OTC 8530
Field Cases of Cost Efficient Slickline Well Interventions
David R. Larimore, S P E , a n d Gary Z. Fehrmann, S P E , Halliburton Energy Services
Copyright 1997, Onshore Technology Conference
This paper was prepared for presentationat the 1997 Onshore Technology Conference held in
Houston. Texas. 5-8 May 1997.
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Abstract
The comparison of today's slickline capabilities with its early
usage for routine remedial workovers and maintenance best
illustrates the significant advances that have occurred within
slickline technology. Today, for example, slickline can be used
to I ) set and retrieve slickline-retrievable safety valves or plugs,
2) open and close downhole circulating devices, 3)retrieve
accurate depthhime data for correlating with memory production
surveys for well diagnostics (problem identification) reservoir
description, or flow analysis, 4) provide accurate correlation of
tubing casing collars, and 5) pull and run multiple flow controls
set packers and other downhole equipment without explosives;
setting monobore tools; and other perform other well interven-
tions that are dependent upon measurement accuracy. Less than
a decade ago, slickline was only considered for mechanical well
workovers.
This paper will discuss the newly developed technology that
allows slickline to economically provide alternatives to services
traditionally reserved for other, more costly options. Case
histories will be used to illustrate the enlarged scope of services
and how the equipment combines to provide the innovative low
cost service options that the industry has been seeking.
Introduction
Economic initiatives are usually the drivers of new technologies,
and thus, reacting to the significant decline in the oilfield climate
during the last decade, no era has been as momentous in provid-
ing stimuli for operational change. Unfortunately, operators who
are seeking new methods usually look to new technologies as the
potential problem solvers, and in so doing, overlook enhance-
ments to the older, proven technologies that could provide the
cost efficient alternatives they want.
This has been the case with slickline. Until the resurgence of
investigation into new strategies to meet the oilfield cost con-
straints of the last decade, slickline service was only considered
for routine mechanical workovers. Who would have considered
using slickline to set a packer in the early 90's.
The capabilities that have changed the profile of slickline
service from one of routine mechanical well workovers to a
multi-faceted service technology are derived from the new
slickline tools that can be used independently or combined to
further enhance the scope of services. The equipment includes
an electronic triggering device (ETD) that enables safe detona-
tion of explosive devices, a battery-operated, electro-mechanical
tool that sets wellbore devices on slickline and braided line
without explosives, an electronic measurement system that
automatically corrects measurement inaccuracies resulting from
line stretch and environmental stress factors, a slickline collar
locator (SLCL) that accurately verifies collar locations in a
tubing string, and dataljob loggers or acquisition software
systems that connect to the electronic measurement system to
graphically record dynamic wireline information.
History of Service and Equipment Development
Traditionally, slickline servicing has been able to provide an
effective means for performing well maintenance by high speed
mechanical deployment, manipulation, and retrieval of downhole
service tools in all types of wells, including those with high
pressure and flowing well conditions. Its portability has allowed
it to be cost efficient for performing these services in remote
locations and on satellite platforms.
Although slickline service capabilities, completion equip-
ment, and wire have continually been improved over the last fifty
years, a significant increase in the use of slickline to replace the
traditional service options has only recently been noted. Several
factors have been instrumental in effecting this change:
1. Although the oilfield has always encouraged investiga-
tion into new methods, until the declining economic conditions
of the last few years surfaced, very little attention had been paid
to slickline depth measurement capabilities and the technical
merit of surface measurement accuracy during normal operations.
2. The newly emerging oilfield technologies have been
such that precise measurements have become more critical.
Examples of these innovations include production strings with
multiple profiles closely spaced in a tubing string and tubing
strings without locating profiles such as the new nippleless
completions. One of the major contributors to the increase in the
scope of slickline service, therefore, has been the development
 DAVID R. LARIMORE and GARY Z. FEHRMANN
of an electronic depth measurement system that is capable of
providing the accurate depth control needed in the servicing
operations to support these new technologies.','
3. Finally, state-of-the art slickline tools have been
developed that combine to expand the slickline scope of services.
The tools that have been particularly instrumental in allowing
this upsurge of slickline usage to take place are described in the
following sections.'
Overview of the New Slickline Equipment
Electronic Triggering Device (ETD). The electronic trigger
device (ETD) is one of the first modern slickline service tools to
incorporate efficient electrical circuitry downhole. It can be
used for perforating and cutting tubing and casing, activating
setting tools for bridge plugs and/or packers, and for dump
bailing. (Fig. 1). By coupling a battery pack, control circuit,
firing head and the proper electric detonator, the electronic
trigger device becomes a self contained system to fire perforating
charges, tubing cutters and other explosive devices. Electric
wireline and special electronic surface equipment is not required,
and to ensure safety, a proprietary control circuit monitors
pressure, temperature, time and movement.
Downhole Power Unit (DPUTM).The DPUTh4is an electro-
mechanical setting device suitable for setting and retrieving
downhole tools on slickline equipment without the use of
explosive charge^.^ As shown in Fig 2., the DPUTh4consists of
three sections. The top section of the tool encloses the pressure
sending actuator, the middle section is the control and power
source, and the lower section contains the linear drive mecha-
nism. A proprietary control circuit controls the setting opera-
tion. The control circuit senses pressure, time and movement.
When the proper conditions are met, the setting operation is
activated. Since no explosives are used, safety is increased, and
maintenance is decreased. The reduced maintenance require-
ments allow the tool to be quickly reset for another operation.
Traditionally, the method of choice for setting wireline
packers, bridge plugs, and similar wellbore tools has consisted of
running an electrically-activated explosive-charge setting tool to
the required depth on electric line and activating the tool with
electric charge. Recently, however, new completion technologies
such as monobore lock/plugging systems with wellbore configu-
rations in which the explosive-type setting method is not
desirable have been introduced to the oilfield. In these configu-
rations, the rapid setting motion provided by explosive-charge
actuated tools may not allow the slips and sealing elements to
fully conform to the tubing wall. The downhole power unit
produces a bi-directional, linear force for setting or retrieving
downhole tools, thus solving the problem mentioned above with
the new monobore systems. A gear motor operates a linear drive
to generate a gradual, controlled, axial compressive or tensile
force to optimize the setting of downhole completion equipment.
The downhole power unit employs specially-developed circuitry
to assure that it will be activated at the proper
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Advanced Measurement System (AMS) - The aforementioned
slickline service tools provide functionality and can accomplish
tasks at substantial savings over comparable electric line
services. The services they offer, however, share one common
need for job success -dependency on measurement accuracy to
reliably place the service tool at a selected depth in the wellbore.
An advanced measurement system that automatically corrects
measurement inaccuracies resulting from line stretch and
environmental stress factors has been developed to satisfy this
need. The system uses high-speed microprocessing compatible
with slickline speeds to deliver measurement accuracy that is
comparable to electric line units.
The advanced measurement system for slickline is an
operator interface portable tool that provides accurate depth and
line tension measurements for routine and advanced slickline
operations. The system consists of three primary components:
the depth panel, the encoder, and the slickline tension-measuring
load sensor. The depth panel and a combination counter with
integral load sensor and depth measuring wheel can be seen in
Fig. 3. Digital displays include depth, line tension, and line
speed. Analog line tension dial indicators for gross tension and
incremental tension (k5 lbf) provide the clarity and response
sensitivity necessary during slickline operations.
To facilitate operational safety, several features have been
incorporated. These are: I) a 100-footlmeter surface alarm that
warns the operator of approaching the surface depth, 2) an
excessive tension override, which can be tied into the hydraulic
drive and will stall the hydraulic drive of the wireline drum if line
tension exceeds the operator's setting, and 3) continuous
recording of depth data in flash memory, which will allow the
wireline operator to recover true depth information regardless of
power failure or inadvertent operator switch interference. The
retrieval of depth, line speed, line tension, and time data is
readily performed for use with downhole memory production
surveys, job reporting and slickline collar locator logs.
Slickline Collar Locator (SLCL) - With accurate depth
measurements available on slickline, there is still a question as to
position of downhole tools in relationship to collars in the
tubinglcasing string in the well. A slickline collar locator has
been developed to determine the position of collars downhole in
real time and to provide that information to the operator. The
slickline collar locator, an electro-mechanical device, couples a
standard electric line collar locator sensor with a battery-powered
"drag" mechanism on the toolstring and a computer system
coupled with the electronic measurement system at the surface.
When the toolstring passes a collar, the electro-magnetic drag
mechanism is triggered, increasing its frictional engagement
against the tubing wall downhole, and a load change is momen-
tarily sensed by the electronic measurement system at the surface.
This load information is transmitted to the computer, which
processes the information and sends it to a printer. These tension
changes are plotted against depth by the surface equipment, and
thus, the operator is provided with an accurate indication of
collar location. The printer plots a standard API log of depth
OTC 8530 FIELD CASES OF COST EFFlClENIT SLICKLINE WELL INTERVENTIONS
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versus load, which can be correlated with previous collar logs.
Thus, when teamed with the electronic measurement system, it
can complement use of the downhole power unit for accurately
setting plugs and packers.
'The SLCL is shown in Fig. 4.
Dataljob LoggetdAcquisition Software Systems. These can be
connected to the Ah4S to provide a quality control job report that
graphically represents forces and other dynamic information that
occurs during a wireline trip (Fig. 5). The job logger can
simultaneously record real-time depth and time data for merging
with downhole memory surveys for production well logs. The
datdjob logger provides a means for recording the depth
measurement data. This data includes tool direction, depth, line
tension, line speed, time, and units of measurement. By using real
time logging software, the dataljob logger can generate historical
job summaries, real time slickline collar locator logs, and
memory production logs.
Expanded Applications and Combined System
Capabilities
The most significant factor in the increase of slickline usage for
low cost well intervention has been the methodology that
combines the individual equipment into a suite of new slickline
well servicing techniques that can increase job efficiency when
used in combination. Fig 6 shows a typical slickline service unit
and the equipment that can be used in combination to effect
enhanced services. For example, the AMS used in conjunction
with the SLCL can provide depth correlation equivalent in
accuracy to electric line. The advanced measurement system
provides the operator interface and sensitive line tension
measurements for precise control of downhole tool assemblies.
The slickline collar locator provides the method for determining
the position of the casing or tubing collars via line tension
fluctuations measured by the AMS. A hard copy of the data
produced by the datdjob logger from the AMS data of a slickline
collar log is shown in Fig. 7. Note the repeatability of the AMS
from 8,900 feet to 9,100 feet, utilizing the slickline collar locator
run at various speeds across the same interval for two different
runs in the well. Also note the flat depth response (with line
tension increase) representing the casing collar. This flat depth
response indicates that the slickline drag mechanism has momen-
tarily stopped the downhole tool assembly and that the AMS is
correcting for the tool-induced line stretch.
The repeatability at various speeds and the precise correla-
tion of collars provides the capabilities to allow accurate setting
of plugs and packers with the DPUTM and perforating of tubing
or casing with the ETD. Because the ETD can be used for firing
detonators, its usage can be expanded into providing conven-
tional electric line services such as cutting tubing or casing,
activating dump bailers for dumping sand or cement, and/or
setting tubing or casing patches. For field job reporting and/or
quality control improvement monitoring, the datdjob logger can
be utilized with the AMS by providing hard copies ofjob events.
Such information can be important in evaluating job details, job
3
performance, or determining cause of a survey anomaly or
failure. These reports can be transmitted real time to remote
monitoring locations or can be stored as a hard copy or a
computer file for future reference.
Typical Jobs Utilizing Advanced Slickline Service
Techniques
Following are examples of the types of services that are now
routinely performed with slickline:
Plugback Recompletions
The combined usage of the ETD, DPUTM, SLCL, DatdJob
Logger and Ah4S provides a cost efficient plug and abandonment
system. Thru-tubing and in-tubing recompletions for uphole
alternates or selectives are one of the primary markets for
advanced slickline services. In this application, there are usually
several zones of interest in a wellbore behind pipe. In some
cases, these alternate zones have already been perforated and are
isolated from the current producing intervallby a packer and
nonperforated pipe. In other cases, it will be necessary to
perforate for production thru the tubing and/or casing. A plug is
set in the tubing or casing below the zone of interest, and cement
is then dump bailed on top of the plug to insure isolation of the
existing lower zone. A perforator gun is run to the uphole zone,
and the tubing is perforated or both tubing and/or casing are
perforated into the zone to allow flow into the production string.
If the recompletion is in tubing, a standard bridge plug is set
i n a nipple in the tubing string or a cast iron bridge is set in the
tubing. If out in the casing, a through-tubing petal basket bridge
plug is set to isolate the existing production. If the uphole zone
is already perforated thru casing, depth control is not critical. On
the other hand if the upper zone needs to be perforated, depth
control becomes extremely critical and normally a gammdCCL
logging run is required to tie in the formation to other equipment
made up in the tubing string such as a nipple or end of tubing.
With the development of the new technologies setting plugs,
dump bailing, correlating for depth, and perforating can now all
be performed on slickline, thus eliminating the need to bring in
more costly E-line logging services. The 3 case histories below
illustrate the use of the advanced slickline system in this capacity.
Case History: Depth Determination Utilizing AMS
Well Data:
Location: Offshore Louisiana
Single Completion
Tubing: 2 718411.6.5 Ib/ft EUE
Customer's Objective: A thru-tubing petal basket bridge
plug had been set in the casing below the production tubing to
plug and abandon a lower interval. The plug had apparently
become loose and had been floating up and down the casing
below the end of the production tubing. There was an uphole
alternate zone below the end of the tubing that the operator
wished to perforate, but before he could proceed with a thru-
tubing workover to open up the alternate zone, he needed to
know the exact location of the bridge plug.
Services Solution: A slickline service unit equipped with
4 DAVID R LARIMORE and GARY Z. FEHRMANN
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an AMS was sent to the location. A gauge run was made to the
top of the bridge plug, and the electronically corrected measured
depth was noted. A tubing-end locator was then attached and run
to tag the end of the tubing. This measurement was also recorded.
Conclusion: The accuracy of the AMS proved that the petal
basket bridge plug was far enough below the alternate zone that
it could be safely perforated and brought on line. The AMS and
slickline fulfilled the customer's objective and eliminated the
need to initiate more costly E-Line services.
Case History: Perforate for Production Using ETD
Well Data: Production casing was 5-in 17# with a bore hole of
6 in.
Location: Gulf Coast
Customer's Objective: A well had depleted in the lower
sand at 9838 to 9872 ft. One packer had been set at 9771 ft, and
a second packer had been set at 9372 ft. The customer's
objective was to perforate the upper producing zone between the
packers. The major concern was the restricted ID through the 2
-318-in 4.7# tubing between the two packers and the limited
work space available on the platform.
The desired perforation depths were as follows:
Formation
Depth Gun Type Penetration
9594-ft - 9586-ft 1 9/16 shc 4spf 2.923-in
9468-ft - 9558-ft 1 9/16 shc 4spf 2.923-in
9548-ft - 9540-ft 1 9/16 shc 4spf 2.923-in
9506-ft - 9500-ft 1 9/16 shc 4spf 2.923-in
9496-ft - 9488-ft 1 9/16 shc 4spf 2.923-in
9484-ft - 9479-ft 1 11/16 Link Jet 4spf 8.290-in
9476-ft - 9466-ft 1 11/16 Link Jet 4spf 8.290-in
9462-ft - 9452-ft 1 11/16 Link Jet 4spf 8.290-in
Services Solution: Hollow carrier guns were used on the
deeper runs because of the large amount of debris released from
the link jets. This type of gun was recommended for the 5-inch
casing because of the possible interference by the debris when
attempting to get back into the 2-3/8-in tubing section. Other-
wise, because of its limited penetration, it would not have been
chosen.
Conclusions: Using the slickline ETD provided a cost
effective method to perforate for production within the limited
platform restrictions. It provided an economic solution by
eliminating the job costs associated with mobilization of logging
equipment and the tools and additional personnel that would
have been required for other services.
Case History: Slickline Plug Back and Tubing Cut (Fig.
8A and 8B)
Well Data: Single Completion
Tubing: 2 3/8-in 4.7 Ib/ft EUE
Casing: 5-112-in 17-20#
Location: Inland waters, Louisiana
Customer's Objective: The customer wished to plug an
existing depleted zone, and then, to cut the tubing I I ft. above
the upper packer. The customer planned to come back later with
a rig to remove the tubing and recomplete the well.
Services Solution: The tubing was standard threaded and
OTC 8530
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coupled tubing with a collar recess at each connection. The
upper packer was a hydraulic-set type that was run with the
tubing. The completion diagram showed that the packer was
only 6 ft in length and was located several hundred feet from the
nearest nipple with several full joints of tubing above and below.
The service plan was to use the AMS and data logger to locate
and record the depth of the collar recesses below and above the
packer. Once the top of the packer depth was establish, the ETD
would be used to cut the tubing at the desired location - 11 ft
above the packer (which was located at 9,530 ft).
Job Scenario: A slickline lift boat equipped with a portable
AMS , Data Logger, and ETD tool was used for the job. The
first trip in the hole with slickline was with a gauge cutter run to
the end of the tubing (EOT). The second run was to set a plug in
the nipple located at 10,481 ft. The third run in the wellbore was
to run a correlation to establish the location of several collars
above and below the packer. A collar stop was run several
hundred feet below the packer and then pulled up and dropped a
few feet until it set down in a collar recess. This process was
repeated until several collar recesses were located above and
below the packer. With the location of the top of the packer now
established, a depth correction was made in the measurement
system panel prior to the last run with the ETD tool to insure that
tubing cutter would be properly positioned. The ETD tool with
cutter was then lowered into the well, positioned, and the tubing
was cut.
All of the runs were recorded with the data logger, and
information was provided on the fluid levels encountered while
going into and pulling out of the hole. In addition, the position
of the upper nipple profiles was also recorded on the job log, and
the expanded log verified when the tool fired.
Conclusion: One week after the tubing was cut, a workover
rig was moved on to the well site to pull tubing. The last joint
pulled was approximately 20 feet in length, which placed the cut
approximately 8-314 inches from the target of 11 feet above the
packer. This meant that the slickline electronic measurement
system was less than 4 in. off depth at 10,000 feet. Cost incurred
by the customer to perform these services with slickline and the
service vessel were about the same as if the customer had used a
low cost E-line company to do the work off a barge. Advantages
were that 1) two different types of equipment and associated
crews were eliminated, 2) no grease seal head was required, and
3) mobilization of equipment from several different vendors was
eliminated.
Water Conformance
Typically a production log is run to determine the point of water
entry. In some cases this is accomplished by utilizing a produc-
tion logging tool that incorporates a spinner tool, gamma, CCL,
fluid ID, temperature and pressure instrument. Once the water
entry point is identified a plug may be set to isolate the water
production from the rest of the production. Utilizing advanced
slickline services technology allows these operations to now be
completed with slickline.
Case History: Check for Channeling from Lower Water
OTC 8530 FIELD CASES OF COST EFFICIENT SLICKLINE WELL INTERVENTIONS
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Zone with Memory Production Logger and Collar Locator
Well Data: 1-718-6.4#tubing at 12125, 18# liner at 13100
Squeeze perfs: 12450 to 12451, Retainer at 12510
Open perfs: 12416 to 12436 ft.
Location: Brazoria, Texas
Customer Objective: Well had been producing approxi-
mately 10 mmcf/D and 500 BOPD with a little water. After
increasing production, the flow rate decreased to 1300 mcf/D and
895 bbYw, 40 BOPD with a flowing tubing pressure of 3525 psi.
Operator wished to check for channeling from a lower water zone
to make sure that the squeeze perfs were in tact.
Job Scenario: Dummy run with gauge tool was made to tag
depth and locate bottom of tubing. Proceeded to bottom to
obtain a temperature gradient curve. Made one complete pass up
to locate the packer and tail pipe and to obtain a temperature
gradient curve. The well was opened up to establish stabilized
flow and production log was run. A computer analysis of the data
is shown in Fig.9.
Conclusion: The temperature curve did not show a change
in temperature that would be indicative of production of any fluid
or gas from below. The Squeeze perfs showed no indication of
producing any fluid or gas. The upper portion of the perforations
were contributing the majority of the fluid and gas. When a
subsequent pulsed neutron log was run on E-line, it verified the
service conclusion that the majority of the contributing produc-
tion was coming from the upper part of the perfs.
Diagnostic Tools
Using the AMS and MPL tools will allow accurate locating of
holes in the tubing string and other cross flow situations in the
wellbore. MPL can also be used to analyze gas lifted wells to
determine which valve is operating and pinpoint out of pocket
valves or cut out GLV's, etc. MPL run in conjunction with the
AMS and Data Logger can pin point fluid entry from perfora-
tions as well. The following cases are examples of this usage.
Case History: Set Retrievable Tubing Patch using
slickline and 3.66-in DPUTM.(Fig. 10)
Well Data:
Location: Offshore Northwestern Australia
Problem to Resolve: Gas Lift Valve Stuck in Side Pocket
Mandrel which was leaking into tubing casing annulus. This leak
was 1) consuming lift gas at high rates, 2) Reducing liquid
hydrocarbon production by 40% (3000 BOPD), and 3) compro-
mising safety standards.
Services Solution: Provide a 5-%-inch tubing retrievable
patch designed to be run on slickline, set with the DPUTM, and
with the maximum allowable inside diameter to reduce the
choking effect during production. Equipment proposed for the
job was ordered and included the appropriate patch for the
retrievable packer and the slickline downhole power unit. First,
the gas lift valve was located using conventional methods, and
slickline was flagged at the counter. The job was completed
without difficulty. Conclusion: The solution succeeded
in attaining the desired increase in well production and needed
reduction in lift gas usage. In analyzing the economic value of
5
the services performed, it is estimated that through the use of the
DPUTM and slickline, the elimination of the costs of an electric
crew and equipment as well as the cost for rig usage and loss of
production from well shut-in resulted in approximately a $25,000
cost saving.
Case History Depth Correlation and shift sleeve using
Depth Measurement System and AMS Unit.
Location: Texas Gulf Coast Area
Well Data: HPIHT Austin Chalk
Customer Objective: Several attempts had been made to shift
open a downhole sleeve without success in a deep, hot, high
pressure Austin Chalk well. On previous runs in the well, the
shifting tool had been sheared with no indication that the sleeve
had been shifted downward into the open position. The customer
was considering using E-line to go in and perforate the tubing at
the sleeve.
Services Solution: Use the AMS to identify the problem, which
would allow proper solution to be planned.
Job Scenario: The AMS determined that the shifting tool was
not actually sitting down in the sleeve but was hanging up in a
nipple several feet above the sleeve. It was also determined that
perforation debris and mud where covering the sleeve. A coiled
tubing unit was then called in, and approximately 14 gallons of
debris was removed from the well. The AMS unit was then used
to shift the sleeve, which was found to be 12 feet deeper than the
original slickline measurements showed, into the open position.
Conclusion: Utilizing the AMS helped to determine the shifting
tool was not actually sitting down in the sleeve, but was hanging
up in a nipple several feet above the sleeve. Use of the AMS
helped to identify the problem fairly early, saving at least one
day of rig time at approximately $4,50OIday. In addition, its use
helped to eliminate a costly high pressure perforating job.
Case History: Depth Correlation to Determine Diffi-
culty With Producing After Recompleting
Well Date: Recompletion in 18,000 ft offshore well
Location: Vermilion Bay, South Louisiana
Customer Objective: Customer had encountered difficulty
producing well after recompletion with TCP guns. Wanted to
determine cause of problem:
Services Solution: After several unsuccessful other
attempts to determine cause of problem had been made, a
slickline vessel equipped with a portable AMS unit was called in.
Job Scenario: Several impression blocks were run in the
well, and some bailing was performed in an attempt to clear an
obstruction in the tubing. It was finally determined that the TCP
guns did not self release as designed and part of the releasing
mechanism had been damaged and was protruding into the ID of
the tubing.
Conclusion: Utilizing the AMS allowed the customer to
determine that there was sufficient room between the fish and the
packer to perforate the tubing for production.
Case History: Determine Depth of Mislocated Equip-
ment in Tubing String with AMS
Location: Gulf of Mexico
Well: Offshore Completion
 DAVID R. LARIMORE and GARY Z. FEHRMANN
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Customer Objective: Determine accurate depth of mis-
located equipment in the tubing string to continue with plug back
operations.
Service Solution: Since standard slickline service options
had failed in locating a nipple in the wellbore, an advanced
slickline offshore skid equipped with an AMS was dispatched to
the location to determine the problem.
Job Scenario: The slickline advanced system was able to
determine that the nipple was run out of sequence while the
tubing had been run. The actual nipple location was actually 900
ft deeper than the customer had intended for it to be.
Conclusion: Once the nipple was located, the customer was
able to successfully complete his slickline service plug back
operations.
Plug and Abandonment Services (P & A)
ETD services have been used since the mid 70' to perforate
tubing, casing, and cut the same for P & A applications. With
the AMS, SLCL, the cutters and perforators can be more
accurately located. Then, the DPUTMcan be used to set the
plugs, and the ETD can be used to dump the cement or cut tubing
or casing. The following case history is an example of these
capabilities.
Case History: Plug and Abandon 20 wells using AMS
system, slickline collar locator, and DPUTM
Location: Ada, Oklahoma
Well Data: Water injection and production, free flowing with low
pressure
Well fluids: Mixture of crude oil, fresh water, salt water, sweet
gas and small amount of sour gas. 7 wells, 7-in casing, 8 wells,
5.5-in casing and 5 wells, 4.5-in casing. Average setting depth
of 2800 feet.
Customer Objective: Customer wished to set 20 bridge
plugs. One objective of the job was to determine if slickline
tools and truck could be used in the same manner as the E-line
truck. E-line was to set the 7-in plugs and slickline was to set the
4.5- and 5.5-in plugs.
Services Solution: Determine target setting depth, run
SLCL logs with the data job logger, determine collar locations
with the SLCL, use DPUTM to set the bridge plugs, and then
dump cement above the bridge plugs
Job Scenario: In each well, an attempt was made to
detect collars before the plugs were set and the cement dumped.
In several wells, no collars could be detected due to severe
corrosion and scale deposits, and in some wells, setting depth's
could not be reached with gauge ring. This job presented several
"firsts" for the advanced slickline tools including the first time
the SLCL had ever been operated on .125-in wire, used in a
flowing well, in wells 30 to 40 years old, and with scale .10 to
.20-in thick. Although inexperience in the varying conditions
caused some equipment adjustment requiring operational delays;
the slickline truck was able to set a comparable number of plugs
to the E-line truck, and in one case, was able to complete the
operation in less than 2 hours including rig up and tear down
time.
OTC 8530
- -- - -
Conclusions: The goal of the jobs was to set the bridge
plugs in two days. Due to the need to clean out some of the wells
with drilling rigs, all could not be set in the required time. The
job proved that the slickline capabilities could compare favor-
ably with the E-line, and that with a few equipment adjustments
concerning adaptation to a cathodic protection system, slickline
could provide a cost effective service.
Case History: DPUTMand Dump Bailer used to Reduce
Costs of Simple P & A
Well Data: 54 deviation at packer, depth of 3973 ft.
Location: North Western Alberta Canada
Customer Objective: Customer wished to pull a plug from
a packer, set a permanent bridge plug above the packer and dump
8 linear meters of cement on top of the bridge plug. Customer
wished to complete the job at minimum cost. The original job
program set out by the customer required 2 days.
Service Solution: Use the DPUTM and dump bailer with
slickline to complete the job in one day. The plug was to be
pulled using slickline, then the DPUTMwould set the permanent
bridge plug. Once set, cement could be dump bailed on top of
the plug, again with slickline.
Job Scenario: Retrieved plug from packer with slickline,
Using DPUTM on slickline, set a bridge plug at 3772 ft. and
pressure tested to 7Mpa. Dump bailed 8 linear meters of cement
on top of the bridge plug. Completed abandonment and salvage
procedures.
Conclusions: The job was completed in one day, creating
savings for the customer of one day over original plan.
Setting Completion Equipment
The advance slickline system can be used to set sump packers
and productions packers. MPL can be used to correlate the
packer setting depth to formation. The SLCL in conjunction with
the AMS and data job logger can be used to allow real-time
depth correlation prior to setting the packer on ETD or with the
DPUTM.
Case History: Setting Packers with DPUTM(Fig. 11)
Well Data: Gas well with water level at approx. 6,000 ft.
Location: Onshore, Texas Panhandle
Tubing: 2-3/8 4.7# J55 Tubing EUE Brd, Casing size: 5-112-in
OD to 9100 ft.
Perforations at 8,910 ft.
Casing ID: 4.88 in.
Drift ID: 4.72
Customer's Objective: Setting a permanent packer and a
retrievable packer in the same well using the DPUTMand the
AMS. Services Solution: First operation was to run a gage
ring and a junk basket with slickline tool string to supply
information about the ID of the casing, fluid environment and
time to trip into the hole. Then, a permanent packer was to be set
at approximately 8900 feet, and a retrievable packer was to be set
at a depth of approximately 8275 ft.
Job Scenario:Well was fraced and equipment rigged out of
the way. The junk basket run showed the perfs covered with
about 5 0 feet of proppant, which was cleaned out with coiled
OTC 8530 FIELD CASES OF COST EFFICIENT SLICKLINE WELL INTERVENTIONS
--
tubing. When the pipe showe,d to be clear, the equipment was
rigged up for the dummy run, and the minimum travel time was
established. Packer /DPUTM assembly was attached to tool
string. At about 6700 feet, the tool string hung. After four tries
to lift the tools and then attempt to go through the tight spot, the
operator successfully went through. With 9 minutes of travel
time, the 8900-ft location was reached. Setting was started.
Hangoff weight was 520 pounds when brakes were set. Notice-
able weight loss shown by the differential weight indicator on the
AMS indicated that the packer was set. After 30 minutes,
attempt was made to pull free of the packer assembly. The
pulling tool sheared off the DPUm. The power unit was fished,
and it was found that the setting sleeve was fouled with frac sand.
Had the conditions been clean, the sleeve would have come off
without any problems. The DPUTM was loaded with a new set of
batteries and was prepared to set the second packer. The dummy
run encountered no obstacles to the setting depth. Travel time
was set at 80 minutes as with the previous packer. The setting
process was started, and a sudden weight loss of 120 pounds
indicated that the setting was completed. The toolstring and the
DPUTM were removed from the well.
Conclusions: The job proved that the sensitivity and depth
control of the AMS was invaluable in providing information
concerning the packer assembly during the setting process and
that the DPUTM further enhanced the operation because of its
operational efficiency. Comparable solutions could not have
been run as cost efficiently.
Case History: Set 4.5-in Drillable-Type Bridge Plugs in
Gas Unit (Fig. 12)
Location: Panola County, East Texas
Well Data: Casing: 4.5-in. 11.60 IbmJft, Well fluid: KCL,
Downhole Temperature: 260F, Wellhead pressure 1,000 psi
Customer's Objective: Set 4.5-in Drillable-Type Bridge
Plugs in Gas Unit
Services Solution: Service company normally sets 4.5-in
Drillable-type bridge plugs in 4.5-in 11.60 Ib./ft. casing for the
operator in the East Texas field with electric-line logging trucks,
using an explosive-charge setting tool. The decision was made
to set the bridge plug using the advanced slickline tool system.
The 2.5-inch downhole power unit (DPUTM), 2.5-inch slickline
collar locator (SLCL), DatalJob Logger, and the AMS were
employed to accurately position and set the plug. This was the
first job in which the concept of combining the DPUTM,SLCL,
and Power Pack (PP) as a modular system was used. This was
also the first field job in which the 2.5-in OD Advanced Slickline
Tools were used.
Job Scenario: The slickline truck was equipped with the
AMS and combination depth and line load counter assembly.
The wire size was .108-in diameter. On 7/8/96, a dummy run was
made to 8700 ft to test the SLCL Casing logs were made from
8700-ft to 7800-ft for correlation purposes. The tool string was
assembled with the slickline collar locator, power pack, DPUTM,
setting sleeve, and 4.5-in drillable. The tool string weight at the
surface was 186 pounds. The tool string started into the hole at
6:20 a.m. at approximately 200-250 ftlmin. The SLCL started
7
operating at 7:00 a.m. The tool string reached the target depth,
8700-ft, at 7: 15 a.m.. A casing collar log was run from 8700 to
7800-ft at 120 ftlmin. The first SLCL log was finished at 7:23
a.m. A second logging pass confirmed accurate depth correla-
tion. The tool string was then lowered down past the target
setting location and pulled up to the target setting depth of 8686-
ft to 8690-ft. The tool string was stopped at this depth at 7 5 0
a.m.. Ten minutes after the last collar was detected, the DPUTM
was activated by an internal timer, and the bridge plug was set.
At 8:20 a.m. the tool string was raised up and set back down on
the bridge plug to assure that it had been set. At 8:25 a.m., the
tool string was raised to the surface at 500-600 ftlmin and was
removed from the well at 8:44 AM. A successful 5000 psi
pressure test was run to check the settinglsealing integrity of the
bridge plug.
Conclusions: Coordination capabilities of the slickline
equipment enabled the job to be accomplished economically and
with operational efficiency.
Case History: Use DPUm to Set a Nippleless Lock
Well Data: 4- 112-in tubing
Middle East
Customer Objective: Customer needed to do a well
workover without extenuated shut-in periods to control severe
scale problems near the surface and to set a nippleless lock. The
alternatives were to use the DPUTM on slickline or to run a bridge
plug on electric line. To do the latter would have required flying
a man in from the UK and incur this cost plus the E-line and tool
redress costs. The additional cost for employing this alternative
was not economically feasible.
Services Solution: This particular well had 4%-in tubing
and was experiencing severe scale problems near the surface. A
conventional nipple plug could not be run because of the reduced
ID, and a collar stop bridge plug could not be used because of
the lack of collars in the string. The first joint of tubing was
close to full ID, but below that, the scale problems began to
appear. Repeated acid washes did not help the situation.
A proposal was made to the customer to run the nippleless
lock with the DPUTM to plug the tubing and allow the workover
rig to move on the well.
Job Scenario: As planned, the nippleless lock was run with
a modified plug assembly attached below. A junk catcher was
then installed to prevent any debris from falling on top of the
plug. After the workover, the lock was equalized, and the
equipment was retrieved from the well using a mechanical
pulling tool. The lock released with one jar.
Conclusions: The use of the DPUTMon slickline supplied an
economical means for accomplishing the customer's objectives.
Electronic Memory Recorders and Memory
Production Logging
Using the AMS and SLCL helps identify exact locations of tools
in the wellbore. This helps eliminate potential misruns due to
poor depth control. Using the AMS with the data job logger
allows recording of depth and time data. This data is merged
with time and production data from MPL tools. The accuracy of
8 DAVID R. LARIMORE and GARY Z. FEHRMANN
- - -
the AMS improved depth control, and thus, the quality of' the
MPL. Memory production logs require post processing of data
that is downloaded from the tool, and in some cases, a full
analysis of the job is not performed on site. Therefore, if proper
depth is not achieved while the tools are in the hole, the job
objectives may not be met.
Case History: Depth Determination Utilizing MPL
Well Data: Single Completion, Tubing: 2 7/8@ 6.5 Ib/ft EUE
Location: Offshore Louisiana
Customer's Objective: Customer was utilizing E-line
service contractor to dump bail cement on top of a plug to
eliminate the rate-hole below perforations. After several failed
attempts to locate the top of the cement, the customer requested
slickline services to verify cement and plug locations. The
customer was concerned that E-Line would stick in the soft
cement in the well and they wanted to be able to jar on the tools
if necessary.
Services Solution: A gauge run was made to insure the
integrity of the tubing. Then a memory GammdCCL was used
to correlate the end of the tubing with the top of the cement. The
GammaICCL was run on the end of a set of spang jars, so they
could be jarred loose if necessary. A total of 3 passes where
made with memory GarnmaICCL at varying speeds.
Conclusion: Use of the memory GammdCCL confirmed
that the lower 4 feet of the perforations were covered with
cement.
Other Applications
The unique capabilities of the data job logger allow it to be used
as a cost efficient method for job histories and job monitoring.
The following case history is an example of this usage.
Case History: Use data job logger to record present job
scenario and to provide historical job surveys
Location: Oman
Customer Objective: As part of the slickline service contract,
the service company was required to provide a historical job
record of each job performed on a specific well. This historical
record was to represent the requirements specified by the
operator's job profile and was to include depths surveyed, line
tension during the survey, and line speed for the entire length of
the job.
Services Solution: Datdjob loggers were deployed to Oman
to fulfill contractual requirements for job monitoring and
historical job record.
Job Scenario: Fig. 13 represents a copy of one job record
performed. The job included running a gauge to top of the plug,
which is represented during time interval from 1:30 to 2:30. The
operator wanted to pull a plug at a depth of approximately 4,429
feet, which is represented during the time interval from 3:00 to
approximately 3:30. The rapid increases and decreases in line
tension and line speed indicate mechanical manipulation or
jarring of the pulling tools. Note the sudden increase in line
tension and depth. This was a result of the downhole tool
assembly being forced downhole by an underbalance situation.
Conclusions: After careful examination of the depth, the
OTC 8530
tool string was determined to be adjacent to the casing perfora-
tions in the horizontal section of the well. Fortunately, the tool
assembly was not lost and was recovered after several attempts
at forcing the tool string free over the period from 3:30 to
approximately 9:00 or 5.5 hours. As evident, this type of job
record can be very useful in determining exactly what happened
during the job to prevent similar situations from occurring on
future well interventions.
Conclusions
When economic conditions in the oilfield are strained, a
resurgence of energy into investigation to find more efficient
operational strategies can usually be noted This was the
scenario that occurred during the last decade. The oilfield
economy declined, and immediately, operators rushed to find
new technologies and equipment that could meet the economic
challenges. Slickline addressed the challenge by developing
innovative tools that could interrelate to perform an enlarged
scope of cost efficient well interventions. Slickline can now be
used to 1) accurately locate downhole tubular goods/profiles, 2)
accurately produce quality logs from downhole memory surveys
at half the cost of traditional logging services, 3) support for all
new completion technologies that require accurate depth
measurement, 4) set bridge plugs and packers without use of
explosives, and 5) perforate and/or cut tubing or casing.
Slickline continues to provide the lowest cost methods for
well workovers and can perform these options without compro-
mising operational safety and efficiency. In view of the over-
whelming advances that have surfaced in this technology to date,
it will be hard to set limits on its capabilities of the future.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Halliburton Energy Services for its
support in developing these systems and publishing this paper.
References
1. Robison, C.E.: "Monobore Completions for Slimhole W-
ells,"Paper OTC 7551 presented at the 26th Annual Offshore
Technology Conference held in Houston, Texas, U.S.A.,2-4 May
1994.
2. Larimore, D.R., Kerr, W.: "Improved Depth Control for Slickline
Increases Efficiency in Wireline Services" CIM Paper No. 94-38
presented at the CIM 45th Annual Tech Meeting & AOSTRA
Tech Conference, 1 2- 15 June 1994, Calgary
3. Larimore, D.R., Goiffon,J.J., Bayh, 111, R.I.: "Low Cost Solutions
for Well Interventions Through Advanced Slickline Services,"
Paper SPE 35236 presented at the SPE Permian Basin Oil & Gas
Recovery Conference, 27-29 March 1996.
4. Gazda, 1, and Goiffon, J.J. "A Battery-Operated Electro-
Mechanical Setting Tool for Use With Bridge Plugs and Similar
Wellbore Tools" Paper SPE 29459 presented at the 1995 SPE
Production Operations Symposium, 2-4 April 1995, Oklahoma
City. Oklahoma
5. Goiffon, J.: "Setting Tool Increases Safety and Decreases Setting
Time for Packers and Bridge Plugs" published in the January
edition of WORLD EXPRO 96.
OTC 8530 FIELD CASES OF COST EFFICIENT SLICKLINE WELL INTERVENTIONS 9

Si Metric Conversion Factors

psi x 6.894 757 E+OO = kPa
Ib x 4.535 924 E- 01 = kg
ft x .048* E- 01 =m
OF (OF - 32)/1.8 = OC
psi x 6.894 757 E+OO = kPa
lbf x 4.448 222 E+OO =N
in x 2.54* E+OO =cm

* Conversion Factor is Exact

DPUTMis a registered trademark of Halliburton Energy Services

 77- Fishneck

PRESSURE
SENSING
ACTUATOR

Atmospheric
Chamber
Well Pressure Ports

Piston

POWER
SOURCE
Y

t-- DPU

Large Spring

Contact Plunger
and Spring

LINEAR
DRIVE

Insulator

Setting
Sleeve

Contact Rod -Power

Rod

-Tension
Sub
Combination Timer / Shear Pin
Accelerometer Unit Holes

Figure I Figure 2
Electronic Triggering Device Adapter Kit Assembled to DPU
 Right

- -

Panel Mount AMS

aam-'
() ' TS!:

R -

Remote Load Sensor Portable AMS

Figure 3
Depth Measurement System
 Slickline Fishing Neck

Collar Locator

Drag Mechanism

Electronic Subassembly

Figure 4
Slickline Collar Locator
 Figure 5
Data Job Logger
 Electronic Depth DataIJob Logger
Measurement System

Combination Depth Counter and Line

Tension Sensors (Input to Electronic Depth
Measurement System)

Figure 6
A dvanced Slickline Operation
 Figure 7
Slickline Collar Log Run at Various Speeds
 COMPANY REP.

PARISH VERMlLLlON

Cut 11' Above

FLUIDS Final

Figure 8A
-
Case History Tubing Cut Job
362
Database File: m:\psee\wirelinebIsI-dat\louisiana\la8896_2,db
Dataset Pathname: job 1
Presentation Format: sljob. prs
Dastaset Creation Date: Mon aug 1208:59:32 1996
Charted by: Time scaled 16"lhour

Figure 8B
-
Case History Job Log Summary
363
 Figure 9
-
Case History Computer Analysis of Memory Production Log Data

364
 Retrievable
Packer

Leaking Gas
Lift Valve

Retrievable
Packer

Figure 10
-
Case History Tubing Patch
 COMPLETION GUIDE

Figure 11
-
Case History No. 3 Completion Guide for Setting
Packers with DPU
 Figure 12
-
Case History Setting Drillable Bridge Plug
( Correlation Log )
I *1"11111. D 0.2 I"."..
.*I*, . U I . 12. I
LO.DCIII.*~LI 0
.
U*,,,

-
DILYlElllC
l1*.lO" 11 : ,111 1*
OIPT* P. :
-*
LIME SPIED P 1 : .W
n...
I
OEM* LIME SPEED

Figure 13
Case History368Oman Job Log -