Gauge Ring Run (SOP)

SOP for Gauge Ring Run Prior to Plug Setting to Ensure Well Integrity

Introduction

Well Integrity: The Importance of Thorough Downhole Inspection and Redundancy in Oil and Gas Well Management Operations. Because of this, running a gauge ring is required to verify tubing clearance and ensure the nipple correct depth, before setting any downhole tubing plug. It is a complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) article which shares all the steps involved in performing a gauge ring run and their importance.

Gauge Ring Run: In preparation for the wellbore, a gauge ring run is critical in the operation by:

✔Confirming that the tubing is clear all the way to the desired depth.

✔Finding the nipple profile for the correct seating of the downhole tubing plug.

✔Recognizing possible barriers to setting the plug.

✔Time to switch gears and talk about more technical stuff such as the following:

1. Wireline BOPs, Lubricator and Gauge Ring Rig-Up

Initial step is to rig the gauge ring on the wireline BOPs and lubricator. This arrangement allows us to ensure that the tubing is clean to the setting depth and the depth of the nipple is accurately located.

2. Valve Operations

✔Then open CV, TKV and ‘Lo-torque’ on TKV.

✔These actions allow smooth flow and pressure balance so that the well is ready for the gauge ring run.

3. Lubricator Pressure Testing

✔Pressure test the lubricator with 70% water and 30% glycol to 7500 psig.

✔This helps assure the lubricator design integrity and reliability during operating conditions.

✔Pressure Test Validation Conducted pressure test- Validates equipment pressure endurance and safety during gauge ring run

4. Pressure Bleeding

✔Bleed the pressure in the tree to Shut-In Wellhead Pressure (SIWHP).

✔A fundamental and crucial step for well control and operational safety.

5. Valve Closure and Pressure Bleeding

✔Tubing Kill Valve (TKV) – Close

✔Bleed the test line pressure

✔Shut the Blowdown (B/D) ‘Lo-torque’ valve to avoid getting run away in the pressure.

6. Opening the Master and Hydraulic Master Valves

✔Release the Master Line Master Valve (MLMV) and Hydraulic Master Valve (HMV).

---This enables tool deployment into the wellbore and represents a critical step in the gauge ring run.

7. Gauge Ring: RIH (Run In Hole)

✔Run the gauge ring (RIH) to depth as required

✔Find the depth of the nipple.

✔Make sure there are no restrictions in the tubing that would prevent the downhole plug from setting.

8. Recording Obstructions

✔Record any hindrances met during the gauge ring run.

✔This data is critical data for well intervention planning and remedial action should it be deemed necessary.

9. Pulling Out of Hole (POOH)

✔After reaching the target depth, POOH gauge ring.

✔Safely pull the equipment from the wellbore, signifying the end of this phase of the activity.

10. Tool Position Confirmation

✔Close the CV to confirm that the tool is within the lubricator.

✔Number of turns for complete tool retraction. Making sure you have your tools in line before rushing ahead.

11. Valve Closure

✔SLP: Close Hydraulic Master Valve (HMV) and Master Line Master Valve (MLMV). They keep control of this and further improve operational safety.

12. Opening a CV for Pressure Bleeding

✔Vent lubricator by opening Crown Valve (CV). This enhances the safe retrieval of machinery and reduces fluid entrapment potential.

13. Tree Flushing (If Applicable)

✔Balance the wellhead tree with a water + glycol mixture. Removes residual contaminants; enhances well integrity and very useful for sour gas well exposed.

14. Final Valve Closure

✔RAMP UP Close the CV and B/D ‘Lo-torque’ valve.

✔End of the gauge ring run, which ensures well integrity and safety.

15. Wireline Lubricator Rig Down

✔Cautiously rig down the wireline lubricator and other equipment. This will make ready the well for future work, like the run of the downhole tubing plug.

16. Production tree valves are particularly vulnerable.

✔Lock down all production tree valves and prevent the well from flowing.

✔Creates less potential for environmental hazards and business interruptions

Conclusion

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for performing a gauge ring run prior to setting a downhole tubing plug contributes to the goals of operational efficiency, safety, and reliability in oil and gas well operations. Everything must be from the inside out, each individual process has a part that is carefully constructed to ensure risks are limited, performance is long and industry standards are maintained.

The verification of tubing clearance, identification of the nipple position, and marking of obstruction points contributed to stirless and productive well intervention by the operator. The overall objective of this SOP is to assist in reaching the highest success rate in downhole operations, while ensuring well integrity and production efficiency.

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