Fishing Tools
Mastering the Well: Advanced Fishing Tools for Unmatched Downhole Solutions
Oilfield fishing tools are specialized equipment used in the oil and gas industry to retrieve lost, stuck, or unwanted mechanical objects from the wellbore. These tools are critical for maintaining the efficiency and safety of drilling operations. Here’s an overview of various types of oilfield fishing tools, their functions or uses, and some best practices associated with them.
Types of Oilfield Fishing Tools
1. Fishing Jars
- Sizes: Vary from a few inches to over a foot in diameter, matching the size of the drill string.
- Material Specifications: Typically made of high-strength steel alloys for durability under extreme conditions.
- Recommendations: Selection based on the weight and size of the stuck object and the wellbore size.
- Functions: Deliver an upward impact to dislodge stuck objects. They are activated by applying a downward force on the drill string.
- Best Practices: Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial. Correctly adjusting the impact force based on the downhole condition is essential for effective operation.
2. Overshots and Spears
- Sizes: Customized to fit various pipe diameters.
- Material Specifications: Constructed from high-grade steel, with gripping elements often made from harder materials for a secure catch.
- Recommendations: Choose based on the external or internal diameter of the object to be retrieved.
- Functions: Overshots for external catching; Spears for internal catching. Both are designed to securely latch onto objects for retrieval.
- Best Practices: Ensure proper engagement with the target object. Avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the wellbore or the object.
3. Milling Tools
- Sizes: Range widely depending on the application.
- Material Specifications: Often made with tungsten carbide or similar hard materials for the cutting surface.
- Recommendations: Select the appropriate cutter type based on the hardness and size of the obstruction.
- Functions: Used to grind down or cut through obstructions or stuck equipment.
- Best Practices: Monitor cuttings and weight on bit to optimize milling performance. Use appropriate drilling fluids to clear debris.
4. Junk Baskets
- Sizes: Available in various sizes to suit different wellbore diameters.
- Material Specifications: Typically steel, with a basket or magnet to collect debris.
- Recommendations: Choose based on the expected size and nature of the debris.
- Functions: Designed to capture and retrieve small pieces of debris from the wellbore.
- Best Practices: Regularly empty and inspect the basket. Use in conjunction with milling operations for efficient cleaning.
5. Impression Blocks
- Sizes: Compatible with a range of wellbore sizes.
- Material Specifications: Usually soft lead or similar material that can easily form an impression.
- Recommendations: Use when the nature of the obstruction is unknown.
- Functions: Create an impression of the top of the stuck object for identification.
- Best Practices: Handle gently to preserve the impression. Use in the initial assessment stage of fishing operations.
6. Taper Taps and Die Collars
- Sizes: Varied, designed to match the internal or external threads of the target object.
- Material Specifications: Hardened steel for durability and strength.
- Recommendations: Match the thread size and type of the object to be retrieved.
- Functions: Taper Taps screw into the inside, while Die Collars latch onto the outside of stuck objects.
- Best Practices: Ensure proper thread engagement. Apply steady rotational force to avoid damaging the threads.
7. Bumper Subs
- Sizes: Tailored to fit the drill string size.
- Material Specifications: Made from high-strength steel to withstand repeated impacts.
- Recommendations: Use when downward jarring is necessary.
- Functions: Provide a controlled application of downward force for dislodging objects.
- Best Practices: Adjust the stroke length based on the downhole conditions. Regular inspection for wear and tear is essential.
Each of these tools plays a specific role in the complex and challenging environment of oilfield fishing operations. The key to success lies in selecting the right tool for the job, ensuring it is in good condition, and using it in accordance with industry best practices to safely and efficiently resolve downhole problems.
