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.
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