Safety Alert
Safety Alert 157 - Wireline Accident Involving the Formation of an Ice Plug in the Lubricator
Safety Alert 157 - Wireline Accident Involving the Formation of an Ice Plug in the Lubricator
- BSEE
- Safety Alert
- BSEE Safety Alert 157
- Machinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- Mechanical failurePressure systemsWell control
- Pressure testingWell intervention
- Valve
- Operating and work procedures
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
An ice plug immobilised wireline tools in a lubricator. Bleeding pressure above the plug created a differential that propelled the plug and tools upwards, rupturing the lubricator. A subsurface safety valve shut in the well. The alert suggests retaining test pressure before opening the crown valve and using glycol in test fluid.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Well control; kick control; loss of well control.
Classifications: Pressure testing; hydrostatic testing; pneumatic testing.
Classifications: Well intervention; workover; well servicing.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
BSEE Safety Alert 157. Themes: machinery and equipment, pressure systems.