Best Practices for Wireline Cable Maintenance and Safety

Posted on by Crissa Fel Tawadan

In wireline operations, cable performance is directly tied to safety, efficiency, and job success. Proper handling, maintenance, and inspection of wireline cables are essential to prevent failures that could result in costly downtime or hazardous conditions. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) help ensure consistency in cable care, extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing risks in the field.

Weak Point Reheading Procedures

  • Weak points should be constructed to allow pullout at no more than 50% of the cable’s ultimate strength.
  • Cable head barrels require Oil Center Research 635 grease to maintain optimal functionality.
  • If a tool becomes stuck during a job, engineers should not exceed 60% of the weak point rating when pulling on the cable.
  • Any pull attempts require prior notification to the district manager.
  • Cables should be reheaded after every four runs in pump-down operations.
  • Before each conventional job, cables must be reheaded to ensure performance integrity.

Routine Cable Maintenance and Testing

  • Wireline cables at each district must undergo a monthly pull test, with results recorded in the line book and retained at the shop.
  • A section of the tested line should be preserved and clearly tagged with line number, truck number, and test date for tracking purposes.
  • Conventional operations require cables to be brushed, oiled, and measured with line mics every 90 days.
  • For non-conventional operations, cables must be brushed, oiled, and measured upon completion of a pad.

Flow Tube Selection and Inspection

  • Flow tubes should be chosen based on the largest recorded line mic OD in the record book.
  • Tubes must be measured to ensure a clearance of .006 over the largest line mic OD.
  • Monthly inspections with inside mics are necessary to detect signs of wear.

Drum Crush Prevention

Drum crush is a common failure mode for wireline cables and is primarily caused by outer armor unwinding and becoming loose. To prevent this:

  • Cable should never be spooled out of the well at a speed that results in tension greater than 125% of static tension at that depth.
  • When going into the well, speed should not drop below the level needed to maintain at least 75% of static tension.
  • Excessive unwinding of the outer armor weakens cable structure. If observed, cables must be sent to a cable service center for normalization and post-forming.
  • A simple field test: If the outer armor can be moved easily with a fingernail or screwdriver, the cable requires servicing.
  • A 1:3 ratio of downhole to uphole tension (e.g., 1,000 lbs. downhole, 3,000 lbs. uphole) could indicate potential drum crush issues.

Cable Running Speed Guidelines

  • The maximum allowed cable speed for running in and out of the hole is 300 feet per minute (FPM).
  • If a client requests an increase in speed, local management must be notified and approve the adjustment.

Final Thoughts

Wireline cable maintenance and handling are critical to safe and efficient wellsite operations. Adhering to SOPs for weak point reheading, pull testing, drum crush prevention, and speed limitations ensures operational integrity and reduces equipment failure risks. Proper care and timely servicing of cables help wireline service providers maintain high standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability in the field.