If you work in the oil and gas industry, you may have heard about wireline services but don’t know exactly what they are or why they’re important. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about wireline services to help you better understand this vital part of drilling and well completion. Keep reading to learn what wireline services entail, why they’re useful, what kinds of tools are used and how to find wireline support locations.
What Are Wireline Services?
Wireline services involve lowering equipment and tools into oil and gas wells using a cabling system known as a wireline. These services are performed between drilling phases and enable real-time monitoring as well as data gathering. Wireline tools provide key subsurface data that informs critical decisions about drilling and production. Without this information, oil companies would be drilling blind.
Why Are Wireline Services Important?
Wireline tool data gives engineers, geologists, and managers better awareness of what’s happening downhole. This includes parameters like pressure, temperature, pipe thickness, porosity, permeability, and oil saturation. In essence, wireline services reduce risk and optimize drilling programs by equipping teams with actionable intelligence. They also verify that various jobs like casing and cementing were executed correctly.
What Kinds of Wireline Tools Exist?
There are several main categories of wireline tools used to gather data:
- Logging Tools:Â Used for formation evaluation and characterize subsurface geology. Common examples are gamma rays, resistivity, and porosity tools.
- Perforating Guns:Â Create holes in the casing so oil/gas can enter the wellbore from the reservoir rock. Different configurations, like hollow carrier guns or jet guns, are available.
- Plug Setting Tools:Â As the name suggests, these devices set cement retainers known as plugs to isolate zones. Bridge plugs, cement retainers, and composite plugs are just a few examples used.
- Fishing Tools:Â Designed to engage and retrieve debris or equipment lost downhole during operations. Some standard fishing tools are overshoots, spears, and magnets.
Who Performs Wireline Services?
Specialized wireline services companies are contracted by well-operators to handle these technical operations. Some operate onshore, others offshore. The major service firms have massive fleets of wireline trucks and catalogs full of proprietary tools. However, smaller regional providers also play a crucial role in bringing niche expertise.
How Risky Are Wireline Jobs?
Hazards exist with any type of field work in oil and gas. Wireline operations involve sophisticated equipment, high pressures, flammable materials, and challenging environments. Risks range from blowouts and hydrogen sulfide exposure to falls and equipment failure. Proper safety training, planning, procedures, supervision, and equipment maintenance are paramount. When shortcuts are taken, accidents can and do occur.
Wireline services are an indispensable link in the oil industry chain. These downhole interventions gather vital data, enhance production, and make operations safer and more efficient. While risks exist when performing wireline work, following sound practices minimizes those risks. Thanks to incredible technological advances, wireline continues getting smarter. The future is bright for further innovation in this space.
