This 5-day course provides a comprehensive understanding of the planning, design, and operational aspects of well workovers and interventions. It covers both rig-assisted (dead well) and live well intervention methods, including wireline, coiled tubing, and hydraulic workover operations. Participants will examine how to plan and execute these activities safely and effectively across land, platform, and subsea wells, with a strong emphasis on well integrity, production performance, and safety management.
Through illustrated lectures, videos, animations, and case-based exercises, the course develops the practical skills required to diagnose well problems, plan appropriate interventions, and manage operational risks in both surface and subsea environments.
1. What is the purpose of a workover? A workover is a major, rig-assisted operation on a dead well used to repair or replace completions, restore mechanical integrity, and address severe issues such as corroded tubing or failed packers. Because it requires killing the well, installing barriers, and often removing equipment, a workover is more complex and resource-intensive than light interventions.
2. How is a well intervention different from a workover? A well intervention is a lighter, live-well operation performed using wireline, coiled tubing, or pumping. It focuses on diagnostics, cleanouts, mechanical manipulation, or stimulation without killing the well. Interventions minimize downtime and target performance issues, while workovers handle major mechanical or completion failures.
3. Why do wells typically require intervention? Common drivers include well integrity failures, declining reservoir inflow, reduced tubing performance, and flow restrictions caused by scale, wax, sand, hydrates, or water entry. Addressing these problems early helps maintain production, prevent damage, and ensure safe operations.
4. How do engineers diagnose well performance issues? Diagnosis combines routine surveillance with downhole tools such as calliper logs, noise logs, and production logs. These help identify leaks, restrictions, and zonal contributions. Engineers also review well history and artificial-lift behavior to confirm the root cause before choosing an intervention method.
5. What challenges arise during rig-assisted workovers? Key challenges include designing effective kill methods, selecting compatible workover fluids, managing brine density and crystallization risks, and preventing kicks or losses. Handling damaged tubing and maintaining barrier integrity through BOP installation also require careful planning and supervision.
6. What are the advantages of wireline and coiled tubing interventions? Wireline enables fast mechanical tasks, logging, and plug setting under pressure with minimal equipment. Coiled tubing supports live-well pumping, cleanouts, milling, and extended reach operations. Both methods allow targeted treatments without killing the well, reducing downtime and cost.
7. What safety risks must be managed during well interventions? Major risks include well control incidents, sour gas exposure, high-pressure equipment failures, and contact with radioactive scale (LSA). Operational emergencies such as stuck tools or pressure control issues also require contingency planning. Strong barrier philosophy and clear communication help maintain safe operations.
8. What makes subsea and riserless interventions more complex? Subsea operations rely on specialized pressure-control equipment—such as wireline lubricators and riserless pumping systems—deployed from vessels rather than rigs. Engineers must consider water depth, vessel motion, equipment limits, and enhanced contingency procedures to ensure safe, efficient execution in deepwater environments.
