FUNDAMENTALS OF SLICKLINE OPERATIONS

CT/SL/001

BY

EHIS ORIBHABOR

SLICKLINE OPERATOR

FAST TRACK MODULAR PROGRAM

IN

WELLSYSTEMS LIMITED

[A SUBSIDIARY OF THE OILTEST GROUP NIGERIA LIMITED]

APRIL 2017
 APPROVAL/CERTIFICATION PAGE

This is to declare that the employee EHIS ORIBHABOR with employee number
599 has completed his study on Fundamentals of Slick Line Operations in
WellSystems Limited (A Subsidiary of the Oiltest Group) as a SLICKLINE
OPERATOR.

…………………………
EHIS ORIBHABOR

Certified by:

Signed: ........................................
JEROME IFEDIOGOR,
OPERATIONS MANAGER,
WELLSYSTEMS LIMITED

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 ABSTRACT

Slick line well intervention operations involves the use of slick line equipment
without which the deployment of slick line down hole tools for slick line
operations will not be possible which becomes an issue to address.
This write up, fundamentals of slick line operations, will help in addressing these
issues with emphasis on the methods of slick line well intervention, the slick line
component rig up as well as the applications of slick line operations.
The safety precautions as well as the importance of slick line operations in the oil
and gas industry will also be briefly looked into in this module.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page i
Approval/Certification Page ii
Abstract iii
Table of Content iv
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction to Well Intervention 5
1.1 Methods of Well Intervention 6
Chapter Two
2.0 Slick line 7
2.1 Slick line Surface Equipment 8
2.2 Slick line Rig up Components 14
2.3 Basic Component of Slick Line Tool string 16
2.4 Piping Connections and Colour Codes 19
Chapter Three
3.0 Application of Slick Line Operations 20
3.1 Importance of Software Packages to a Slick Line Operation 23
3.2 Safety/Precautions when Running Slick Line Operations 24
3.3 Steps in Slick Line Operations during a Completion and Test Job 27
Chapter Four
4.0 Gas Lift Operations 28
4.1 Sequences of Operation in Gas Lifting Operations 31
Conclusion 32
Practical Tasks 33
References 38

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO SLICK LINE WELL INTERVENTION

Slick line well intervention operations involves the lowering of specific tools to
achieve a set objective down a well by means of a rope (referred as slick line).
Over the years; a number of mechanical tools have been designed to perform
certain functions thousands of feet below the earth’s surface in the process of oil
and gas exploitation and one of the means of deploying these tools is by means of
the slick line unit.
The unit incorporates a wire drum (not shorter than the maximum depth of the well
in question); the power pack (diesel engine) which powers the hydraulic system
meant to pull or retrieve wire out of hole; the Pressure Control equipment-PCE
used for pressure containment during intervention operations consists of the
stuffing box, lubricator sections, blowout preventer-BOP and the wellhead cross
over/tree connection.
Presently, there are so many onshore, offshore and subsea oil and gas wells that are
scattered all over the globe, with many more still being drilled every day. Many of
these wells are already decades old with many more not far behind. Hence, in the
last several years the techniques offered through well intervention have become
ever more necessary to keep up with rising global demand for oil and gas.
Well Intervention holds the potential to extend the productive life of aging wells
and repair damage or underperforming wells as well as bringing to the oil and gas
companies substantially higher profits off otherwise non-economical wells.
But what then is Well Intervention?
Generally speaking, well intervention is any process that enhances the quality of
the oil and gas wells weather onshore, offshore or subsea, provides well data or
information to help manage the production rate of the well or shuts off and safely
abandons a flowing well. All these are done during or at the end of the well’s
production life.
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Well intervention therefore, can be used to:
 Determine if the tubing is free through tubing drift
 know end of tubing
 Retrieving lost tool in hole-fishing
 Remove obstruction to flow e.g. tubing blockage due to sand, wax.
 Elimination of excessive water or gas production
 Repair of mechanical failure of completion components
 Enhance production through well stimulation (acid wash, matrix acidizing
and fracturing)
 Increase production by bringing other productive zones on stream
 Maintain control of oil, gas and water production from various zones or
layers in stratified reservoir
 Increase production by installation of artificial lift systems.

1.1 METHODS OF WELL INTERVENTION

The methods are being enumerated below;
 Slick line method-involve using a thin cable introduced into the well to deploy
and retrieve tools down hole for several purposes.
 Coil tubing method-This involves using a continuous string of metallic tubing
to deploy and retrieve down hole tools similar to wire line operation especially
for highly deviated well; to clean the well and also to pump chemicals or gases
directly into the well to relieve blockage and increase flow. Coil tubing can also
be used for fishing operations especially when it becomes difficult for
conventional slick line.
 Snubbing method-Another well intervention method that is not commonly
used. It is a technique to install or remove tubular from a well, while the well
remains pressurized (Live well).

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 The major advantage of snubbing is that work can be performed without killing
the well thus eliminating reservoir formation impairment or costly stimulation
operations.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 SLICK LINE

Well intervention techniques have long been dependent on mechanical and
hydraulic systems for actuation and measurement. Therefore, the outcome of many
downhole operations- for which depths were often approximated depended as
much on the skills of the operators as well as on the design of the tools.
Slick line operations in the oil and gas wells have been performed for more than 75
years, and until recently, practices have changed a little. Technicians and engineers
in the field performed basic downhole operations through the manipulation of
downhole tools attached to the end of a single strand thin wire called a slick line;
the name distinguishes it from a conducting cable used in electric line or a braided
cable used for heavier mechanical work.
These down hole operations may be as simple as running a gauge ring to total
depth-TD or more complex wellbore maintenance and production optimization
procedures such as setting or pulling of plugs and or gas lift valve change out jobs.
Operations also include removing production hindering debris such as sand or
paraffin from the well. More recently, devices with electronic memory have been
run on slick line to gather data for pressure transient surveys or production logging.
Therefore, Slick line refers to a single strand wire often shiny and silver in
appearance used to place and recover well bore equipment. Such as plugs, gauges,
and valves etc.
It comes in varying lengths according to the depth of the well in the area it is used
(it can be ordered to specification) between 15000ft to 25000ft depending on the
area of application.
It is connected by the drum it is spooled off in the back of the slick line truck to the
slick line sheave (A round wheel grooved and sized to accept a specified line and
positioned to redirect the line to another sheave that will allow it to enter the well
bore while keeping the pressure contained). The Slick line operator monitor at
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 surface the slick line tension through a weight indicator gauge and the depth
through depth counter ’zeroed’ from the surface and lowers the down hole tool to
the depth. He completes the job by manipulating the downhole tool mechanically,
checks to make sure it worked (if possible) and pulls the tool back out by winding
the slick line back onto the drum it was spooled from.
While a slick line is a thin cable introduced into the well to deploy and retrieve
tools downhole; a wire line is an electrical cable used to lower or deploy tools and
transmit data about the conditions of the wellbore. Wire line is used to perform
wire line logging operations.
The Slick line comes in different diameter such as 0.092”, 0.108”, 0.125” and
3/16” and with different make up such as carbon steel or stainless steel.

2.1 SLICKLINE SURFACE EQUIPMENT

1. The ASEP Slick Line Unit

SLICKLINE UNIT

A slick line unit is the power machine of the operations. It is used as a means of
lowering and raising tool string in a well that required slick line operation or
services. It consists of these major assemblies below-

i. Power Pack

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 This powers the unit as it has the same principle as a compression ignition engine
(C.I.). The power generated from the engine is used to drive a pump that transmit
fluid which subsequently drives hydraulic motor that controls the spooling out of
the cable from the drum.
Power packs come in a variety of types and sizes to suit the well location and the
work to be performed. They can be very small trailer mounted units for simple
shallow land well jobs that do not require heavy downhole work or large
containerized units with very sophisticated controls for deep and deviated offshore
wells etc.
Most power units are diesel driven although some offshore units that regularly
work on the same platform are electrically powered. The unit drives one or two
hydraulic pumps to control the winch.
Most slick line units have their power packs and winches separate, however
modern, larger units tend to be enclosed in one container including a cabin for the
operator like that of WellSystems Limited.

POWER PACK

ii. Control Cabin

This is where the operator monitors the surface amount of weight and depth of
tools down hole in the well bore. This is achieved with a load cell and measuring
device that act as a transducer by transmitting the information downhole to the
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 view of the operator in the martin Decker. It contains the levers for running and
pulling out of holes and the break lever.

CONTROL CABIN

iii. Winch
The winch is the component containing the two drums with different cables
normally made of carbon steel and stainless steel. The cable comes in different
sizes such as 0.092”, 0.108”, 0.125’’, 3 /16” for different forms of operation. A
drum is made to rotate at a time by the control of the levers from the control cabin.
The wire is stored on a drum located in front of the operator on the winch unit.
Power from the hydraulic power pack is applied to the drum usually via a four-
speed gearbox. There are controls that can select forward or reverse and a
handbrake for the drum. There may be more than one drum of wire on a winch unit
but only one drum is in use at a time and combinations of slick line and braided
line or slick line and electric line are common. Many units can run at wire speeds
of up to 300ft/min.
The wire is spooled off the drum and is wrapped around the measuring head to
give the operator depth measurement. Before running in the hole each time, the
operator resets the depth counter to zero.
A weight indicator displays the weight of the tools and the tool string as well as
any additional forces generated during jarring etc.

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 WINCH
2. Pressure Control Equipment (PCE) is made of the following–
i. Stuffing Box
This is a sealing device connected to the top of the lubricator sections. It allows the
slick line to enter the well under pressure and provide seal should the wire break
and be blown out of packing. Basically, its function is pressure containment.

The Stuffing Box is the primary barrier during slick line operations. The Stuffing
box has an integral sheave to guide the wire down through the Packing. It is this
packing that makes the seal around the wire to prevent the escape of wellbore
fluids. The packing is forced against the wire by either tightening a nut on the
manual stuffing box or by applying pressure to the hydraulic stuffing box. The big
disadvantage of the manual stuffing box is that, if it leaks during a job, someone
has to climb up and tighten the nut.
The hydraulic stuffing box is controlled from a hand pump attached to it directly
by a hose or from the operator’s panel.
The stuffing box should always be checked before a job to ensure that there is
some adjustment left on the nut or hydraulic piston to ensure that leaks between the
wire and the packing can be repaired without having to POOH. Worn packing is

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 not difficult to change but needs to be done when there is no wire running through
the stuffing box.

Schematic view of Stuffing Box

ii. Lubricator
The lubricator is a tube that allows the tool strings to be inserted into or removed
from the well under pressure and is installed between the BOP and the stuffing
box.
There will probably be three or more sections of lubricator in use and the sections
are connected by quick unions and seals using an O-ring which are inspected for
damage prior to making connections.
The lowest section of lubricator is usually of a larger diameter as it must contain
the tool that is being run or pulled. The upper sections only must contain the tool
strings and can therefore be of smaller diameter.
The bottom section is fitted with a needle valve which a pressure gauge can be
fitted and for bleeding off any trapped pressure above the BOP or wellhead before
breaking out the lubricator and changing the tool strings. Hydrocarbons are usually
bled to a closed drain.
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 Typically, lubricator sections are 8 ft. long and sufficient lubricator must be used to
accommodate tool strings being recovered from the well including the item that is
being pulled. Additional lengths of lubricator will be required for fishing
operations.
Lubricators are available in different pressure ratings for both standard and “sour”
service. It is usually considered that all lubricators used with pressures over 5000
psi should have the quick unions welded rather than screwed to the main tube

Lubricator Section

iii. Blow out preventer (B O P)

This is also called wire line valve; it is installed between the wellhead/xmas tree
and the lubricator section. The functions include:
 To enable well pressure to be isolated without cutting wire by closing the
BOP rams.
 To permit assembly of wire line cutter above the BOP rams.
 To permit the dropping of a wire line cutter if the tool string becomes stuck
in the well, etc.

Blowout Preventer (BOP)

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iv. Wellhead Tree Connection/Crossover
These are cross overs from wellhead tree to bottom connection of the BOP with
right pressure rating and thread connection.
The thread connections are either the EUE or ACME threads and are of various
sizes- 2 3/8’’, 2 7/8’’ and 3 ½’’.
That of the ACME always have an o-ring at the bottom making a seal with the
Xmas tree preventing fluid escape from the wellbore to the surface during well
intervention operations.

Crossover

2.2 SLICKLINE RIG UP COMPONENT

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 Slick line rig up component

From the above diagram, a complete slick line set up includes the following:
Slick line Unit: This is mounted in a slick line truck and includes the power pack,
control console and a winch which house the slick line drum. The slick line unit is
usually a complete, self-contained unit in that it carries the slick line reel, the
power source, the slick line measuring device and all the tools and equipment
necessary to accomplish routine jobs.
Hay Pulley: Slick line sheave, known as hay pulley, is an essential part of a slick
line rig-up. It is used to route the slick line from the stuffing box into a horizontal
track onto the slick line winch drum. The wire should be parallel to the lubricator

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to reduce side loading and bending stresses on the tree connection. The hay pulley
is hooked directly onto the eye in the weight indicator sensor/ load cell.
Blow out Preventers (BOP): A slick line BOP (also known as a wire line valve) is
generally installed between the tree connection and lower lubricator section. The
BOP provides facilities for contingency and emergency procedures and must be
included in all rig-ups.
Lubricator: Lubricator sections enable the slick line tool string and equipment to
be inserted and removed from a well under pressure. In its simplest form,
lubricator is a high-pressure tube with quick connections at each end. All
lubricators should be x-rayed, magnifluxed for cracks and visually inspected at
regular intervals typically annually.
Stuffing Box: Containing wellbore pressure and fluids under dynamic conditions
as the wire enters the wellbore is a critical factor in slick line operations.
BOP Tree Connections: Tree connections are required to safely and securely
connect the BOP to the Christmas tree. There are several different designs
available.

2.3 BASIC COMPONENTS OF SLICKLINE DOWNHOLE TOOLSTRING

Downhole tool string can be referred to as BHA (Bottom Hole Assembly) in
which it is the name given to any assembly of equipment run in the well to perform
some type of operation. It is made up of number of basic components with various
other servicing tools attached according to the type of operations to be carried out.

This slick line tool string or BHA (Bottom hole Assembly) is needed to overcome
the well pressure while carrying out slick line operations or other well intervention
jobs.
The basic slick line tools string consists of the following:

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  Rope socket
 Sinker bar (stem)
 Jars (Mechanical, spring, Hydraulic, Tubular etc.)
 Knuckle Joints
 Service tools

The Basic Slick Line Tool string is shown below

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 Slick line Tool string

1. ROPE SOCKET
The slick line rope socket provides a means of connecting the tool string to the
wire. Basically, there are two types namely; conventional “knot” and Wedge “no
knot”

2. STEM (SINKER BAR)

This tool provides the needed weight to overcome friction of the stuffing box
packing on the wire and overcomes the force created by the well pressure while
running in hole.

3. JARS
This tool provides the impact force either upward or downward (hammering
effects) that is required in setting or retrieving control devices.

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4. KNUCKLE JOINTS
It is designed for flexibility, swivel and angular action between the jars and control
devices which is attached below. There are various sizes which are commonly used
like the 1 7/8” and 1 ½” diameter

The slick line tool string is necessary for the efficient surface control during the
running and pulling operations on slick line of subsurface controlled devices.

2.4 PIPING CONNECTIONS AND COLOUR CODING

With the rapidly growing technological advancement in the oil and gas industry
and as well as the high potential hazardous environment in which the activities of
the oil industry takes place makes the role of safety very pertinent which is already
a known fact of how important the role of safety is in oil and gas field operations.

After the completion of an oil and gas well and the installation of the Christmas
tree making lots of emphasis to be placed on piping to be used for flow line
connections hence the need to know the compatibility and the match of the pipes to
achieve the task as well as the colour coding of the pipes to be used.

Below are the colour codes of the pipes together with their pressure ratings
PIPE CODE COLOUR WORKING PRESSURE TEST PRESSURE
1502 BLACK 10000psi 15000psi

1002 RED 5000psi 7500psi

602 YELLOW 2500psi 3750psi

206 BLUE 1500psi 2250psi

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 APPLICATION OF SLICK LINE OPERATIONS

1. Drifting operation: This operation is about clearing of the tubing from any
obstruction. The tool used is for clearing is Gauge Cutter made up with the
basic tool string. That comes in various pre-machined diameters designed to
certain point.

Gauge Cutter

2. Bailing sands and debris: This involves removing of formation sand/rock and
other such debris left over from the drilling and completion of the well using a
specialized tool called a bailer. It uses a hydrostatic vacuum action to suction up
the downhole debris allowing it to be conveyed back to surface through the
wire.

Sand Bailer

3. Shifting sleeves: In this operation, Formation down hole can be isolated behind
sliding metal ‘windows’ called sliding sleeves. They are shifted open or closed

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 by means of a specialized down hole tool called B-Shifting Tool locating the
sleeve and it is being jarred up or down providing access or closing off that
formation or section of casing.

B Shifting Tool

4. Setting/Pulling gas lift valves: This operation involves the setting or pulling of
gas lift valves during well completion for artificial lifts. The tools used are the
basic tool string, kick-over tools, latches, dummy, orifice & unloading valves,
side pocket mandrels etc.

Dummy Valve

Side Pocket
Mandrel
Orifice Valve

Unloading Valve

5. Bottomhole pressure and temperature surveys: This operation involves the

use of basic tool string made up with the specialized electronic and mechanical
tool called metrolog gauge designed to measure the pressure and temperature at
predetermined depth in the wellbore. This data can be used to determine

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 reservoir life by determining the build-up pressure, static gradient and flowing
gradient.

Metrolog Gauge

6. Fishing operations: Fishing usually refers to attempting to retrieve lost tools or

wire or other debris that was not intended to restrict the flow/disrupt the well
operations. Fishing can be difficult since fish being downhole and other
affecting conditions such as high pressure, the fish being jammed in
tubing/casing.

Wire Grab GS Pulling Tool

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7. Setting/Pulling plugs: Specialized downhole tools which either lock into pre-
machined restrictions in the tubing itself, sealing pressure from below or above
the plugs.

8. Wax Cutting: This operation involves the use of gauge cutter and paraffin
scratcher to clean the paraffin or wax deposition on the ID of tubing, nipple
profile etc.

Paraffin scratcher Gauge Cutter

3.1 IMPORTANCE OF SOFTWARE PACKAGES TO A SLICKLINE OPERATION

There are two main software packages in slick line operations, namely:
1. The Metrowin
2. The Emer

1. The Metrowin: This is a software used in downloading data obtain from a well
using a metrolog gauge. The reason of running a metrolog gauge in slick line is
to ascertain the real-time reservoir pressure and temperature in order to enhance
reservoir management and production optimization. With the software package,
slick line operators can be able to run BHP [Bottomhole Pressure survey]

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2. The Emer: This software is installed in the smart monitor of the ASEP unit.
This enables the slick line operator to know the weight and the depth of the tool
string in the tubing, it also helps us to understand if there is an over pull during
the operation, to identify if there is drop of tools in hole while running and
pulling out of hole of fish in hole, to also identify when an operator have over
pull during the operation.

3.2 SAFETY/PRECAUTIONS WHEN RUNNING SLICKLINE OPERATIONS

Prior to the commencement of slick line operations, a Risk Assessment, pre-job

meeting and Toolbox Talk should be held to discuss the work program,
procedures, safety and other relevant topics. The relevant permits and well
handover documentation should be obtained and fully endorsed prior to any
operations being performed.
1. Ensure all equipment to be utilized is available, in good condition and certified.
All lifting clamps, slings and chains should be visually checked, in valid
certification and suitable for the load and apparatus being lifted.
2. The appropriate protective clothing and equipment provided either by Oiltest or
the client, to protect against a specific risk must be used for the full duration of
the exposure to the risk.
3. The slick line unit shall be safely located approximately 50 feet away from the
well and shall be properly secured using the tie-down points to prevent
movement when a load is applied. If the front of the winch is raised from the
deck it must be secured to prevent it from falling off the supports. A competent
person shall verify the securing of the unit.
4. Electrical bonding of the winch and power pack or other rotating equipment
may be required.
5. The wire line unit shall be a sufficient distance from the lubricator to enable the
operator to spool wire onto the drum without undue effort.

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6. There shall be a minimum of two personnel onsite during wire line operations.
Where only one wire line operator is on shift in a multi-tasked crew, a person
with suitable experience will assist them.
7. Prior to wire line operations all pressure control equipment, including BOP
rams, shall be pressure tested in accordance with Client procedures or Oiltest
pressure test procedures.
8. The power pack shall be positioned and only operated in areas in accordance
with the unit’s certificate. In which a flammable atmosphere is not likely to
occur in normal operation, and if it occurs will exist only for a short period (less
than 10 hours per year).
9. A portable gas detector and fire extinguisher should be located close to diesel
power packs, the lubricator shall be long enough and of sufficient internal
diameter to accommodate the longest tool string that may be pulled from the
well.
10.The use of hay pulleys and sheaves shall be kept to a minimum. Those in use
shall be in the direct sight of the winch operator and be of the correct diameter
for the size of wire.
11.Establish clear lines of communication between Xmas tree/Rig Floor and Wire
line slick line. A Radio link is preferred.
12.Securely tie down the wire line unit using the tie-down points, in a position with
a clear and unobstructed view of the worksite. If the front of the winch is raised
from the deck, it must be secured to prevent it falling off the supports. The
securing of the winch shall be verified by a competent person
13.All pressure control equipment should be positioned ready for the rig up
operation to be conducted prior to removing the TC (Tree Cap).
14.All hatches, gratings and covers that are required to be removed to allow access
to the Xmas tree shall have a slotted cover or barrier placed around and
enclosing the hole. All work within the perimeter of this barrier shall be done
wearing an approved PPE.
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15.Remove Tree Cap and install the lubricator adapter. (X-over)
16.Using an appropriately rated lifting device lift the BOP (Blow Out Preventer)
and make it up to either the riser/adapter quick union connection. Attach all the
hydraulic hoses. Function and pressure test the BOP as detailed in. Ensure the
BOP is fully open after testing has been completed.
17.Using an appropriately rated lifting device, lift stuffing box, riser sections,
Injection subs, required and make it/them up to the lubricator adaptor quick
union connection. Good communications must be established before lowering
riser sections if work is being carried out on different levels.
18.Thread the slick line through the stuffing box, safety check valve, and chemical
injection sub and rope socket, securing it by means of a wire line knot.
19.Assemble the Rope Socket onto the tool string.
20.Attach the stuffing box, to the lubricator assembly and make up the quick union
connection.
21.Attach the wire line clamp to the lubricator and insert the slick line into the
clamp jaws to prevent any movement of the tool string while raising the
lubricator assembly. Ensure there is sufficient slack line to prevent the slick line
from being kinked while the lubricator assembly is being raised, and to aid the
removal of the clamp when required.
NOTE: The wire must be closely monitored to ensure it does not get caught and
damaged during this stage of the operation.
Attach all the required hydraulic and injection hoses to the corresponding
lubricator assembly components. Ensure any injection hoses are fitted with a
22.Check valve to retain the well pressure. All hoses should be taped to the
lubricator assembly.
23.Function tests all the components for operation. Attach a sufficient length of
rope to the top of the lubricator assembly to ease making up the lubricator onto
the BOP.

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24.Using an appropriately rated lifting device, lift the lubricator assembly until
level with the top of the BOP (Blow out Preventer).
25.Install a pressure gauge manifold of the required pressure rating (equal or
greater pressure rating to the lubricator) into the lubricator bleed port. Ensure all
the valves are open and the gauge is calibrated and functioning properly.
26.Functionality and accuracy of weight indicator to be checked prior to any
operation. Ensure the weight indicator has been bled through and pumped up to
ensure no air is in the system and the dial gauge is reset to zero, with the
damper adjusted for sensitivity.
27.Pick up the tool string weight using the wire line unit taking great care to avoid
touching the stuffing box with the rope socket and remove the wire line clamp.
Take care if the lubricator must be raised at this point as contact with the
stuffing box may part the wire and cause an uncontrolled fall of the tool string.
28.Lower the tool string and inspect the wire above the knot for damage. Attach
the wire line tools, plugs, gauges etc. as required, to the tool string and zero the
counter head odometer at the depth zero reference point.
29.Using the wire line unit, pick up the wire line tool string into the lubricator.
30.Lower the lubricator assembly onto the BOP and make up the quick union
connection.
31.Pick up the tool string to the top of the lubricator assembly and attach the wire
line clamp. Allow enough slack to prevent the wire being broken when
pressuring up the lubricator, and to aid the removal of the clamp when required.
32.The rig up can now be pressure tested.

3.3 STEPS IN SLICKLINE OPERATION DURING A COMPLETION AND TEST JOBS

A successful slick line operations starts from the base from the equipment selection
to pressure testing of Pressure Control Equipment-PCE and with constant
communication with the client’s representative on the job as per program.
Below are some of the steps to note for a slick line or a completion operations:
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1. Get the well schematic and program from the client
2. From the well program note the internal diameter of the tubing
3. The internal diameter-ID will help to know the size of gauge cutter for the drift
operations as well as knowing the plug size.
4. Position your ASEP unit to directly face the well head with about 50feet away.
5. Make up your rope socket and prepare your tool strings for the programmed
job.
6. Make up the lubricator and rig up on the well head.
7. Run-In-Hole (RIH) first with a gauge cutter to drift to NO-GO position XN
profile exactly where the plug will be seating.
8. When satisfied from the combi gauge that you have gotten to depth without
obstruction then POOH Gauge cutter and replace gauge cutter with PX or PXN
Plug depending on the profile. Run in hole plug and install on profile, then
come out with tool string to confirm plug is successfully set.
9. Test will further be done to ascertain plug is set on profile if there is no leakage
from tubing after the test.
10.Rig down slick line and backload equipment.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 GAS LIFT OPERATIONS

After the drilling and completion of an oil and gas well, the well will now be put
into production and the well will undergo production life cycle.
As the well undergoes the production life cycle and over the years the production
will reduce or drop as the well formation pressure gets depleted and insufficient to
overcome the hydrostatic pressure or hydrostatic head of the well fluid in the
production tubing and this makes the well to stop to flow. Hence, gas was
introduced into the well which mixed the oil, reducing the specific gravity of the
oil thereby reducing the oil gradient and eventually pushes the oil to the surface.

What is Gas Lift?

Gas lift is a form of artificial lift where gas bubbles lift the oil from the well.
The gas is introduced into the tubing through the gas lift mandrel into the gas lift
valve in the side pocket mandrel.

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The gas-lift mandrel is a device installed in the tubing string of a gas-lift well onto
which or into which a gas-lift valve is fitted. There are two common types of
mandrels.
In a conventional gas-lift mandrel, a gas-lift valve is installed as the tubing is
placed in the well. Thus, to replace or repair the valve, the tubing string must be
pulled. In the side-pocket mandrel, however, the valve is installed and removed by
wire line while the mandrel is still in the well, eliminating the need to pull the
tubing to repair or replace the valve.
A gas-lift valve is a device installed on (or in) a gas-lift mandrel, which in turn is
put on the production tubing of a gas-lift well. Tubing and casing pressures cause
the valve to open and close, thus allowing gas to be injected into the fluid in the
tubing to cause the fluid to rise to the surface. In the lexicon of the industry, gas-
lift mandrels are said to be "tubing retrievable" wherein they are deployed and
retrieved attached to the production tubing.

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As shown in the diagram of the gas lift mandrels the gas lift valve is installed
inside the side pocket mandrels-SPM. Below is the diagram of the gas lift valve:

The tools used to install the gas lift valves in the side pocket mandrel (SPM) are
called the kick over tools (KOT). They are the OK, Merla and the L-type kick
over tool.

4.1 SEQUENCES OF OPERATION IN GAS LIFTING OPERATION

1. Run into the well and lower the tool string past the side pocket into which the
valve is to be set
2. Pick up kick over tool trigger will turn tool to face the pocket. This is caused by
the orientation sleeve which also guides the trigger into the no-go slot. Pull up
to lock tool into the kick over position. Lower tool string down to locate the
pocket.
3. Jar down gently to ease valve into pocket. The exact amount of downward
jarring is at the operator’s discretion but must be sufficient to position the latch
beneath the latch profile in the side pocket.
4. Jar up and this shears the two tangential pins on the running tool and the shear
pin on the lower arm. Also, the internal shear pin shears as the trigger hits the
no-go slot. This releases the tool to pull out of the hole.

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CONCLUSION
The importance of Slick line as a method of Well Intervention in the oil and gas
industry can never be relegated to the background because we must continually
maintain and or carry out remedial work in the wells to sustain production. Some
of the importance of the slick line methods of Well Intervention is:
 Slick line needs a smaller space for rig up during operations
 Slick line tools are very easy to carry meaning they are handy
 Economically, they are not so expensive in terms of cost effectiveness
Therefore, one can easily say slick line method of well intervention can always be
depended on as long as the oil industry exists

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 PRACTICAL TASK

1. Perform series of slick line operations as assistant to the slick line

technician

In a slick line operation and as an Assistant one will normally be giving a

helping hand to the chief operator to making the task smoothly

Whatever the type of job to be performed, be it a tubing control, setting or pulling

of plugs to even as far as to carrying out a bottom hole pressure

BHP jobs the assistant is to ensure that the BHA and all auxiliary tools as per the
well schematic are ready. Example if the tubing is 2 3/8’’, 2 7/8’’ or 3 ½’’, the
BHA-Tool string will be 1 ¼’’, 1 ½’’ and 1 7/8’’ tool string is to be used for the
job.

While at the client location and as the most senior assistant records the wellhead
pressures e.g. the flowing tubing head pressure (FTHP), flow line pressure (FLP)
as well as the casing head pressure (CHP).

The assistant goes through the well schematic and see to the down hole accessories
and that the required gauge cutters as well as the tools needed for the job are
readily available for the job to be carried successfully under the supervision of the
lead supervisor.

2. Participate in a completion operation and a fishing job

A typical completion job with Baker completion accessories. All the internal
Diameters-ID’s of the nipple profiles and the Gas lift valve mandrels-GLM’s were
drifted at the surface prior to RIH and ensure that they are free of obstruction

Study the well completion program and ensure that it is understood.

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See that the BHA-Tool string for the tubing size as per the well completion
program is ready. Make sure that the necessary gauge cutter sizes for different drift
depths are available. Also the plugs- FB-2 (Top No-Go) and RB-2 ( Bottom No-
Go) needed for the F and R seating nipples for tubing integrity tests are on ground
for use when the time comes for that stage of the operation

Also ensure that the running and pulling tools-SB or JDC for the FB-2 and RB-2
plugs are ready.
- The rig crew will RIH the production tubing to a certain depth and then R/U
slick line PCE and then Pressure test to in some cases to 2000 Psi for 15
minutes. OK
- RIH sized gauge cutter and drift tubing to ensure it is clear. POOH
- RIH Baker RB-2 plug with SB or JDC to R-Seating nipple. When at the
depth, slack down the slick line wire a little. Apply pressure of 2,500 Psi or
3,000 Psi for a 5,000 Psi well to carry out tubing integrity test at that depth
- If test is confirmed OK, take a bind on the wire for pressure to be bled off
- POOH to surface
- R/D slick line and continue RIH the production tubing
- Repeat the same process with the Baker FB-2 plug and pressure test again
for integrity test.
- Continue RIH the tubing and as soon as the tubing is landed, the entire
tubing sting will be drifted. First drift with 2.87” gauge cutter (For a 3 ½”
Tubing) to top of Tubing retrievable safety valve. POOH and change to a
smaller gauge cutter say 2.76” to the bottom no-go. POOH and R/D slick
line completely.
- Rig will Nipple down BOP and Nipple up Xmas tree
- Demobilize slick line.

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3. Equipment Layout for a typical land job

The equipment layout or sketch for a land job shows the slick line winch unit
directly facing the wellhead at a distance of at least 50 feet with the power pack
behind so that the exhaust will be far from the zone 0 (where there is the constant
presence of gaseous vapour all the time) area so that explosion will not occur.
With power pack placed at the zone 2 areas (where there is no constant presence of
gaseous vapour), the operation is now safe to be carried out.
Slick line Unit: This is mounted in a slick line truck and includes the power pack,
control console and a winch which house the slick line drum. The slick line unit is
usually a complete, self-contained unit in that it carries the slick line reel, the
power source, the slick line measuring device and all the tools and equipment
necessary to accomplish routine jobs.
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 Hay Pulley: Slick line sheave, known as hay pulley, is an essential part of a slick
line rig-up. It is used to route the slick line from the stuffing box into a horizontal
track onto the slick line winch drum. The wire should be parallel to the lubricator
to reduce side loading and bending stresses on the tree connection. The hay pulley
is hooked directly onto the eye in the weight indicator sensor/ load cell.
Blow out Preventers (BOP): A slick line BOP (also known as a wire line valve) is
generally installed between the tree connection and lower lubricator section. The
BOP provides facilities for contingency and emergency procedures and must be
included in all rig-ups.
Lubricator: Lubricator sections enable the slick line tool string and equipment to
be inserted and removed from a well under pressure. In its simplest form,
lubricator is a high-pressure tube with quick connections at each end. All
lubricators should be x-rayed, magnifluxed for cracks and visually inspected at
regular intervals typically annually.
Stuffing Box: Containing wellbore pressure and fluids under dynamic conditions
as the wire enters the wellbore is a critical factor in slick line operations.
BOP Tree Connections: Tree connections are required to safely and securely
connect the BOP to the Christmas tree. There are several different designs
available.

4. Organise the pre-test meeting

The following are discussed in the pre-test meeting:
i. Gather all personnel – rig crew and others involved in the task
ii. Discuss the task to be performed example pressure testing of PCE
iii. Let personnel know the pressure the equipment is to be tested to
iv. Inform personnel of associated hazards
v. Ask personnel to stay off pressure lines
vi. Apply pressure
vii. If Ok, Bleed down to 0 Psi
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 5. Perform the surface equipment pressure test
The following activities are carried out in pressure testing surface equipment;
i. Get the pressure test team together.
ii. Hold TBT-Tool box talk on the pressure test operation. The associated hazards
will be discussed as well as if the test is in-house (Test to Working Pressure) or
annual (Test to Test Pressure) to be witnessed by a third-party inspector
iii. Get the pressure test bay arranged or ready for the equipment rig up
iv. Make up the PCE - Stuffing box, Lubricators (3 sections), BOP and test cap
v. Make up the pressure test pump
vi. Connect the Air line and water line to the pump
vii. Make up pressure test hose to the test cap and to the test pump
viii. Make up the Pressure test chart recorder with chart to the needle valve at the
lubricator
ix. With the pump fill up the lubricator with water. Open the needle valve so that
air bubbles can be flushed out completely for a good test to be achieved
x. Apply pressure in stages that is low pressure to high pressure and draw the chart
xi. Bleed off pressure to 0 Psi and break or rig down everything and clear work
area.
xii. Enter names of test team and enter the items tested and their serial numbers
xiii. The team lead to sign off the chart

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 REFERENCES

 Geoservices Wire Line Training Manual

 Slick line Operations: Emphasis on Wax Cutting-Ehis Oribhabor (2016)

 WellSystems Operating Manual, Issue 1.0 Revision 5.0, March 2015

 WellSystems Work Instruction Manual, Issue 1.0 Revision 8.0, March 2015

 William B. Paulsen-ATP oil and Gas Corporation, Houston, Texas

 www.urldata.xyz/p/ppqpe/helix- Introduction to Well Intervention

 www.en.wikipetia.org/wiki/gas_lift

 www.slb.com/.../wire line

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