Slickline / Wireline
Slickline refers to a single strand wire which is used to run tools into wellbore for several purposes. It is used in the oil and gas industry, but also describes that niche of the industry that involves using a slickline truck or doing a slickline job.
Slickline was originally called measuring line, because the line was flat like a tape measure, and marked with depth increments so the operators would know how deep in the hole they were. This probably changed because the flat measuring line wasn't as strong as the modern slickline, and separate depth counters were developed. It is advantageous to keep the diameter of the wire as small as possible for the following reasons:
- It reduces the load of its own weight.
- It can be run over smaller diameter sheaves, and wound on smaller diameter spools or reels without overstressing by bending (where the wire bends makes it weaker. Where it makes a complete circle, such as a counter wheel, makes it weaker yet).
- It keeps the reel drum size to a minimum (which reduces the area needed in the back of the slickline unit to house the drum and hydraulic pump, reducing weight and leaving more room for the other specialized equipment needed for slickline operations).
- It provides a small cross-section area for operation under pressure.
Slickline Tools includes:
- Stem
- Pulling tools
- Gauge Cutter (Gauge Ring)
- Lead impression block
- Downhole bailer
- Sample bailer
- Stroke bailer
- Hydrostatic bailer
- Running Tools
Type Available :
- Single Drum
- Double Drum
