WIRE LINE OPERATION COURSE

CHAPTER 1

SURFACE EQUIPMENT

CONTENTS

Introduction / History
Surface Equipment
- General
- Stuffing box
- line Wiper
- Grease Injector Head
- Quick Unions
- Lubricator
- Wire line B.O.P.
- X - mass tree
- Weight Indicator
- Hay Pulley, Wireline Clamp
- Rigging up
 WIRELINE OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

The forerunner of the modem circular cross-section wireHne was

the flat type graduated measuring hne. The flat type was used only for measuring
the depth of shallow wells. Nowadays, not only are the depths of the deepest wells
detennined, but bottom hole temperatures and pressures are measured,
tubing dimensions can be checked, wax deposits and sand can be removed, ana a large
number of tools and items of equipment can be set, retrieved or manipulated to change
the well status using wireline techniques.

Wireline operations can save a great deal of time and money, when performed
efficiently and safely. Efficiency and safety can only be achieved through good
planning, and this includes employing highly skilled, conscientious operators,
'{'
trained to the correct standards and procedures, and using the correct tools and
','
,; equipment maintained to the highest standards. Tl1e skills can only come from
good on-the-job practical experience, the knowledge behind the skills from
technical and safety courses and appropriate literature.

Supervisors and operators should be fully aware of the various constraints

imposed upon them during wireline operations. Perhaps the greatest of these
is that the operator is working "blind" , and must work with indicators,
observations and modem instrumentation, which, together with his own skills,
assist' in developing improved' ..sensing" It is, however, still difficult
when the tool being used is several thousand feet away at the end of a length
of wire, and possibly in heavy mud or crude oil. Other typical restrictions which
can affect wireline operations are:

Corrosion
Sand
Scale
Well deviation
Equipment design limitations

Many of these can be minimized through good planning and a professional

approach to the complete wireline operation from the planning stage to the production
stage. For example, corrosion can be minimized by correct equipment selection or
inhibition, and sand production can be minimized by efficient well control and completion
design.

It is only through good records and careful analysis of data so obtained that
problems are highlighted and improvements can be made and solutions found.
Efficient well records are esse.nual
Refer to these prior to a wireline job to check 'problems previously encountered.

1-2
 WIRELINE SERVICE

Wireline Service is a method whereby various well maintenance, remedial, control

and safety functions are accomplished, under pressure, in the wellbore below the
earth's surface. This is done by "running" and "pulling" the tools and
equipment into and out of the wellbore by use of a small diameter wireline mounted
on a powerful reel at the surface.
Some of the functions which are accomplished by use of the wireline are:
installing and retrieving safety valves, plugs and pressure regulators;
removing sand and parafin from the wellhore, running instruments to record bottom
-bole pressure. and temperature and installing and retrieving gas lift
valves.

Most wells upon which we pe~orm Wireline Services will contain, or be

subject to, pressures of from a few pounds up to several thousand pounds per
square incb. This pressure is a natural condition of the underground formation into
wbicb tbe well has been drilled and where the gas and oil is being produced
from.

To enable the tools to be run into the well under pressure we

require the surface equipment shown below:

Each component on the following ~ist can be identified on p 1-4:

(I) Stuffmg box - (Alternate sealing Wiper Box, Grease Injector Head)
(u) .. Lubricator Bleed off valve.
(m) Quick Unions (Otis or Bowen)
(IV) B.o.P.
(v) Tree Connection
(VI) Ginpole and Rope Blocks
(vu) Lifting Clamp
(vm) Wireline Clamp
(IX) Hay Pulley
(x) Martin Decker Weight Indictor Sensor.

1-3
 WIRE SEALING DEVICES
. .......------

Wireline Sealing Devices fulfil one of two fUnctions:

(a) Pressure containment. (Sealing).

(b) Pressure reduction on braided line (Partially Sealing).
(c). High Pressure containment on braided line

(a) For solid wirelines,only pressure-containingstuffing boxes are utilized. .

The standard stuffing box is rated for 5000 psi but they are available in 10,000 psi arid
higher.

The essential function of the wireline stuffing box is to ensure containment

or sealing off around solid wirelines, whether stationary or in motion, at the
upper end of the lubricator during wireline operations. In addition, most
stuffing boxes contain a BOP plunger, which seals off flow in the event that
the wireline breaks and is forced out of the packing section.

A swivel - mounted (3608 free movement) sheave wheel and guard are fitted to
the top half of the stuffing box. The wheel is positioned so as to maintain
the passage of the wire through the centre of the packing rubbers.

The sheave guard on the Otis stuffing box is designed to trap wire which
breaks on the surface before it drops downhole.O-Ring No = 91Ql338 (International
O-Ring No = 2-338)

(b) Line wipg (Wiper box, swabbing head)

Use .: To partially seal around 3 I 16 braided line.
Seals: Split rubber elements
Limitations Maximum well pressure 500 psi.
Operation: The hydraulic packing nut is used to adjust the compression on the
rubber element to minimise leakage. A 100% seal is not achieved while
line is in motion as "squeeze" required would create too much
friction.

(c) Grease injector head

Use: To seal around 3 , 16 braided line at pressures u~ to 5000 psi.
Seals: Grease injected around wire as it passes through flow tubes.
Limitations: Difficult to achieve a 100% seal.
Operation: Flow tubes. machined to close fit to OD of line, are pressured
up with honey grease to a pressure slightly higher than well
pressure. This prevents escape of well fluids.

In order to supply grease ur.Jer pressure we require the following equip-

ment to rig up the grease injector head.
1) High pressure grease pump. 5) Wiper box.
2) Grease reservoir. 6) Grease injector head assembly.
3) Compressor. 7)' Sheave.
4) Hoses. 8) Crane.

----
1-6
 PROJECT I - STUFFINGBOX

a. Slicklinestuffin~.
I. What is the purpose of the standard box?

2. What is the pressure rating of tht: standard stuffing box?

3. List four points which you should check prior to using the stuffing box?
(I)
(11)
(111)
(IV)

4. What is the purpose of the B.O.P. plunger in the Otis stuffing 'box?

b. ~PJ:r box
I. When do we use this type of device?

2. What is the maximum weJl pressure at which this can be used?

3. If we cannot satisfactorily contain weJl pressure which component must be

changed?

c. Grease Injector Head.

I. List equipment required to rig up grease injector head.
(I)
(11)
(111)
(IV)
(v)
(VI)
(VII)

2. What is the maximum pressure which can be contained by.this device?

3. What are the disadvantages of this device?

1-7
 QUICK UNIONS
The connections used to assemble the wireline service lubricator and related equipment
are referred to as "Quick Uniom" ,. They are designed to be assembled by hand.

The box end receives the pin which has an O-ring seal. The collar has an internal
ACME thread to match the external thread on the box. This thread makes up quickly
by hand and should be kept clean. The O-ring forms the seal to contain the pressure
and should be thoroughly inspected for damage - replace if necessary. A light
film of oil (or grease) helps to make up the union and prevent cutting of the O-Ring.

Pipe wrenches, chain tongs or hammer should never be used to loosen the collar
of the union. If it. cannot be turned by hand, all precautions must be taken to make
sure that the well pressure has been completed released.

The collar of the union will make up by hand when the pin end, with the 0- ring,
has been stopped by a shoulder matching a shoulder on the other end. When the collar
makes up completely, it ,should be backed off approximately one quarter turn
to elimiftate any possibility of it sticking due to friction when it is to be
removed.

Rocking lubricator to ensure it is perfectly straight will assist in loosening

quick union.

PIN ~

0 0
O-RING O-RING N
91Q1236 5 Y2 - 4 = 2 - 345
(2-236) 43/4 - 4 =2 - 340

BOX ~

OTIS
BOWEN

NOTE: differences between Otis and Bowen (i) External - Holes

(ii) Internal - angles
(iii) Pin. diameter (Otis 3.5", Bowen 4.375")
High pressure quick unions are welded to lubricator- not threaded.

1-8
 LUBRICATOR

The lubricator enables tools to be introduced to, and removed from, a well under
pressure. It is a tube' with quick connections at each end. For low pressure (below
5000 psi) applications the quick unions are threaded. For high pressure use the quick
connections must be welded in position and x-rayed and pressure tested prior to use. All
lubricators should be x-rayed, magnifluxed for cracks and visually inspected at
regular intervals.

The pressure ratings of lubricator are:

Working press (psi) Test press (psi)

3000 4500
5000 7500
10000 15000

Note: H 2 S equipment must be used on wells containing more than 10 ppm H2S (0.001%)

The standard length of lubricator is 8 ft but shorter sections are available (4 . 5 1)

They are usually positioned at the bottom.

The lower section must be of sufficient diameter to accommodate tool I equipment

being run. (Usually same size as tubing and wellhead). Upper sections are smaller
as only the toolstring is inside.

Total length must be sufficient to take total toolstring plus tools being recovered.

Maximum length recommended to be picked up with rope blocks on ginpoles are:

i) 3 sections- if lower section does not exceed 4 I1 2"

ii) 2 sections- if both sections are 4 I I 2"
If diameters exceed these sizes a crane must be used.

Common sizes are:

2,2 1/2",3 1/2",4 1/2", and 5 1/2"

MANUFACTURERS - CAMCO, HYDROLEX, OTIS,'BOWEN, ELMAR

WIRE TRACKING:

Caused by wire cutting into inside wall of lubricator. This can drastically
reduce strength of lubricator and should be checked by visual inspection regularly.

1-9
 PROJECT 2 - QUICK UNIONS

1. What is the visible (external) difference between Otis and Bowen Quick Unions?

2. What is the internal difference?

3. Can these quick unions be unscrewed by hand with pressure inside?

.
t
4. What is the Part No. of the 0 . rings required with on the standard (most
common)3" Quick Unions.
(l ) Otis-
(2) Bowen-
5. For the Otis Quick Unions ..what does the 5 . 4 refer to?
(1) 5 .
(2) 4 .
""I

PROJECT 3 -LUBRICATOR ',.

1. How many sections of lubricator should be used for each job?

2. Why is there a bleed off valve' in the lower section?

3. What is the working pressure of the standard lubricator?

4. Explain the difference between working pressure (W.P.) and tesi pressure (T.P.).

5. How often should lubricator be tested?

6. Explain" Wire Tracking"

1-10
 BLOW OUT PREVENTERS

A Wireline BOP is always*installed between the tree connection and the lower lubricator
section. Under normal circumstancesit is not actually used but it cannot be installed,only
when required, with wire in the hole as the lubricator will contain pressure.

Purpose: - to enable well pressure to be isolated without cutting wire by closing the master
valve. .

- to permit assembly of wireline cutter above the BOP rams.

- to permit the dropping ofa wireline cutter if the toolstring becomes stuck in
the well. .
- to permit "stripping" of the wire through closed rams when absolutely necessary.

.When running/pulling an SCSSVor a wirelineretrievableHPV the BOP can be positioned

above the first section of lubricator.Alternativelya second BOP can be placed immediately
below the stuffing box. This providesa means of isolating the well pressure and recovering
the toolsif the wirebreaksat therope socketand the toolsdrop acrossthe Christmastreevalves.

Description: - Mechanical or hydraulic force is applied to close the rams which seal against
the wire.
- Slickline (.092", .105"/.108")uses blind rams with rubber inserts on the sealing
faces to seal with or without wire across the rams.
- Braided line (3/16", 1/4" or conductor cable) uses rams with a semi-circular
groove in the seals to match the line diameter.

All of the above types of rams have centralisers to ensure that the wire is positioned centrally
on the sealing face as the rams close.

~: HOP's WILL ONLY HOLD PRESSURE FROM ONE nlRECTION

Check visually,with the rams open, by looking down past the rams for the keyway slot on
the pressure(bottom) side of the body. Any wordingon the casting should also be the correct
way up. Some brands have an arrow to indicate the top.

1Ypes: Ram type BOP's, as described above, are manufactured by:

- Bowen
- Elmar
- Hydrolex
,- Otis

An Omsco type is also available with rapid closing "butterfly" type semi-circular rams.
However these are no longer in common use.

1 - 11
 BLOW OUT PREVENTERS
_........

BOP's are used in the followingconfigurations:

SINGLE - installedbetweenthe tree connection and the lowerlubricator as shown
on p 1- 4. A diagramof this type of BOP is on p 1 12. -
DUAL - Double or twin ram BOP primarily for use with braided line. Usually
hydraulic,it is a singlecasting containing two pairs of rams. Tho single
BOP's can be used one above the other but this configuration is not as
convenientas a one-piece unit.
. To obtain a seal against braided line a grease injection point is provided
between the two sets of rams.
MULTIPLE - for high pressuregas wellsa third BOP is advisable. The lowest set of
rams are installedupsidedownso that theywillhold pressurefrom above.
Greaseinjectedabovethese rams willbe contained and form an efficient
seal.

EQUALISING - all BOP's havea means of equalisingthe pressurebelowthe closed rams

with the pressureabove.A pressuredifferentialacting on the cross-section
of the rams creates a force that makes opening the rams extremely
difficult. Attempting to open the rams without equalisingmay result in
damage to the opening mechanism.
Always check that the equalising assembly is correctly installed - the
AlIen screw should be on the high pressure side of the rams. ie:
downwards.
KeepequaJisingvalveclosed so that in an emergencythe BOP will hold
pressureas soon as the rams are closed.If this valveis in the open position
it willhaveto be closedmanually before wellpressurewillbe contained.
Remember - the BOP is a safety devicefor use in an emergencyand
it isthe responsibilityof the operatorto ensurethat it is in perfectworking
order at all times.
TESTING - All types of BOP's should be tested in the workshop on a regular basis
to be determined to suit field conditions:
With the rams open - pressureto 150070of workingpressure.
With rams closed - pressureto of workingpressure.
100070
- to test ram sealagainstwirediametera test rod,
of the same sizeas the wire to be used, should
be inserted between the rams.
REMEMBER - The Force created by the pressure acting on the cross-sectional area of
the test rod will act to push rod out of the rams. For this reason it is
not recommended to use a locally made device unless it has been subjected
to recognised welding certification.
To assist in monitoring test frequency the date and test pressure can be
recorded on a stainless steel banding strap above the connection.
In addition to these tests it is reconunended that the BOP be tested against
well pressure during each rig-up.

1 - 14
 BLOW OUT PREVENTERS

TRANSPORTATION- Prior to removing the BOP from the wellhead it is recommended

that the rams be closed and the handles be removed. This will
prevent accidental bending of the threaded stems and will protect
the threads from corrosion. Carried in this manner the BOP is ready
for testing during the next rig-up and it is also confirms that the
rams will move correctly.

MAINTAINANCE - All BOP's need careful and regular maintainance to ensure they
are readyto seal in an emergency.Referto individualmanufacturers
instructions.

SPECIAL DESIGNS - new hydraulic BOP's are supplied fitted with 'gas vented hydraulic
cylinders'. A small hole in the adapter cylinder (see diagram) close
to the BOP body prevents gas from passing the O-ring seal on the
stem. Any gas reaching the hydraulic cylinder can cause the following
problems:
- gas mixes with hydraulic fluid which can pressurise hose and pump
above their rated pressure.
- gas can cause the hydraulicfluid to expand and cause the rams to
open.

GAS VENT TO ATMOSPHERE

/
,,;: "

SUMMARY - remember that d BOP:

- will hold pressure from one direction only.
- requires regular testing.
should be carefully maintained.
should be tr~nsported with the r:amsclosed.

I - 15
 PROJECT 4 - WIRELINE HOP

1. Under what circumstances can the BOP be omitted from the rig-up?

2. What is the bore (I.D.) of the standard 3" wireline valve?

3. Learn how to change the rams and redress the BOP.

4. Describe the procedure to pressure test:

(i) In the workshop, with and without wire in rams:
(ii) On the wellhead prior to running the toolstring:

5. Can the wire be stripped through a closed BOP? Explain your answer.

6. Why should you not 'man-handle' the BOP? (ie: Lift by hand)

7. . Give two ways to visually check that the BOP is not installed upside down:
(i)

(ii)

8. Describe the difference between blind rams and 3/16 rams:

9. Should the equalising valve ~e left in the open or closed position? Explain your answer:

10. Should the BOP be transported with the rams ,open or closed? Explain your answer:

11. What BOP configuration is recommendedif using braided line on a high pressure gas
well?

12. What is the purpose of the grease injected between the BOP's when using braided line?

I - 16
 WELLHEADS

The following are types of wellheads in common use:

Cameron
Mc Evoy
ocr
FMC
Valvesand major componentsare identifiedon the CameronChristmasTreebelow:

1ree Connection

Crown (Swab) valve

Upper Master Valve 1

To Production Line

Master Valve

Casing Kill Valve

ThbingHangar
-Zero

Production
Casing Hangar

lOp Bottom Flange -

Surface Casing

Do not overtightenduring opening or closing.

NEVER USE MASTERVAt-VETO SHUT IN Fl.OWIN{JWELL - UseSWABor Wing.
-
Count valve turns when closing as check against jamming toolstring.

I - 17
 WEIGHT INDICATOR

"
Damper The MARTIN-DECKER instrument is
completely hydraulic. The sensing load
cell is attached to the Xmas Tree by a
chain as ~hown on p 1-4; a heavy duty
hose carries the signal to the fluid
filled gauge.

It is provided with connections at the

top to attach to the hay pulley and at
Scale available in: lb the bottom to attach to the Xmas Tree
kg
DaN forming a pull at 90 degrees. The system
is calibrated to this right angle pull
and .accuracy will be slightly affected
if this angle is not true, but the sensi-
tivity of the system is always main-
tained.

The gauge is a 6" fluid filled instru-

ment which can be fastened on the
winch. A damper is provided on the
3 I 8" LOAD GAP gauge to set the pointer motion te the
required sensitivity. The fluid filled
case elininates severe vibrations and
also lubricates and protects the working
o~ IQNSATER
parts.

, LOAD CELL

Check this gap before and during wireline operations. If fluid leaks out and this
gap closes reading on gauge will be incorrect.
In addition to preventing the overloading of the wireline the weight indicator will
also show changes in tension dne to :
(I) fluid levels or changes in fluid density
(11) Jar action
(111) Position of downhole equipment
A different Martin Oecker Weight Indictator is used for 3 I 16" line because
of the higher pull which can be exerted. The load c~ll for this instrument
has a smaller cross - sec~ional area in the diaphram and is matched to the higher
range dial (gauge). The gauge load cell cannot be interchanged.
Maximum loading- standard... 2000 Ib (888 DaN)
-
3 I 16 Unit = 4000 Ib (1777 DaN)
CAUTION: do not crush or cut hose.

Electronic Strain gauges are available as alternate types of weight indicators but are not in
such common use as the above hydraulic type.

1-18
I.
 HAY PULLEY, WIRE LINE CLAMP

HAY PULLEY:
Used to bring the wireline down from the stuffing box, parallel to the lubricator
(to reduce side loading), forming a 900 angle at the base, to the horizontal position
from there to the wireline winch drum.
It is hooked directly onto the eye in the weight indicator sensor.
Always install with locking pin up
hay pulley if pin spring is .weak.
- to prevent the pin vibrating down and unlocking

OTIS WIRELINE CLAMP.

Used to clamp. the wire to the' lubricator while raising or lowering it. Or
during operations when the wireline string is left in the well.
The clamp is usually fastened. to a bleed - off valve located on the lowermost
lubricator section by means of a short chain.
Take care not to kink wire at any point during the rig - up as this will cause a
weak point which may break or stick in the stuffing box.

PUSH HERE _WIRELlNE

TO RELEASE ~

WIRELlNE (LAMP.

1 - 19
 RIGGING UP

The lubricator, stuffing box, wireline, and wireline toolstring is assembled

and positioned in the lubricator. With the pressure released from the wellhead,
the proper wellhead connection is installed on the wellhead. The box end of a
quick union on the top end fits the pin end of the union on the bottom of the wire-
line valve, which has been previously dC8cribed.
The wireline valve is installed onto the wellhead connections, using the rope
falls and ginpole, crane or other hoisting means to hoist the valve. Do not
man-handle.
The union is made up to the union on the wellhead connection, the rams closed
and the closed valve on the wellhead opened allowing full well pressure to be
applied to the wireline valve rams and connections. If no leaks appear the wellhead
valve is closed, the pressure released and the rams opened.
The lubricator assembly is now raised to a point level with the union on the top
of the wireline valve, the hoisting device secured, the wireline placed into the
hay pulley and the slack in the wireline taken up on the wireline unit. The
clamp holding the wireline tool string suspended in the lubricator can now be removed,
allowing the tool string to be lowered out of the lubricator, controlled by the wire-
line unit, to a point convenient for attaching the required service tool. With
this tool attached and the odometer of the measuring head set on. zero feet, the
tools are pulled back up into the lubricator and the assembly installed on to
the wireline valve.

Note: . Resetcounter to zero with bottom of wireline tools level with one of the following
reference points - as per the well schematic.
(I) T.H. - tubing hangar
(2) TBF - top of bottom flange
(3) RT or DF - rotary table or drill floor (if rig is in position)

SAFETY

Injury can occur easily through the use of unsafe practices, lack of concen-
tration and common sense.

MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN SAFE CONDITION.

MAKE SAFE WORK PRACTICES YOUR HABIT
BE AWARE OF DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
PROTECT YOUR COLLEAGUES.

OBSERVE H2S PRECAUTIONS WHEN NECESSARY.

To lose a finger, a hand, a leg, your sight etc, is a painful experience.
Concentrate while you work and you will remain healthy and able to care and
provide for your family.

1 - 20
 PROJECT 5 - WEIGHT INDICATOR

1. What is the maximum full scale deflection on the standard weight indicators?

2. What is the most important thing to check before and during use of the weight
indicator?

3. If needle appears sluggish to respond to weight changes what 2 things should

the operator check?
(I)

(11)

4. What should be done on the Oial before picking up any weight across load
cell?

5. When flushing I recharging with the recommended Martin Decker W- 15 fluid what
precautions should be taken?

PROJECT 6 - RIG UP

Personnel should be familiar with the rig - up procedure.

I. List all items required for normal rig up.
(I)

(11)

(Ill)

(IV)

(v)

(VI)

(vu)
(VIII)
(IX)

2. What size of rope is used for the rope falls?

3. Learn to tie clove hitch knot.

1 - 21
,~