An Angola operator needed to replace the gas lift valve to enhance production in a highly deviated well. At 70°, the well’s high angle prevented the use of conventional intervention tools and techniques, such as jarring on slickline, which rely on gravity for downward actions.
The operator sought to replace the gas lift valve in two runs—one run to pull the existing valve and a second run to set a new gas lift valve in the mandrel.
To derisk this complex intervention, SLB proposed the ReSOLVE iX intelligent extreme wireline intervention service, the first deployment of this technology for a GLV changeout in the world. With real-time intelligence and responsive control in extreme conditions, the ReSOLVE iX anchor–linear actuator conveyed with the TuffTRAC iX™ intelligent extreme wireline tractor provided the precise positioning, force, and displacement needed to orient the kickover tool, break the required pins, and manipulate the gas lift valve despite the well’s high inclination. In addition, SLB installed WIReD™ wireline inline release devices throughout the toolstring to enable full pull capacity as well as reliable release in the event of a stuck tool incident.
With real-time downhole diagnostics and full control from the surface, the ReSOLVE iX service successfully removed and replaced the valve as planned in just 27 hours, mitigating the need for a more extensive intervention.
