Rig Workover Operations PDF

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COMPLETION RIG WORKOVER OPERATIONS Page 1 of 45

MANUAL Issue 1
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION -For Authorised Company Use Only January 1998
CHAPTER 23
RIG WORKOVER OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
23.1 INTRODUCTION …………………….……………………………………………. 3
23.1.1 Definition …………………………………………………………… 3

23.1.2 Types of Rig Workovers ……………………………………………. 3
23.1.3 Planning ……………………………………………………………... 3
23.2 WELL KILLING AND WELL CONTROL ……………………………………… 4
23.2.1 Reasons …......…...………………………………………………….. 4

23.2.2 Bullhead ………….........………...……………………………….…. 4
23.2.3 Lubricate and Bleed …............................…………………………... 4
23.2.4 Circulate …………………....................……………..……………... 4
23.2.5 Snub and Circulate ………………………........................................ 5
23.2.6 Pumps ……………………………………………………………….. 7
23.2.7 Blowout Preventers …………………………………………………. 7
23.2.8 Choke Manifold …………………………………………………….. 7
23.2.9 Other Well Control Equipment ……………………………………... 7
23.3 CONVENTIONAL WORKOVERS ………….…………...................…….….…. 10
23.3.1 Derrick or Mast ………................……………………………….….. 10

23.3.2 Drawworks …..…….........................…………………………….…. 10
23.3.3 Rotating Equipment ......................…………………………………. 11
23.3.4 Pipe ………………............…………………………………………. 11
23.3.5 Circulating System ......…….……………………………………….. 11
23.3.6 Well Control Equipment ….............................................................. 13
23.3.7 Depth Capabilities ………................................................................ 13
23.4 CONCENTRIC WORKOVERS …………………………………………………. 14
23.4.1 Hoisting Equipment ………………………………………………… 14

23.4.2 Rotating Equipment ………………………………………………… 15
23.4.3 Workstring ………………………………………………………….. 15
23.4.4 Workstring Selection ……………………………………………….. 18
23.4.5 Circulating System ………………………………………………….. 18
23.4.6 Well Control ………………………………………………………… 19
23.4.7 Depth Capabilities …………………………………………………... 21
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23.5 COILED TUBING WORKOVERS …………………………………….………... 22
23.5.1 Surface Equipment …………..............................…………………... 22

23.5.2 Pipe ……………...........………...…………………………………... 22
23.5.3 Rotating Equipment …................………………...…………………. 23
23.5.4 Circulating System ................……………...……………………… 24
23.5.5 BOP Equipment …………………………………………………….. 24
23.5.6 Depth Capabilities ........……………………..………………………. 24
23.5.7 Pressure Considerations …………………………………………….. 25
23.6 SNUBBING UNIT WORKOVERS ……....….…………………………………... 26
23.6.1 Advantages …........…………………………………………..……... 26

23.6.2 Surface Equipment …..............…..……..………………..…………. 26
23.6.3 Pipe ………….…............……..…………………………..………… 28
23.6.4 Circulating System …...................................................................... 29
23.6.5 Well Control System ....................................................................... 29
23.6.6 Auxiliary Equipment …................................................................... 30
23.7 FISHING OPERATIONS …………………………………....……….………...… 32
23.7.1 Reasons for Fishing …..……...…………………….……………..… 32

23.7.2 Planning ………………………….…..…………………...………… 32
23.7.3 Retrieving Tools …………………..………………………………... 33
23.7.4 Washover Tools ………………….................................................... 35
23.7.5 Cutting Tools …………………….................................................... 36
23.7.6 Milling Tools ................................................................................... 38
23.7.7 Other Tools ………………………………………………………….. 39
23.8 WORKOVER RIG SELECTION ……………………………………………...… 40
23.8.1 Drilling and Milling ......................................................................... 40

23.8.2 Squeeze Cementing ……………………........................................... 40
23.8.3 Recompletion …………………........................................................ 41
23.8.4 Repair/Replace Downhole Equipment ……………………………… 42
23.8.5 Sand Control ………………………………………………………… 43
23.8.6 Stimulation ………………………………………………………….. 45
23.8.7 Clean-Out …………………………………………………………… 45
23.1 INTRODUCTION
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23.1.1 Definition
A rig workover is defined as any operation performed on a well subsequent to the initial
completion which requires a rig. Such workovers are usually required to repair or service
the completion, to enhance the well productivity, to remove obstructions within the
wellbore or to correct a problem for safety reasons.
23.1.2 Types of Rig Workovers
There are two main categories of rig workovers which are discussed below.
• Conventional Workovers – A conventional worker can involve (1) removal of tubing
and most of the other retrievable downhole equipment; (2) repair or alteration of the
permanent downhole well configuration; (3) adding perforations or completion
intervals; and (4) the revamping of the retrievable downhole equipment to suit current
and future production plans or artificial lift requirements.
• Concentric Workovers – A concentric tubing workover is one in which a small
diameter workstring is run inside the permanent tubing string. Concentric tubing
methods offer a means of minimizing workover costs whenever wireline techniques
are not feasible because of the need for fluid circulation. Savings occur as a result of
(1) reduced workover time; (2) lower equipment costs realized by avoiding the
necessity of retrieving the installed well tubing; and (3) use of smaller workover rigs.
Each of these workover types will be covered in detail in this Chapter.
23.1.2 Planning
Thorough workover planning is essential to the execution of a profitable workover. The

subject of workover planning has been covered in a previous section, where we saw that
some of the principal items to be considered when planning a workover technique are :
• Well Considerations – This includes the mechanical integrity of the completion and its
past history. The characteristics of the producing zone and the nature of the fluids
involved must also be considered.
• Workover Rig Considerations – The type and size of the rig can influence the success
and payout period of a proposed workover.
• Personnel – Experiences supervisors and crew can greatly improve workover
efficiency and success ratios.
• Auxiliary Tools and Services – Rental charges and support services can be a
significant portion of the workover cost.
Chapter 19, “Workover Planning”, contains detailed information on this and other subjects
pertaining to workover planning.
23.2 WELL KILLING AND WELL CONTROL
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23.2.1 Reasons
To run or remove tubing or a work string from a wellbore with open perforations (without
using a snubbing unit), the well must be “dead”. A dead well is one with zero surface
pressure and zero flow rate. A well is killed by loading the tubing and/or casing with a
fluid of sufficient density so that the hydrostatic head of the fluid exceeds the formation
pressure, thus preventing the well from flowing.
One of the following methods is normally used in killing a well: bullheading, lubricating
and bleeding, circulating with pipe in the hole, or snubbing and then circulating. The
particular method chosen will depend upon well conditions and costs. Each method has
advantages and disadvantages which are discussed below.
23.2.2 Bullhead
The bullhead method (Figure 1) is used when the wellbore is free of obstructions and
injectivity can be established into the formation. In this case, a fluid of sufficient density to
kill the well is pumped (bullheaded) into the tubing and/or casing without any returns to
surface. Because gas is compressible and a shut-in well normally has a gas column above
its liquid column (owing to gravitational segregation), it is easy to visualize the high surface
injection pressure which can develop from a bullhead squeeze approach. Also, if there is
debris in the tubing (sand, pipe dope, scale), it will automatically be squeezed into the
perforations, thus introducing potential damage.
23.2.3 Lubricate and Bleed
The lubricate and bleed method (Figure 2) is used when the wellbore or perforations are
plugged and the formation will not accept the kill fluid, or in wells where the bullhead
method results in excessive wellhead pressures. A high-density fluid is pumped into the
well until the maximum allowable surface pressure is reached. Operations are then stopped
for a short period (one hour) to permit the high-density fluid to fall, because of gravity,
down the wellbore. The master valve is then opened and tubing fluid (gas and/or oil) is
bled off until some of the high-density fluid is recovered. This operation is repeated until
the full length of tubing has been filled and the well has been killed.
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Figure 1. Well Killing (Bullhead Method)
23.2.4 Circulate
In some cases when injectivity into the formation cannot be established or a functioning
retrievable packer is not in the well, it may be necessary to punch a hole in the tubing or
open a circulation device at some point above the packer to circulate the kill fluid down the
tubing and up the casing-tubing annulus (see Figure 3). Circulating with pipe in the hole is
the simplest, fastest, and least damaging way to establish control, if it is feasible.
23.2.5 Snub and Circulate
Snubbing is required when the other methods of killing a well cannot be successfully
applied. In this operation a concentric tubing string is forced into the wellbore under
pressure with hydraulic jacks through a pack-off device. After the work string has been run
to the desired depth, workover fluid can be circulated to load the tubing and kill the well.
The surface equipment used for well control and killing operations consists primarily of
pumps, blowout preventers (BOP’s), a choke manifold, and other special items. Each of
these are covered below.
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Figure 2. Well Killing (Lubricate and Bleed)
Figure 3. Well Killing (Circulating)
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23.2.6 Pumps
Most oilfield pumping units are of the triplex, positive-displacement variety. They are
usually driven by diesel or turbine engines which have a rating of 400-700 bhp.
23.2.7 Blowout Preventers
Blowout preventers are used to seal around pipe or openhole whenever an unwanted influx
of fluids enters the wellbore. They come in three general varieties.
• Strippers (Figure 4) – these are low-pressure elements which constantly seal against
the pipe as it is being raised or lowered in the hole.
• Annular (Figure 5) – These preventers consist of an elastomer-rubber element that is

actuated by increasing the pressure in the hydraulic fluid around the element. The
increase in pressure causes the element to move radially inward to seal against any
size or shape pipe. A BOP stack should always contain at least one annular preventer.
• Ram (Figure 6) – Ram preventers are composed of two “rams”, 180° apart, which
move toward each other to effect a seal. Rams are made to seal around a particular
size of pipe (grooved “pipe” rams) or across the open hole (flat “blind” rams). A
variation of the blind ram is the ‘shear” ram, designed to first cut the pipe and then
seal across the open hole.
The number and arrangement of BOP’s is dependent on well pressure and the nature of the
produced fluids (sweet or sour, oil or gas).
23.2.8 Choke Manifold
A choke manifold is a special arrangement of pipe, valves, and chokes which facilitates the
safe, controlled discharge of well fluids. An example of one possible choke manifold
arrangement is shown in Figure 7. From a well control standpoint, a choke manifold is
essentially a sophisticated way of maintaining a controlled back-pressure in the discharge
line for the purpose of circulating out unwanted wellbore fluids. This is especially
important if gas has come into the wellbore, because if not circulated out properly, the gas
will expand as it rises, causing serious well control problems.
23.2.9 Other Well Control Equipment
Due to more severe operating conditions, other pieces of equipment may be specified. For
example, a mud/gas separator is often specified when working in a sour well or with
weighted workover fluids (abnormal pressured formations). This is necessary because if
the tendency for heavier, viscous fluids to entrain more gas. Another item used under sour
or abnormal pressure conditions is a trip tank. A trip tank is used to detect the flow of
fluids into or out of the well. This is useful as a monitoring device for both fluid influx
(trip tank gain) as well as loss of circulation (trip tank loss).
An item incorporated into almost all conventional workovers is the back-pressure valve or
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BPV. The BPV is installed in a specially machined recess in the tubing hanger, effectively
plugging the tubing during the interim period when the christmas tree is removed and the
BOP’s are not yet installed. It provides the last means of defense if the well has not been
completely killed. The BPV should always be used as a safety precaution even when the
well is dead.
Figure 4. Stripper BOP
Figure 5. Annular BOP
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Figure 6. Ram BOP
Figure 7. Typical Choke Manifold
23.3 CONVENTIONAL WORKOVERS
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A conventional workover is loosely defined as a workover in which the well is killed and
the tubing is removed from the well. Using this definition, we see that many different rig
types can be used to perform a conventional workover, including drilling rigs, conventional
workover rigs, and snubbing units. The following section will discuss the primary rig used
for conventional workovers, which is the conventional workover rig. Figure 8 is a
schematic drawing of a conventional workover rig showing some of the items discussed
below.
23.3.1 Derrick or Mast
The mast is a telescoping arrangement which forms the final load-bearing structure of the
workover rig. The mast is telescoping for portability considerations. Typical dimensions
for the mast are an extended height of 100 ft and a maximum hook-load capacity of 230,000
lbf.
23.3.2 Drawworks
The drawworks has a revolving drum around which the drilling line is spooled. The
drawworks is operated with a clutch and a chain-and-gear drive, powered by a diesel engine
or an electric motor in the case of some drillings rigs. A main brake is used to stop the
drum and is assisted by a hydraulic or electric brake when heavy loads are being raised or
lowered.
The drilling line is a wire rope ranging from 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. The drilling
line is strung through a series of pulleys (or sheaves) in the crown block and travelling
block. One end of the drilling line is attached to the drum in the drawworks. This line is
called the fast line. The other end of the drilling line, called the deadline, is anchored to the
rig and does not move. A sandline is sometimes included which can be used to hoist
equipment or swab the well.
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Figure 8. Conventional Workover Rig
23.3.3 Rotating Equipment
On most conventional workover rigs the rotating equipment consists of the swivel, the
kelly, and the rotary table. These items are briefly discussed below.
• Swivel – The swivel supports the weight of the workstring, provides a passageway for
fluids to enter the workstring, and permits rotation of the workstring by virtue of its
seals and bearings. In short, it is the item which permit simultaneous circulation and
rotation.
• Kelly – The kelly is a 4 or 6 sided joint of pipe which is connected to both the
workstring below and the swivel above. It fits into a kelly bushing, with a
corresponding shape, in the rotary table, which then provides the rotation. The sharp
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angles of the kelly allow torque to be transmitted to the pipe so that it can be rotated.
• Rotary Table – The rotary table is set in the rig floor and driven (rotated) by the rig’s
engines. It imparts rotation to the workstring via the square-or hexagonal shouldered
kelly.
• Power Swivel – On some smaller rigs the rotary table–kelly arrangement is replaced
by a power swivel. The power swivel is a motor driven by pressurized hydraulic fluid.
It is lighter and more portable than the rotary table method, but it is not made for
heavy-duty milling operations such as milling up permanent packers or drilling deeper.
23.3.4 Pipe
The type and size of workstring used is dictated by the requirements of the job and the
dimensions of the production casing string or liner. In many case 2-3/8-in. EUE tubing has
been found to offer a good compromise between strength, derrick load, and ease of
handling. On occasions when extensive milling or drilling is anticipated, a string of small
diameter drill pipe such as 2-7/8-in. is often run because drill pipe connections are
shouldered connections having a much higher allowable torque rating than ordinary tubing.
23.3.5 Circulating System
The circulating system is composed of the pumps, fluid mixing tanks, fluid treating
equipment, and the standpipe and rotary hose.
• Pumps – The pumps used in conventional rig workovers are triplex plunger pumps.
Usually, two pumps are used, each having the capacity of pumping roughly 3 BPM at
a maximum pressure of 3000 psi.
• Tanks – Typically, a 150 bbl compartmented tank is used for conventional workover
operations. The tank contains mixing sections, measuring sections, and a fluid storage
section.
• Treating Equipment – Although one of the primary means of cleaning the completion
fluid is to allow solids to settle out in the tanks, additional equipment such as filters,
shale-shakers, desanders, or gas separators may be added, depending on the nature of
the fluid and the workover being performed.
• Standpipe/Rotary Hose - The standpipe is a vertical pipe mounted to the rig mast
which carries fluid up to the rotary hose, a flexible piece of high pressure hose
connected to the swivel. The rotary hose is required so that circulation may be
maintained while the workstring is being lowered or raised.
23.3.6 Well Control Equipment
The general types of well control equipment and their functions were given in the “Well
Killing” section of this chapter.
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23.3.7 Depth Capabilities
Conventional workovers are usually only limited in depth of operation by the strength of
the workstring and the rated hookload of the mast. This is not as simple as it may sound,
however, because it can be difficult to calculate the exact load present on the workstring
during the workover. However, one place to begin is by calculating a theoretical maximum
depth for non-tapered string. We do this by the following equation :
wt Yield strength (lbf)

X L (ft) =
ft S.F.
For safety factors in the 1.5-1.8 range and N-80 grade tubulars, the maximum depth (L) is in
the range of 13,000-16,000 ft. Beyond this depth, a tapered string must be run, using
heavy-walled tubing in the upper portion of the hole.
23.4 CONCENTRIC WORKOVERS
As stated previously, a concentric workover is one in which a small diameter workstring is

run concentrically through the production tubing. this saves considerable time and money
since :
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• the well need not be dead,
• costs associated with pulling the existing completion are by-passed,
• concentric workover rigs are generally smaller and cheaper than conventional
workover rigs.
There are very few workover or servicing needs that are not now accomplished with
concentric tubing units in most areas of PSCB operations. In fact, concentric tubing
practices are the only means of servicing tubingless/monobore completions. The
experience and confidence gained from utilizing small-diameter tubing in tubingless
completions has influenced the expanding and frequent use of concentric tubing workovers
in conventional wells.
Concentric tubing techniques are particularly popular in expensive offshore and parallel-
string conventional wells. Other advantageous applications include those wells in which it
is difficult or inadvisable to move a packer, such as when gelled mud is in the casing-tubing
annulus and when packers have been installed to isolate casing leaks or squeezed
perforations.
23.4.1 Hoisting Equipment
The hoisting system on a concentric workover rig consists of the derrick, drawworks, and
drilling line (Figure 9). The hoisting system is used for running pipe into or pulling pipe
out of the well. Depending on the size of the rig, the hoisting system may handle one, two,
or three pipe joints at a time.
Derrick – Concentric rigs have either pole masts or structural mast derricks. Hook load
capacities range from 50k pounds for the smallest rigs to about 150k pounds for larger,
skid-mounted offshore concentric rigs.
Drawworks – The drawworks consist of a revolving drum around which the drilling line or
work line is spooled or wrapped. It also includes a shaft on which the catheads are mounted
(small spools to which other hoisting lines may be wrapped), along with several other
shafts, clutches, and chain-and-gear drives for speed and direction changes. It also contains
a main brake, which has the ability to stop the drum from turning. When heavy loads are
being raised or lowered, the main brake is assisted by an auxiliary hydraulic or electric
brake, which helps absorb the momentum created by a heavy load.
The drawworks for a concentric rig are driven by a diesel engine with ratings normally
ranging from1 150 to 250 horsepower.
The drilling line is made of wire rope that generally ranges from 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter.
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Figure 9. Concentric Workover, Hoisting System
The most popular and satisfactory means of pipe rotation is a hydraulically operated power
swivel. Other methods of pipe rotation include a kelly and power tongs equipped with kelly
jaws, and a kelly and small hydraulically operated rotary table.
23.4.3 Work String
Small diameter (“macaroni”) tubing strings of various diameters and with many different
types of joints are applicable to concentric work. The choice of work string will depend on
such considerations as necessary clearance, required tensile strength and torque limits,
desired hydraulics, frequency of use, retirement and salvage aspects, and availability.
Strings in common use include 3/4-in., 1-in., 1- 1/4-in., and 1- 1/2-in. nominal, and 2-1/16-
in. OD tubing. Tubing is J-55 or N-80 grade with upset, non-upset, special clearance, and
tool-joint connections. Heavy-wall 1-in. and 1- 1/4–in. nominal tubing with special
clearance or tool-joint connections is also in service. Some 2-3/8-in. drill pipe has been
used.
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• Tubing Joints – Popular special clearance joints are Hydril “CS” and Atlas Bradford
“DSS”. Common tool joints include American Machine and Iron Works “MT” and
Atlas Bradford Modified. Figure 10 pictures two of the joints commonly used with
concentric tubing service strings.
• Working Clearances – The small clearances involved in concentric tubing workovers

will not usually permit the use of fluids with appreciable amounts of solids without the
danger of stuck pipe. Table I lists some of the typical clearances currently employed
during the concentric operations. These clearances can be compared with the 1-in., or
more, clearance that is often stipulated in routine drilling and well workover
operations.
• Physical Properties of Macaroni Tubing – The data on the 1- 1/4–in. tubing and drill
pipe typically used in concentric tubing work shown in Table II illustrate the
capabilities and dimensions of macaroni tubing.
Figure 10. Common Connections used with Concentric Workstrings
Table I
Typical Clearances
Concentric Tubing Servicing
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Outer
Tube Inner Tube
Application Clearance
Drift Coupling
Tubingless 3-1/2” Casing

2-1/16” Integral Joint 2.867 2.330 0.537
Installed Gas Lift

1-1/2” N.U. inside 3-1/2” 2.867 2.200 0.667
1-1/4” N.U. inside 2-7/8” 2.347 2.054 0.293
1-1/2” N.U. inside 2-7/8” 2.347 2.110 0.237
1-1/4” N.U. inside 2-3/8” 1.901 1.880 0.021
Concentric Work Operations

1” inside 2-7/8” 2.347 1.552 0.795
1-1/4” inside 3-1/2” 2.867 1.883 0.984
1” inside 2-3/8” 1.901 1.552 0.349
1-13/16” DP inside 2-7/8” 2.347 1.813 0.534
All of the above combinations have also been used in directional wells with angles up to 30°- 45°.
Table II
Characteristics of 1-1/4-in. Nominal Tubing and Drill Pipe
Yield Torsion
Weight, Tube OD Tube ID Coupling Strength Yield
Connection Grade
lb/ft in. in. OD in. lb ft-lb
NU API J-55 2.3 1.660 1.380 2.054 21,360 700

EUE API J-55 2.4 1.660 1.380 2.200 36,770 1,080
EUE API N-80 2.4 1.660 1.380 2.200 53,480 1,560
CS HydriL N-80 2.4 1.600 1.380 1.883 53,480 1,560
“MT” Tool Jt. N-80 2.3 1.600 1.264 1.750 72,800 2,290
23.4.4 Workstring Selection
The most economical approach to pipe costs, when straight, shallow wells are involved, is
to use J-55 grade API upset and non-upset connections on standard weight tubing.
However, when time and fishing costs are at a premium, as in offshore operations, N-80
seamless tubing with special clearance connections is usually used.
At moderate depths, J-55 non-upset tubing will satisfy strength requirements. At deeper
depths, where the tensile strength of the non-upset joint insufficient (usually below 6,000
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feet), external upset tubing can be used. API couplings can also be turned down (i.e.,
reduced outer diameter) without sacrificing tensile strength. Below 9,000 to 10,000 feet, N-
80 tubing or drill pipe is needed. Heavy-wall tubing or macaroni drill pipe is usually a
necessity on fishing jobs requiring high tensile loads to assist in pulling the fish free.
Tubing selection is often dictated by the frequency of use and the alternatives available that
permit maximum salvage value. If the string is to be used infrequently and cannot
subsequently be employed as a gas-lift string or for other purposes, it would probably be
best to rent a workstring from the rig contractor. If the string will be in constant service and
can be retired to other uses before it reaches a junked condition, low-cost tubing such as the
J-55 with API connections would be the most economical. The disadvantage of a premium-
priced workstring is the care and maintenance required, which is difficult to provide in the
field.
Pumping System – Because of the relatively high friction losses and small fluid volumes
encountered, concentric tubing workover rigs require high-pressure, fairly low-volume
pumps. The Gardner-Denver PE-5 triplex plunger pump is an excellent selection for this
type of service and is standard rig equipment in many areas. This particular pump is
capable of discharging about 1/2 bbl/min at 5,000 psi and 2 bbl/min at 3,000 psi. By
contrast, maximum pressure obtainable with a conventional mud pump approximates 2,000
psi. the higher pressure rating of the Gardner-Denver pump has many economic advantages
over the mud pump :
• It can be used to kill wells, thus avoiding a pump truck charge for well killing.
• It can be equipped to perform the small-volume, low pressure squeeze cementing

normally associated with concentric tubing operations.
• It can also be utilized for general oil field pumping applications.
Pumping Pressures – Table III presents examples of the pressures required to circulate salt
water through macaroni strings and back up the annulus in 2-7/8-in. casing.
Table III
Pressure Required to Circulate Salt Water
(Small Tubing in 2-7/8-in-OD Casing)
Nominal Tubing Size, Depth, Circulating Rate, Circulating Pressure,

in. ft bbl/min psi
3/4 EUE 4,000 1/2 1,000

8,400 1/2 1,700
12,600 1/3 2,500
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1 Integral Joint 7,000 1/2 1,200

11,900 3/4 1,500
1-1/4 NU 1,800 2/3 250

3,000 2/3 400
1-1/4 Drill Pipe 5,000 3/4 1,100

10,000 1/2 1,600
Circulation Rates – Low circulating rates are usually use din all concentric tubing
applications to minimize the circulating pressures. The low rates nevertheless permit
returns off bottom in reasonable times due to the small capacity of the pipe. For instance,
1-in. tubing can have cement circulated off bottom at 10,000 feet in 20 minutes when
circulating at 1/2 bbl/min. This circulating rate gives a linear velocity of about 500 ft/min.
Rates of 300 ft/min, or lower, are effectively used to wash sand in many instances.
Tankage and Mixing Facilities – A typical compartmented tank often used with a concentric
rig is shown in Figure 11. Included are a 40 bbl salt-water or return compartment, a 20 bbl
mixing compartment with rotary jet mixer, and two 10 bbl tanks. Dual return lines and full
suction manifolding permit circulation on the well with one pump while mixing is done
independently with another pump, when available. Circulation is controlled through a
conventional squeeze manifold.
23.4.6 Well Control
Workover operations with concentric pipe are conducted through the Christmas tree, which
simplifies rig-up and rig-down procedures. A twin-ram, manually operated preventer
containing two sets of manually operated pipe rams is generally sufficient for anticipated
surface pressures of less than 3,000 psi. For pressures above 3,000 psi, a hydraulic
actuating unit should be connected to the upper ram. When necessary, a stripper-type
preventer operated by hydraulic pressure can be included. Reverse circulation is possible
with either version, but stripping is not recommended with the twin-ram type. Figure 12
illustrates the composite blowout preventer assembly. Blank rams are not required in
concentric tubing work because the Christmas tree master valve serves in this capacity.
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Figure 11. Compartmented Tank
Figure 12. Blowout Preventer Equipment for Concentric Tubing Workover
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The two most popular types of workstrings currently used are 1-in. and 1-1/4-in pipe. The
1-in. weighs 2.25 ppf, is N-80 grade, and routinely comes with a Hydril CS connection.
The 1-1/4-in. workstring weighs 2.40 ppf, is usually J-55 grade, and comes with a standard
8-rd. EUE connection.
As we saw in the conventional workovers chapter, we can calculate a maximum depth

based on tension by taking the joint yield strength and dividing by the weight per foot of
workstring and a safety factor, usually 1.5-1.8. If this is done for the two grades of pipe
mentioned above, we see that the 1-in. (OD = 1.313-in.) N-80 pipe has a maximum
operating depth of 12,600 – 15,100 ft while the 1-1/4-in. (OD = 1.660 in.)
J-55 pipe can reach 8,500-10,000 ft. If it necessary to reach deeper depths one can either
use stronger materials (such as P-105) or run a combination string with a larger diameter
pipe for the upper section of the hole and the smaller diameter pipe for the lower section.
Remember that if the latter course id followed, it is necessary to have an additional set of
pipe rams in the BOP stack since a given pipe ram is only good for one size of pipe.
23.5 COILED TUBING WORKOVERS
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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MANUAL Issue 1
Coiled tubing units (CTU) hav ebeen used for numerous types of well operations. They are
most commonly used for well clean-out, washing sand, acidizing, well kickoff, and sand
consolidation treatments. For the most part, coiled tubing techniques are not suited to
heavy-duty service because of the tensile capacity of the tubing, the hoisting capacity of the
rig, and the inability to rotate the tubing.
23.5.1 Surface Equipment
In operation, the coiled tubing is fed from the reel to the injector head and then pushed
down through the tree-mounted, hydraulically-operated BOP stack (Figure 13). The tubing
is run into and pulled from the well at speeds of up to 120 feet per minute by means of a
continuous chain-driven, traction-operated tubing injector which is driven by two hydraulic
motors. The tubing is gripped on each side by a series of contoured metal blocks in the
endless chain mechanism while the injector head exerts a pushing or pulling force of up to
about 12,000 pounds. In this manner, the tubing is run in and out of the hole under
pressure, without killing the well. Adjustable, grooved sheaves guide and straighten the
tubing as it leaves the reel and approaches the injector head. The inner end of the tubing is
connected to a rotary joint in the hub of the reel so that fluids or gas can be pumped through
the tubing as it is being run into or out of the well. CTU’s should circulate fluids
continuously while running in the hole to avoid sticking or collapsing the pipe. A level
wind mechanism similar to that on a fishing reel guides the pipe for spooling on the storage
reel.
23.5.2 Pipe
The pipe use in coiled tubing operations is a single welded string – no threaded connections
are used. Typical sizes are 3/4, 1, 1-1/4-in. In addition, both light (thin-walled) and heavy
(thick-walled) and heavy pipe are available. Yield strengths of the steel used in the tubing
vary from 60,000-80,000 psi. Typical dimensions and performance properties for 1-in. and
1-1/4-in. pipe are given in Table IV.
Table IV
Typical Coiled Tubing Specifications
Size Maximum
OD (in.) ID (in.) Weight (ppf) Yield (psi) Depth (ft)
1.000 0.935 0.65 75,000 13,000

1.000 0.917 0.81 75,000 16,500
1.250 1.185 0.82 75,000 16,900
1.250 1.167 1.03 75,000 21,000
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Figure 13. Coiled Tubing Pulling and Running Unit
Pipe rotation is not possible with coiled tubing since part of the pipe is always wrapped
around the spool. Nonetheless, it is possible to rotate a bottomhole assembly using fluid
circulation down the tubing and a positive displacement motor. Another device which is
sometimes used is a rotating jet sub, which can be used to radially divert acid during a
matrix stimulation treatment. These devices are not widely used.
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Circulation equipment is basically the same as for concentric workovers.
23.5.5 BOP Equipment
A blowout preventer stack for coiled tubing units is shown in Figure 14. This configuration
will allow the tubing to be packed off, supported, cut, and isolated from the rest of the
tubing on the reel should a leak at the surface occur. The BOP side outlet gives access to
the production tubing for pumping or bleeding operations.
Figure 14. Coiled Tubing Unit BOP
Coiled tubing units are capable of working to 15,000-18,000 ft depending on the size of
tubing and the amount of normal and heavy wall tubing that is run. Normal tubing is
usually good to about 12,000 ft, after which heavy-wall is welded to the normal tubing to
achieve greater depth capabilities. It is considered prudent practice to leave at least 400 ft
of tubing on the spool at all times.
23.5.7 Pressure Considerations
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There are certain special pressure considerations which need to be considered when
planning for a coiled tubing unit workover. These are discussed below.
• The wellhead pressure limitation for coiled tubing units is 5,000 psi, but many
operators restrict their use to 3,000 psi maximum.
• Reverse circulation is not permitted because thin-walled tubing is very susceptible to

collapse. As forward circulation is the only mode available, it becomes imperative to
take all necessary precautions to minimize the chance of sticking the tubing due to
solids accumulating in the annular space between the coiled tubing and the production
tubing.
• Pumping pressures can be quite large even for work at shallow depths because the
fluid must pass through the entire length of tubing on the reel, often as much as 16,000
ft. For this reason circulation rates are usually held to a maximum of a few barrels per
minute.
23.6 SNUBBING UNIT WORKOVERS
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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MANUAL Issue 1
Snubbing is the procedure whereby pipe is inserted or withdrawn from a well under
pressure. There are three essential elements to the snubbing process:
• A means to force the pipe through a sealing element at a controlled upward or

downward rate.
• An effective sliding-type sealing element around the exterior of the pipe
• A means for plugging the inside of the pipe
These three elements of snubbing unit workovers are discussed below.
23.6.1 Advantages
For workovers, several advantages are offered by the use of hydraulic snubbing equipment
rather than conventional equipment.
• The work can be done under pressure and, in some cases, while the well is producing.
This means that formation damage due to well killing operations is eliminated.
• The well can be placed back on production quickly because cleanup time is less.
• Hydraulic workover equipment is more portable than conventional equipment and can
be set up and torn down easily. This aspect is important in offshore or other remote
locations where transportation of heavy equipment is difficult.
• Hydraulic workover equipment is flexible. Lifting capacities can be made high and
currently range to 340,000 pounds. It is possible to handle, pull, and run large OD
downhole tools of moderate length under pressure. Rotary capabilities have been
incorporated that enable the units to perform light drilling and milling work.
23.6.2 Surface Equipment
Figure 15 shows a typical hydraulic workover rig on a land location. BOP rams are visible
below the vertical hydraulic cylinders. Above the cylinders is a work platform on which is
located the operating control console. The hydraulic oil supply tank, pumps, and engine
driver are at ground level. Numerous hydraulic hoses connect the assemblage.
The pipe-handling assembly consists of travelling slips, stationary slips, and hydraulic
cylinders (Figure 16). The hydraulically-powered slips are used to grip the workstring as it
is pushed into or pulled out of the well. In a snubbing operation where pipe is pushed into
the well under pressure, the travelling slips grasp a joint of pipe, and are driven downward
by means of the hydraulic cylinders, forcing the workstring into the well.
At that point, the stationary slips are closed, holding the pipe in place. The travelling slips
are released and lifted to their original position, then closed. When the travelling slips have
grasped the joint of pipe once again, the stationary slips are opened. This cycle is repeated
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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for each stroke of the hydraulic cylinders.
Figure 15. Conventional Snubbing Unit
This snubbing action is powered by a set of four hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders
utilize pressure supplied by hydraulic pumps to drive the pistons housed within each of the
four cylinders.
The size of the piston in each hydraulic cylinder determines the units’s push and pull
capabilities.
Separate “power packs” (diesel engine and pumps) are commonly provided to power the
mast lift cylinders, rotary table, power tongs, fluid pumps, or other auxiliary equipment in
use. Proper pump sizing thus creates one or more on-site spares in the event of failure of
the power equipment.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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Figure 16. Pipe Handling System for a Multi-Cylinder Snubbing Unit
23.6.3 Pipe
Pipe sizes from 1-in. OD to 7-in. OD can be handled with hydraulic equipment, with lifts
ranging up to 340,000 capacity. The capability for handling larger sizes of pipe makes
feasible the retrieval or insertion of well tubing under pressure in addition to concentric
tubing work. This capability is the most recent extension of the hydraulic workover
technique. As such, the scope of potential applicability is significantly broadened in both
initial completion and workover activities.
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The circulating system (pumps, tanks, lines, etc.) is the same as for other workovers with
the exception of a one-way check valve installed in the bottom of the workstring or tubing.
This check valve allows fluid to flow down from above but will not let fluid up from below.
This allows tubing to be inserted under pressure without fluid exiting the string.
23.6.5 Well Control System
Two basic devices are used for sealing the outside diameter of the tubing during work under
pressure. These are ram-type blowout preventers and solid rubber element tubing strippers.
Stripper elements (Figure 17) are generally considered adequate for control of pressure up
to 2,500 – 3,000 psi. These elements are constructed of solid synthetic rubber compounds.
They can stretch as couplings pass so that some downhole tolls can be stripped through
them. The useful life of the stripper element depends largely on the external condition of
the tubing, and will range from 10,000 to 20,000 linear feet at pressures of 3,000 psi or less.
With three BOP elements in a stack, and with piping to create an equalizing chamber,
higher pressure operations are feasible. Figure 18 (a-h) shows the sequence of operations
when entering the hole using the ram BOP stack. The stack operation is summarized below
• With the top rams open and the lower rams closed on the pipe, the joint can be
lowered.
• After the connection passes the top rams, the top rams close and chamber pressure
equalizes with casing pressure before the lower rams open.
• High pressure thus admitted to the chamber between the two rams is held by the top
rams as the joint is again lowered.
• After the connection passes the lower rams, the lower rams are closed and pressure is
then released for the equalizing chamber between the rams through a vent line.
• The top rams are then opened and the cycle is repeated.
• The third set of pipe rams is located below the two working sets and is for basic well
control. They serve as safety devices by not being subjected to wear in the snubbing
process.
One can easily see that many maneuvers are required of an operator in stripping tubing with
the use of working-ram-type preventers. In contrast, the simple stripper requires no action
to operate.
A stripper is also more economical to use than working rams. Working rams are
nevertheless useful in many circumstances, and should be included in the BOP stack to
facilitate running downhole tools in order to accommodate the higher pressures sometimes
encountered.
Clearly, the well pressure acting on the cross-sectional area of the plugged pipe will be
lifting it upward while gravitational pull on the pipe mass will be acting downward.
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Frictional resistance of the sliding seal will be an additive force to the net buoyant effect
from the vertical forces described. Depending on how much pipe is in the well below the
seal, the pipe movement must either be continuously forced or restrained.
Figure 17. Operation of the Stripping Rubber
23.6.6 Auxiliary Equipment
In some case, power tongs are used to make up or break out pipe, and are powered by air or
hydraulic pressure. When circulating through the workstring or rotating the pipe, power
swivels or power subs are normally made up onto the top joint of pipe. In some cases, a
hydraulically powered rotary table is mounted on top of the travelling slip assembly. The
controls for all the unit’s functions are located in the detachable workbasket, which is
mounted at the top of the hydraulic cylinders.
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Figure 18. The Snubbing Process
23.7 FISHING OPERATIONS
Fishing can be defined as any operation to remove undersirable objects from the wellbore.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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Almost every fishing job presents special problems requiring proper analysis, creative
thinking, and the exercise of good judgment to successfully accomplish the objective.
Often fishing jobs require many tools and frequent trips with the work string, which
consume much rig time and can result in a high-cost operation.
23.7.1 Reasons For Fishing
Tools and equipment are lost in the hole for variety of reasons. A very common example is
seen during drilling operations, when part of the drill string may get stuck in the hole. In
workover operations, common causes of fishing are wireline tools which are left in the hole,
screens and slotted liners used in gravel-packed completions which need to be retrieved,
stuck packers, parted workstring, and tools which inadvertently fall into the wellbore
(wrenches, slip dies, etc.). Each of these different types of “fish” require special tools and
techniques for retrieval.
23.7.2 Planning
The costs and inherent risks when fishing make it imperative that the operations and
engineering personnel involved communicate freely. Predicted additional cost and risk in
certain types of fishing operations may make it necessary to change the whole job plan and
objective.
Factors that must be considered in planning a fishing job are :
• Mechanical condition of the wellbore tubulars and the fluids or solids that they contain
• Knowledge of the size, amount, and type of fish (all dimensions are important)
• Location of fish
• Tools and method to be used for recovery
• Predicted cost, probability of success, and risks of failure
For relatively simple, straight forward fishing jobs such as the recovery of pipe
inadvertently dropped or left in the hole, an overshot can be used for fast, inexpensive
recovery. For a more complicated job-such as recovery of stuck, cemented, or plasticized
pipe, ore recovery of several wireline tools with wireline on top of them – special fishing
tools and skills will be required. When cases such as these arise, an experienced fishing-
tool operator should be used.
There are many types of fishing tools which can be grouped into categories according to
how they are used.
• Catching or retrieving tools
• Washover tools
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• Cutting tools
• Milling tools
• Other
23.7.3 Retrieving Tools
The following tools are designed for engaging the fish either externally or internally.
Overshot – Probably the most popular and versatile catching or retrieving tool, this tool
(Figure 19) engages the outside of a tubular fish by means of slips or grapples that ride a
tapered surface inside the overshot bowl. It can be released by right-hand rotation.
Figure 19. Overshot
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Die Collar – This tool (Figure 20) catches the outside of a tubular fish by cutting threads
into the fish when the tool is rotated to the right. The die collar is seldom used because its
hold cannot be released except by left-hand rotation, which is seldom practical.
Taper Tap – Used to engage a tubular fish internally, this tool (Figure 21) screws into the
fish and cuts threads as it goes. The pin tap is similar to the taper tap and is used for
screwing into a threaded box. Cutting new threads is a more positive engagement than
attempting simply to screw on or into existing threads on a fish that may be damaged,
misaligned, or incomplete. New threads can also be cut on blank pipe.
Spear – Grips the inside of the fish by means of slips. Spears (Figure 22) are not as widely
used as overshots, because it is usually harder to enter the bore of a fish than it is to slip
over its exterior. Since a spear must have a smaller diameter to penetrate the fish, its shaft
has a smaller cross-sectional area for applying pull than is available in tools that grip the
fish externally.
Figure 20. Die Collar Figure 21. Taper Tap
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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Figure 22. Spear
23.7.4 Washover Tools
Very often it is enough merely to catch hold of the fish and pull. In those cases, washpipe
and a rotary shoe (Figure 23) can be used to rotate over the fish to remove annular material
that may be causing it to stick. The outside diameter of the washpipe must be small enough
to run in the casing, and its inside diameter must be large enough to fit over the fish.
Washpipe is therefore thin walled and the length of it run in the well must normally be
limited to a few hundred feet. The rotary shoe is placed on the end of the washpipe to drill-
up and circulate out any material around the fish.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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Figure 23. Washover Pipe and Rotary Shoe
23.7.5 Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are needed to remove the upper (unstuck) portion of a stuck string to permit
the use of other devices to recover the remainder of the fish.
Until the advent of the string shot technique, discussed in Chapter 22, “Wireline
Operations”, internal cutting (Figure 24a) was the best way to free either drill pipe or
tubing. String-shot, back-off procedures have almost completely replaced inside cutting,
but the latter is still used to recover large-sized casing. External cutters (Figure 24b) enable
mechanical cuts to be made when the inside of a fish is plugged, precluding the use of
string shot, shaped charges, or chemical cutters. An external cutting tool can be run below
washover pipe and a rotary shoe, allowing several hundred feet of fish to be washed over
prior to making a cut. With an overshot on top of the washpipe, single-trip recovery is
feasible. This eliminates pulling out of the hole to lay down the cutting assembly and
subsequently making another trip with an overshot to recover the separated section of fish.
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Figure 24a : Internal Cutter Figure 24b : External Cutter
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23.7.6 Milling Tools
Sometimes a fish cannot be removed from the wellbore intact. It is then necessary to
reduce the fish to small pieces that can be circulated to the surface. Mills dressed on the
bottom with tungsten carbide have been used extensively for this purpose and with good
results. These mills are available in a number of sizes and design shapes for various
applications. These are basically three types :
Junk Mill (Figure 25a) – This type is used for grinding up junk metal and is constructed
with either a flat or wavy bottom.
Cement Mill (Figure 25b) – This type is used for drilling up cement, plastic, or hard sand.
It is normally designed with three points of contact on its base, and has an irregular or
offset watercourse to prevent coring.
Tapered Mill (Figure 25c) – This type is used for removing metal burrs in tubing or
working through tight spots in casing. The tungsten carbide is placed on the tapered body
of the mill.
(c) (a) (b)
Figure 25. Typical Mills
23.7.7 Other Tools
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Some of the other tools used frequently in fishing efforts include :
String Shot – This tool consists of an explosive primacord and a detonator that can be run
inside the fish on an electric conductor line. For a string shot to be effective, the fish must
be held in left-hand torque while the explosive is fired at or near the collar. Detonation
pressure swells out the box connection far enough to permit the residual left-hand torque to
unscrew the threaded connection.
Free-point Indicator – This tool is run into the fish on an electric conductor line. When the
tool is set, a strain is taken on the fish so that the length of pipe above the stuck point is
held in tension. The free-point indicator senses the presence or absence of movement in the
fish to locate the free point. Once this has been located, the fish can be cut or backed off
with a string shot at or near the free point.
This tool eliminates errors formerly made in calculating the amount of free pipe by placing
the string in tension and using stretch measurements at the surface.
Bumper Sub – this toll is run to deliver either upward or downward impact blows to the fish
by raising and lowering the work string. It has no hydraulic assist mechanism.
Hydraulic Jars (oil jars) - This tool is used to deliver upward impact blows only. It has the
advantage of having the fishing string in tension when the impact blow the struck, which
results in a more effective blow downhole. Oil jars depend upon hydraulic action for
tripping. An upward pull tends to compress a trapped fluid (oil) within the jar. As the fluid
pressure reaches a sufficient level, or when the piston reaches a certain position, the jarring
action is released, causing the upward impact blow. The tool can be reset and operated
over and over again by alternately lowering the tool and pulling upward.
Left-hand Pipe – Left-hand threaded pipe is normally used to recover an unbroken

threaded-connection fish that was not recovered by pulling or by string-shot back-off.
Catching tools are run on the bottom of the left-hand pipe to engage the fish. The string is
then rotated to the left in an attempt to break a right-hand threaded connection in the fish.
23.8 WORKOVER RIG SELECTION
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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The final part of this section deals with workover rig selection criteria. Typical workover
operations are listed as keywords in the left-hand margin, and the different factors affecting
rig selection for that particular operation are discussed.
23.8.1 Drilling and Milling
Most major drilling and milling operations are conducted with conventional workover rigs.
Such operations include milling up packers, drilling cement, sidetracking, deepening, etc.
conventional rigs are preferred for a number of reasons. For drilling it is often necessary to
use a high weight-on-bit in order to achieve reasonable penetration rates. This requires a
larger workstring. High torque requirements are another reason for using larger tubular
goods. In many cases where drilling is required, a new downhole completion configuration
will be required, which requires a conventional rig anyway.
Concentric rigs are suitable for some light milling operations, however. In particular, they
can be used to mill up very hard sand bridges that cannot be washed through. They are also
used for removing deposits such as paraffin or plastic consolidation materials from inside
the tubing string. Of course, they offer the only means for milling and drilling inside
tubingless completions.
23.8.2 Squeeze Cementing
All three categories of rigs (conventional, concentric, and coiled tubing) can be used for
squeeze cementing operations, although the first two types perform the vast majority of jobs
Whether a conventional or concentric rig is used depends to a large degree on the specific
requirements of the well and the job.
Concentric rigs can and do perform a large percentage of routine squeeze cementing
operations, especially when an entire set of perforations are to be squeezed. For these
applications a balanced-plug technique is used to spot the cement across the interval, then
the workstring is pulled above the cement top and squeeze pressure is applied. An example
of this procedure, covered in detail in Chapter 21, “Remedial Cementing”, is shown in
Figure 26.
A fairly recent technique that has proved successful in some areas is the use of a concentric
workstring and inflatable packer to squeeze channels in the cement sheath behind the
casing. The workstring and packer are run through the tubing into the casing where the
packer is inflated between the two sets of perforations that connect the channel. Then,
cement is pumped down the workstring, through the channel, and back out above the
packer. The cost savings over using a conventional rig can be significant.
Conventional workover rigs are also used for squeeze cementing operations. One example
of where a conventional rig would be used is where holes that can be sealed with cement
develop in the production casing above the packer. There may be other times when
concentric techniques are not applicable, such as when a squeeze packer is required to keep
pressure off the casing or when cement needs to be milled out of large-diameter casing
DRILLING DEPARTMENT
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following a squeeze. In these cases, a conventional rig is required.
Figure 26. Squeeze Cementing with Concentric Tubing
23.8.3 Recompletion
The kind of rig used for the recompletion depends on wellbore specifics. If the intended
interval after the workover is above an existing retrievable packer (Figure 27), then a
conventional workover rig must be used to unseat the packer, pick up the tubing, etc.
If the new completion interval is below the existing perforations, however, (Figure 28), the
option theoretically exists to recomplete using concentric techniques or a conventional rig.
The decision then is based on such factors as depth, hole angle, casing and tubing size, etc.,
and their effect on the ability to mill out cement a cement plug to perforate the lower zone.
Usually, a conventional workover scheme is selected.
If the new completion interval is higher than the old interval, yet still below the packer
(Figure 29), then concentric work usually becomes very attractive. In this case the old
perforations can be squeezed and a cement plug left in the casing.
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It is a very common practice when completing a wellbore that intersects a number of

distinctly different zones to complete from the bottom up. The lowermost zone is produced
first, then it is squeezed and the next higher zone is perforated. This procedure is repeated
until all the zones are depleted.
Figure 27. Recomplete Above Packer
23.8.4 Repair/Replace Downhole Equipment
The type of workover rig that is required for repair or replacement of downhole equipment
depends on what downhole equipment is involved. If the equipment is suspended in the
tubing string, then a wireline unit can be used. Examples of this type of workover are
pulling subsurface safety valves, repair of gas-lift valves, installation of tubing patches, etc.
For other repair/replacement operations, however, a conventional rig usually be required

since retrieval of the entire completion string becomes necessary. Examples in this
category include repair of replacement of the packer, retrieval of the screen in a gravel-
packed completion, retrieval of corroded tubing, etc.
Perhaps the only time that concentric methods could be used would be when cement is
squeezed through a hole in the casing string below the packer for repair of a casing leak.
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Figure 28. Recomplete Lower
23.8.5 Sand Control
As we saw in an earlier chapter, sand control can really be sub-divided into three different
classifications:
• Mechanical (Screens and Gravel Packing)
• Chemical (Plastic Consolidation)
• Resin Coated Sand
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Figure 29. Recomplete Higher (But Below Packer)
Many gravel-packs (mechanical retention) are performed during the initial completion,
often with the drilling rig. If performed at some later time in the well’s history, it is
necessary to use a conventional workover rig to pull the tubing, run the screen and gravel-
pack packer, and re-run the completion.
The exception to this is the rare occasion when a gravel-pack is designed for a tubingless
completion. In this case a concentric rig can be used to run the small diameter screen.
However, gravel-packing with 1-in. screens is seldom advisable because of operational
problems during the pack and also due to poor performance thereafter.
Chemical consolidation treatments have been pumped both through a concentric workstring
and bullheaded down the existing completion string. The advantage of using the small 1-in.
or 1-1/4-in. workstring for placement is that fluid mixing and contamination problems are
minimal due to the small capacity of the workstring. The disadvantages of the concentric
string approach are the cost of the rig and the chance of sticking the pipe in the hole if a
leak develops while pumping the consolidation chemicals. In general, however, placement
with a 1-in. workstring has been the preferred method in the majority of such jobs that have
been performed.
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Placement of resin-coated sand is, in most cases, best made with a concentric rig. As
discussed in Chapter 11, “Sand Control”, the success of resin-coated sand treatments
depends to a great deal on filling each perforation with sand. This is best done by packing
with a small workstring until a “sand-out” is achieved, reversing clean to bottom, and
repeating the procedure again until no more sand can be injected. This can most easily be
accomplished by means of a concentric rig and pipe.
23.8.6 Stimulation
Stimulation treatments are so varied that each of the general workover categories, bullhead,
concentric, and conventional, can be the optimum solution. Each one of these is discussed
below.
• Bullhead – Bullhead methods are often used for injection of small volumes of
chemicals such as solvents, surfactants, and small acid jobs. They work best if the
treating interval is fairly short, but special fluid diversion techniques can be used to
improve coverage of longer intervals. Large hydraulic and acid fracturing treatments
can also be bullheaded if the tubing is fairly large (for low friction pressure) and if the
downhole equipment, especially the packer, can withstand the forces induced by high
pressure injection of a cold fluid.
• Concentric – Many matrix acid treatments are pumped through small diemeter
workstrings and coiled tubing because reciprocation of the workstring through the
treating interval improves coverage of the zones by the acid. Coiled tubing is
especially useful because it can be reciprocated over long lengths while maintaining
fluid injection. Scale deposits are also often removed using concentric techniques.
• Conventional – A conventional workover rig is primarily required when a well is to be

fractured and the existing completion must first be pulled either because the tubing is
too small to permit high injection rates or because the packer mechanism was not
designed to withstand the tensile forces generated during fracture treatments.
23.8.7 Clean-Out
Both conventional and concentric techniques can be used for wellbore clean-out operations.
The choice depends to a large extent on the size of the casing, the material to be washed
out, and the fluids available. In general, reverse circulation is preferred because of the
higher velocities through the tubing which improve solids transport. This in general rulees
out the use of coiled tubing because it has no collapse resistance. Concentric strings can
often be used, and their applicability should always be investigated since they are much
cheaper than conventional rigs.
DRILLING DEPARTMENT

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CM 23

COMPLETION RIG WORKOVER OPERATIONS Page 1 of 45

RIG WORKOVER OPERATIONS

23.1 INTRODUCTION …………………….……………………………………………. 3

23.1.1 Definition …………………………………………………………… 3

23.2 WELL KILLING AND WELL CONTROL ……………………………………… 4

23.2.1 Reasons …......…...………………………………………………….. 4

23.3 CONVENTIONAL WORKOVERS ………….…………...................…….….…. 10

23.3.1 Derrick or Mast ………................……………………………….….. 10

23.4 CONCENTRIC WORKOVERS …………………………………………………. 14

23.4.1 Hoisting Equipment ………………………………………………… 14

23.5 COILED TUBING WORKOVERS …………………………………….………... 22

23.5.1 Surface Equipment …………..............................…………………... 22

23.6 SNUBBING UNIT WORKOVERS ……....….…………………………………... 26

23.6.1 Advantages …........…………………………………………..……... 26

23.7 FISHING OPERATIONS …………………………………....……….………...… 32

23.7.1 Reasons for Fishing …..……...…………………….……………..… 32

23.8 WORKOVER RIG SELECTION ……………………………………………...… 40

23.8.1 Drilling and Milling ......................................................................... 40

23.1.2 Types of Rig Workovers

Each of these workover types will be covered in detail in this Chapter.

Thorough workover planning is essential to the execution of a profitable workover. The

23.2.3 Lubricate and Bleed

Figure 1. Well Killing (Bullhead Method)

23.2.5 Snub and Circulate

Figure 2. Well Killing (Lubricate and Bleed)

Figure 3. Well Killing (Circulating)

23.2.7 Blowout Preventers

• Annular (Figure 5) – These preventers consist of an elastomer-rubber element that is

23.2.8 Choke Manifold

23.2.9 Other Well Control Equipment

Figure 4. Stripper BOP

Figure 5. Annular BOP

Figure 6. Ram BOP

Figure 7. Typical Choke Manifold

23.3 CONVENTIONAL WORKOVERS

23.3.1 Derrick or Mast

Figure 8. Conventional Workover Rig

23.3.3 Rotating Equipment

23.3.5 Circulating System

23.3.6 Well Control Equipment

23.3.7 Depth Capabilities

wt Yield strength (lbf)

23.4 CONCENTRIC WORKOVERS

As stated previously, a concentric workover is one in which a small diameter workstring is

• the well need not be dead,

• costs associated with pulling the existing completion are by-passed,

23.4.1 Hoisting Equipment

Figure 9. Concentric Workover, Hoisting System

23.4.2 Rotating Equipment

23.4.3 Work String

• Working Clearances – The small clearances involved in concentric tubing workovers

Figure 10. Common Connections used with Concentric Workstrings

Tubingless 3-1/2” Casing

Installed Gas Lift

Concentric Work Operations

Characteristics of 1-1/4-in. Nominal Tubing and Drill Pipe

NU API J-55 2.3 1.660 1.380 2.054 21,360 700

23.4.4 Workstring Selection

23.4.5 Circulating System

• It can be equipped to perform the small-volume, low pressure squeeze cementing

• It can also be utilized for general oil field pumping applications.

Nominal Tubing Size, Depth, Circulating Rate, Circulating Pressure,