Integrated Downhole-Measurement-Enabled Coiled Tubing and Mechanical Wireline Recovery of E-Line Cable in a Live, Sour Gas Well

Abstract

This study details a complex wire recovery operation in a live well that involved transitioning from coiled tubing (CT) to mechanical wireline (MWL), in both slickline [MA1]or braided line, to retrieve the wire in good condition and later hand it over to an electrical wireline (e-line) unit to spool it onto a drum. The operation was carried out on a live, sour gas well, demanding a unique setup and emphasizing safety. Two successful recovery operations removed a significant amount of e-line left in the well plus the upper section of the e-line bottomhole assembly (BHA) while safely pushing the lower section of the e-line BHA to the bottom of the well. An integrated, multipurpose pressure control equipment (PCE) stack provided safety and redundancy, facilitating retrieval with both CT and MWL. The PCE stack design proved robust, enabling recovery without killing the well. Notably, the operation seamlessly integrated CT, MWL, e-line, and a stimulation vessel, all utilizing the same PCE. A significant challenge involved the handover of the recovered e-line from CT to MWL, requiring careful coordination and movement to prevent stripping the retrieved e-line inside the wire-line valve rams and the risk of gas leaks. Innovatively, this operation marked the first use of downhole measurements for wire recovery alongside the application of jars and impact hammers while pumping on the backside of the coiled tubing, a pioneering approach in this context of live-well e-line recovery. Downhole measurements, particularly tension and compression readouts, aided decision-making, reducing the need for reruns. Furthermore, a downhole camera captured changes in the e-line and BHA. Overall, this operation represents an innovative achievement in wire recovery from live, sour gas wells.