I remember the first time I performed a check fire procedure on a wireline perforation job. The weight of responsibility sat heavy on my shoulders. Ensuring the correct firing sequence in a perforation well isn’t just about following protocol—it’s about wireline safety, well integrity, and operational efficiency. A misstep here can have severe consequences, which is why every wireline engineer must perfect this process.

Understanding the Importance of the Check Fire Procedure

In wireline and perforating, we rely on detonators to ignite the charge in perforating guns. Before these guns are armed, we must ensure the firing system functions properly, confirming that the equipment can generate the required all-fire current and that no issues exist within the wireline control system.

The check fire procedure begins at the collar locator (CCL), with the cable head attached. Everything is done under the direct supervision of the Field Engineer, using verbal commands—hand signals are strictly prohibited.

Step-by-Step Process of the Check Fire Procedure

Here’s a breakdown of how I conduct a check fire procedure in a cased hole well service operation:

• Safety First
  • Before anything, I scan the wireline rigging area to ensure the crew is ready.
  • I issue the command: “Stand by to check fire.”
  • The wireline operator confirms that no one is in contact with the wireline or firing head.
• Verifying an Open Circuit
  • I say: “Check fire open.”
  • The operator ensures that the wireline cable is open circuit and responds: “Open.”
  • I apply firing power to the cable, verifying the open circuit signal on the shooting panel.
• Shorting the Cable to Positive and Negative
  • I command: “Short it positive.”
    
  • The Blasters Multimeter is set to 2-amp DC range, connecting the 120-ohm resistor fixture to the CCL bottom contact.
    
  • The operator confirms: “Shorted positive.”
    
  • I apply a positive shooting voltage, ensuring the meter reads at least +0.8 amps DC.
    
  • The operator responds: “Fire OK Positive.”
    
  • The process repeats for the negative polarity to ensure a reading of -0.8 amps DC.
• Final Check and Confirmation
  • I switch the shooting panel to the negative position for the first shot.
  • I then switch to CCL monitoring mode, confirming: “Check collars.”
  • The operator runs a small metal object over the collar locator, verifying detection.
  • If everything checks out, I move the switch to SAFE mode, remove the safety key, and announce:
    • “Fire OK, Collars OK, Cable is shorted.”
• Ensuring Explosive Safety Compliance
  • If any problem arises, the entire process is restarted. There are no shortcuts in wireline perforating.
  • Once confirmed, the safety key remains outside the unit until the armed explosives are at least 200 feet below surface.

Why Mastering the Check Fire Procedure Matters

• Critical for wireline perforating safety – Prevents unintended detonations during wireline services oil and gas operations.
• Ensures compliance with wireline control systems – Reduces risks associated with cased hole logging and perforating gun activation.
• Protects well integrity – A failed firing system can compromise cased hole wireline services.
• Boosts operational efficiency – Ensures the wireline provider can complete the perforation well job successfully.

Final Thoughts

The check fire procedure is one of those critical steps that separates experienced wireline engineers from the rest. In wireline well logging, perforation services, and wireline service provider operations, safety and precision must always come first. Perfecting this procedure isn’t optional—it’s essential.

By following a structured check fire protocol, we uphold the highest standards in the wireline services market, ensuring well integrity, safe perforation, and flawless execution in every wireline and perforating job.