Drilling & Well Completion

lifting sub

Lifting Subs: Essential Tools for Efficient Well Operations

In the demanding world of drilling and well completion, efficiency is paramount. Every operation, from drilling to well intervention, requires a robust and reliable system for handling and manipulating heavy tubulars. Enter the lifting sub, a crucial component that simplifies the process and ensures smooth operations.

What is a Lifting Sub?

A lifting sub is a threaded device typically placed at the end of tubulars, such as drill collars, to facilitate safe and secure lifting. Also known as a hoisting plug, the lifting sub provides a dedicated connection point for the lifting equipment, eliminating the need to rely on the tubular's own threads for hoisting.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Enhanced Safety: Lifting subs isolate the lifting operation from the tubular's connection points, preventing damage to the threads and reducing the risk of accidents during hoisting.
  • Increased Efficiency: The dedicated lifting point allows for quick and smooth connections to the lifting equipment, minimizing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.
  • Improved Durability: By isolating the lifting process from the tubular threads, lifting subs protect the connections from wear and tear, extending their lifespan.
  • Versatile Applications: Lifting subs are employed across various operations, including:
    • Drillstring Handling: Facilitating the lifting and lowering of drill collars and other tubulars during drilling operations.
    • Well Intervention: Assisting in the lifting and lowering of production tubing, casing, and other equipment during well servicing and workover activities.
    • Tubular Transportation: Providing secure lifting points for safe transportation of tubulars between locations.

Types of Lifting Subs:

Lifting subs come in various designs, each catering to specific needs and applications. Common types include:

  • Swivel Lifting Subs: These subs incorporate a swivel mechanism, allowing for free rotation of the tubular during lifting. This feature prevents twisting and ensures smooth operations.
  • Non-Swivel Lifting Subs: These subs offer a fixed connection point, suitable for applications where rotation during lifting is not required.
  • Float Lifting Subs: Designed to prevent damage to the tubular during hoisting, these subs allow for controlled movement during lifting, minimizing stress on the connection.

Conclusion:

Lifting subs play a vital role in enhancing safety, efficiency, and durability in drilling and well completion operations. By providing a dedicated lifting point, these devices simplify handling and manipulation of heavy tubulars, ensuring smooth and reliable operations throughout the entire well lifecycle.


Test Your Knowledge

Lifting Sub Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of a lifting sub?

a) To connect drill collars to the drill pipe b) To facilitate the lifting and lowering of tubulars c) To prevent the loss of circulation during drilling d) To measure the weight of the drill string

Answer

b) To facilitate the lifting and lowering of tubulars

2. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a lifting sub?

a) Enhanced safety during hoisting operations b) Increased efficiency by minimizing downtime c) Reduced wear and tear on tubular connections d) Improved torque capacity of the drill string

Answer

d) Improved torque capacity of the drill string

3. What type of lifting sub allows for free rotation of the tubular during lifting?

a) Non-Swivel Lifting Sub b) Float Lifting Sub c) Swivel Lifting Sub d) Hydraulic Lifting Sub

Answer

c) Swivel Lifting Sub

4. Lifting subs are typically used in which of the following operations?

a) Drilling only b) Well completion only c) Well intervention only d) All of the above

Answer

d) All of the above

5. What is another name for a lifting sub?

a) Drill collar b) Hoisting plug c) Mud motor d) Kelly bushing

Answer

b) Hoisting plug

Lifting Sub Exercise

Scenario:

You are working on a drilling rig and need to lift a drill collar out of the wellbore. The drill collar is connected to the drill pipe using a standard thread connection. You have a lifting sub available but are unsure how to use it.

Task:

  1. Explain the steps involved in using a lifting sub to safely lift the drill collar out of the wellbore.
  2. Describe how the lifting sub enhances safety and efficiency in this operation.

Exercice Correction

**Steps to Lift the Drill Collar Using a Lifting Sub:** 1. **Disconnect the drill pipe from the drill collar:** Carefully unscrew the drill pipe from the drill collar, ensuring a safe and secure separation. 2. **Attach the lifting sub to the drill collar:** Screw the lifting sub onto the drill collar using the dedicated lifting threads provided on the sub. Ensure the connection is tight and secure. 3. **Connect the lifting equipment to the lifting sub:** Attach the lifting equipment, such as a hoist or crane, to the lifting sub using the appropriate lifting hooks or connectors. 4. **Lift the drill collar:** Carefully and slowly lift the drill collar out of the wellbore using the lifting equipment. Ensure the lifting operation is controlled and safe. 5. **Transport and store the drill collar:** Once lifted, transport the drill collar to its designated storage location. **Benefits of Using a Lifting Sub:** * **Enhanced safety:** By isolating the lifting operation from the drill collar's connection threads, the lifting sub prevents damage to the threads and reduces the risk of accidental disconnections during hoisting. * **Increased efficiency:** The dedicated lifting point on the sub allows for quick and easy connection to the lifting equipment, minimizing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency. * **Improved durability:** By protecting the drill collar's threads from the stresses of lifting, the lifting sub extends the lifespan of the connection, reducing the need for frequent replacements.


Books

  • Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion by John C. Frick (Covers the fundamentals of drilling and well completion, including sections on lifting subs)
  • Well Completion Design: Theory and Practice by Michael J. Economides and Ken G. Nolte (Explains various aspects of well completion, including the use of lifting subs)
  • Drilling Engineering: A Comprehensive Approach by Robert F. Mitchell (Offers a detailed overview of drilling operations, discussing the importance of lifting subs)

Articles

  • "Lifting Subs: A Comprehensive Guide" by [Author's Name] (A technical article covering various aspects of lifting subs, including types, applications, and selection criteria)
  • "The Importance of Lifting Sub Selection in Drilling and Well Completion Operations" by [Author's Name] (A research article examining the impact of lifting sub selection on operational efficiency and safety)
  • "Optimizing Lifting Sub Utilization for Enhanced Drilling Performance" by [Author's Name] (An industry article discussing techniques for maximizing the use of lifting subs in drilling operations)

Online Resources

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): SPE's website offers a vast collection of technical papers, publications, and online resources related to drilling and well completion, including information on lifting subs.
  • Oil and Gas Journal: This industry publication frequently features articles and technical reports on various aspects of well operations, including lifting subs.
  • Manufacturer Websites: Companies that specialize in drilling and well completion equipment often provide detailed product information and technical specifications for their lifting subs.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Combine terms like "lifting sub," "hoisting plug," "drillstring handling," "well completion," "tubular handling," and "drilling operations" to narrow down your search.
  • Include manufacturer names: Search for lifting sub information using specific manufacturer names like Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Halliburton, etc.
  • Look for technical articles: Search for articles published in reputable journals like SPE Journal, Journal of Petroleum Technology, and other industry publications.
  • Explore forums and discussion boards: Search for discussions on lifting subs in online forums dedicated to drilling and well completion.

Techniques

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Project Planning & SchedulingGeology & ExplorationDrilling & Well CompletionGeneral Technical TermsSafety Training & AwarenessAsset Integrity ManagementPiping & Pipeline EngineeringLifting & RiggingProduction Facilities
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