Trip

The Technical "Trip" in Oil and Gas: Pulling Pipe and Running Bottom

In the oil and gas industry, the term "trip" carries a very specific meaning, referring to a process that involves removing and reinstalling pipework within a well. This is a common procedure in various aspects of oil and gas production, each with its own unique reasons for requiring a trip.

Here's a breakdown of the two main types of trips:

1. Pulling Pipe (or "Pulling Out"):

What it means: This refers to the process of removing sections of pipe from the wellbore, starting from the top and working downwards.
Why it's done:
- Maintenance: To inspect, clean, or repair damaged pipe.
- Workover: To perform tasks like replacing worn-out components or setting new production equipment.
- Well Completion: To remove temporary equipment and install permanent production tubing.
- Well Abandonment: To fully remove all equipment and seal the well.
How it's done: A specialized rig with a hoisting system is used to lift the pipe sections out of the well.

2. Running Pipe (or "Running In"):

What it means: This is the process of lowering new or re-used pipe sections back into the wellbore.
Why it's done: To replace old pipe, install new equipment, or complete the well for production.
How it's done: The pipe sections are carefully lowered into the well using a specialized running tool and the rig's hoisting system.

The "Trip to Bottom":

The phrase "trip to bottom" refers to the process of completely pulling all the pipe out of the well and then running new pipe back down to the bottom. This is often a complex and time-consuming operation, requiring a significant amount of equipment and manpower.

Reasons for a "Trip to Bottom":

Major Well Repair: When significant damage or issues require replacing all the pipe.
Well Reconditioning: To clean and restore the wellbore after a long period of production.
Well Conversion: To modify the well for a different production method.
Well Abandonment: As a final step in permanently sealing the well.

Safety and Efficiency:

Trip operations are critical to the safe and efficient operation of oil and gas wells. They require careful planning, execution, and monitoring to minimize risks and ensure the successful completion of the task.

Understanding the different types of trips and their specific applications is crucial for anyone working in the oil and gas industry. It allows for better communication, efficient planning, and ultimately, safer and more effective well operations.

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.

Answer

b) The process of removing and reinstalling pipework within a well.

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.

Answer

c) To test the well's pressure.

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.

Answer

b) To lower new or re-used pipe sections into the wellbore.

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.

Answer

b) Completely pulling all the pipe out and running new pipe back down to the bottom.

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.

Answer

b) They allow for efficient and safe operation of oil and gas wells.

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:

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

Exercise Correction

**1. Key Considerations:** * **Well Condition:** Assess the current condition of the wellbore, including any potential corrosion, scaling, or other issues that could affect the trip. * **Tubing Selection:** Choose the appropriate tubing size, grade, and length to ensure optimal production and longevity. * **Rig and Equipment Availability:** Confirm the availability of the necessary rig, hoisting equipment, running tools, and other specialized equipment required for the trip. **2. Equipment:** * **Workover Rig:** A specialized rig equipped with a hoisting system capable of handling the weight of the tubing string. * **Tubing Running Tools:** Tools designed to connect and lower the new tubing sections into the wellbore. * **Tubing String:** The new production tubing with necessary accessories like packers, valves, and connections. * **Wireline Equipment:** For potential logging and inspection tasks during the trip. * **Safety Equipment:** Personal protective equipment (PPE), safety harnesses, and other safety equipment necessary for the operation. **3. Safety Procedures:** * **Risk Assessment:** Thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards during the trip and implement mitigation measures. * **Job Safety Analysis (JSA):** Develop a comprehensive JSA for each stage of the trip, outlining safe work practices and procedures. * **Permitting and Notifications:** Obtain all necessary permits and notify relevant authorities about the trip. * **Pre-Trip Inspection:** Perform a thorough inspection of all equipment and tools before initiating the trip. * **Emergency Response Plans:** Develop a detailed emergency response plan in case of accidents or unexpected events. * **Communication:** Ensure clear and effective communication among all personnel involved in the operation.

Books

"Oil and Gas Production Operations" by John M. Campbell: Covers a wide range of oil and gas production topics, including well completion, workover, and abandonment, which involve trip operations.
"Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion" by T.P. Caudle: Focuses on drilling and well completion practices, including detailed explanations of trip procedures.
"Well Testing" by John C. Lee: Includes information on well testing techniques used during trip operations, especially after workovers or completion procedures.

Articles

"Trip Operations: A Guide to Best Practices" by SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers): An SPE article discussing best practices for planning, executing, and monitoring trip operations.
"Trip Optimization in Oil and Gas Wells" by Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering: An academic article focusing on optimizing trip procedures to minimize time and cost.
"Safety and Efficiency in Trip Operations" by Oil and Gas Journal: An industry publication article highlighting the importance of safety and efficiency during trip operations.

Online Resources

SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers): Their website offers a wealth of information on various aspects of oil and gas production, including trip operations. Search their website for terms like "trip", "well completion", "workover", and "abandonment".
Oil & Gas Journal: This industry journal publishes articles on various topics related to oil and gas production, including trip operations.
Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary: This online glossary provides definitions of oil and gas terms, including "trip", "pulling pipe", and "running pipe".

Search Tips

Use specific keywords: Use keywords like "trip", "pulling pipe", "running pipe", "trip to bottom", "well completion", "workover", and "abandonment".
Combine keywords with "oil and gas": For example, "trip oil and gas" or "pulling pipe oil and gas".
Use quotation marks for specific phrases: "Trip to bottom" or "running pipe operations".
Filter results by source: Use "site:spe.org" or "site:ogj.com" to search within specific websites.
Use the "advanced search" option: To further refine your search by date, language, and other criteria.

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.

Similar Terms

Drilling & Well Completion