Every wireline engineer understands that safety and reliability are the foundation of successful wireline perforating operations. A single defective detonator can mean the difference between a smooth perforation job and a downhole misfire. That’s why recalls like the A-140S detonator recall must be taken seriously, with immediate action to prevent risks in cased hole logging and wireline well logging operations.

Background on the A-140S Recall

A recall was issued for the A-140S blasting caps manufactured between January 2014 and March 13, 2014. These detonators were found to have potential malfunctions, affecting their reliability in wireline perforating guns used for perforation well operations.

Key reasons for the recall:

• Inconsistent initiation – Some units failed to ignite the primacord properly.
• Delayed detonation – Affected detonators had delayed response times, posing risks in pump down perforating jobs.
• Loss of well integrity – Misfires could lead to unfired charges left downhole, complicating wireline and perforating retrieval efforts.

Any wireline service providers using the A-140S should immediately remove affected detonators from service and arrange for a return to the vendor.

Impact on Wireline Operations and Risk Mitigation

For those involved in cased hole well services and wireline logging, failing to comply with this recall could lead to serious risks, including:

• Increased failure rates in wireline perforating gun operations.
• Potential wellbore damage due to incomplete perforations.
• Higher risk of fishing wire line operations to retrieve unfired charges.

To mitigate these risks:

• Conduct an immediate inventory check to identify any A-140S detonators from the recalled batch.
• Use alternative detonators like the A-140F for ongoing perforation jobs.
• Follow proper disposal procedures to ensure that recalled detonators are safely handled and not used inadvertently.

Procedures for Returning Recalled A-140S Detonators

If you have any of the recalled A-140S detonators, follow these steps:

• Remove all affected units from service immediately.
• Tag and isolate the recalled detonators to prevent accidental deployment.
• Contact the vendor to arrange for a return shipment and replacement options.
• Confirm documentation of recall compliance within your wireline control systems for regulatory purposes.

By taking these steps, wireline companies can ensure compliance and prevent unnecessary risks in wireline well logging and perforation services.

Conclusion on Wireline Safety and Recall Compliance

In oil field wireline operations, every component—no matter how small—plays a role in ensuring success. The A-140S detonator recall is a reminder that continuous monitoring, testing, and quality control are essential for wireline service companies committed to safety.

Whether you are involved in formation evaluation, downhole pipe recovery, or production logging services, adhering to recall procedures ensures that wireline pressure control equipment and wireline perforating guns operate with maximum efficiency and safety.