A client in Malaysia experienced problems after landing the tubing hanger in a gas producer during completion operations. After the tubing hanger was landed, the RN plug was set at the RN nipple to set the production packer. After setting the plug, the operator could not release the running tool from the plug body after 200 jarring attempts on slickline. The client decided to cut the 0.125” wire and run in hole (RIH) with a heavy duty pulling tool (HDPT) with 0.140” wire to retrieve the running tool. The fishing attempts with the HDPT were unsuccessful, so the operator cut the 0.140” wire, leaving the HDPT in the well.

The client needed an effective fishing operation to retrieve both the running tool and the HDPT before it would be forced to suspend all well completion operations. The client had two remaining options: fishing with coiled tubing (CT) or fishing with a heavy duty (HD) e-line stroking tool. The client was motivated to avoid the associated time and costs of rig time and conduct a precise operation with surface readout (SRO) data. Thus, the client opted to work with Welltec® and use the Well Stroker® for a HD fishing operation on e-line.

During a group idea-generation session, Welltec reviewed risk assessment and feasibility studies for the operation. The team designed a comprehensive systems integration test (SIT) to simulate actual downhole conditions, including the fabrication of a third-party, multi-pin testing tool that would enable Welltec to confirm force capabilities and simulate the freeing of the top and bottom fish operations. The team reviewed the SIT findings and decided on a run sequence based on the results. The sequence consisted of running a camera to see the top fish, running the Well Stroker 33k to fish, running a camera to see the bottom fish, and running the Well Stroker XXS to fish.

With the plan in place, Welltec mobilized to the well site and began operations.

The first few runs struggled to move beyond the tubing retrieval safety valve (TRSV). After various configurations and attempts, on the fourth run, the Well Stroker 33k was in position to begin stroking. The Well Stroker stroked down to shear the pin of the HDPT, repeating the stroke down process three times, before applying an overpull to extend the Well Stroker piston and stroking up and freeing the tool. Tool weight increased and personnel suspected the top fish was free. Upon pulling out of hole (POOH), personnel discovered that both the HDPT and running tool had been successfully retrieved.

Next, Welltec set to work retrieving the RN plug with the Well Stroker 33k. Again, the TRSV created a bottleneck for the toolstring. After three runs, the tool string managed to tag and latch onto the plug fish neck. The tool stroked down two times and was POOH where the pin was found to be partially bent, not sheared. Personnel suspected debris had accumulated on top of the plug. On the ninth run, the tool latched onto the plug fish neck. The Well Stroker applied an overpull and performed two up strokes. The tool string was POOH where personnel confirmed that the plug was successfully retrieved.

With this successful operation, Welltec proved the technical and operational viability of e-line fishing as an alternative and optimal option compared with the conventional options like slickline and CT. Running operations such as this one on e-line reduces time and cost commitments, as well as HSE risks. The client was satisfied with Welltec’s thorough approach to the SIT and the ability to control the Well Stroker force with SRO during the operation.

Because Welltec completed the operation on time without issues and secured the well prior to management decision to suspend the well, the client is encouraged to use the service again for similar cases.

The client awarded “Five stars for the tool quality, customer service, technical support and experienced crew.”