Real-Time Wire Management System Improves Reliability and Efficiency in Slickline Service Operations

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe technological enhancements, new tools, versatility, and cost efficiency of slickline services have increased its usage considerably in the last decade. However, an efficient method to capture the integrity of slickline wire prior to its use has not been available until recently. This paper will discuss a new Real-Time Wire-Management System that has been developed to predict the used life of the wire in slickline operations. The system uses a general wire model to detect fatigue failure in the wire. The model results are accumulated for the whole life of each drum of wire, and then, when the use life exceeds predetermined levels, the operator can remove the slickline tool and can make appropriate changes to the wire. A specified amount of line can be cut off to move the bending point to a new location, or the line can be reversed, extending the life of the whole unit by moving the operation to wire that was located previously at the core of the drum. Finally, the system can help the operator determine when a drum of wire should be discarded completely. Field applications have shown that this system can result in enhanced reliability in slickline operations and that cost savings from reductions in catastrophic operational events can be significant.