Hydraulic Workover Unit vs Conventional Units in Helping Oil Companies
Repairing onshore and offshore wells will be so complicated and costly. Thanks to hydraulic workover that can help to repair wells effectively. Best of all, this repair method is more affordable than traditional methods. So, why is this method more effective and cost-efficient compared to other traditional methods? Check the complete explanation below.
About Hydraulic Workover
Hydraulic Workover is an intervention technique to install or remove tubular wells with zero surface pressure, heavy fluid, and mud in the wellbore. It is often known as dead wells. The tools will lift the well tubular while controlling its movement.
At the same time, the hydraulic cylinder gives a large pull and push to the Hydraulic Workover Unit or HWO. Due to its simpler tools and mechanism, HWO is often used in offshore operations. It is an effective option because offshore has very limited space. Plus, repairing tubular wells can be so dangerous in bad weather. An HWO unit solves this problem because it works well anytime, including if the unit should work in harsh weather.
The HWO Equipment
So, why HWO is considered a simpler technique compared to other wells repairing techniques? One of them is because of the equipment the officers should use. A set of HWO is including mast unit, work basket, hydraulic jacking ram assembly, BOPS, and high-pressure riser assembly. The officers will also work with pipe handling, pipe rack, and fluid pumping system.
The Way Hydraulic Workover Works
An HWO unit works by pushing a pipe handling into the well against good pressure using a hydraulic jacking ram. Officers should ensure that the pipe is in the desired depth to continue to the next process. The sign that the pipe reaches the desired well depth is that it can be rotated. Once the pipe is rotating, there will be a large volume of fluid throughout the pipe.
The Use of Hydraulic Workover Unit
Based on the way the HWO unit works, this equipment is perfect for a variety of usages. For example, oil companies can use it to clean and remove sand in a large volume in a milling operation. This equipment also helps to repair production tubing, operate heavy-duty fishing, operate large perforation, and operate well killing.
The Advantages of Using Hydraulic Workover Unit
Hydraulic Workover unit can’t only make the repairing process easier but also give oil companies more benefits.
Cost Efficient
Imagine that an oil company can save up to 25 to even 50 percent when using an HWO unit instead of applying conventional techniques. The reason why it can save a lot of money is that the oil companies don’t have to mobilize as much as when using workover rigs. At the same time, this equipment only needs a few members and logistics.
More Safety Than Conventional Well Repair Techniques
This equipment is safe compared to other conventional techniques because the process only uses a few personnel. They don’t need to work near the areas with the highest potential hazard. An HWO unit is also environmentally friendly. The negative impacts on the environment are less than conventional techniques
The Team can Perform Maximally
Due to the fewer members who work on this project, the more maximum their performance. They can focus on what they should do and accomplish the project. Best of all, the members also improve their experience and competence in operations and repair projects related to wells, offshore, or onshore.
An Example of a Set of Hydraulic Workover
So, what are the tools in a set of hydraulic workover units? It depends on the HWO unit series. For example, a set of the HWO unit can be consisted of:
- Gin Pole
- CB and BHA winches
- Work Basket
- Tong Arm
- Ladders
- Jack Structure
- Counter Balance Console
- Operator Console
- Sub Base
- Power Pack Unit
- Slip Bowl
- Manual Safety Slips
- Hydraulic Power Tong
- Fuel Tank
Oil companies should check the specifications of the tools above. For example, the company will receive a 5.2-meter x 2.00-meter x 1.6-meter ladder when requesting an HWO unit. The company will also get a 5.1-meter x 75-meter x 2.1-meter tong arm. This tool often can hang up to 3.5MT, along with a hydraulic cylinder system for swivel control.
Conclusion
According to the explanation above, an HWO unit is recommended for oil companies that want to repair their wells or to support milling operations. The companies only have to spend less money to start this project.
The HWO unit specification is much simpler than conventional units. The repairing or milling project using a hydraulic workover ring will be safer and more efficient. Best of all, the companies also get the result they want. As a result, companies can continue their job and be more productive. They don’t have to wait for too long if there is a problem with the wells.