Russell Irving Bayh

Low Cost Solutions for Well Interventions Through Advanced Slickline Services

In the past, slickline service has been considered as an option suited only to routine mechanical well workovers. This is no longer the case. New technology has expanded slickline capabilities to include services for well interventions that have traditionally been reserved for other, more-costly alternatives. This paper will discuss the innovative equipment that has been developed to support this technological expansion, all of which plays an integral part in the expanded slickline concept, specifically : . An electronic triggering device that provides a safe, efficient method for firing detonators . A battery-operated, electro-mechanical tool that is capable of setting wellbore devices with slickline and braided line without explosives. . An electronic measurement system that can automatically correct measurement inaccuracies - resulting from line stretch and environmental stress factors. . A collar locator that can provide verification of collar locations in a tubing or casing string. Data/job loggers or acquisition software systems that can be connected to the electronic measurement system to graphically record dynamic information that occurs during a wireline trip. A wireline inspection system that can determine integrity of both new and used mechanical wirelines during and before service. Case histories will be used to provide comparisons of cost, operational efficiency, and enhanced safety features of traditional service options and the new advanced slickline system. Methods for service strategies that support current economic trends and well solutions will also be discussed as well as methods to determine key needs for appropriate service alternatives. The combined use of these slickline tools provides a state-of-the-art service system that can provide efficient alternatives for the advanced service needs in the oilfield today.