Resume Logging Operations
While Fishing
Case study: LWF technology cost-effectively resumes
logging while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Challenge
Recover tools that became
stuck following successful
wireline gravity descents
and complete the logging run.
Solution
Three case studies from the
Gulf of Mexico illustrate the rig
time and cost saved by employ-
ing LWF* logging-while-fishing
technology in various fishing
situations. LWF technology
can be used with most stuck
wireline tools.
Results
LWF technology enables the
resumption of logging operations
during fishing. A conditioning trip
is usually not necessary before
relogging because the fishing
job is converted to a drillpipe-
assisted log that completes the
original descent in the wellbore.
Stuck wireline tools recovered to resume logging
LWF* logging while fishing technology saves time and reduces cost by enabling the
resumption of logging operations during fishing. In most cases, the LWF technique
eliminates the conditioning trip required before relogging because the fishing job is
converted to a drillpipe-assisted log that completes the original descent in the wellbore.
Original descent completed
LWF technology can be used with most stuck wireline tools. The wireline is prepared
for cut-and-thread fishing with the connected sockets on the cable ends housed
in a load-bearing protective torpedo to reestablish both mechanical connection and
electrical communication with the stuck tool string. The tool overshot and drillpipe
are threaded over the cable to the
placement depth for the cable
side-entry sub (CSES). The CSES
is positioned to provide an over-
lapping, continuous log, with the
maximum continuous log interval
equal to the distance between the
casing shoe and rig floor.
The fishing tools on the rig floor
are then removed from the wire-
line and the tool is repowered
to prepare for engagement of the
overshot and tool. When the stuck
tool is reached, engagement is less
likely to damage the tool because
the reestablished electrical com-
munication allows monitoring
tension at the tool in addition
to the usual driller’s method.
Once the tool is freed, TLC*
Tough Logging Conditions-style
logging resumes the recording
of continuous or stationary logs.
LWF technology reduces fishing time and cost
while allowing completion of the logging run.
Formation Testing
Case study: LWF technology cost-effectively resumes
logging while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Logging operations resumed in the Gulf of Mexico
Three case studies from the Gulf of Mexico illustrate the rig time and cost saved by employ-
ing LWF technology in various fishing situations.
In the first two case studies, LWF service was used to recover MDT* Modular Formation
Dynamics Tester tools that became stuck following successful wireline gravity descents.
The first well was drilled to 11,000 ft, with the lower part deviated up to 35°. Pressure
testing revealed that the well was considerably overbalanced, and the 80-ft-long tool sub-
sequently became stuck at 10,200 ft. Using the LWF method to capture the MDT tool allowed
continuing pressure and fluid sampling to 100 ft below where the tool had been stuck.

LWF Time and Cost Savings

Time, h Cost, USD
Case study 1
Conventional fishing† 50 100,000
LWF method 31 61,000
Total savings 19 39,000
Case study 2
Conventional fishing† 87 217,500
LWF method 48 120,000
Total savings 39 97,500
Case study 3
Conventional fishing† 55 109,500
The double-ended torpedo LWF method 27 53,000
shown at the top protects the Total savings 28 56,500
reconnected cable. As shown † Conventional fishing operations include cut-and-thread procedures, a conditioning trip, and drillpipe-conveyed logging.
at the bottom, the cable passes
through the cable side-entry sub
to the outside of the drillpipe The second case study is an exploration well drilled to a depth of 16,350 ft. Although
to prevent wireline damage the stability of the relatively straight hole was borderline, there had been no overpull
during logging. A downhole
or other evidence of sticking. However, the 113-ft-long MDT tool became stuck at 14,620 ft
cable-severing device enables
wireline retrieval if the drillpipe while performing the tie-in log. The LWF technique reestablished logging operations within
becomes stuck while logging. 17 h, and the drillpipe-conveyed tool recovered additional pressure measurements and fluid
samples for 13 h.
The third case study is a 9,200-ft well deviated 27°, with 10 3⁄4-in casing set to 2,000 ft.
The 82-ft-long triple-combo tool became stuck at 8,900 ft. Once the tool was reengaged
using the LWF method, it was lowered by one stand of pipe to obtain the data required for
a continuous log from total depth to 2,000 ft above the point where the tool became stuck.

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06-FE-040 August 2007

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