When drilling for oil or gas, fishing is often required. No, not fishing in a lake or river, but removing undesirable objects from the wellbore or drilled hole to extract the gas or oil. Sometimes, an object, such as a tool, piece of equipment, or other item, gets stuck and negatively impacts the operations or drilling of the well. When this happens, these objects need to be removed. Someone must get the undesirable object (the fish) out of the wellbore.
Equipment Used for Fishing in the Oil and Gas Industry
Special procedures and equipment are used to remove undesirable objects to continue regular drilling or completion operations. Each fishing expedition is unique and requires careful consideration and planning to retrieve the object. A variety of tools and workstrings can be utilized. Rig time costs money, so it’s important not to hold up operations for long. Fishing must be completed as quickly as possible to continue normal operations. Experienced experts, like Renegade Wireline Services, have the right tools and knowledge to address any fishing issues quickly. By relying on skilled professionals, businesses can avoid prolonged downtime and mitigate potential risks, saving both time and money in the long run.
Reasons for Fishing in the Oil and Gas Industry
In drilling operations, many things can cause a problem in the wellbore. Here are a few examples:
- A parted or twist-off drill string
- Wireline logging tools got stuck
- A problem with a stuck pipe
- Tools or junk lost down the hole
Many things can fall down the wellbore or get inadvertently left there. Sometimes, recovering the item is quite simple. For instance, an overshot tool can be used if a pipe is left or dropped in the hole. Special fishing tools and an experienced person are required when the recovery job becomes more complicated. In some cases, a professional fishing tool operator is needed.
The most common cause of fishing is junk falling in the hole. This junk could be a rock bit, a hand tool, roller reamer parts, a hole opener arm and cone, an under reamer arm, or a pilot bit. To get the object out, it’s essential first to figure out what it is. Someone may know the object, but an impression block can be used if no one does. Once the type and size of the object are known, workers need to decide if the object can be removed whole or needs to be broken up.
Other causes, such as a parted or twist-off drill string, stuck wireline logging tools, or a stuck pipe, also require careful consideration for removal. Often, working with an expert is best.
Work with Professionals
Fishing is expected in this industry. Lost time means lost money, so it’s best to work with a fishing expert immediately. Working with a professional ensures that the job is done efficiently and with minimal disruption to operations. Experienced professionals use a range of specialized tools to handle different fishing challenges, ensuring each situation is addressed appropriately. These tools include spears, overshoots, and magnets, each designed for retrieving specific types of objects. Proper planning and execution are crucial, as fishing operations are often time-sensitive and require precision to avoid further complications.
