There are moments in wireline well logging that demand absolute precision. One such moment is the bump up procedure—an essential step that ensures tools enter and exit the well safely during pressure operations. I learned the importance of this firsthand when I witnessed a weak point snap at the surface, dropping an entire toolstring into the well. That day reinforced a hard truth: cutting corners in pressure control operations can lead to expensive, time-consuming tool recovery.
Why Bump Up Procedures Matter
Bump up procedures are a crucial part of wireline and perforating jobs, particularly in high-pressure wells. Whether performing cased hole logging, wireline perforating, or production logging services, the goal is always the same: prevent tool drops and ensure safe well entry and exit. Without proper control, wireline companies run the risk of losing valuable downhole tools, requiring fishing wire line operations or even downhole pipe recovery.
Best Practices for Well Entry and Exit
A safe bump up process starts before the tool ever enters the well. Every member of the crew must understand their role, and this should be documented in the job safety analysis (JSA). Here’s how to execute the process effectively:
Well Entry
- Tool Trap in Closed Position – Before beginning the bump up, the tool trap must be engaged to catch the toolstring in case of weak point failure.
- Slow Cable Movement – The engineer moves the tool very slowly toward the packoff/grease head while the operators hold down on the cable.
- Immediate Stop on Contact – As soon as the operators feel the cable head contact the packoff or grease head, they signal the engineer to stop.
- Lock the Drum Brake – The drum brakes must be applied, ensuring the cable head remains against the packoff or grease head before equalizing the lubricator.
At this point, the lubricator is ready to be equalized to well pressure, allowing safe entry into the well for logging, perforation well operations, or any other wireline service.
Well Exit
- Safe Cable Positioning – Before exiting, the tool should be secured at 200 feet as per standard best practices, then moved uphole to 75 feet.
- Tool Trap in Closed Position – The tool trap remains engaged, preventing accidental tool loss.
- Controlled Entry into the Lubricator – The engineer slowly pulls the toolstring into the lubricator while operators apply downward pressure on the cable.
- Final Confirmation – Once the cable head contacts the packoff/grease head, the winch stops. Depth readings and tool trap indicators confirm that the entire toolstring is inside the lubricator.
- Shut the Wellhead Valve – The valve on the wellhead is shut, the cable is secured, and the lubricator is equalized to zero pressure before disconnecting.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Wireline Operations
Proper bump up procedures significantly reduce risks in wireline services oil and gas operations. When handling logging cable, pressure control equipment, and perforating guns, precision is non-negotiable. Adhering to standardized procedures ensures:
- Minimized risk of tool drops and pipe recovery operations
- Efficient handling of wireline equipment and logging tools
- Increased safety in cased hole well services and perforation operations
- Smooth execution of formation evaluation and well integrity testing
Conclusion
Executing a proper bump up procedure is a fundamental skill for every wireline engineer. Whether working on cased hole wireline operations, cement bond logging, or horizontal wireline perforation, maintaining strict procedural discipline prevents costly mistakes. The lessons learned from past failures remind us that in wireline pressure control, safety and precision are everything. A single misstep can mean the difference between a flawless job and an expensive recovery operation—so we get it right the first time.