VersaFlex

Expandable Liner Hanger Systems

Generic Running Procedure:
Contingency Fishing Procedure

Customer
Xx
Representative
Address
Xx
City
Xx
Country
Xx
Rig
Xx
Well Name
Xx
Field/Block
Xx
Liner Size
xx
Application:
Fishing Operations

This procedure is based on sound engineering practices, but because of variable well
conditions and other information which must be relied upon, Halliburton makes no
warranty, expressed or
implied, as to the
Revised
Revision #
Description Change
Date
accuracy of the data or
By
of any calculations or
opinions contained
A
KC
Update Procedure
11-Feb-14
herein. You agree that
Halliburton shall not

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Page 1

Expandable Liner Hanger Generic Setting Procedure

be liable for any loss or damage whether due to negligence or otherwise arising out of
or in connection with such data, calculations or opinion.

2|Page
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Generic VersaFlex ELH Fishing Procedure

Region:
Global
Owner:
ELH GTA

Function/PSL:
Processes & Service
Quality
Job
Approved
Revision
By:
By:
KC
KC

VersaFlex Generic
Procedure System
Document Number:
ELH-GL-HAL-GPS-00x
Rev
Date:
11-Feb14

Rev
No:
A

Page:
3 of 6

Contingency Fishing Operations for VersaFlex Liner Hangers

There are several scenarios where it becomes necessary to initiate fishing operations to
retrieve the VersaFlex liner hanger or the setting tool. Following are some general
procedures for fishing in various situations. Each job which necessitates fishing is unique
and will require some planning to adapt to the situation.
I.

Liner stuck, cannot get liner to bottom, the following options can be discussed with the
customer to determine optimal approach.
a. Set the hanger where it is and do remedial cement job.
i.
If setting is not possible or an option. Slack off to release hanger setting tool and
come out of the well.
b. Set down weight to shear the contingency release shear pins and retrieve running
tool then proceed to fish liner from well.
c. If the setting tool is released, fish the liner. Attempt to grab the liner below the
expandable section of the hanger body to limit damage to the hanger
d. If the setting tool does not release, attempt to work weight to the tool by pumping
down the work string, applying torque and spudding.
e. If there is not enough weight to shear the contingency release pins, go to step 5.

II.

Liner on bottom, cement pumped, plug bumped, cannot set hanger.

a. Pressure up to rupture disk and circulate out any cement above the liner.
b. Go to 1.b.

III.

Liner on bottom, cement pumped, plug not bumped, cannot set hanger.
a. Go to 1.b.

IV.

Liner on bottom, cement pumped, hanger expanded, cannot release.

a. Confirm the hanger is set by pulling work string in tension.
b. Determine free travel of setting tool. This will determine where the tool is stuck; top,
cone, collet.
c. Is it free to rotate? The setting tool has released if there is rotation with weight down
on the setting tool.
d. Pull the maximum available tension.
e. Establish circulation in an effort to wash out any debris that might have fallen to the
top of the cone.
f. While circulating the string should be reciprocated from weight down to maximum
pull upward.
g. Periodically the upward load should be locked in and held for 5 to 10 minutes.
Sometimes a constant pull can get the cone to start moving.

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Page 3

Generic Running Procedure VersaFlex ELH

16 x 20 Cementing Application
w/ 3rd party SSR Dual Wiper Plug Option
Region:
Function/PSL:
Global
Processes & Service Quality
Approved
Job Revision
Owner:
By:
By:
ELH GTA
TJ
JWW

VersaFlex Generic Procedure

System
Document Number:
ELH-GL-HAL-GPS-00x
Rev Date:
25-Feb-13

Rev
No:
A

Page:
4 of 6

h. If this method does not work then rotation of 5 to 10 RPM can be applied which again
may get the cone to start moving.
V.

If the setting tool will not come free after several attempts, begin fishing operation.
a. Remove the drill pipe two to three joints above the running tool by applying upward
load, applying left hand torque, and firing a string shot at the location where back-off
is desired. (the pipe can also be removed with a chemical cutter but backing off a
thread is preferred)
b. Run in with a fishing string that includes the largest fishing jars available, drill collars
and accelerators. The fishing string design should come from the fishing company
but Halliburton should be involved. Request a jar force calculation be done to
estimate the jarring force available.
c. It should be noted that two or even three fishing strings may be required before the
cone comes out.
d. If the running tool does not come out after sufficient jarring, then preparation for
milling procedures should commence.
e. The intention of this procedure is to first remove as much of the running tool as
possible before milling is required. All running tools are designed with known weak
points and can be parted at specifics locations. If the cone is stuck in the hanger
body then we are able to part the seal mandrel just below the cone.
f. Without circulating, begin rotating the drill pipe 80 rpm.
g. Pull tool in tension.
i.
Tension required will vary based on running tool size, mandrel
strength, and available torque.
ii.
The tension and rotation will create friction between the cone
mandrel and bypass sleeve, building heat.
iii.
The heat will weaken the mandrel and allow the tension to part the
mandrel.
iv.
The cone mandrel assembly, collet mandrel and collet
components will be left in the well.
v.
Depending on tool size this procedure will take anywhere from 15
minutes to 1-1/2 hours
h. Run a milling shoe and mill through the cone to release the remaining components.
i.
Run in with a milling shoe to burn over the cone. The shoe should
be just smaller (1/16) than the expanded ID of the hanger body (same as the
cone OD) and to thick, see Figure 1
ii.
Always use a magnet and junk basket to capture the cuttings as
they are circulated above the mill.
iii.
Milling operations will vary depending on depth, well fluid,
deviation, etc. Good starting points are to mill at 80 rpm with 5,000 lbs. on the
mill and while circulating at rates up to 2 BPM.

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Page 4

Generic Running Procedure VersaFlex ELH

16 x 20 Cementing Application
w/ 3rd party SSR Dual Wiper Plug Option
Region:
Function/PSL:
Global
Processes & Service Quality
Approved
Job Revision
Owner:
By:
By:
ELH GTA
TJ
JWW

VersaFlex Generic Procedure

System
Document Number:
ELH-GL-HAL-GPS-00x
Rev Date:
25-Feb-13

Rev
No:
A

Page:
5 of 6

NOTE: This is only a guideline for milling and will need to be adjusted
depending on hole and milling conditions.
iv.
i.
j.

Mill through until the sufficient penetration has been achieved to remove the
maximum cone OD. NOTE: Several milling shoes may be required to achieve
needed penetration.
Run in with an appropriately sized spear and jars. Latch into the cone mandrel and
pull it out of the well.
Run in with an appropriately sized spear and jars. Latch into the lower seal mandrel
to pull the collet assembly from the well.

Checklist:
Prior to Fishing or milling operation commencing the VersaFlex Operator on location should
ensure the following has taken place:
1. Notify local Service Superintendent confirm that the following has been notified of the
intent to fish or mill an ELH liner hanger.
a. Customer Business Development Representative
b. ELH Global Technical Advisor
c. Additional personnel as required by local HMS
2. Obtain appropriate data for the ELH Liner Hanger to be milled over inclusive of but
not limited to:
a. Engineering Data Sheet
b. Dimensional Drawing of Hanger and Tool
c. Fishing or Milling Layout drawing
3. Discuss and monitor operation with customer and or customers Fishing Tool
Company
4. Stay in contact with customer or Fishing Company to record outcome.
a. Ensure outcome on a daily basis is communicated to base until job has been
completed.
General fishing guidelines:
A. Always be aware of where the cement is in relation to the hanger/setting tool and
how long it has been there.
B. Find the free point to determine where you are stuck.
C. Double check the drill pipe specifications for allowable tension.
D. Make every attempt release the hanger through tubing manipulation before
initiating back-off and fishing operation.
E. Use the mandrel cutting/parting as a last resort.
F. In most of the tool designs the inner mandrel acme thread connection is the weak
point in tension and torque.

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Page 5

Generic Running Procedure VersaFlex ELH

16 x 20 Cementing Application
w/ 3rd party SSR Dual Wiper Plug Option
Region:
Function/PSL:
Global
Processes & Service Quality
Approved
Job Revision
Owner:
By:
By:
ELH GTA
TJ
JWW

VersaFlex Generic Procedure

System
Document Number:
ELH-GL-HAL-GPS-00x
Rev Date:
25-Feb-13

Rev
No:
A

Page:
6 of 6

FIG. 1

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Page 6