Special Service Operations Safety (Part I)

What are wireline operations?

Wireline operations are part of special services during the completion and production of oil and gas wells to serve several purposes like equipment transport, swabbing, reservoir evaluation, logging, well intervention, perforation, pipe recovery, downhole tool setting, and bailing. They include both electric and slickline operations.

What is the difference between electric lines and slicklines?

Electric lines are cables that gather and transmit data about a well; they consist of single or multi-
strands for well intervention and formation evaluation. In contrast, slicklines are single-strand non-
electric cables for placing and recovering wellbore equipment like gauges, plugs, and valves. They can also be utilized for tubing repair in the wellbore and for valve and sleeve adjustment in the downhole.

How to prevent masts or booms from toppling over?

It is always important to install foundations, guying, and outriggers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.

A co-worker was suddenly exposed to an unexpected release of pressure. What are the possible steps to be done?

Install a pressure-release valve in the lubricator sub before bleeding pressure from it. Break the connections and look out for an unusually tight connection. It may indicate that pressure has not been released.

What are the measures that could be implemented to minimize hand injuries and sprains?

Encourage workers to practice proper hand placement and taglines to prevent pinching hands. If possible, minimize handling lubricators and other equipment manually to avoid overexertion.

What is well logging?

Well logging is the identification and recording of information regarding subsurface geologic formations. It includes well bore properties; mud records; cutting analysis; drill stem tests; core analysis; and electric, acoustic, and radioactivity procedures. Tools utilized for well logging include mechanical, electrical, radioactive, and sonic tools.

What are the potential hazards of well logging and how to prevent them?

As mentioned, some tools can expose a worker to radiation. Injuries could also occur due to unexpected release of pressure. It is very important to ensure that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Logging personnel who are duly authorized and qualified should only be allowed to handle logging tools. Should any radioactive tools be damaged, report immediately. Keep non-essential workers away from the rig floor and marked-off areas of radiation hazards.