Slickline is used to lower downhole tools into an oil or gas well to perform a specified maintenance job downhole, most commonly in production tubing. The wireline operator monitors at the surface the slickline tension via a weight indicator gauge and the depth via a depth counter ‘zeroed’ from the surface, lowers the downhole tool to the proper depth, completes the job by manipulating the downhole tool mechanically, checks to make sure it worked and pulls the tool back out by winding the slickline back onto the drum it was spooled from. This makes for a comparably quick, efficient, and affordable process.
Paraffin/ asphalt/ scale deposition is one of the most challenging flow assurance issues in oil production processes. The related problems span from reservoirs to refineries, but their consequences can be particularly challenging when the affected area is difficult to reach, such as producing wells.
During depressurization, the oil expands, and the heat is drawn from the oil. The temperature loss induces crystallization of the paraffin/ asphalt/ scale and the subsequent plugging of the well.
In many cases, paraffin/ asphalt/ scale deposition leads to the decrease of well flow rates and eventually causes total blockage.
Sousa, A.L., Matos, H.A. & Guerreiro, L.P. Preventing and removing wax deposition inside vertical wells: a review. J Petrol Explor Prod Technol 9, 2091–2107 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-019-0609-x
Via Gauge Rings on a slickline, these blockages can be removed, and production quality can be maintained. Gauging the hole ensure clear path for tools, perforating guns, completion equipment, and an efficiently producing well. The gauge ring helps to scrape off any debris on casing or tubing walls ensuring a clear, clean path is maintained.
Large-scale paraffin, asphalt, or scale deposits, or even complete blockages of any production structure, can easily be detected, considering the associated production decrease. However, detecting smaller or incipient deposits is a steppingstone for assuring flow conditions, production in the long run, avoiding downtime and preventing costly interventions.
Downhole pressure gauges are used to give your reservoir deep primary insight. To improve the field productivity, you need pressure measurements that can apprise you of the permeability thickness, skin, volumes, and boundaries. All these essentials determine the life and performance of the well and hence hold immense importance.
MWT Slickline uses ingenious metrology and market-leading reliability practices to obtain accurate data for guaranteed results and growth.
Making Wireline Operations More Efficient With Gauge Rings
Tools and completion equipment inserted in the casing or tubing for production or data acquisition tasks require a clear path to ensure precision. Even a small amount of debris can result in a ruinous effect on the equipment that might require costly and complex fishing operations.
A gauge ring performs multiple tasks in a single go. It has a size that is larger than any tool inserted in the casing and tubing. The gauge rung scrapes off contaminants on casing and tubing walls to maintain a cleaner and clearer path.
MWT Slinkline owns all the advanced materials and equipment needed to maintain the well environment and gather essential wellbore data to ensure enhanced productivity of the well.