Managing Tool and Unit Failures in Wireline Operations

Equipment failures in cable-based well intervention services for oil and gas are an inevitable part of the job. Whether it’s a wireline truck breakdown, a logging cable malfunction, or a downhole tool failure, the key is not just fixing the problem—it’s having an efficient reporting system to ensure quick recovery and minimal downtime. I remember …

Radiation Documentation in Wireline Logging – Why It Matters

When working in subsurface data acquisition services for oil and gas, managing radioactive sources is an essential part of operations. From cased hole logging to formation evaluation, these sources play a critical role in obtaining accurate wireline well logging data. But with great power comes great responsibility—radiation safety and proper documentation are non-negotiable in this …

The Journey to Becoming a Field Engineer

Every engineer in the oilfield has a story about how they got started—how they went from learning the basics of logging cable handling, pressure control equipment, and perforating gun assembly to confidently running cased hole logging jobs. For me, that journey was shaped by a rigorous training process—one designed to transform a newcomer into a …

The Cost of Cheap Setting Tool Parts in Wireline Operations

Any downhole logging specialist can recall a moment when a single equipment failure turned into a costly, time-consuming problem. I’ve been there, and I know firsthand that when it comes to downhole tools, cutting corners on quality is never worth the risk. One particular job taught me this lesson the hard way—when a setting tool …

Why Wireline Condition Reporting is Critical for Reliable Operations

In the cable services oil and gas industry, a well-maintained logging cable is the backbone of every operation. Whether it’s cased hole logging, perforation services, or pipe recovery, one thing is certain—cable integrity determines success or failure in the field. I learned this firsthand on a job where a compromised wireline cable nearly cost us …

The Importance of Standardizing Cables, Slings, and Chains in Wireline Operations

In wireline operations, lifting equipment, hanging sheaves, and rigging procedures are part of everyday tasks. But without proper guidelines, these routine actions can quickly become dangerous. I learned this the hard way when we ran into a major problem with lifting slings and cables on a job site. A Close Call in the Field It …

Managing Cable Speeds in Wireline Logging to Prevent Failures

Any wireline engineer knows that cable management is a crucial aspect of any job, whether it’s cased hole logging, perforating, or pipe recovery. In the field, one mistake can lead to a failed operation, damaged wireline tools, or even a parted cable—a scenario no one wants to face. I learned this lesson firsthand during a …

Standardization in Wireline Logging: A Game Changer for Field Operations

In the wireline business, efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. Every job is different, every well presents its own challenges, and as wireline engineers, we have to be ready to adapt. But adaptability doesn’t mean chaos; in fact, the best wireline service providers know that standardization is the key to smoother operations. That’s exactly …

The Role of Daily Mobile Crane Inspections in Wireline Operations

One morning, we were gearing up for a cased hole logging operation, everything running on schedule. The wireline truck was in place, logging cable prepped, and pressure control equipment double-checked. But just as we were about to lift a toolstring, something didn’t sound right. The crane operator stopped. A quick inspection revealed a hydraulic leak—one …

The Hidden Impact of O-Rings in Wireline Operations

It was just another high-pressure well logging job—until it wasn’t. The operation started like any other: the wireline truck was positioned, logging cable unspooled, and the downhole tools were prepped. But as we neared the final stages, pressure readings started fluctuating. The culprit? A failed O-ring in the pressure control equipment. Most people outside of …