Wellgrab 'tri-claw' frees stuck cable

In October 2024, an oil producer in the Norwegian sector of North Sea presented significant production challenges due to a stuck plug and a pulling bottomhole assembly (BHA) with 20 meters of stainless-steel cable trapped in the well. 

The operator sought an innovative solution to resolve this complex downhole situation, restore well integrity, and resume production.  Welltec was approached for its superior fishing capabilities and track record of delivering reliable, high-force solutions. 

This resulted in the first-ever application of a new Wellgrab™ solution featuring a 'tri-claw' grapple ideally suited for wireline retrieval.

Welltec implemented a meticulously planned intervention, leveraging a Wellgrab toolkit tailored to latch onto both the stuck fish and loose cable, ensuring efficient and fail-safe retrieval.

Preparation phase
Client planning included coordinating rig operations due to the length of the fish and a pre-mobilization System Integration Test (SIT) to validate tool compatibility.

Several custom solutions were manufactured to ensure successful engagement with the fish, providing options that could be introduced on the fly during the operation.

Intervention phase 
Run #1: Ultrasonic imaging identified the fish and curled cable on top, confirmed no additional debris was present, creating a detailed map for subsequent run/s.

Run #2: The ‘tri-claw'’ was deployed via Well Tractor® and Well Stroker® with up to 100,000 lbs of bi-directional force at its disposal.  The cable and top release device was successfully latched.  The assembly was retrieved in a single pull, with tool performance validated through Surface Readout (SRO) data.

Run #3: A Wellgrab high expansion 4” overshot (3.20” inner diameter) was paired with the Well Stroker, latched securely onto the remaining fish, retrieving the plug and BHA in one run.

The intervention exceeded client expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of Welltec’s solutions in complex fishing scenarios:

Production restored: The operation successfully retrieved the fish and enabled the well to resume production after a four-month shutdown.

Efficiency: The operation achieved its objectives in three planned runs, showcasing operational excellence and time-saving efficiency.

Client satisfaction: The client commended the thorough planning, execution, and effectiveness of the fishing technology.

Cost savings: The client was able to avoid the need for a costly workover operation, reducing both downtime and expenses.