The article describes how a close collaboration between Schlumberger and Total led to the first use of the TuffLINE 18000 cable. The operator used the design features of the new torque-balanced composite wireline cable to lessen logging tensions within safe limits at its ultra-deepwater West Africa well. Using this new cable enabled complete data acquisition with minimum descents and time while simultaneously reducing operational, maintenance and safety risks.

The company collected a complete set of data during eight descents without a single operational or HSE incident. During this time, personnel operated with an unprecedented 9,000-lbf safety margin and a safe working load limit of 18,000 lbf. Deploying this alternative cable was a safer, quicker and more economical choice. A proprietary hazard analysis and risk control tool calculated a 60% reduction in potential operational and HSE risk as compared to a standard capstan-assisted high-tension conveyance operation.