Every wireline service provider knows that a weak connection in the cable head can mean the difference between a successful job and a costly failure. I once encountered an issue during a cased hole well services operation where the cable head failed under load far below its expected breaking strength. The culprit? A mismatched brass cone that wasn’t designed for the Titan Cable Head.
Why Cable Head Components Matter
The Titan Cable Head is designed to work with specific components, and substituting parts—especially the brass cone—can weaken the entire system. During routine pull tests at the district, it was discovered that using a third-party brass cone inside a Titan rope socket significantly reduced the weak point’s breaking strength. This type of failure can cause unexpected pipe recovery operations, resulting in additional costs and downtime.
Key lessons from this issue include:
- Always use Titan-manufactured brass cones in Titan Cable Heads.
- Verify part numbers before installation—Titan parts are stenciled with their respective identification numbers.
- Inspect all wireline equipment inventories to ensure they contain only approved components.
By maintaining strict control over replacement parts, wireline service companies can prevent premature failures and ensure well integrity.
Best Practices for Avoiding Cable Head Failures
To prevent weak points in wireline and perforating jobs, field crews should follow these steps:
- Confirm the source of cable head parts before installation.
- Perform regular pull tests to verify the weak point’s expected performance.
- Inspect the brass cone for Titan’s part number etching before assembly.
- Communicate potential issues with district managers to ensure standardized use of Titan-manufactured parts.
Strict adherence to these best practices reduces the risk of unexpected failures in cased hole logging and wireline perforating operations.
Final Thoughts on Cable Head Selection in Wireline Logging
In wireline well logging, even the smallest component can impact job success. Choosing the correct brass cone for the Titan Cable Head is a simple yet critical step in maintaining complete wireline solutions. By ensuring only approved components are used, wireline companies can prevent failures, reduce downtime, and maintain safety in wireline services oil and gas.