Retrieve Downhole Gauges (SOP)

Retrieval of Downhole Gauges

Introduction

In the oil and gas industry, downhole gauges are key tools for monitoring pressure, temperature, and other critical well parameters, as they help people. They supply real-time data to help develop production performance and facilitate correct well integrity. But getting these gauges is a methodical and safe process. An SOP can be used to increase the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of the process. The thorough SOP provided in this article relates to retrieving downhole gauges which guarantees successful operations.

Step by Step Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Getting Back Downhole Gauges

1. Retrieving Slickline Unit — Move-In & Rig-Up

Mobilized slickline unit at the well site rigged up correctly This process involves:

✔Aligning the wellhead with a slickline truck or skid unit.

✔Fixing the guy ropes and anchors so that it does not move.

✔Preparing a pre-job safety meeting (JSA) to identify the hazards.

✔Preparing all equipment, tools, and personnel to be operational.

2. Rig-Up Crown Valve Adapter Spool

The crown valve adapter spool seals off the slickline unit from the wellhead. Installation is critical for the following:

✔The interface is leak-proof & safe (in terms of network flow)

✔Minimizing the pressure deviation while in operation.

✔Enabling easy automation with lubricators and pressure control equipment.

3. Preparation of Tools to pull the Gauge

Choosing and gathering the right materials prepares us for a successful extraction. This step involves:

✔The step on inspecting fishing tools involving pulling tools, rope sockets, and jars.

✔Checking tools for damage, wear, and compatibility.

✔Running/Testing Tools to Check Functionality

4. Wireline Tools Caliper Calibration

It also reduces operational risks by calibrating wireline tools before deployment. Steps include:

✔Dimensions and specifications for additional tools.

✔Using caliper settings to configure for exactness.

✔Running a dry-run test to check if tool can proceed.

5. BOP Rig-Up with Lubricator

The Blowout Preventer (BOP) and lubricator are mounted to allow for well control during the retrieval process. This involves:

✔Orientation and locking the lubricator to the wellhead.

✔Seals done correctly in order to prevent the undesirable leakage of fluid.

✔Checking for defective / misaligned components through a visual inspection

6. BOP and Lubricator Pressure Testing

Prior to operations, BOP and lubricator integrity is confirmed by pressure testing. The process includes:

✔Operation of CV opening and TKV

✔Fuel injection of a fluid mixture (70% water and 30% glycol) simulating operating conditions.

✔Observing pressure readings for equipment consistency

7. String Pull and Equalization

Controlled blowoff avoids sudden pressure spikes. Steps include:

✔Blow down, releasing tension with the blow-down line

✔Equalization of pressure over the Hydraulic Master Valve (HMV).

✔Minimizing the pressure differential before deploying the tool.

8. Training HMV & Deployment of Tools

After equalizing pressure, the Hydraulic Master Valve (HMV) is opened for tool deployment. This involves:

✔Gently lowering the slickline tool string down the wellbore.

✔Checking where the tool is by means of depth counters and logging data.

9. Tool Position Confirmation and Valve Operation

This allows for proper tools to be placed for retrieval quickly. The process includes:

✔Gradual closure of the Crown Valve (CV) following weapon insertion.

✔Maintaining pressure control by operating valves sequentially.

✔Making the tool string ready for gauge recovery.

10. Maintenance of Pressure Bleeding Equipment

BLEEDING: Controlled pressure bleeding for safe operations. Following the gauge retrieval, the bleed for controlled pressure ensures safe operations. Key steps include:

✔Exhausting retained pressure residual to the lubricator.

✔Water or glycol flushing the tree to get rid of debris.

✔Examining equipment for wear and damage.

11. Sigma Removal and Data Retrieval

After data collected by the gauge is retrieved, it is analyzed. The process includes:

✔Removing the gauge carefully so as to not break.

✔Requesting and downloading temperature logs and pressure logs.

✔Sent data to engineers for interpretation.

12. Wireline Unit Rig Down and Maintenance

The last step prepares for future operations. It involves:

✔Dismantling and storage of the lubricator, the BOP and the tools.

✔Performing a post job inspection for maintenance.

✔Log operational findings into the job completion report.

Why you must create a standard SOP

Implementing a structured SOP for downhole gauge retrieval allows us to:

Safety Compliance: Minimizing risks associated with the pressure control and equipment handling

→ Operational Efficiency → Less downtime and faster job execution

Data Integrity: Archiving the P and T measurements for authentic well evaluation

Hardware Lifecycle Management: Tool maintenance and calibration

Conclusion

Most oil and gas well monitoring operations involve the retrieval of down hole pressure and temperature gauges. The operators will carry out gauge retrieval operations according to a comprehensive SOP that will guarantee the operation is safe, efficient, and accurate. Well intervention is a critical process in the life cycle of a well, often initiated in response to wellbore and reservoir problems that can severely impact production efficiency. By following these best practices, you will not only improve operational safety and minimize downtime but also significantly enhance data quality, which will in turn facilitate better decision-making and optimized well performance.