Using Red Detonators to Ensure Safe Detonations in Wireline Perforation

Posted on by Crissa Fel Tawadan

Safety in cable-deployed well services and perforating operations is non-negotiable. When working with perforating guns, downhole tools, and firing systems, following the correct procedures is the only way to prevent misfires, accidental detonations, or delayed operations. One of the most critical steps in this process is the check fire procedure for RED detonators, which ensures that the firing circuit is functioning properly before arming the explosives.

There was a time when I witnessed an operation that nearly went wrong due to an incomplete check fire verification before using RED detonators. The job involved pump down perforating on a cased hole wireline well, and everything looked good—until a final voltage check showed an insufficient charge to fire the system. That moment reinforced why this procedure is never optional.

 

Why Check Fire Procedures Matter for RED Detonators

The check fire procedure ensures that the wireline control system, firing circuit, and logging cable are fully operational before arming the perforating gun oil and gas charges. This is critical because:

  • Misfires can lead to fishing wire line operations or stuck tools
  • Unverified circuits could result in unexpected surface or downhole detonations
  • Ensuring proper current eliminates electrical failure risks
  • Verifying the system ensures compliance with wireline service provider safety standards

For wireline companies operating in the cased hole logging service market, strict adherence to check fire procedures is essential for formation evaluation, well perforation, and wireline perforating services.

How to Perform a Check Fire Procedure for RED Detonators

A check fire for RED detonators must verify that the surface system can generate the required 250 VDC all-fire voltage in both positive and negative polarities.

Equipment Needed:

  • Blasters Multimeter set to the 1500 VDC range
  • Wireline truck shooting panel
  • Collar locator (CCL) and firing head attached to the logging cable

Check Fire Procedure Steps:

  • Field Engineer inspects the rigging area and confirms that all personnel are ready
  • Field Engineer announces, “Stand by to check fire”
  • Operator ensures no one is in contact with the wireline or firing head and acknowledges readiness
  • Engineer commands, “Check fire open”
  • Operator verifies that the logging cable is an open circuit and confirms with “Open”
  • Engineer applies firing power to the cable and verifies an open circuit on the shooting panel
  • Engineer commands, “Short it positive”
  • Operator connects the multimeter’s positive lead to the bottom of the CCL and the negative lead to the cable armor
  • Operator confirms with “Shorted Positive”
  • Engineer applies a positive polarity shooting voltage to the cable
  • Operator verifies a minimum reading of +250 VDC and confirms with “Fire OK Positive”**
  • Engineer commands, “Short it negative”
  • Operator switches to negative polarity and verifies a minimum reading of -250 VDC
  • Operator confirms with “Fire OK Negative”
  • Engineer switches to the CCL monitor position and commands, “Check collars”
  • Operator verifies collar locator functionality using a metal object to simulate a casing collar

If no issues arise, the Engineer:

  • Places the firing system in the SAFE position
  • Removes the safety key and wears it on an armband or lanyard
  • Exits the wireline unit and announces, “Fire OK, Collars OK, Cable is shorted”

If any issue is detected, the entire process must be restarted from the beginning to ensure the system is safe before proceeding with perforating services.

Why This Process is Essential for Wireline Services Oil and Gas

Neglecting a check fire procedure can lead to:

  • Failed perforating charges requiring pipe recovery operations
  • Damage to wireline pressure control equipment
  • Unintentional detonation of perforating guns
  • Increased downtime in wireline services market operations

By enforcing strict check fire verification, wireline service companies ensure that cased hole solutions, production logging services, and integrity wireline procedures are conducted safely and efficiently.

Lessons Learned in Wireline Well Logging and Perforating Operations

Since implementing a standardized check fire protocol, results have shown:

  • Fewer misfires and failed perforating gun activations
  • Increased efficiency in logging cable and wireline gun performance
  • Improved compliance with oilfield services company safety regulations

For any wireline service provider, ensuring that firing heads, logging cable circuits, and perforating systems are operating correctly before arming explosives is a non-negotiable step.

In the wireline business, safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s the key to successful, risk-free perforation operations.