Wellgrab IntelliClaw frees stuck cable

In October 2024, an oil producer in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea faced significant production challenges due to a stuck plug and a pulling bottomhole assembly (BHA) with approximately 15-20 meters of cable trapped in the well. 

This amount of cable downhole made standard packing methods—pushing and balling up the cable for ease of retrieval—unviable.  The operator needed an innovative solution to address this complex downhole situation, and sought the Wellgrab™ range for its superior fishing capabilities and track record of delivering reliable, high-force solutions.

This operation resulted in the first-ever application of the Welltec® Wellgrab™ IntelliClaw, specifically designed for wireline retrieval.  

Welltec implemented a meticulously planned intervention, leveraging multiple solutions in the Wellgrab toolkit tailored to latch onto both the stuck plug and the loose cable, ensuring efficient and fail-safe retrieval.

Preparation phase
Client planning included coordinating rig operations due to the length of the fish and a pre-mobilization System Integration Test (SIT) to validate tool compatibility.

Several custom solutions were manufactured to ensure successful engagement with the plug and the cable, providing features that could be leveraged on the fly during the operation.

Intervention phase 
Run #1: Ultrasonic imaging identified the fish with curled cable on top, confirming no additional debris was present, facilitating the creation of a detailed map for subsequent runs.  The imaging also helped assess the best approach for handling the curled cable within the constraints of the tubing's inner diameter.

Run #2: Deployed via Well Tractor®, the IntelliClaw provided an adjustable engagement force of up to 13,000 lbs directly at the tool head. 

Live measurement readings were used as one means of confirming successful latching by corresponding to the outer diameter of the cable.  This parameter proved incredibly useful, as the cable's insignificant weight ruled out conventional weight-based confirmation on its own.  Despite the light weight of the cable, accelerometer signatures did bring an additional means of validation through an observable difference when pulling out of hole.  

The cable and top-release device were successfully latched and retrieved in a single pull, maintaining gripping force while constant back tension to secure a grip on cable.  Tool performance was validated through Surface Readout (SRO) data.

Run #3: A Wellgrab high-expansion 4” overshot (3.20” inner diameter) was paired with a Well Stroker, latched securely onto the remaining fish, and retrieved the plug and BHA in one run.

The intervention exceeded client expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of Welltec’s solutions in complex fishing scenarios.  The novel IntelliClaw solution showcased its ability to deliver live measurement readings, adjust retrieval force in real time, and overcome challenges posed by non-standard cable packing and lightweight fish.  

This operation highlighted the benefits of the adaptability provided by Wellgrab in resolving a difficult downhole situation.

Production restored: The operation successfully retrieved the fish and enabled the well to resume production after a four-month shutdown.

Efficiency: The objectives were achieved in three planned runs, showcasing operational excellence and time-saving efficiency.

Client satisfaction: The client commended the thorough planning, execution, and effectiveness of the fishing technology.

Cost savings: By successfully retrieving the fish, the client avoided the need for a costly workover operation, significantly reducing downtime and expenses.