There’s no room for error when it comes to pressure control in wireline operations. I once saw a BOP fail to close properly due to a lack of maintenance, and it nearly resulted in a serious well control event. That day, I learned that Blowout Preventers (BOPs) aren’t just another piece of equipment—they are the last line of defense against pressure loss.

Why BOP Servicing is Critical

In wireline and perforating jobs, BOPs are responsible for sealing off well pressure and preventing hazardous blowouts. A single oversight in maintenance can lead to uncontrolled pressure release, well integrity issues, and costly downtime. For cased hole well services, production logging services, and perforation well jobs, properly serviced BOPs ensure smooth, incident-free operations.

A major incident I encountered involved wireline rams closing at the wrong time, severing the logging cable. The issue? The shear rams weren’t correctly labeled, and the operator unknowingly activated them instead of the sealing rams. This mistake could have been avoided with proper servicing and clear documentation.

Best Practices for BOP Inspection and Maintenance

Every wireline service provider should follow a strict BOP servicing routine before any pressure control job. Here’s what needs to happen before a BOP is deployed to the field:

• • Pre-Job Inspection:
    • Verify that BOP rams match the wireline size being used.
    • Open and remove the ram blocks for cleaning and lubrication.
    • Inspect the BOP body for washouts, pitting, and corrosion.
  • Seal and Component Checks:
    • Remove and inspect all inner and outer seals.
    • Replace the bonnet seals and grease all BOP components.
  • Function and Pressure Testing:
    • Reassemble the BOP and perform a full function test by opening and closing each ram.
    • Rod test each ram to the correct test pressure and chart for 15 minutes.
    • Conduct both low-pressure and high-pressure body tests with charting.
    • Perform a final function test of all rams under pressure before deployment.
  • Certification and Documentation:
    • BOPs must have current certifications and be clearly marked for size, pressure rating, and test date.
    • Charts from pressure tests must be sent with the equipment to the job site.

How Proper BOP Maintenance Improves Wireline Operations

BOPs are essential for well integrity, formation evaluation, and downhole pipe recovery. Proper maintenance helps prevent:

• Unexpected well pressure loss during wireline logging or perforation well operations.
• Unintentional wireline severing due to misidentified or malfunctioning shear rams.
• Extended downtime for fishing wire line recovery operations in case of a tool drop.

Conclusion

A well-maintained BOP is a reliable BOP. In the wireline services oil and gas market, ensuring that wireline pressure control equipment is in top condition is not just best practice—it’s an absolute necessity.

By following strict servicing, testing, and certification protocols, wireline companies can ensure safe, efficient, and incident-free operations in every pressure job. Whether in cased hole logging, pump down perforating, or cement bond logging, a properly maintained BOP is the key to maintaining well control and safety.