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Braided Cable
Well Site Operations - Pre-Job Planning

Pre-Job Planning

In today’s well intervention operations an increasing number of clients will require the use of run simulations
based upon the job objective, well bore geometry, well fluids, tool string design and wire / cable type and size
amongst a variety of other factors. The use of planning tools allows the prediction of the success of the run to
be pre-determined and provides an opportunity to develop contingency planning whilst reducing risk.

Job Planning software if used in the planning stage of a Braided Cable well intervention can provide
information on all of the relevant aspects of an operation: -
Determine the ability to perform the planned intervention. For instance, can the tool string and
the tools being deployed actually reach the intended target with sufficient leeway to avoid
increasing the risk of the intervention
Determine the maximum wire tensions at specific depths. At all depths in the well contingency
planning requires having sufficient tension available to operate jars, or, pull tension to recover
the tool string without exceeding the maximum allowable tension (MAT)
Improve tool string design to meet the specific requirements of the well based upon the well
geometry (deviation and doglegs), well fluids, frictions factors, pressure, temperature, tubing /
casing dimensions and depths etc. For instance, the types of optimisations that can be made are
the selection of the type of jars to be used to provide an effective impact at the depth required
In addition, job planning software can be used to determine if the efficiency of the tool string can
be improved through the addition of roller tool string components or roller subs

In summary, job planning software allows the optimisation of the tool string design whilst determining the
feasibility of the conveyance. The theoretical design can be compared to observed wellsite data for further
optimisations for future operations. Through the application of job planning software contingency planning
can be built in to the final job design ensuring the objectives of the job can be met without additional risk.

An example of this type of software is the NOV CTES Cerberus for Wireline. This is a software for planning the
deployment of tools by wire or cable in highly deviated or complex wells, by modelling the cumulative
mechanical and hydraulic forces to ensure the target depth can be reached, the job performed, and the tools
returned to surface.

Several companies have in-house Intervention planning tools, such as the Schlumberger ToolPlanner, which in
principle it has the same features as Cerberus

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Braided Cable
Well Site Operations - Running & Pulling

The weight and configuration of the tool string can be determined either by calculating the uplift on the cable
or using pre-planning prediction software

Pre-planning prediction tools will provide a job simulation based upon a range of inputs such as tubing size,
deviation, well bore restrictions, pressure, fluids, job objective (tools to be run) depth to run to, cable size and
so. Outputs will include depth that can reached, tensions on bottom, available tension for firing jars and the
tool string weight required to perform the job.

It is also possible to configure the tool string by determining the amount of stem bar (weight) required in the
tool string to overcome the well head pressure acting on the cable. The force acting on the cable is the
pressure x cross sectional are of the cable. The rule of thumb is the force acting upwards on the cable + 25%
equates to the total tool string weight required to overcome well head pressure.

Cable Tension & Speed

High pressure wells can cause cable issues due to the high line wiper and grease injection pressures required
for well control which can result in a torque to build up in the cable as a result of passing into and through the
higher pressure zone in the grease injection assembly.

Cable tension as opposed to cable speed is more often the cause of cable problems, too little tension running
in the well or too much tension pulling out.

Always follow the 80/120 rule

80% of static tension running in
120% of static tension pulling out

It is also good practice to stop at various depths when running into a well to allow torque to balance in the
cable. Pulling tensions will have to be adjusted depending on the depth in the well to compensate for the
increase or decrease in the weight of the cable.

A cable performs at its optimum if the tension profile remains the same as when it was first spooled, however
during wellsite operations tension will be lower running in than pulling out. This is a danger point for a cable.
A cable pulled out of the well under tension and being free to rotate will be re-run at much lower tensions
running back into the well. This is a typical scenario every time a cable is used and must be managed by
controlling cable speed to maintain tension. If a cable is run into a well at too low a tension rotation of the
cable will be restricted and the cable will be unable to balance itself.

Fast speeds in or out of the well do not allow for cable torque balancing, too fast out and the cable will tend
to unwrap itself, too quickly in under reduced tension the cable will attempt to tighten up, the quicker the
running speed the less time for the cable to try to stabilise the inner and outer layers. Ultimately fast running
and pulling speeds will lead to a loose outer layer which can result in bird caging.

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Pulling out too fast will tend to cause the outer layer strands to twist and open as they pass through the
grease injection head which can lead to potential bird caging or stranding issues if speed is not reduced and
cable tension restored to the recommended 120% of static weight.

A constant check must be kept on the cable as it comes onto the drum when pulling out of the well, checking
to see if the strands on the outer layer are tight or loose, by observation if the outer layer strands appear to
be ‘open’ it indicates that either the pulling speed is too high or the line wiper pressure is too high. To control
the situation, stop the cable, check and reduce line wiper pressure and run back slowly into the well allowing
time for the cable torque itself up again, and then continue to pull out.

Pre-job Checks & Observations

During the rig up, checks and observations should be made of the cable. For instance, when making a new
rope socket and testing the cable checking for signs of damage, wear or corrosion. Or, when the cable is laid
out on the deck without any tension it should lay slack, if there is any sign of twisting it indicates there is some
residual torque. In this instance cut the cable back to locate un-torqued cable.

Another indication that there are potential issues of over torqued cable either during the rig up or after a run
when the tension has been reduced on the cable is the twisting of the upper pulley, in severe cases the upper
pulley can rotate between 5 to 10 times. Again, the only option is to lay down the tool string and pressure
equipment and cut the cable back to remove the over torqued section and locate ‘fresh’ cable.

A swivel should be used below the rope socket for all braided cable runs, during seasoning two swivels should
be run.

Running In
After Pressure testing release pack off pressure. Lower grease injection and line wiper pressure
to the minimum required to maintain a pressure seal and well control.
Make a note of the static hanging weight in the lubricator
Make a note of the number of wraps on the layer of cable on the drum
Check the well completion diagram and a new ZChart are available at the winch
Run in the slowly until the tool string is below the Christmas tree, tool movements may be slow
for the first few hundred feet depending on well pressure and tool weight
Grease injection pressure must be monitored all the time the tool string is in the well
The line wiper must be engaged at low control line pressure throughout the time the tool string is
in the well to control any potential grease spills
Running in speed should be known prior to running in the well and kept well with the capacity of
the grease injection system to maintain a seal
Make a note of the depth counter reading at the drum flange on the ZChart as each cable layer
leave the winch drum
Keep a close check on cable tension running in the well, maintaining the 80% rule of thumb
If agreed with the client it is always a good practice to stop during the descent into the well and
allow time for the cable to rotate and stabilise and to note down the static weight

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Always slow down for restrictions and jewellery in the well bore

Pulling Out
Pulling out of the well the movement of the cable will tend to pull the grease upwards through
the grease injection assembly.
Prior to starting to pull out the grease injection pressure should be increased, carefully observed
and adjusted to maintain pressure control.
The line wiper control pressure should also be increased to limit any grease spillage
Pull out speeds should be kept within grease pump capacity to maintain a seal.
Observe the 120% rule of thumb for cable tension and adjust the line speed accordingly
Always slow down for restrictions and jewellery in the well bore
Check and confirm depth counter reading at the drum flange against the ZChart as each cable
layer is pulled onto the winch drum
At 300ft (this depth will vary)
Stop the winch
Reduce engine speed,
Reduce system hydraulic pressure,
Check and verify the tool trap (if rigged up) is in the catch position
Post a crew member to observe the flapper handle movement of the tool trap (if rigged up).
Post an operator to hold down the cable as the tool string approaches surface and enters the
pressure control equipment
The operator will confirm the tool trap flapper is in the down position
Pull up until the rope socket is engaged by the tool catcher, this can be confirmed by attempting
to lower the tool string
Close the swab valve, counting the number of turns

In practice when running in a well it is possible that the tool string may become hung up and it could go un-
observed, some tension devices do not provide sufficient sensitivity or fine enough scale to be able to identify
the initial tension drop which indicates the tool string has stopped whilst the cable continues to run into the
well bore and in these circumstances it is possible for the cable to overrun the tools. Apart from potential
issues downhole it will also result in slack cable and a loss of tension in the cable on the winch drum. When
starting to pull out of the well, the tension will build up progressively and will result in higher tension cable
being spooled on top cable at a lower tension. In this case the cable should be serviced and re-spooled to
restore the correct tension profile and inspected for any damage prior to being used in operations again.

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Braided Cable
Well Site Operations - HD Jarring

Braided cables provide a significant increase in achievable line tensions.

There are three main applications for Braided Cable in well interventions: -
Large bore (7”- 9”) completion operations where high line tensions can be attained due to the
size and weight of the downhole equipment being deployed or recovered.
Fishing, where high line tensions can be generated through heavy duty jarring or straight line
pull.
Swabbing, where high line tensions are generated through the lifting of fluids from a well bore to
initiate production by creating an under balance on the formation

Typical MBL for Alloy Dyform® Braided Cable

50% / 60%
Braided Cable Size
Minimum Breaking Load (MBL)

7/32” Alloy Dyform® Braided Cable 3259lbs / 3900lbs

5/16” Alloy Dyform® Braided Cable 6690lbs / 8028lbs

Braided Cable operations generally use larger OD downhole tools, with tubing ID being the limit on choice.
Tool strings would be typically 2.125” or 2.5” OD and in cases of HD fishing applications 2.687”.

Specialist tool string components such as skates or heavy weight stem bar can be even larger in the order of
3.25” or 3.75”. In order to maximise the effectiveness of the large diameter tool strings spring and power jars
are correspondingly larger as well. Braided cable jarring is most effective when using spring or power jars. It is
difficult to generate the high impact forces with a mechanical stroke (spang, linear, tubular) jar, generally the
units are too low geared and the large winch drums exhibit too much inertia to be effective. Equally jarring
down is not efficient for the same reasons. It is standard practice a mechanical stroke jar will be included in
the tool string.

Braided Cable Heavy Duty Jarring

High cable tensions
Generating high impact forces down hole
Generating high cable stress points, bending points over sheaves
Cyclic nature of the operation, repeated jarring at the same depth, potentially limited
progression with the operation continuing over a long period of time

The following are a set of proposed guidelines to use if any or all of the above conditions are met in an
operation. Overall the objective is to protect the cable whilst avoiding any outcome which puts personnel,
equipment or the well at further risk.

Pre-job preparations must include a full equipment maintenance, inspection and review of certifications.
Downhole tool history files should be reviewed and where necessary tools should be re-examined (NDE).

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On the basis that all maintenance tasks have been completed satisfactorily, personnel on the crew should be
assigned tasks and responsibilities. It is good practice to have developed a check list for the pre-job well site
jarring operation. In addition, a form should also be developed to track the number of jars made, at what time
and the tensions applied. A jarring procedure is all about the number jars versus time.

Caution, if a Martin Decker type weight indicator mounted at the lower sheave is being used check the angle
the wire describes, if it is 90degs then the reading on the gauge is the true line tension, if the angle is anything
other than 90degs then a correction factor must be applied to the reading at the gauge, see the matrix below.

Wire Angle Correction Factor Gauge Tension True Tension

75 1.12 1500 lbs 1339 lbs

80 1.08 1500 lbs 1388 lbs
85 1.04 1500 lbs 1442 lbs
90 1.00 1500 lbs 1500 lbs
95 0.96 1500 lbs 1562 lbs
100 0.91 1500 lbs 1648 lbs
105 0.86 1500 lbs 1744 lbs
110 0.81 1500 lbs 1851 lbs
115 0.76 1500 lbs 1973 lbs
120 0.71 1500 lbs 2112 lbs

It is strongly recommended that the lower sheave should have a sheave stand as there will be many occasions
in the course of the operation when there will be little or no tension on the cable and without a stand the
sheave will fall over and potentially damage the cable

HD Jarring Guideline
Maximum allowed cable tension set at 50% MBL
1. There are two scenarios to consider when HD Jarring may be required
Planned fishing operation where shear or pull to release contingencies are built into
the program
Unplanned, stuck in hole in the course of a routine operation
2. Pre-job Safety meeting
Review Program and Risk Assessment
Review Pre-Job HD Jarring Checklist
Review Roles & Responsibilities
Confirm with Client representative maximum cable tension allowed, initially not to
exceed 50% MBL
Review Jarring Record Sheet
3. Heavy Duty jarring has to be approached in a systematic manner, starting slowly, checking all
systems are functioning correctly, all surface equipment is tied down and secure, PCE Control and
grease injection systems are functioning correctly

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4. When it is confirmed the work area clear of all non-essential personnel, with barriers in place,
equipment in operational order and after notifying all personnel in the area commence
operations
5. Verify a crew member is monitoring the grease injection panel, adjusting grease injection
pressure to ensure the grease seal is maintained throughout the operation
6. Other crew members should be positioned behind the barriers in positions to be able to monitor
the surface equipment and in line of sight of the winch operator to be able to inform him if any
issues present themselves
7. When pulling tension to fire jars for the first time pull up slowly applying tension gradually until
the jars fire
8. Jar 20 times
9. Every 5 or 10 jars perform a depth check, pull up to an agreed tension and check the depth
indicator, make a note of the depth on the Jarring Record
10. Rest the cable for 5 minutes
11. Perform a walk round and inspect all equipment
12. Jar an additional 20 times
13. Every 5 or 10 jars perform a depth check, pull up to an agreed tension and check the depth
indicator, make a note of the depth on the Jarring Record
14. Rest the cable for 5 minutes
15. Perform a walk round and inspect all equipment
16. Jar an additional 20 times
17. Every 5 or 10 jars perform a depth check, pull up to an agreed tension and check the depth
indicator, make a note of the depth on the Jarring Record
18. Stop the operation and attempt to shear off (release) downhole.
19. When the tool has sheared off recover the tool string to surface, cut off cable (+/-100ft), remake
and set a new rope socket, inspect the tool string, redress tools as necessary and prepare to re-
run if required, go to step 8.
20. If unable to shear off downhole, suspend operations and review options, which are: -
Repeat one HD Jarring Program cycle
Attempt to cut the cable at the rope socket
Cut the cable at surface
Pull to break the cable
21. If it’s decided to continue HD Jarring Program review cable bending points and the opportunities
for shifting them. Raising or lowering the upper sheave will have the greatest impact, but the
safety requirements and the practicality of doing so will outweigh the slender benefit gained.
Also, if a Variable Length Lubricator is part of the PCE rig up it could be closed up to gain 3ft.
22. Repeat steps 8 to 14 and step 16
23. With agreement of all concerned parties the maximum allowed line tension could be increased
after an agreed number of HD jarring cycles having been completed. As stated, the HD Jarring
operation uses 50% MBL, this could be increased to 60% MBL, assuming the Risk Assessment and

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contingency planning have been reviewed and approved.

24. If no progress is made the fishing program should have an agreed cut off point when operations
will be suspended.

Braided Cable HD Jarring Sequence – Flow Diagram (an example)

Start HD
Jarring

Rest wire 5 minutes,

Activate power jars Continue for 3 cycles
inspect surface
20 times total (60 jars)
equipment

Repeat Jarring HD jarring Continue as

Yes
sequence sequence per program
successful

No

Option - Change rig Repeat HD

Yes
up to reduce work Jarring program
hardening the cable

No

Jarring sequence has not been

successful. Unable to follow program.
Stop the operation. Inform
management / supervisor / client,
raise MOC

Option - Increase
Yes New jarring
maximum allowable
parameters
tension to 60% MBL

No

No Can shear off Yes Revise program / plan

Cut cable downhole
pulling tool for future operations

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SLICKLINE CONNECT
Braided Cable
Well Site Operations - Hints & Tips

The following should be used as a reminder during the preparation, planning and execution of Braided Cable
operations. The list of hints and tips should be regarded as a guideline only as conditions vary from well to
well and there can be many other factors which can impact an operation. The objective must be to always
eliminate or reduce to the lowest possibility any cause for a Braided Cable failure during operations.

Braided cables provide an increase in line tensions, but there are added complications of
pressure control and wellsite cable management
Reformed cables for any given cable diameter have more material per cross section resulting in
higher line strengths
Is there sufficient cable for the planned operation, check the Daily Cable Record
Jarring down is limited, due winch drum sizes and drum gearing which can make certain
operations risky
Braided cable jarring is most effective jarring up with spring or power jars. It is difficult to
generate the high impact forces to be effective with a mechanical jar
Use a HD Jarring procedure and track the number of jars made and the tension applied
The key to spooling a Braided Cable is following the correct tension profile over its entire length
and accurately maintaining the cable break
The spooling report should contain, the spooling date, cable type and size, ID number, spooling
tensions, cable OD and cable length
Every cable must have a quality file, containing purchase and shipping documents, mill certs and
all copies of wire tests and copies of all daily cable records, the cable record should ideally be
electronic
The winch drum number combined with the cable mill certificate reference number should be
used to identify a cable
Proper seasoning will extend the life of a cable
Seasoning needs to be performed over several runs. Extreme temperatures, pressures and high
tensions should be avoided. Low pressure, fluid filled well bores are preferable
Running speeds and well pressure are two factors which can ‘unbalance’ a cable and must remain
a focus during cable seasoning
During seasoning a heavy tool string should be used, which is free to rotate and ideally the
seasoning runs are made in a vertical well
It is recommended that two swivel joints are used below the rope socket during seasoning
Flow tube selection – make frequent checks of the cable diameter during seasoning. Flow tube
clearance should be between 0.004 – 0.008” for a standard cable and 0.010” for a reformed cable
Always use new flow tubes with an unseasoned or new cable
The pressure drop per flow tube is approximately 2000-2500psi for oil wells and 1600-2000psi for
gas wells

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ZCharts should be used for all seasoning runs. They provide a positive record of the seasoning
steps and should be added to the cable history file
Always select the correct cable to meet well conditions and job requirements
Always make a pre-job Braided Cable ductility (torture) test, the results should be recorded in the
daily cable record and cable history file
During the rig up, visually check the cable, look for signs of damage, wear, corrosion
When the cable is laid out on the deck without any tension it should lay slack, if there is any sign
of twisting it indicates there is some residual torque, cut the cable back
A low fleet angle will reduce spooling effort and improve cable alignment on the winch drum
The unit must be under the full control of the winch operator whenever tools are being run or
recovered from the well bore
Never exceed the recommended running and pulling speeds, maximum 300ft/min
Slow down when passing through restrictions in the well bore
Fast speeds in or out of the well do not allow for cable torque balancing, too fast out and the
cable will tend to unwrap itself, too quickly in under reduced tension the cable will attempt to
tighten up
Cable tension as opposed to cable speed can often be the cause of cable problems, follow the
80/120 rule of thumb, 80% of static tension running in and 120% of static tension pulling out
A swivel should be used below the rope socket for all braided cable runs
It is good practice to stop at various depths running into a well to allow torque to balance in the
cable, even with a fully seasoned cable
It is good practice to use a ZChart for braided cable runs as a back-up depth reference. Check and
confirm depth counter reading at the drum flange against the ZChart as each cable layer is pulled
on or off the winch drum
Pulling tensions should be adjusted, depending on the depth in the well, to compensate for the
increase or decrease in the weight of the cable
Carefully monitor line tension running in the well to avoid ‘overrunning’ stationary tools with the
cable
Pack off and wireline wiper pressures must be carefully monitored to avoid damaging the cable
The Braided Cable unit should be a minimum 120hp, heavy duty fishing units (5/16” cable) 180hp
Sheaves must match the cable, with a correct groove size to support the cable correctly and the
correct OD, 17” for 3/16” & 7/32” and 22” for 1/4” & 5/16”
Sheaves must be heavy duty to accommodate the higher line loads
The lower sheave should have a sheave stand
Measuring devices, depending on the braided cable diameter, can either be a wraparound type
(3/16” & 7/32”) or for larger cables (1/4” & 5/16”) a straight through device
Pressure control will require grease injection, plus a GIH, tool catcher, ball check valve, a multi
ram WLV, with the correct inner seals to match cable diameter and in some cases, a tool trap
It is good practice to include a Variable Length Lubricator in the PCE rig up, note it will only be
required if there is a cable issue such as a bird cage or stranded cable

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Always monitor grease injection pressure during an operation and check there is sufficient grease
for the complete operation before running in, grease is used once only
A grease with the correct viscosity for the temperature conditions is the key to maintaining a
grease seal
As a rule of thumb all lifting accessories have to be upgraded to manage the higher loads and
forces generated by the braided cable operation, equipment such as slings, shackles, lifting
brackets, chains etc.
Cables on drums should be stored upright, protected, covered but allowed to breathe to avoid
any build-up of condensation
During storage protect the cable with densyl tape
If, during operations slack cable is spooled on the winch drum, the cable should be taken out of
service temporarily and respooled to restore the correct spooling tension profile as soon as
possible
Braided Cable should be maintained annually, which should include spooling off, checks of the
condition of the cable, dimensional checks, cable cleaning, length verification and re-setting the
spooling tension profile
Winch drums should be inspected annually, condition checks, dimensional and straightness
checks and NDT checks on all welds

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