Trip

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: The Technical "Trip" in Oil and Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary definition of a "trip" in the oil and gas industry?

a) A journey taken by oil and gas workers to a drilling site. b) The process of removing and reinstalling pipework within a well. c) The amount of time it takes to complete a well drilling operation. d) A type of drilling equipment used to extract oil and gas.

2. Which of the following is NOT a reason for "pulling pipe" (or "pulling out")?

a) To inspect or repair damaged pipe. b) To install new production equipment. c) To test the well's pressure. d) To remove temporary equipment after well completion.

3. What is the primary purpose of "running pipe" (or "running in")?

a) To remove old pipe sections from the well. b) To lower new or re-used pipe sections into the wellbore. c) To measure the depth of the well. d) To inject chemicals into the well.

4. What does the phrase "trip to bottom" refer to?

a) The process of reaching the bottom of the well during drilling. b) Completely pulling all the pipe out and running new pipe back down to the bottom. c) The final stage of well completion before production begins. d) The procedure for abandoning a well after production ends.

5. Why are trip operations considered critical in the oil and gas industry?

a) They are used to determine the best location to drill new wells. b) They allow for efficient and safe operation of oil and gas wells. c) They help to identify potential environmental hazards associated with drilling. d) They determine the amount of oil and gas reserves available in a particular area.

Exercise: Planning a Trip

Scenario: You are a field engineer working on a producing oil well. After several years of production, the well is experiencing declining production rates. You need to plan a "trip to bottom" to replace the existing production tubing with a new, more efficient tubing string.

Task:

1. List three key considerations you would need to make when planning this "trip to bottom".
2. What specific equipment would be necessary for this operation?
3. What safety procedures would you need to implement during this trip?

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques for Pulling and Running Pipe

This chapter focuses on the specific techniques involved in pulling and running pipe in oil and gas wells.

1.1 Pulling Pipe (Pulling Out)

• Rig Setup: The process begins with setting up the rig. This involves positioning the rig over the wellhead, connecting the hoisting system, and preparing the necessary equipment.
• Pipe Disconnect: The first step is to disconnect the pipe from the wellhead. This typically involves releasing a series of clamps or connectors, depending on the type of pipe and wellhead configuration.
• Hoisting: The hoisting system is then used to lift the pipe sections out of the wellbore. The process is slow and controlled to prevent damage to the pipe or wellbore.
• Pipe Handling: As the pipe is pulled out, it's handled with care and placed on designated racks or storage locations. This ensures the pipe remains free of damage and is ready for inspection or re-use.
• Rig Down: Once all the pipe is pulled out, the rig is dismantled and moved away from the wellhead.

1.2 Running Pipe (Running In)

• Rig Setup: Similar to pulling pipe, running pipe requires a dedicated rig with a hoisting system. The rig is positioned over the wellhead, and the running tool is attached to the hoisting system.
• Pipe Preparation: The pipe sections to be run are inspected and prepped for installation. They might need to be cleaned, coated, or fitted with specific connectors.
• Running Tool: The running tool is used to guide the pipe sections into the wellbore. The tool ensures proper alignment and prevents the pipe from becoming stuck or damaged during the descent.
• Lowering and Connecting: The pipe sections are carefully lowered into the well using the hoisting system and running tool. As each section reaches its target depth, it's connected to the previous section.
• Rig Down: Once all the pipe is run to the desired depth, the rig is dismantled and moved away.

1.3 Trip to Bottom:

A trip to bottom is a more complex operation that requires careful planning and execution. It combines the techniques of pulling and running pipe to completely remove and replace all the pipe within the wellbore.

• Sequential Pulling and Running: The process involves sequentially pulling out all the pipe sections and immediately replacing them with new or reconditioned sections.
• Pipe Handling and Storage: As the pipe is pulled out, it's handled and stored carefully for inspection and potential re-use.
• Running New Pipe: New or refurbished pipe sections are lowered back into the wellbore, connected, and run to the desired depth.
• Time Management: Trip to bottom operations require strict time management to ensure the well remains stable and the work proceeds efficiently.

This chapter provides a basic overview of the techniques involved in pulling and running pipe in oil and gas wells. The specific procedures may vary depending on the type of well, the pipe being used, and the specific objectives of the operation.