Case Study of a Complex, Heavy-Duty, High-Pressure Fishing Job Using Wireline, Slick Line and Coiled Tubing Intervention

Abstract

Abstract This paper is a case study of a successful, complex, high-pressure, and heavy-duty fishing job on a live sour gas well in Saudi Arabia. The multidisciplinary effort involved braided line, various sizes of slick line and coiled tubing (CT) intervention. The paper examines details of the job planning and design as well as the job execution. The well control philosophy and compliance to some of the highest operational standards in the industry will be discussed along with the associated risk and mitigation strategy. This multifaceted job involved fishing a live perforating gun and plug assembly, which was stuck in the liner following a misfire while attempting to set the plug. The fishing job was further complicated due to the presence of a parted section of electric line on top of the original fish. Recent developments in heavy-duty fishing operations were incorporated into the intervention process. Equally important is the integrated approach used for this complex fishing job with special safety procedures put in place for the use of multilevel scaffolding, multiple cranes, lifting plans, wire and live gun retrieval procedures, contingency plans and multipurpose pressure control equipment (PCE). Lessons learned will also be presented in the paper. This successful heavy-duty fishing operation has helped push the boundaries of rigless well intervention, improved operational efficiency and opened up additional opportunities for this technology that previously required the deployment of a workover rig or snubbing unit.