Retrieve Downhole Tubing Plug (SOP)

· How to Differentiate & Optimize For Downhole Tubing Plug Removals

Introduction

Providing a consultable system that guides and assures the possibility of consistency, efficiency, and success in operational processes. This article details a complete SOP for retrieving downhole tubing plugs, explaining every step of the process and why it matters.

As there are risks involved when operating tubing plug in high-pressure environment, a well-structured retrieval would result in greater well control and shorter timeframes. This comprehensive guide outlines the key steps involved in executing this operation together with important safety precautions and best practices.

Condensed Standard Operating Procedure for Downhole Tubing Plug Return

1. Rig-Up of Wireline BOPs and Lubricator

Tubing plug retrieval has Less Known Drill pipe Process. A risk-based approach would help eliminate all potential failures in rig-up while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the equipment on the retrieval. All pressure control devices should be installed and the wireline lubricator should be firmly attached to the wellhead.

✔Completing a visual inspection of equipment prior to rig-up

✔Check the seals and connections.

✔Make sure the lubricator is in line with the wellhead.

2. Valve Operations

To allow fluid to flow, equalize pressure and properly store the plugs before their retrieval, the valves must be operated in a particular order.

✔Open Crown Valve (CV) and Tubing Kill Valve (TKV) for pressure communication.

3. Lubricator Pressure Testing

The pressure testing phase of the lubricator is critical for validating that it will maintain well pressure, and for safety when retrieving it.

✔Conduct a pressure test up to 7500 psig using a fluid mixture of 70% water and 30% glycol.

✔Operator will have to keep an eye on pressure levels for leaks or fluctuations.

✔Before moving on to the next phase, confirm test results.

4. Pressure Bleeding

The pressure that needs to be bled off to maintain control of the well and to eliminate risks from differential pressure.

✔Plug hole pressure in the tree to Shut-In Wellhead Pressure (SIWHP)

✔Bring in the Blowdown (B/D) 'Lo-torque' valve and stabilize the well.

5. Master and Hydraulic Master Valves Opening

✔Opening the right master valves allow retrieval tools to be run into the wellbore.

✔Master Line Master Valve (MLMV) open.

✔That tool deployment requires activating the hydraulic master valve (HMV).

6. Running In Hole (RIH) and Plug Retrieval

To accomplish this, the operation to retrieve the downhole tubing plug is multi-step process to achieve its accuracy and efficiency.

Insert the retrieving device into the wellbore.

– Split the retrieval in two:

Step 1: Pull the equalizing prong.

Step 2: Get the plug body.

Keep track of pressure levels as well as fluid displacement during retrieval.

7. Gas Environment Equalization

✔Operating in a gas environment requires special considerations.

✔Fluid equalization might not be necessary if the equalizing ports were plugged during the installation of plugs.

✔If not in the ports, manually pump fluid up from above to help equalize pressure prior to retrieval.

8. Pulling Out of Hole (POOH)

✔The next step would be to safely remove the tool from the wellbore once the tubing plug was successfully retrieved.

✔Raise the tool from the well slowly while observing pressure.

✔Keep movement controlled to avoid sudden bursts of pressure.

9. Tool Position Confirmation

It’s essential to confirm that the tool is positioned inside the lubricator, to successfully retrieve.

Close CV and count the number of turns.

Before doing the next step Make sure tools are retrieved.

10. Hydraulic Master Valve Closure

✔Well control and operational safety is achieved by closing HMV (hydraulic master valve).

✔Ensure that all residual pressure is released from the system.

✔Before further disassembly, Alt to close the HMV.

11. CV for Pressure Bleeding Opening

✔Bleeding off any residual lubricator pressure allows for safe withdrawal of retrieval apparatus.

✔Crack open CV to release pressure.

✔Rig down equipment only if a full depressurization has been achieved.

12. Tree Flushing

The approach in almost every case is to Flush this tree whenever a retrieval operation has been carried out so as to maintain the System integrity.

✔Flush residual contaminants with clean water if possible.

✔Confirm fluid going back and pressure stabilization.

13. Valve Closure

✔Closing the valve properly flares the well and completes the retrieval job.

✔Shut the CV and B/D 'Lo-torque' valve.

✔Ensure that all valves have proceeded to the appropriate shut positions.

14. Wire Line Lubricator Rig Down

✔Post retrieval work, the wireline lubricator and related equipment must be rigged down in readiness for next moves.

✔Remove and store all access tools securely.

✔You can also conduct after operation inspection to maintain its integrity.

15. Securing the Tree

✔Wellhead securing and leaving the site in a safe condition is the finalization of the operation.

✔Once assembled — check that all components are secured.

✔Document the Retrieval Operation for Reporting and Future Reference

Conclusion

This detailed SOP for retrieval of downhole tubing plugs promotes safety, efficiency, and reliability for the oil and gas well operations. The precision of each step ensures risks are minimized, the performance is optimized, and industry standards are maintained, all of which collectively foster successful plug retrieval operations.

Following these standard operating procedures will provide oil and gas professionals with better well integrity, improved efficiency, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) guidelines. Weighted strings, solids displacement monitoring and hanging arrester arrival are some of the best practices in industry to achieve seamless & secure well interventions; the upper limit for their implementation is before total flow loss.