower the toolstring into the tubing until the RPT landing nipple is located.
3. Continue lowering the toolstring until the lock mandrel no-go lands on the no-go
shoulder of the landing nipple.
4. Jar down hard to shear the upper shear pins in the running tool and to lock the lock
mandrel in the nipple.
5. Test the lock mandrel by applying an upward strain on the wireline. If the mandrel is
properly locked in the nipple, upward jarring shears the lower pin in the running tool
and allows the toolstring to be returned to the surface.
Note If the mandrel is improperly locked in the nipple, it should jar loose before the
lower pin is sheared. If this should happen, lower the mandrel back into the nipple and
repeat Step 4.
Retrieving
The GR pulling tool is recommended to retrieve the RPV lock mandrel. The GS pulling
tool may be used as an alternate as outlined below.
Note The proper pulling prong should always be used with the pulling tool, and
adequate time for equalization should always be allowed before jarring upward on the lock
mandrel.
1. Make up the proper size prong into the bottom of the pulling tool and attach the
pulling tool to a standard wireline toolstring.
2. Lower the toolstring into the bore of the tubing until the lock mandrel is contacted.
3. As the pulling tool enters the lock mandrel, the prong ensures that the flow control
device is placed in the equalizing position. (Slight downward jar action may be
necessary to shift the valve.)
4. The weight of the toolstring should be allowed to rest on the lock mandrel while
pressure across the subsurface flow control device is being equalized.
5. After equalization has been confirmed, an upward strain on the wireline indicates
whether the pulling tool is latched into the fish neck of the lock mandrel.
6. Jar at least one firm stroke downward on the lock mandrel to loosen the lock mandrel
in the nipple.
7. Place an upward strain on the wireline. In most cases, this is all that is required to
move the expander sleeve up, allowing the keys to retract and extract the lock mandrel
from the landing nipple.
The toolstring is attached to the running tool through the top sub. The top sub is releasably
connected to the lower setting sleeve by a set of transfer lugs which only lock the two
together when the valve is pressured open. This is accomplished by a receiving groove on
the core located so that when the core is in its uppermost position (no control line
pressure), the lugs are free to move inward and DO NOT lock the top sub to the lower
setting sleeve. When the core moves down (valve pressured open), this receiving groove
moves down from the lugs, locking them out. With this mechanism, the running tool does
not attempt to expand or lock out the locking keys unless there is sufficient control line
pressure on the safety valve.
Once the lock and valve are driven into the landing nipple and sufficient control line
pressure is applied, upward jarring through the top sub and the lower setting sleeve moves
the locking sleeve of the lock mandrel upward against a locking shoulder on the lock ring.
At this point the locking keys are in the expanded position. The locking keys are expanded
to hold the lock and the valve in the landing nipple so that continued upward jarring will
lock the locking sleeve in the up position. As the locking shoulder on the locking sleeve
passes a similar shoulder on the ID of the lock ring, the locking lugs on the running tool
move into a receiving groove on the core, releasing the lower setting sleeve.
Simultaneously a receiving groove in the lower setting sleeve allows the retainer dogs to
retract. At this point all engagements are retracted and the running tool releases from the
lock and the safety valve.
Retrieval of the lock and the safety valve requires the use of an unlocking tool between the
pulling tool and the prong. The unlocking tool has spring-biased engaging lugs free to
retract until encountering the face of the locking sleeve of the lock mandrel. Downward
jarring overrides the lock ring, allowing downward relative movement to the locking
sleeve of the lock mandrel. The unlocking tool is designed so as to not allow the pulling
tool to engage the lock mandrel fish neck until the locking sleeve is unlocked. An upward
shearing pulling tool (GR) is required for proper operation. Should a conventional down
shear pulling tool (GS) be used, the unlocking tool will not allow the pulling tool to move
down far enough to shear on the skirt. For this reason, a GR is recommended.
3.0 Procedure
Installation Procedure
1. Place the safety valve assembly into a vise and attach any fittings necessary to operate
it with a hand pump or other hydraulic pump.
2. Remove the adjustable core extension from the running tool. Back the socket-head cap
screw out with a hex wrench just until the core extension can be removed. It is not
necessary to completely remove the screw. Loosen the jam nuts. With the safety valve
pressured open (refer to the Operating Procedures for the valve for the correct opening
pressures), insert the core extension into the up end bore of the valve. Adjust the all-
thread so that the upper end is flush with the very top of the safety valve housing. This
adjustment maximizes bypass flow.
Adjustments with the all-thread below flush will provide less bypass while
adjustments above flush will not allow the running tool to release. This adjustment
must be done with the safety valve pressured fully open. Return the jam nuts against
the bearing disk and tighten. Check the adjustment after the jam nuts are tightened to
insure the adjustment is correct.
Remember “Flush or below, all set to go.” Reinstall the core extension on the running
tool. Tighten the cap screw. The extension should be free to rotate but retained by the
screw.
Note The adjustable extension replaces what would be considered a running prong with
conventional safety valve lock systems and provides essentially the same function. The
adjustability allows the running tool to accommodate many safety valves, Halliburton and
others, without having to obtain special running prongs. The core extension OD and the
adjustment range is listed on the Design Specification Data for the running tool.
3. Make up the lock mandrel to the safety valve. The lock mandrel may be either locked
or unlocked.
4. Prepare the running tool for insertion. Stand the running tool on the top sub, inverted
with the core extension up. Push the core down, then pull it up. The lower setting
sleeve should drop freely, and the retaining dogs and the locking lugs should be free to
retract.
5. Pump the valve open with a hand pump or other surface pump. Visually check to
insure the valve is open completely. Refer to the Operating Procedures for the valve
for the correct opening pressures.
6. Insert the running tool as positioned in Step 4 with all the engagements retracted. Push
the running tool into the lock until the retaining dogs are inside the fish neck and the
top sub contacts the top of the lock mandrel fish neck.
Note If the running tool is installed into a locked lock mandrel, it will be necessary to
insert the running tool into the lock until the retaining dogs are inside the fish neck; attach
a set of jars and 3 ft of stem to jar towards the lock, unlocking the lock mandrel, and be
ready to continue to Step 7.
7. With the running tool installed, hold the top sub down in contact with the lock
mandrel fish neck. Release the hydraulic pressure on the safety valve. The lock
mandrel keys may try to expand as the valve closes against the running tool. This is
normal. Pull the top sub of the running tool away from the lock mandrel to its full
extension and push it back against the lock mandrel fish neck. The keys should retract
and the top sub should now travel freely from the extended position to the fish neck
without expanding the keys. The top sub is lightly spring-loaded to the extended
position and may or may not extend on its own in the horizontal position. It does not
extend on its own in a vertical position.
Once the proper installation is assured remove all the fittings from the safety valve.
The running tool/lock/valve assembly is now ready to be attached to the toolstring.
8. Run down hole to the SV landing nipple. Jar down until the valve is against the no-go.
Set the toolstring weight on the lock and valve.
9. Pressure up the control line to the proper pressure, opening the valve.
10. Once control line pressure is established, jar down once or twice to insure contact with
the no-go. Jar up until the running tool has released. Pull out of the hole.
Note If for some reason the valve does not open when the control line pressure is
applied, the upward jarring will not set the lock and valve, but extract it from the landing
nipple. A check of the weight indicator will verify a release.
11. Visually inspect the running tool for damage of any sort. If there should be any
damage to the running tool, it would be unsafe to assume the valve is properly set and
should be pulled and reset.
12. The valve is now set and locked into place.
Retrieving
1. Attach the specified unlocking tool and pulling prong to the appropriate GR-type
pulling tool. Once assembled, check the unlocking tool to ensure the unlocking lugs
are free to move inward (retracted). The assembly is now ready to attach to the
toolstring.
Note Should it be necessary to run a ball closure type safety valve with a conventional
(brass sub type) pulling prong, the length of the prong extension will need to be shortened
and rethreaded by an amount listed as make-up length in the Design Specification Data for
the unlocking tool. The thread size and depth are also listed in the Design Specification
Data to provide for this modification.
2. Ensure by whatever means available that the valve is equalized. Control line pressure
alone will not assure the valve is open and equalized. The pulling prong may have to
be omitted to pull an equalized SV with an inoperative ball closure.
CAUTION Without a pulling prong there is no mechanical safeguard against the possibility of pulling
a safety valve that has not equalized.
3. Jar down two to five times or until the pulling tool latches the lock fish neck, this is
verified by a bind on the line. The pulling tool will only latch the fish neck when the
lock mandrel is unlocked.
4. Once the pulling tool has latched, the valve can be pulled by upward jar action. Since
the GR is a shear up tool, a persistent application of small or moderate jar strokes
followed by bind on the line occasionally. Monitor the tool weight to indicate if the
valve has been retrieved. Pull out of the hole.
Note If the GR-type pulling tool continuously shears off due to an extremely tight
valve, a GS-type pulling tool can be used only if the unlocking tool is not used. Keep in
mind that once the GR tool with the unlocking tool has latched the lock mandrel, it will be
unlocked. If the GR shears off, the lock mandrel/valve is not relocked.
CAUTION DO NOT attempt to pull the valve using a GS with the unlocking tool attached. The
unlocking tool would not permit the GS to shear off.
With the keys retracted, the lock mandrel can be lowered through a series of identical
landing nipples without locating. However, when the lock mandrel is moved up through
any one of the nipples, the locating dogs on the running tool locate the lower end of the
nipple hone bore. Further upward movement through the nipple results in the running tool
moving the expander sleeve down into the control position. As the expander sleeve moves
from the selective position to the control position, the lower end moves under the offset
bend in the key springs, causing the key springs and keys to be biased outward toward
their expanded position. At this stage the expander sleeve has not moved under the keys;
therefore, the keys can flex from the expanded to the retracted position when being pulled
upward through a nipple or series of nipples. Likewise, the expander sleeve has not, at this
point, moved under the element.
The shoulders on the keys and in the landing nipples are chamfered to prevent the spring
bias keys from hanging in the profile when the lock mandrel is being pulled up through the
nipple. However, when the lock mandrel is lowered back down into the nipple, the 90o
shoulder on the keys engage the 90o shoulder in the landing nipple, thus landing the lock
mandrel within the landing nipple.
Once the lock mandrel has been landed, downward jarring will shear the top shear pin in
the running tool, which allows the expander sleeve to move down behind the keys
concurrent with moving down behind the element.
Once the setting sequence has been completed, an overpull on the toolstring will
determine that the mandrel is locked. Then upward jarring will shear the lower running
tool shear pin permitting the running tool to be released from the lock mandrel and
retrieved to the surface.
3.0 Procedure
Running
Attach the lock mandrel to the running tool as prescribed in the running tool's Basic
Design and Maintenance Instructions.
To ensure proper operation of both the running tool and the lock mandrel, the following
should be checked:
1. Make up the running tool, lock mandrel, and desired subsurface flow controls to a
standard wireline toolstring.
2. Lower the toolstring into the tubing until the desired nipple is located.
3. Let the toolstring pass through the nipple and stop. Raise the tools slowly until the
weight indicator shows that the toolstring has stopped. This indicates that the locating
dogs on the running tool are in position against the lower end of the nipple. An upward
pull is required to trip the locating dogs, placing the running tool in a control position.
4. Lower the tool into the nipple.The expanded locking keys engage in the landing nipple
recess to stop and set the lock mandrel.
5. Downward jar action will shear the upper shear pin in the running tool and move the
expander sleeve of the lock mandrel under the keys and the element.
6. Test the lock mandrel by applying an upward strain on the wireline. If the mandrel is
properly locked in the nipple, upward jarring shears the lower pin in the running tool
and allows the toolstring to be returned to the surface.
If the mandrel is not properly locked in the nipple, it should jar loose before the lower pin
is sheared. If this should happen, lower the mandrel back into the nipple and repeat Step 5.
Pulling
Note The proper pulling prong should always be used with the pulling tool, and
adequate time for equalization should always be allowed before jarring upward on the lock
mandrel.
1. Make up the proper size prong into the bottom of the pulling tool and attach the
pulling tool to a standard wireline toolstring.
2. Lower the toolstring into the bore of the tubing until the lock mandrel is contacted.
3. As the pulling tool enters the lock mandrel, the prong ensures that the flow control
device is placed in the equalizing position. (Slight downward jar action may be
necessary to shift the equalizing valve open.)
4. The weight of the toolstring should be allowed to rest on the lock mandrel while
pressure across the subsurface flow control device is being equalized.
5. After equalization has been confirmed, an upward strain on the wireline indicates
whether or not the pulling tool is latched into the fishneck of the lock mandrel.
6. Jar at least one firm stroke downward on the lock mandrel to loosen the lock mandrel
in the nipple.
7. Jar upward to move the expander sleeve up, allowing the keys and element to retract.
Extract the lock mandrel from the landing nipple.
8. If the pin in the GR pulling tool shears without pulling the lock mandrel, then a
Halliburton GS Pulling Tool can be used.
CAUTION Do not make up a pulling prong into the GS Pulling Tool when retrieving a lock mandrel
with the equalizing valve attached. Any attempt to jar down and shear off will be
obstructed by the pulling prong and cause damage to the pulling prong or equalizing
valve.
Note The figures shown in this document are for use as general information. There may
be small variations between the different sizes of Monolocks.
CN01998
Halliburton Monolock®
3.0 Procedure
Running
This section refers to drawing 21MLxxxxx.
Note The drawing number 21MLxxxxx is used in this document to represent the
drawing for the size of Monolock® plug being used.
The equalizing valve is run in the closed position and does not require a running prong.
Since the plug does not pass through any sealing bores that require bypass, there is no
need to have the equalizing valve open. The OD of the element is smaller than the
Monolock OD, so the element cannot seal when passing through restrictions. Running
with the equalizing valve in the closed position increases the plug's reliability, because it
becomes a static seal until it is opened during retrieval.
Once the desired location is reached, the DPU begins to set the plug. The pre-setting pins
are sheared and relative downward movement of the housing causes both the element and
upper wedge to move downward.
As the upper wedge and the lower wedge move closer together, the slips are forced
outward. Resistance from the expanded slips causes the element and the Belleville springs
to compress. After the slips and element make full contact with the tubing ID, the DPU
continues to compress the Belleville springs until they are flat. This puts a compressive
load of approximately 15,000 lb on the Belleville springs, the element, and the slips.The
additional force required to shear the setting pins in the top sub is absorbed by the element
and the slips.The setting pins each shear at 4,970 lb and up to 6 pins can be used, giving a
maximum force of 29,820 lb.
After the setting pins are sheared, the plug is fully set and the DPU can be retrieved. The
Belleville springs provide approximately 15,000 lb of compressive energy on the element
and the slips to help maintain a secure position. The compression on the element and the
slips is maintained by the body lock ring, which has internal and external teeth that
essentially lock the housing to the upper mandrel.
Note Refer to BDMI No. 146DPU20 for details regarding the Downhole Power Unit
(DPU).
1. Place the DPU in a vise, gripping on the thick-walled section of the motor housing.
This area is located slightly above the motor housing's identification groove.
2. Loosen the set screw on the DPU's rod cap and remove the rod cap from the DPU if so
equipped.
3. Install the adapter kit's shear sub on the DPU's power rod.
4. Tighten the 4 set screws in the shear sub.
5. Loosen the DPU's drive housing 1/4 turn.
6. Using the shear sub as a knob, rotate the DPU's power rod counter-clockwise to
partially extend the power rod. The correct extension length varies, depending on the
size of the Monolock®. Each shear sub is stamped with a stand-off distance, which is
used to space it out correctly. The stand-off distance is the distance from the back of
the shear sub to the front of the DPU's cap.
7. Tighten the DPU's drive housing (left-hand thread).
8. Install the setting sleeve on the drive housing with the holes in the setting sleeve in-
line with the holes in the shear sub.
9. Slide the Monolock's top sub over the shear sub and pin together. Ensure that the shear
pins are installed flush with the OD of the top sub.
10. Rotate the setting sleeve to cover the shear pins, then tighten the 2 set screws on the
setting sleeve.
11. Ensure that there is a small gap (approximately 1/8-in.) between the adapter kit's
setting sleeve and the Monolock's housing. Adjust if necessary.
Note If the Monolock does not fully set (the setting pins do not shear), jar up to
mechanically shear the setting pins. This action will not fully set the Monolock because
the mechanical shearing of the setting pins merely releases the DPU and running hardware
from the Monolock. The improperly set Monolock must be retrieved.
Note Refer to the “Running” section of this document for more information.
Pulling
This section refers to drawings 21MLxxxxx and 146MLP00000.
The plug is retrieved with the DPU and the pulling prong assembly. When the DPU
reaches the set plug, the end of the prong mechanically pushes the valve spool off-seat.
Some light downward jarring may be required. This action opens the equalizing ports in
the equalizing valve housing and allows any pressure differential to equalize.
CAUTION Do not attempt to pull the Monolock while attached to a down-to-shear pulling tool. The
downward jarring could release the pulling tool from the DPU and Monolock. Since the
DPU has a self-contained power source, it would still be able to unset the Monolock and
both tools would drop downhole.
During the equalizing process, the DPU is not running and can be pulled out of the plug to
allow uninhibited equalization. This is possible because the pulling collet is unsupported
and can collapse into the prong's groove to enter and exit the releasing sleeve fishneck. An
overpull of 300 to 400 lb is required to pull the collet out of the releasing sleeve fishneck.
Note The 300 to 400 lb overpull should be used to verify that the collet has entered the
fishneck.
Once the equalization process is complete, the DPU is set back down on the top sub. Light
downward jarring ensures that the collet is re-engaged in the releasing sleeve fishneck.
When the DPU starts running, the prong will extend to push the equalizing valve down.
Due to seal friction at the equalizing valve, the relative motion between the DPU and
prong will actually lift the DPU and prong upward (away from the Monolock's® top sub).
This also causes the collet to move upward and away from the groove on the prong. By the
time the upper angle of the collet reaches the shoulder on the fishneck, it will be fully
supported by the prong. This locks the collet in the fishneck. The prong is then forced to
stroke down and push the equalizing valve against the shoulder in the equalizing valve
housing.
The shear pins between the releasing sleeve and the upper mandrel are then sheared as the
releasing sleeve is pulled upward.
The shearing releases the threaded collet of the lower mandrel from the upper mandrel. As
the lower mandrel collet releases, the energy stored in the element, slips, and Belleville
springs is released. This action unsets the plug.
The DPU continues to push the prong downward, essentially stretching the plug. This
involves relative pulling through the equalizing valve housing, the lower mandrel, the
lower wedge, the slips, the upper wedge, the element, and the housing. Since the element
may have taken a set, this stretching action helps reduce the element's diameter to allow
easier retrieval or passage through any restrictions. Downward travel of all the mentioned
items continues until the pick-up ring snaps into the groove of the upper mandrel. The
square shoulder in the upper mandrel groove stops the downward travel of the pick-up
ring, the thrust ring, the spiral ring, and the housing.
Since the upper end of the element is restrained by the housing, the continued downward
travel of the prong results in elongation of the element. The elongation continues until the
element is stretched to its original length and OD. The DPU then goes into idle mode and
linear motion stops. During the DPU's idle time, the prong begins to rotate. This rotation
continues until the DPU times out. To prevent any damage to the upper end of the valve
spool due to relative rotation and to reduce the effects of the DPU's left-handed rotation,
the prong has a free-spinning equalizing tip. This tip allows relative rotation to occur
within the prong assembly. The shear ring is pinned to the prong, keeping the tip in place.
This allows the tip to shear the pins in the shear ring in the unlikely event that full
downward travel cannot be achieved. By shearing the tip, the collet remains positively
engaged and supported in the releasing sleeve fishneck and the plug can still be safely
retrieved.
The plug can also be retrieved with a GS pulling tool. After latching the pulling tool in the
releasing sleeve fishneck, upward jarring shears the shear pins between the releasing
sleeve and the upper mandrel, moving the releasing sleeve up-ward. This allows the
threaded collet of the lower mandrel to release from the upper mandrel. As the lower
mandrel collet releases, the energy stored in the element, slips, and Belleville springs is
released. This action unsets the plug and allows it to be retrieved. This procedure does not
allow for equalizing any pressure differential. Because no stretching action occurs on the
element, any set it developed will not be reduced. This could result in difficulty when
passing through any restriction.
Note The GS pulling tool is not generally recommended and should only be used to
retrieve plugs that have been in service for only a short time and under relatively low
differential pressure.
1. Place the DPU in a vise, gripping on the thick-walled section of the motor housing.
This area is located slightly above the motor housing's identification groove.
2. Loosen the set screw on the DPU's rod cap and remove the rod cap from the DPU if so
equipped.
3. Loosen the DPU's drive housing 1/4 turn.
4. Rotate the DPU's power rod counter-clockwise to partially extend it. The power rod
should only be extended far enough to allow access to the four set screws in the prong
through the holes in the collet.
Note Do not fully extend the power rod. The DPU's guide keys will need to be re-
engaged in their slots if the power rod is fully extended. This will require completely
removing the DPU's drive housing.
6. Slide the remainder of the prong assembly over the partially extended power rod.
7. Thread the prong onto the DPU's power rod and tighten. This requires tightening the
DPU's drive housing to prevent the power rod from rotating.
8. Tighten the four set screws on the prong. The set screws can be tightened through the
holes in the collet.
Note The figure shown is for a 4 1/2-in. prong assembly. The larger prong assemblies
do not have a threaded shear nut or set screw attached to the collet. The collet is pinned
directly to the shear sleeve on the larger assemblies.
9. Reinstall the prong housing over the entire prong assembly and tighten on the drive
housing.
10. Tighten the 2 set screws on the prong housing.
11. Retract the power rod clockwise until the prong stops on the 45° shoulder in the collet
(or shear nut). This requires loosening the DPU's drive housing. At this point the ends
of the collet can collapse into the groove on the prong.
Note The collet must be able to collapse in order to engage the Monolock's® releasing
sleeve fishneck.
12. Tighten the drive housing to lock the power rod in position.
13. Verify that the collet still collapses into the groove on the prong. Adjust if necessary.
14. Prepare the DPU per BDMI 146DPU20.
15. Run the DPU and pulling prong to the set Monolock.
16. When the DPU and pulling prong reach the set Monolock, there will be a drop in
hanging weight.
17. Jar down to mechanically push the equalizing valve down.
Note At this point the DPU is not running. Ensure that the DPU does not remain still
long enough for the motor to start. Once the DPU starts running, it will be impossible for
the collet to enter the fishneck. It will then be necessary to retrieve the DPU and pulling
prong without unsetting the Monolock.
CAUTION Do not attempt to pull the Monolock® while attached to a down-to-shear pulling tool. The
downward jarring could release the pulling tool from the DPU and Monolock. Since the
DPU has a self-contained power source, it would still be able to unset the Monolock and
both tools would drop downhole.
18. Once the equalization process is complete, drop the DPU and pulling prong back into
the Monolock.
19. Pull up slowly to verify that the collet is engaged in the releasing sleeve fishneck. An
overpull of 300-400 lbs is required to temporarily pull the collet out of the fishneck.
20. Drop the DPU and pulling prong back into the fishneck.
21. Pull up slowly to re-verify that the collet is re-engaged in the fishneck, but do not
overpull.
22. Slack off on the wireline to release all wireline tension.
Note The pulling prong assembly must be fully seated on the Monolock's top sub when
the DPU starts.
Note If the Monolock has been in service for a long period of time under high pressure
and temperature, it may be necessary to jar down on the Monolock to help the element
release from the tubing ID.
26. Approach restrictions slowly. The element may have taken a set during service and
may be difficult to drift through the restriction. Although the pulling prong stretches
the element to its original length during the DPU's stroke, some light jarring may be
required to squeeze the element through the restriction.
Note If there is a problem in pulling the Monolock, the DPU and pulling prong
assembly may be released from the Monolock by jarring up. Upward jarring shears the
emergency release pins in the pulling prong assembly. This allows the DPU and pulling
prong assembly to be retrieved.
27. Once the DPU/Monolock® assembly has been removed from the well, place the
assembly in a vice, gripping on the DPU motor housing above the identification
groove. Support the Monolock with a hoist or jack stand.
28. Loosen the set screws in the prong housing until the thread is completely disengaged.
29. Pull the Monolock away from the DPU. Use steady movement to reduce the force
required to collapse collets.
Note Pulling the Monolock will cause the collets of the pulling prong to be positioned
in the groove of the prong. This frees the collets to unlatch from the Monolock’s releasing
sleeve fishneck.
Note The plug can also be retrieved with a GS pulling tool. After latching the pulling
tool in the releasing sleeve fishneck, upward jarring will unset the Monolock. This
procedure does not allow for equalizing any pressure differential and does not stretch the
element after it is unset.
The GS pulling tool is not generally recommended and should only be used to retrieve
plugs that have been in service for only a short time and under relatively low differential
pressure.
Note Refer to the “Pulling” section of this document for more information.
3.0 Procedure
Direct Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SSCSV)
Note Closure flow rates should be as large as possible within the limits of the applicable
rules and regulations governing an operating area but should be smaller than the maximum
capability of the well. The closure flow rate should be greater than the well test rate.
The bean diameter should not exceed 80 percent of the flow tube diameter. The diameter
of the bean assembly in a safety valve should be the same as used in sizing the safety
valve.
The pressure drop through the bean should be within the range specified for each valve.
Normally, the pressure drop through the bean should not exceed 15 percent of the valve of
the pressure immediately under the safety valve in gas wells.
Never run a velocity safety valve without an equalizing valve between the safety valve and
lock mandrel.
Never run an ambient safety valve without an equalizing between the safety valve and
lock mandrel.
Gas lift valves (GLVs) can be placed in side pocket mandrels, outside of well flow, or in
concentric fashion. Concentric-type GLVs will block the ID or through the tubing.
GLVs have a check valve to stop tubing pressure from flowing into the annulus between
the tubing.
A kick-over tool (KOT) is required to run and pull gas lift valves from side pocket
mandrels.
Some gas lift mandrels contain orienting sleeves or guides and some are non-orienting.
The orienting-type side pocket mandrel has a key slot built into it that aligns the KOT with
the gas lift valve pocket to ease in setting and pulling. It is primarily used in deviated
wells.
Often flowing wells are completed with side pocket mandrels loaded with dummy gas lift
valves. These are later replaced with live gas lift valve when the well stops flowing on its
own.
3.0 Procedure
1. Gauge run should be made prior to beginning job.
2. If you are not pulling dummies, set a stop to catch any dropped valves.
Note Junk basket with internal fishing neck may be set on top of stop to catch valves or
make them easier to fish.
3. Equalize the tubing and casing and pull the bottom valve first. Circulate heavy fluid
out of the annulus and tubing, and continue pulling valve or dummies from bottom up.
Note Use a T type standing valve as opposed to a dart-type test tool as it is easier to pull
with a fluid load on top.
5. Start injection to pressure up on the casing and open the well prior to pulling the
circulation device or plug to make sure the valves are in the pockets.
Note Do not run 2 arm L-type KOT when running GLVs into side pockets mandrels
with positioning sleeves. The arms may hang up in the positioning sleeves key slot.
6. Pressure up on tubing after bleeding easily it ensure that the check valves hold.
Note Even though casing shows zero pressure there may be a hydrostatic pressure
differential at the valve depth. Calculate the pressure inside and outside the tubing to
determine the pressure.
7. Pull the circulating device, plug, stop and junk basket depending on what you have in
the well.
8. Return the well to production.
CAUTION Do not use quick connects on the bottom of the KOT as this will not allow the tool to kick
over.
3.0 Procedure
1. Make a gauge run before beginning the job.
2. Run in hole and set the anchor (collar stop, slip stop) approximately 3 ft below the
hole.
3. Run in hole packoff assembly on a GS to the desired depth. Shear off the packoff and
come out of the hole with GS.
4. Run in hole with a blind box, jar down and set the packoff.
5. Run in and set the hold down slip (G packoff anchor).
Note Pin the top packoff prior to running. This ensures that the bottom packoff element
sets first.
6. When pulling, use a GS pulling tool for an internal fishing neck on packoff equipment.
7. Use an RS pulling tool for external fishing necks.
3.0 Procedure
1. A gauge run should be made prior to starting the job.
2. Determine the proper positioning tool to be used in shifting the subject sleeve, and
make up on the toolstring.
3. Equalize the pressure difference across the sleeve prior to shifting the sleeve open.
4. Run in hole to sleeve and locate profile, shift sleeve in the direction desired. Monitor
tubing and casing pressure for changes to give you an indication it has shifted.
5. Pressure up on the tubing to see if you have communication to verify that the sleeve is
open or closed.
Once you think it is open or closed, make a few passes through the sleeve to double check.
BHP, Spinner Survey, and Temperature Surveys can also be run to determine if the sleeve
is open.
3.0 Procedure
1. Make a gauge run before beginning the job.
2. Attach to a running tool and run in hole to the desired depth (nipple) and set in the
nipple.
3. Pressure up and test the tubing.
4. Run in hole with an RB pulling tool, jar down to latch, and remove the test tool from
well.
• Pump Bailer - The pump bailer has a cylinder-shaped barrel, where a rod is used on a
piston assembly. This piston assembly sucks material into the barrel. This material is
trapped inside by a check valve (which is either a ball or flapper). This check valve is
called a “bailer bottom.” (see cautions).
• Drive Down Bailer - This bailer also has a cylinder-shaped barrel, but it differs from
the pump bailer. This bailer has tip sub made up on top going a 5/8 in. sucker rod
thread. On the bottom of the bailer you have a check valve, or bailer bottom, as it is
known. This bailer uses the hammering action of the wireline toolstring to drive it into
the material that is being bailed (see cautions).
• Hydrostatic Bailer - This is cylinder-shaped, consisting of a seal chamber that contains
air at atmospheric pressure. The seal at the lower end of the barrel is a brass shear disc.
A skirt and ball-type check valve is made up on the lower end of the barrel, below the
shear disc. The skirt on the bailer bottom is designed with a larger ID, which allows it
to move down and around with the fishing neck of the subsurface control device.
When the skirt stops on the downhole control device, a few downward jarring strokes
will shear the brass disc. When this occurs, the sudden influx of well fluid or gas into
the chamber will carry the remaining debris past the check valve and into the chamber.
Note Special junk baskets are designed to catch larger parts that cannot get around
check valve. Also, a hydrostatic bailer should only be used for cleaning off a minor
amount of debris above a fish neck or other hard component. Do not run in to bail soft
material, since the bailer will suck itself into the material and may become stuck.
3.0 Procedure
1. A proper gauge run should be made.
2. Attach to a toolstring and zero at the tubing hanger.
3. Run in hole at moderate speed (taking consideration of nipples, tight spots, gas lift
mandrels, collars). Once you reach the obstruction, sit down, then pick up on the
toolstring, slowly lifting the rod on the piston assembly. As this is done debris material
is sucked into barrel. This procedure is done over and over until the operator sees that
he is no longer making hole, or feels the bailer is full.
4. Remove the bailer from well. (Repeat as above. Clean up debris, sand, etc. as
necessary).
CAUTION If the bridge that is being bailed has a pressure differential below it, the tubing above the
bridge should be completely filled with a fluid and/or be pressurized to a pressure that is at
least equal to the pressure below the bridge. This is to prevent the wireline toolstring from
being blown up the hole when the bailer breaks through or weakens the bridge.
After each upward pump stroke, the bailer should be pulled up the hole a few feet above
the original depth of the top of the bridge. This will help to avoid the possibility of the
bailer becoming stuck in the bridge.
Note A muleshoe bailer bottom seems to work best when bailing sand.
A flat-bottom bailer with noted chisel marks helps to give the operator indications when
fishing on tools, wire, etc.
Also, while bailing, the bailer will sometimes get stuck. When this happens, pull a couple
of hundred pounds over pickup weight and stop. Have patience and wait. This will
normally be enough to pull free.
During bailing operations, it is recommended to pickup out of debris to ensure that debris
is not falling back on top of tools, causing the toolstring to become stuck and/or lose
jarring action.
Care should be used when breaking the bailer down because it is possible for sand to
bridge over inside the bailer, causing a pressure differential.
CAUTION The hydrostatic bailer should not be used until the sand has been removed from the tubing
down to the top of the subsurface control device. When jarring down on a long sand bridge
to shear the disc in the hydrostatic bailer, the bailer may be driven into the bridge and
become stuck even if the disc does not shear. If the disc shears, the bailer may bury itself
in the bridge to the extent that it may become stuck.
After retrieving the hydrostatic bailer to the surface, care must be taken when opening the
bailer due to the possibility of pressure being trapped in the chamber. Even though the
bailer is equipped with an automatic pressure relief valve and also a normal pressure relief
valve, it is possible that the internal pressure port leading to both relief valves could
become plugged. The upper allen head set screw should always be backed out at least two
to three rounds to allow the ball relief valve to move off seat before opening the bailer.
Note Shear disc come in: (Hydrostatic pressure ratings) Thin 4025 psi, Medium 7450
psi, Thick 12, 175 psi. Also, snorkel bottoms for hydrostatic bailers made to get inside
locks.
3.0 Procedure
Note A stop may be previously set downhole or it may be run on the bottom of the
perforator.
4. Once seated, jar downward lightly to shear the two small pins.
5. Pull upward on the wireline to move the punch into contact with the tubing wall and at
the same time move the upper, serrated end of the perforator housing into contact with
the tubing wall.
6. Use light to moderate upward on wireline to move the punch into contact with the
tubing wall and at the same time move the upper, serrated end of the perforator
housing into contact with the tubing wall.
7. Continue upward jarring after the punch penetrates the tubing wall.
Note This allows the reverse taper on the double tapered wedge to engage the front side
of the base of the punch. This retracts the punch back into the perforator, locks it in the
fully retracted position and frees the perforator to be retrieved.
Note When using this perforator to mechanically punch a hole in the tubing wall, the
wireline operator should not use more than 30 to 35 lb of stem weight in the toolstring
unless high surface pressure in the well requires that he use more weight to get the tools
into the well. Depending upon the amount of stem weight being used, only very little to
moderate upward jarring action should be used to perforate the tubing. Excessive stem
weight and/or severe upward jarring impacts are not necessary with this perforator and, in
fact will be detrimental to its performance.
CN03589
3.0 Procedure
1. A gauge run should be made prior to starting job.
2. Make sure the well is static without pressure on it.
3. Run in hole with the swab mandrel with swab cups on it to a desired depth.
Note Calculate the weight per foot of fluid prior to RIH to help determine how far
below fluid level to run the swab mandrel on the first run. Start out shallow and work in
over subsequent runs to a comfortable working depth.
4. Pull out of hole quickly. Stop the swab mandrel 5 m (15 ft) below the hanger and
watch for fluid or gas to start flowing. (Wire weight, relatively constant while pulling
out of the hole (POOH), should drop as fluid drains off.) Be aware that the swab
mandrel will continue to move up the well as fluid drains off as the tension in the line
drops, especially when using braided line and/or large swab cups. Avoid pulling the
swab mandrel into the hanger or tree to prevent unnecessary damage to the swab cup.
5. Watch well for 3 to 5 minutes to see if gas or fluids start to flow.
6. Repeat Step 3 and watch for fluid rising, indicating the well may be coming in.
7. Repeat Steps 3, 4, etc. When performing multiple runs, take steps to ensure that the
operator stays alert through means such as regular breaks and changing the operator
parameters (i.e., stop at 7 m below wellhead every 5 minutes).
8. Do this until the well starts to flow or company employee shuts you down.
CAUTION Be sure not to overpull the wire. Do not exceed the operating limits of the wire.
Check your swab cups periodically for wear. Change if necessary.
It is not recommended to swab over half the tubing capacity.
Note When swabbing through a gas lift mandrel you will lose fluid. Running tandem
swab mandrels may help improve returns.
3.0 Procedure
1. Make a gauge run into the well to check the path.
2. Run power jars on slickline unit into the well until the “fish” is contacted.
3. Use downward jarring strokes to shear the two safety pins. This enables the firing pin
to strike the primer to fire the shell. The drive head delivers a quick, hard blow
downward.
Note If the fish does not move, redress and re-run the power jars.
3.0 Procedure
1. Determine the top of fish, either a with wire finder, impression block, or gauge run.
2. Run the appropriate tool to latch. Fish.
3. Always take into consideration any pre and cons of the operation at hand. (ex. What to
do if you latch fish, etc.) Remember well conditions.
4. Always keep communication lines open for suggestions and ideas.
5. Keep the office informed about progress, or lack of.
Tool Summary
Bell Type WIre Finder locates top of wire difficult to pass nipple ID
Wire Grab latches ball of wire do not jar deeply into nest of
wire
Center Spear pierces thick ball of wire do not jar deeply into nest of
wire
Tubular jars large I.D. tubing and when wire is reduces hazard of fouling
in the hole jars
Cutter Bar cuts broken wire at rope socket Calculate blind box size
before use.
Go-Devil: Beveled cuts wire at rope socket. blunt beveled end. Do not
drop in dry gas well. Check
ODs and IDs
Go-Devil: Flat base to cut on, adds wt., cutting blunt beveled end. Do not
force for sneppers. drop in dry gas well. Check
ODs and IDs
Kinley Snepper cuts wire close to the rope socket returns on line (cuts approx.
3 in. above rope socket)
Upside Down Sneeper cuts wire close to the rope socket Does not return on line (cuts
approx. 2 ft above socket)
Flopetrol Cutter cuts wire close to socket does not return on line
Side Wall Cutter cuts broken wire in tubing care required when running
• perforate tubing
• set bridge plugs
• set packers
• set patches
• set cement retainers
• cut tubing or casing
• dump bail cement or sand
• needs a licensed explosive specialist to make up the tools, the ETD man is in charge
once his tools are on the toolstring.
3.0 Procedure
1. Make a gauge run to the desire depth.
2. The ETD man makes up his ETD tools onto the toolstring.
3. Run in hole to desired depth while the ETD tool is on slickline. The ETD specialist is
in charge of running and pulling procedures.
3.0 Procedure
1. A gauge run must be made. If possible, a dummy run should be made.
2. Gather all tools and check all connections for good quality and fit.
3. After well is killed or TRSV is closed and secured, lower the first joint into the well
and secure with clamps.
4. Continue adding additional sections until all are made up and hanging in the wellbore.
5. Make up the toolstring and locking/hanging device on to the assembly. Enough
lubricator must be used to cover the toolstring and running tool when retrieved back to
surface.
6. Lower the assembly into the wellbore at a slow speed to avoid any possibility of
damaging the screen.
7. Set the assembly at the correct depth and POOH.
3.0 Procedure
1. Make the proper gauge run to target depth.
2. Run in hole with positioning/shifting tool to target depth.
3. Shift the tool in the proper direction to release the guns.
4. The shifting tool should pass freely through the releasing profile once the guns are
released.
3.0 Procedure
1. Gauge run.
2. Run in hole and set the tool in the nipple.
3.0 Procedure
1. Before running anything into the well, read past the wireline report and find out
deviation, elevation, wellbore fluid property, true vertical depth (TVD), and measured
depth (MD), etc.
2. Hydrostatic pressure is calculated at true vertical depth.
3. If a known toolstring has been used before, use same.
4. Make pick up more often than in a straight well for excessive drag.
5. Note in your report weights encountered and toolstring configuration, etc.
It is recommended to keep 1,500 to 2,000 lb above wellhead pressure on the grease seal
lines. Use fresh/clean “honey-oil.” Care must be taken in handling high pressure
equipment. High pressure equipment is considerably heavy. Three people, at least, should
be used for rig up.
High pressure work is dangerous and must be handled with experienced workers. Also, it
is recommended that an experienced supervisor accompany the wireline crew.
When testing the tree and lubricator upon rigging up, maintain pressure on the actuator if
fusible plug is used. Best practices would be to use grease the injection stuffing box for
11,000+ psi jobs.
3.0 Procedure
1. High Pressure
a. Make sure all equipment is current, as for as pressure, magnetic flux, and stress-
crack testing.
b. Pressure-test the wireline valve as an extra safety precaution before going out on a
job. Also, visually inspect lubricators and flanges to be used.
c. Have on hand a redress kit for the wireline valve, lubricator, and stuffing box.
Also, extra autoclave valves and flange gaskets are recommended.
d. Upon arriving on location, examine the wellhead/tree. Also, note the working
pressure on the tree. Next, determine if you have the proper equipment to handle
the job.
e. Hold a safety meeting with all people involved in performing the job. This
includes the operator, service assistants, company representative and covers all
matters related to the job.
f. After meeting, flange up on the tree and be sure to install a new flange gasket.
g. Position the wireline/slickline unit in the safest location possible, preferably
upwind of the well.
h. Change all o-rings in the lubricator and assemble the necessary lubricator
sections.
i. Install two autoclave valves per lubricator valve port/hole. The second valve per
hole acts as a backup.
j. The proper installation of the autoclave has the lower bleed hole on the autoclave
and valve nearest the lubricator.
k. Do not apply Teflon tape to the autoclave valve threads. The threads are not
designed to hold pressure.
l. During operations the outer autoclave valve is closed and used as a pressure-
bleeding device. The inner autoclave serves as a safety backup and remains open
at all times.
m. It is necessary to remove and place all glands and packing within the stuffing box.
n. The recommended packing stack from top to bottom includes, 91T136 (hard
black), 2 soft 91M2467, 1 91T120 (red), 1 soft 91M2467 (soft), 1 91T120 (red),
and as many soft black as necessary.
o. Installing a new lower wireline valve within the stuffing box is necessary. Pack
the void in the stuffing box with appropriate grease.
p. A hydraulic stuffing box is recommended in high-pressure conditions.
q. Check the bleed allen screw valve within the stuffing box. Make sure the valve is
closed.
r. Screw in the adjustment nut on the stuffing box until tension is noticed, then back
off a quarter turn.
Note For wells containing high CO2 concentrations, back the adjustment nut off one-
half to one complete turn. CO2 tends to make the packing expand and tighten.
s. When running wire in the hole, apply a mixture of STP and oil to the wire.
t. When rigging down do not leave the wireline valve on the wellhead overnight.
This may allow damage to occur to the elastomers in the wireline valve due to
explosive decompression of gases trapped within.
u. Pressure test the lubricator stack to working and/or customer requirements with
glycol, if applicable.
Note Do not use glycol where there are zinc or calcium products present. Glycol turns
zinc into a salt deposit and calcium into a “peanut butter” type substance. If glycol is used,
then it should be removed/drained from the tree.
v. Purge air out of the lubricator section by pressuring up to 1,000 lb and then
bleeding off. This prevents spontaneous combustion of products within the
lubricator.
Note This step necessary only on the first run into the wellbore.
w. Use a liquid chamber to inject corrosive inhibitor grease. This protects the
wireline and increases stuffing box life.
Note The maximum line speed should be 200 ft/min. into and out of the wellbore.
z. Inject grease sealant at a point one flow tube above the lubricator.
aa. Install a return line below the stuffing box to capture used grease. At this point the
stuffing acts as a wiper section or pressure backup device.
ab. Standard braided line should not be used when pressures exceed 3,000 to 4,000 lb.
Dia-form is recommended for pressure above 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Dia-form is
easier to seal and is a stronger braided wire.
ac. Use more weight/stem bar if braided line is employed on high pressure wells.
Lead, tungsten, or spent uranium stem is recommended to shorten the toolstring.
ad. When using braided line employ a double ram to accommodate the larger OD.
Note If the seal is lost, it is necessary to close the double rams on your lines and pump
grease between the rams when closing the wireline valve.
The gradual setting motion also eliminates the high impact stresses that are imposed upon
downhole devices when using an explosive charge setting tool.
The DPU uses and electric gear motor and linear drive mechanism to generate forces up to
60,000 lb.
The design is inherently safer than the equipment requiring an explosive charge, since the
power to operate the tool is provided by standard alkaline batteries.
The tool can be redressed quickly at the wellsite, and routine maintenance involves only
lubrication and battery replacement.
3.0 Procedure
1. A gauge run should be made prior to running the DPU.
2. Make up the DPU with the attached subsurface device and lower into the well to the
desired setting depth. The control circuit then initiates the setting operation. With a
stroke speed of approximately 0.7 in./min., the setting motion is gradual or controlled,
allowing the sealing element to properly conform against the casing/tubing wall and
the slips to full engage. When the sealing element is sufficiently compressed and the
setting force is reached, the DPU shears loose from the subsurface device and is
removed from the well.
3. See attachment on running and pulling operations.