Our Services

Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Drilling & Well Completion: Slip Stop (wireline)

Ask Question

Slip Stop (wireline)

Slip Stop: A Key Tool for Wireline Operations in Oil & Gas

In the world of oil and gas extraction, wireline operations are critical for accessing and manipulating equipment within wellbores. One vital tool used in these operations is the Slip Stop, a versatile device that provides crucial control and safety.

What is a Slip Stop?

A Slip Stop is essentially a wireline set plug with integral slips and seals. Its design resembles a miniature packer, acting as a temporary barrier within the wellbore. This barrier allows for safe and efficient operations by:

  • Securing the wireline: The slips engage the wellbore wall, firmly securing the wireline in place. This prevents accidental movement or detachment, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.
  • Creating a pressure barrier: The seals create a tight seal against the wellbore, preventing fluid flow from bypassing the Slip Stop. This is essential for operations involving pressure control and fluid isolation.
  • Enabling operations: The Slip Stop allows for the controlled deployment and retrieval of tools, such as logging tools, perforating guns, or stimulation equipment. This facilitates various essential wellbore activities.

Applications of the Slip Stop:

The versatility of the Slip Stop makes it an indispensable tool in diverse wireline operations:

  • Pressure testing: Isolating sections of the wellbore to perform pressure tests and ensure integrity.
  • Fluid injection and recovery: Controlling fluid flow during stimulation or injection operations.
  • Logging operations: Providing a stable platform for running logging tools to acquire detailed wellbore data.
  • Completion operations: Facilitating the placement and retrieval of completion tools, such as packers and tubing.
  • Intervention and workover: Assisting in the repair and maintenance of wells, including retrieving stuck equipment.

Benefits of Using a Slip Stop:

  • Enhanced safety: Prevents wireline movement and accidental release, minimizing the risk of accidents.
  • Increased efficiency: Facilitates quick and precise tool deployments, optimizing wellbore operations.
  • Improved reliability: Ensures secure wellbore isolation and pressure control, enhancing the reliability of operations.
  • Versatility: Adaptable for various applications, contributing to the flexibility of wireline operations.

Conclusion:

The Slip Stop is a crucial component in the successful execution of wireline operations in the oil and gas industry. Its ability to secure wireline, isolate fluid flow, and enable various tool deployments makes it an invaluable tool for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability in challenging wellbore environments.

Test Your Knowledge

Slip Stop Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary function of a Slip Stop in wireline operations?

a) To lubricate the wireline during deployment. b) To prevent fluid flow between wellbore sections. c) To measure the depth of the wellbore. d) To connect the wireline to the surface equipment.

Answer

b) To prevent fluid flow between wellbore sections.

2. What makes the Slip Stop a valuable tool for safety in wireline operations?

a) Its ability to quickly disconnect the wireline in case of emergency. b) Its ability to securely hold the wireline in place, preventing accidental movement. c) Its ability to signal the operator of potential hazards. d) Its ability to automatically shut down operations in case of pressure surges.

Answer

b) Its ability to securely hold the wireline in place, preventing accidental movement.

3. Which of the following operations does NOT typically utilize a Slip Stop?

a) Pressure testing a wellbore section. b) Running a logging tool to acquire wellbore data. c) Retrieving a stuck piece of equipment. d) Performing a seismic survey.

Answer

d) Performing a seismic survey.

4. What is the main benefit of the Slip Stop's ability to create a pressure barrier?

a) It allows for easier deployment of wireline tools. b) It prevents contamination of the wellbore fluids. c) It facilitates the accurate measurement of wellbore pressure. d) It ensures safe and controlled fluid injection and recovery.

Answer

d) It ensures safe and controlled fluid injection and recovery.

5. How does the Slip Stop contribute to the efficiency of wireline operations?

a) By eliminating the need for specialized personnel. b) By reducing the amount of time required for tool deployments. c) By automatically adjusting to varying wellbore conditions. d) By providing real-time data on wellbore performance.

Answer

b) By reducing the amount of time required for tool deployments.

Slip Stop Exercise

Instructions:

Imagine you are working on a wireline operation to perform a pressure test on a specific section of a wellbore. You need to isolate the section for accurate pressure readings. Describe the steps involved in using a Slip Stop to achieve this isolation, including the precautions you would take and the tools you would need.

Exercice Correction

To isolate a section of the wellbore for a pressure test using a Slip Stop, follow these steps:

  1. **Prepare the Slip Stop:** Ensure the Slip Stop is in good condition and appropriately sized for the wellbore. Check its seals, slips, and release mechanism.
  2. **Lower the Slip Stop:** Using the wireline, carefully lower the Slip Stop to the desired depth within the wellbore. This depth should correspond to the section you want to isolate.
  3. **Engage the Slips:** Once the Slip Stop reaches the designated depth, activate the slips to engage with the wellbore wall. This will create a firm seal and prevent any movement of the wireline.
  4. **Test the Seal:** After the slips are engaged, perform a preliminary pressure test to ensure a tight seal is achieved. If necessary, adjust the slips or the Slip Stop's position to ensure proper isolation.
  5. **Proceed with Pressure Testing:** With the Slip Stop in place and a secure seal established, you can now perform the pressure test on the isolated section of the wellbore.
  6. **Release the Slip Stop:** After the pressure test is completed, release the slips and carefully retrieve the Slip Stop from the wellbore.

**Precautions:**

  • Ensure the wellbore is properly cleaned before deploying the Slip Stop.
  • Carefully monitor the wireline and the Slip Stop's operation during the entire process.
  • Pay close attention to pressure readings during the pressure test and take appropriate action if any anomalies are detected.

**Tools:**

  • Wireline unit
  • Slip Stop
  • Pressure testing equipment
  • Communication system for coordinating operations

Books

  • "Wireline Operations" by John A. G. Edwards: A comprehensive resource covering various aspects of wireline operations, including the use of slip stops.
  • "Petroleum Engineering Handbook" by William D. McCain Jr.: A widely-used handbook in the petroleum industry, providing details on various wellbore operations, including wireline techniques.
  • "Well Completion Design and Operations" by Arthur H. Harvey: Focuses on well completion strategies and operations, including discussions on wireline tools like slip stops.

Articles

  • "Slip Stops: Essential Tools for Wellbore Operations" by Schlumberger: This article provides detailed insights into the design, types, and applications of slip stops in wireline operations.
  • "Wireline Logging and Perforating Operations" by SPE: This article explores various aspects of wireline logging and perforating, highlighting the importance of slip stops in ensuring safe and effective operations.
  • "The Role of Slip Stops in Downhole Safety" by Halliburton: An article that discusses the role of slip stops in enhancing safety during wireline operations and preventing accidental releases.

Online Resources

  • Schlumberger Website: Access technical documentation, case studies, and other resources related to wireline operations and slip stops.
  • Halliburton Website: Explore their website for information on wireline services, slip stop technologies, and related publications.
  • Baker Hughes Website: Find detailed information on wireline tools, including slip stops, and their applications in wellbore operations.
  • SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers): Access SPE publications, journals, and conferences focusing on wireline technology and the use of slip stops.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: When searching on Google, use keywords like "slip stop wireline", "slip stop wellbore", "wireline operations slip stop", "types of slip stops", etc.
  • Combine keywords with industry terms: Include terms like "oil and gas", "downhole", "well completion", "wireline logging", etc., to narrow down your search results.
  • Use quotation marks: Enclose specific phrases within quotation marks to find exact matches, e.g., "slip stop design".
  • Filter results: Utilize Google's search filters (e.g., "news", "articles", "books") to focus on relevant content.
  • Use advanced search operators: Explore advanced operators like "site:" or "filetype:" to further refine your searches.
Similar Terms
Drilling & Well Completion
Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Oil & Gas Specific Terms
Safety Training & Awareness
Lifting & Rigging
Oil & Gas Processing
Travel & Logistics
Spare Parts Management
  • Slippage Slippage: The Silent Threat t…
Most Viewed

Comments

No Comments
POST COMMENT
captcha
Back