Schlumberger Public

Slickline Pressure Awareness

Level -1
Training Package
Rev December 2011
 Schlumberger Public
Slickline Pressure Awareness
Level -1

The Why’s and the What For

 PRESSURE HAZARDS
In SLICKLINE operations we come across hazards from
multiple types of pressure sources:
Well pressure during Slickline wellhead pressure control
operations

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 Also surface pumping / injection during operations
Pressurized chambers brought to surface
 Intentional (Bailers, Bottom Hole Sampling) or unintentional (trapped
pressure in tools, hydraulic jars)
Air compressors, storage cylinders & accessories
Pressure testing wellhead equipment
Bleeding off wellheads, wellhead equipment
 Schlumberger Public
Case Studies

What we learn from our mistakes!

Case #1: Wireline ‘Non Grease’ Pressure Control

Planned to be a standard Wireline perforating job in a known

field with normally expected reservoir and wellbore
conditions.

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A quick and easy rig-up with a hold down shooting nipple and
BOP-V as had been used on several jobs before.
Experienced Schlumberger, client and rig personnel who had
performed this type of job before on a number of occasions.
The job starts off OK, and then…..
 Schlumberger Public
Case Study #1
Case Study #1 - The Impact.

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Case Study #1 - The Impact.

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Case #2: Pressure Test of Equipment
A Testing choke manifold was tested inside competitor’s test
bay to 5000 psi.
Foreman & Technician were inside the test bay inspecting for
leaks etc….

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A ¾” NPT thread Thermo well ejected hitting the Technician,
resulting in serious injury to his right knee.
The estimated velocity was 94 MPH, estimated Force was
1.75 Tons on the Thermo well…
Can any human take it ?!
Case Study # 2 - The Impact
.

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The result
Case # 3: Bleed off Contained Pressure
A WCP Senior Field Engineer was injured whilst bleeding
pressure from the backside of a WL MDT Sample Chamber
(MRSC) after completing sample transfer operations.

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15,000 psi of pressure escaped through the weep hole of an
Autoclave isolation valve whilst the engineer attempted to
loosen a fitting to bleed off the pressure.
Similar pressure bleedoff can occur with Hydraulic Jars,
Bailers, small pressure leaks from fittings, hoses or Lubricator
connections
Case Study # 3 - The Impact
15,000 psi of pressure escaped
through the weep hole of an Autoclave isolation valve
whilst the engineer attempted to loosen a fitting to bleed
off the pressure. The engineer’s finger was positioned
over the weep hole at the time of pressure release.

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He didn’t know or forgot how autoclave fittings seal !
Case # 4: Pressure Hose Fitting
Operator was preparing a Wireline tool before RIH, which
involved use of CO2
 CO2 pressurized bottle was connected to the tool via specifically designed

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filling-kit
 The pressure hose connection had been locally modified and was found to be
leaking, but they still tried to utilize it
An Operator-Trainee not essential to the operation sat down to
watch what was being done
 The Trainee was wearing safety glasses, but had them slid all the way down
on his nose and hence not protecting his eyes properly.
Case Study # 4: The Impact

The hose from the CO2 tank end

came off from the swage and
whipped his right eye.

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Injury on his right eye was
extensive, with bleeding inside the
cavity and retina damage, possibly
permanently.
Case #5: Wireline ‘Routine’ Operation - MOC
Wireline Crew dispatched for a ‘routine’ Perforating job.
Old well in a mainly depleted field where re-perforating existing zones was common
practice
An extra zone, only 2nd time being perforated, was added at the rig site
During the 4th run the liquid level rose showing well starting to flow

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The rig only had pipe rams; No blind or no shear were installed.
Schlumberger Packoff and the rig flange were not properly installed and would have
never passed a pressure test.
Company man and SLB FS decided to POOH the guns as fast as possible (against crew
chief’s advice and our procedures)
At 3,000 ft, SLB FS realizes that the guns are being blown out of the hole and orders
evacuation while shutting down the unit
Guns blown out of hole, taking off Packoff inner assembly and gun string breaks in 4
sections falling as far as 150m from wellhead
Case Study # 5 - The Impact

Workover Rig
HEAD

SLB unit

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10 ft Gun Rig Camp
150 mt
5 ft Gun

20 ft Gun

Road
 Pressure Control – Know the Rules
Follow the rules !
OFS QHSE standards and the POM aim to reduce
risks to ALARP, As Low As Reasonably Possible

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Root Cause Analysis for pressure incidents
almost always show that rules were broken or
bypassed
Just because “We’ve always done it this way
before” does not make the process or
equipment safe !!!
 Schlumberger Public
Pressure Fundamentals
Pressure Control – Know the Formula
F=PXA
Force = Pressure X Area

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• No Red light will ask you to stop

• No Whistle will be blown to stop you

• No Flag will be raised to stop you

• No stop sign
 Pressure Control – Know the Formula

Know the variations of Pressure………Area……..

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When the connection cannot hold,
It will
EXPLODE!
 Extra Risks with Pressure Testing
Pressure testing with
• Wrong gases
• Wrong fluids
You may create

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A FIRING STROKE = an
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

USE only NEUTRAL (non flammable, non combustible) gases & fluids for
pressure testing
• Water (Sea Water, Fresh Water)
• Glycol, Glycol / Water mixture
• If gas required : Nitrogen (with Oxygen content <0.5%)
Threads under pressure : a weak point
On the thread of all API
Seals (Fluids, Gases) thread connections

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Threads

Holds (weight, force) On the threads

 Threads under pressure : a weak point

All API threads must be TORQUED to a An API Thread

standardized value
For large diameters (>2”) difficult to

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achieve and measure without rig tongs
Client do not disconnect API threads
‘OFTEN’, but we do
A damaged thread allows the fluid to get
the threads corroded faster
H2S exposure will over time make the
threads brittle
 Threads under pressure : a weak point

Any threaded connection without O-ring that will face pressure

must be :

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Identified
Handled and used according to the approved manufacturer’s
specifications
Used within its scope of design
Complying to Schlumberger rules for its use and maintenance
Threads - High Pressure
*Metal to Metal seat/seal
*Bleed off port

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AUTOCLAVE ENGINEER

AE medium Pressure
Needle Valve Fittings
WP = 20,000 psi
Schlumberger Public
The Standards
Why implement standards?
Just because “We’ve always done it this way before” does not
make the process or equipment safe.

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All of us are equal and should be protected from risks to the
same level regardless of location or environment.

Compliance to the SLB company Pressure Standard and

policies is to protect people, environment and assets…
…it is not optional.
OFS QHSE Standards
Standards are established by OFS & Business Segments QHSE to define
the minimum acceptable personnel, equipment and processes required to
minimize risks seen in our operations.
Business Segments also define detailed Procedures for each of these risk

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areas.
Pressure Operations are covered under
OFS QHSE Standard 14 and
Slickline Services Pressure Operating Manual
All locations using pressure containing equipment are responsible to
implement OFS QHSE Standard 14 and Slickline Segment Pressure
Standard
 OFS QHSE Standard 14 – Statement
Statement of Standard
(Slickline Services Pressure Operating Manual)
This standard applies to Slickline operations and is intended to
complement the OFS QHSE Standard 14.
Pressure Containing Equipment (PCE) shall be obtained from Slickline

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Segment Technology Center (SRPC), or Slickline Segment approved
manufacturers.
PCE shall be manufactured, inspected, tested and maintained according
to OFS–QHSE–S014 Pressure Standard, the Slickline Services Pressure
Operating Manual (POM), and applicable local regulations.
Personnel handling, maintaining, and operating PCE shall be qualified
according to OFS–QHSE–S014 Pressure Standard, the Slickline Services
Pressure Operating Manual (POM), and applicable local regulations.
OFS QHSE Standard 14
Please now review:
OFS QHSE Pressure Equipment Standard

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OFS QHSE Standard 14

Slickline Services Pressure Operating Manual (POM)

OFS QHSE Standard 14 – Summary
In Summary OFS-14 requires that for all operations involving
pressurized equipment:
Only equipment of a Segment approved design and approved

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supplier can be utilized.
All equipment must be fully certified and tested on a regular
basis. Manufacturing and maintenance records must be
maintained for all components.
Only trained and certified personnel may operate and supervise
pressure operations.
 Schlumberger Public
Slickline Pressure Operations Manual
Slickline Pressure Operations Manual
The Slickline Services Pressure Operations Manual provides
the specific details on how the OFS Standard 14 should be
implemented in Slickline and Braided Line / Stranded Line
Operations.

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The Slickline Services POM can be found at:
InTouchSupport.com – ID No. 5670619
Slickline POM Overview
The Slickline Services POM is written in parallel with the other Business
Segments’ POMs
The document is designed to be used directly by field personnel to
determine the minimum requirements for different operational conditions.
Section 4 is the main section covering Pressure Control Equipment for

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Slickline, SensaLine DTS, LIVE Digital Slickline operations.
Section 5 is the main section covering Pressure Control Equipment for
Braided Line / Stranded Line operations.
Slickline Segment POM Table of Contents
Primary Sections of the Slickline Services POM are:
Section 1: Introduction and General Concept
Section 2: Equipment Quality Control and Administration
Section 3: Well Barriers, Wellsite and Special Operations

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Section 4: Pressure Control Equipment (Slickline / Digital Slickline)
Section 5: Pressure Control Equipment (Braided Line / Stranded Line)

The Appendix Sections of the Slickline Services POM are:

Appendix A: Pressure Test Bays
Appendix B: Well Integrity
Tables: Tables and Illustrations
 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 1 Introduction and General Concepts
Schlumberger must ensure that all operational pressure controlling
equipment is qualified for its intended use and that the equipment is never
used outside its design parameters or specifications.

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The POM is intended to set the minimum common standards for all
pressure controlling equipment and its operation.

Any specific local government regulations and/or client requirements that

exceed the standards put forth in the Slickline Services POM must apply.
If there is any conflict, we will comply with whichever is most rigorous and
stringent.

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 2 Equipment Quality Control and Maintenance
All PCE must have an Asset History File, consisting of the following:
• Quality File from Vendor – (COC, Design approval certification, components
identification, traceability certification, Hydrostatic pressure test, assembly
drawing)

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• Movement and procurement records
• History card or record
• Reception pressure test and inspection record
• Routine inspection and pressure test records
• Certification Renewals as required
Every piece of pressure containing equipment, no matter how small, must be approved,
must be of proper specification
Every piece of pressure containing equipment, must be permanently marked with a
unique ID number

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 2 Equipment Quality Control and Maintenance
Maintenance:
• SPOT – Intermediate – Annual Inspections – Major re – certifications, Certification
Renewal

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• Intermediate Inspections Tear down and inspect, with complete pressure test to
WP: PCE – Standard Service every 6 months, H2S Service every 3 months,
Hostile Service >10K-High Temp after every job.
• Annual Inspections – complete tear down, body test to TP, operational test to WP
– performed at least annually, and after any failure or repair.
• Major Re Certification – Every 5 years complete tear down with NDE, test body to
Test Pressure, operational test to WP.
• Every 10 years Certification Renewal obtained through certifying agency (BV,
DNV, etc.)
• Inspection and Test Procedures

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 Slickline Segment Colour Scheme
An identification system preventing unsafe intermixing of Pressure Control
Equipment of different pressure ratings is compulsory.
All WHE and pressure components should be painted SLB blue with the
following colour band:
Pressure Rating Band Colour

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5,000 psi Red
10,000 psi Black
15,000 psi White
20,000 psi Brown
Other Segments use different colour schemes, other colour schemes used for
other purposes – equipment for different purposes or Segments are not to be
mingled together
 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 3 – Well Barriers, Wellsite and Special Operations
Well barriers overview:
• Active Well Barriers : (Stuffing Box, Liquid Seal Head, Pack Off, Grease Injection
Head), capable to seal on Slickline/Digital Line or Braided Line/Stranded Line at all

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times, while tools are stationary or moving.
• Passive Well Barrier : (Wireline Valve), The Wireline Valve provides facilities for
contingency and emergency procedures and must be included in all rig-ups. Is
capable to offer the necessary conditions for repairing the active well barriers
(Stuffing Box, Grease Injection Head, etc.) while the wire/cable is stationary.
• Ultimate Well Barrier: (Shear/Seal Rams, Xmas tree valves), A well barrier that is
defined as the last and ultimate defense should the Active Well barrier and
subsequent Passive Well Barriers fail.
Working and Test Pressure – Test Pressure for 5K WP equipment has been changed to
1.5 times WP according to API 6A 20th Edition

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 3 - Well Barriers, Wellsite and Special Operations
Connection to Customers Equipment :
• Rental Equipment
• Client supplied equipment

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• Well barriers below SLB PCE
• Client fully responsible for well control – full SDP implemented before job start
• Connections to Xmas tree, drill pipe and tubulars
Customer supplied equipment must comply to OFS QHSE Standard 14 and Slickline Services
Pressure Operating Manual (POM)
Wellsite pressure testing scenarios and criteria's
NOTE: Wellsite Pressure Testing must be performed in a safe environment – the environment
for Wellsite Pressure Testing must be safely secured before and during Pressure Testing

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 3 - Well Barriers, Wellsite and Special Operations
Special Operations – (H2S/CO2 Operations, Formulas with equations and examples inputted
into SLK POM for Partial Pressure, for both H2S and CO2, Night time operations, Explosive
operations, Cold weather operations and Sub sea operations)

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 4 - Pressure Control Equipment (Slickline/Digital Line)
Help choose correct PCE for Slickline/Digital Line operations
Prior to commencing any operation, it is mandatory to determine the well’s MPWHP, Maximum
Possible Wellhead Pressure, to guide in selecting correct PCE and determining wellsite test
pressure

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Well Barrier Scenarios for Slickline/Digital Line
API Threaded connections - Integral or Premium Connections
Liquid Seal Head for Slickline/Digital Line operations
Chemical Injection Sub for Slickline/Digital Line operations
Vent Valve (Purge Sub) for Slickline/Digital Line operations
Bleed Sub for Slickline/Digital Line operations – for 10K WP H2S operations
Quick Test Sub for Slickline/Digital Line operations
Tool Trap for Slickline/Digital Line operations
Flexible/Bleed lines and fittings

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 5 - Pressure Control Equipment (Braided Line/Stranded Line)

Help choose correct PCE for Braided Line/Stranded Line operations

Well Barrier Scenarios for Braided Line/Stranded Line

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Grease Injection Head
• Number of flow tubes chosen versus MPWHP
• Type, number and style of grease pump selection for different job scenarios
• Maintenance on head and pumps
Overview of Single lift points when rigging up Braided Line/Stranded Line

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 6 - SLK Personnel Qualification and Administration

A wellsite crew shall be considered qualified if:

• The person in charge at wellsite must hold a valid Pressure Level 2 and a Well Integrity
Level 2 Certifications

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• At least 50% of the crew members (one man minimum) must hold a valid Pressure Level 2
and Well Integrity Level 2 certification
• The remaining crew members not holding a valid Pressure or Well Integrity certification
Level 2 must be qualified by having completed, at a minimum, Well Integrity and Pressure
Level 1 training

Pressure Level 1 – Well Integrity 1 Certification

• Review the online training material
• Pass on line test thru Quest

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 6 - SLK Personnel Qualification and Administration

Pressure Level 2 Certification :

• Valid for 2 years

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• PCE up to 10K WP
• Attend Training Course
• Pass on line test

Well Integrity Level 2 Certification

• Hold valid Level 1 awareness certification
• Attend Training Course
• Pass on line test

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Section 6 - SLK Personnel Qualification and Administration

Pressure Level 3 Certification: (If personnel achieve Level 3 Expert with jobs at 7500
psi WP or greater)

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• Above 10K WP
• Attend Training Course
• Pass on line test
• Valid for 2 years
• Must have valid Level 2 Certification

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Appendix A – Pressure Test Bays

All “in house” (Annual, Recertification, Maintenance) Pressure Testing must be carried out
in a safe environment

Pressure Test Bays specifications and operation considerations

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“When a Pressure Test Bay is not available (or not large enough for the equipment to be
pressure tested), the Pressure Test Area must be isolated with visible barriers and
warning signs at access points and walkways, to restrict movement of unnecessary
personnel.
Pressure Testing outside a Pressure Test Bay requires the preparation of a HARC, but
does not require an Exemption.”

Pressure Testing Procedures

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Overview
Appendix B - SLB-QHSE-SO22 – Well Integrity
To reduce the risk of uncontrolled release of formation fluids into another formation, to the surface,
or to the environment, throughout the well life cycle to a level “ALARP” (As Low As Reasonable
Practicable)
Well Barrier Element - An object or element (fluid) that alone or in combination with other

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elements, will create an envelope, capable of containing well pressure and preventing uncontrolled
flow of fluids from the formation
Well Barrier Envelope - The combination of barrier elements (such as casing, BOP, well head,
mud column, etc.) which working together, form an envelope that prevents uncontrolled flow of fluids
Primary Barriers - the well barrier elements that see pressure during normal operation
Secondary Barriers - The barrier, or combination of barrier elements, that is defined as the
ultimate defense should any of the primary barrier elements fail
“WBEAC” – Well Barrier Element Acceptance Criteria - is the collection of all organizational,
technical, and operational requirements and guidelines that need to be fulfilled by a given element to
qualify as a well barrier, irrespective of type of activity or operation.

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Training Scenarios Overview

All existing Personnel (SLB, Geo, Lonkar) conduct on line test.

Open book test for Pressure Level 2

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Passing Grade of 90% is needed for PL 2 and WI 2
• If employee scored between 70 to 89%, employee will have to attend a 1 day
POM/PCE overview. With test retake and passing grade of 90%.
• If employee scores below 70%, employee will have to attend 3 day POM/PCE
course. With test retake and passing grade of 90%.

All employees will need to go through a 1 day Well Integrity Level 2 course

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Additional Notes
Frequently Asked Questions, Information of Note
Q: Can Pressure Control Equipment fail?
A: Yes, Pressure Control Equipment fail;
To protect against risk, the key to pressure safety is:
Training

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Using the correct equipment
Individual Behavior

Q: What qualification must all personnel who operate Pressure Control Equipment have?
A: All personnel who operate Pressure Control Equipment must have Pressure Level 1
training.

Info: Prior to commencing any operation, it is mandatory to determine the well’s MPWHP,
Maximum Possible Wellhead Pressure, to guide in selecting correct PCE and determining
wellsite test pressure

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Additional Notes
Frequently Asked Questions, Information of Note
Info: Customer provided equipment must conform to OFS QHSE Standard 14 and applicable
Segment Standard / POM

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Info: An identification system preventing unsafe intermixing of Pressure Control Equipment of
different pressure ratings is compulsory
A colour coding system is used, as indicated in POM Section 2

Info: A complete tear down, body test to TP, operational test to WP – must be performed at
least annually, and after any failure or repair.

Info: If the type or origin or specification of a connection or piece of PCE cannot be identified
with proper certification, it must not be used
If a piece of PCE cannot be identified as Standard or H2S service, it must not be used, it
must be taken out of service

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Additional Notes
Frequently Asked Questions, Information of Note
Info: F = P X A
Force = Pressure X Area

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Info: Suppliers approved by one Segment ARE NOT automatically approved for any other
Segment
Pressure containing equipment cannot be mingled between Segments, except by
Exemption

Info: Every piece of pressure containing equipment, no matter how small, must be approved,
must be of proper specification

Info: OFS QHSE standards and the POM aim to reduce risks to ALARP, As Low As Reasonably
Possible

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 Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual
Additional Notes
Frequently Asked Questions, Information of Note
Info: Pressure containing equipment must be operated only within design limitations, by
Qualified Personnel

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Info: Any specific local government regulations and/or client requirements that exceed the
standards put forth in the Slickline Services POM must apply.
If there is any conflict, we will comply with whichever is most rigorous and stringent.

Info: Every piece of pressure containing equipment, must be permanently marked with a unique
ID number

Info: All locations using pressure containing equipment are responsible to implement OFS
QHSE Standard 14 and Slickline Segment Pressure Standard

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Slickline Segment – Pressure Operations Manual

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QUESTIONS ?

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