SLK SWI Wire Test - FIT

Reference: InTouch Content ID 7070651

Version: 1.4
Release Date: 21-Aug-2023

EDMS UID: 0000255627

Produced: 21-Aug-2023 19:58:05

Owner: SRC InTouch
Author: David Falgout

Private Tor sion, Wr ap, Slickline, SWI

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 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Legal Information

Legal Information

Copyright © 2023 SLB, Unpublished Work. All rights reserved.

This work contains the confidential and proprietary trade secrets of SLB and may
not be copied or stored in an information retrieval system, transferred, used,
distributed, translated or retransmitted in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the
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copyright owner.

Trademarks & Service marks

SLB, the SLB logotype, and other words or symbols used to identify the products
and services described herein are either trademarks, trade names or service
marks of SLB and its licensors, or are the property of their respective owners.
These marks may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without
the express prior written permission of SLB. In addition, covers, page headers,
custom graphics, icons, and other design elements may be service marks,
trademarks, and/or trade dress of SLB, and may not be copied, imitated, or used,
in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of SLB.

A complete list of SLB marks may be viewed at the SLB Oilfield Services Marks
page: http://markslist.slb.com

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 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Document Control

Document Control
Owner: SRC InTouch

Author: David Falgout

Reviewer: S. Griswold

Approver: Farid Hamichi

Contact Information
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Name: SRC InTouch

LDAP Alias: intouch-hcs-wl-doc

Revision History
Version Date Description Prepared by

1.4 21-Aug-2023 Made requested updates (InTouch Ticket Author: David Falgout,
#7999099). PMatranga

1.3 30-Apr-2018 Conversion to EDMS. Author: David Falgout

1.2 24-Mar-2018 Edits to Wrap and Pull test. Author: David Falgout

1.1 18-Jul-2017 Added pull test. Author: David Falgout

1.0 14-Jul-2017 Initial draft. Issued for review. Author: David Falgout

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 iv Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Table of Contents iv

Table of Contents

1 General Instructions _____________________________________________ 1

2 Open Work Order (5 Min) _________________________________________ 3

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3 Wrap Test for Stainless and Alloy Lines (25 Min) _________________ 4
3.1 Prepare Wrap Test Accessories (10 Min) ________________________ 4
3.2 Perform the Wrap Test (10 Min) _________________________________ 8
3.3 Perform the Wrap Test Without Sandvik Torsion Tester (10 Min) ___ 9
3.4 Wrap Test Comparison Chart (5 Min) ___________________________ 10

4 Torsion (Twist) Test - API 9A Lines (25 Min) ______________________ 11

4.1 Prepare Torsion Test Accessories (10 Min) _____________________ 11
4.2 Perform the Torsion Test (10 Min) ______________________________ 13
4.3 Close the Work Order _________________________________________ 13
4.4 Torsion Chart for API 9A lines (5 Min) __________________________ 14

5 Pull Test for Slickline and Braided Line __________________________ 15

5.1 Pull Test Machines ____________________________________________ 15
5.2 Conducting Pull Testing in the Field ____________________________ 17

Appendices

A Failure Criteria for Wrap Style Testing ___________________________ 19

B Torsion Testing of API 9A Slickline ______________________________ 20

B.1 Acceptance Criteria for Torsional Testing of API 9A Slickline _____ 20
B.2 Torsion Fracture Analysis ______________________________________ 20
B.3 General Guidance Notes ______________________________________ 21

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 1 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / General Instructions 1

1 General Instructions Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

This SWI explains in detail how to perform the Torsion and Wrap testing
procedures for Slickline API 9A, Alloy, and Stainless Wire. The Wrap style test is
performed on Alloy, and Stainless Wire, where the torsion style test is performed
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on all API 9A Slickline wires.

FIT SL1 Maintenance shall be performed when the following conditions occur:

• upon reception of the product at the base

• before initial spooling to the unit/drum/drum package
• before secondary spooling to a different unit/drum/drum package
• before every job load out at the base
• in the field before the job begins
• in the field during the intervention:
– after a significant jarring event, which can be classified of a time span
over 60 minutes, or a tension of 60% of the SWL
– after a stuck in the hole event where tensions had to be elevated to
release or, having to jar for an extended period of 30 minutes or longer to
release
– after an Unexplained Wire Breakage (UWB) event
– throughout the job every 48 hours on site. (Memory Logging, or Build
Up Survey being the exceptions)
– before rigging up on a new well.

Total Process Time: 25 minutes

Note
The total process time does NOT include the preparation time.

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 2 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / General Instructions 2

Legend

Symbol Legend

Note Lubricate with specified oil

! QHSE critical step Lubricate with specified grease

Replace
Use specified threadlocking fluid
Inspect
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Clean Check with meter

Process sequence
Use specified hand tool
Torque Spill generated
Good example

Bad example ESD protection required

Procedure Requirements
Task Requirements and Information
Proficiency: Trained operator
Equipment status Cable not connected to rope socket

General Required Tools

Part No. Description Quantity
Linesman pliers
Allen wrench set
Magnifying glass

Special Tools
ID Description Quantity
Sandvik Torsion/Wrap Tester

Documentation and Support Information

System ID Description
InTouch content ID 3614996 Wireline Cables Product Reference Manual

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 3 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / General Instructions 3

2 Open Work Order (5 Min) Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

Step Work instruction

1. Open the work order in Maximo
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 4 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Wrap Test for Stainless and Alloy Lines (25 Min) 4

3 Wrap Test for Stainless and Alloy

Lines (25 Min) Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

Sandvik Torsion / Wrap Tester

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Crank Torsion test Cover Director Magnifying

shaft body glass

Tension Wrap Torsion Wrap Linesman

attachment Handle
Allen wrench
bushing bushing die pliers
Chuck

3.1 Prepare Wrap Test Accessories (10 Min)

Step Work instruction
1. If the Sandvik Torsion tester is not available, go to Section 3.3.

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 5 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Wrap Test for Stainless and Alloy Lines (25 Min) 5

Step Work instruction

2. Cut two sample pieces of wire:

• the “center” piece is cut to 10-in (25
cm),
• the “sample” piece is cut to 12-in (30
cm).

Cut 2 sample pieces:

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- 10-in (25 cm)

- 12-in (30 cm)

3. Insert one end of the sample piece into the Insert wire in
hole marked “W” for “wrap.”
hole marked “W”

and make a 90 degree bend.

Bend wire 90 deg.

4. Install the bushing into the director. Insert bushing into director

Bushing Director

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 6 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Wrap Test for Stainless and Alloy Lines (25 Min) 6

Step Work instruction

5. Install the plastic die into the director and

tighten.
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6. Install the chuck on the crank shaft.

Chuck
7. Insert the center piece (10-in) into the Sample 10-in
director.

Director
8. Insert the other end of the center piece into
the hole of the chuck.

Chuck
Center sample
wire

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 7 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Wrap Test for Stainless and Alloy Lines (25 Min) 7

Step Work instruction

9. Slightly bend the sample piece to a 45 Sample wire

degree angle and insert it into the outer 12-in
hole on the chuck.

o
45
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Center wire
10. Tighten the chuck bolts with an Allen Allen wrench
wrench.

Sample wire Center wire Chuck bolts

11. Slide the director until it contacts the Sample wire
sample wire.
Director

12. Close the cover.

COVER

Close cover

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3.2 Perform the Wrap Test (10 Min)

Step Work instruction
1. Hold the Tester down firmly with one hand.

2. Make smooth wraps by cranking the Rotate handle smoothly 10 wraps

handle and rotating it 360 degrees for a for 10 wraps
minimum of 10 wraps.
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Hold firmly

3. Open the cover and then loosen the bolt 2. Loosen chuck bolt 1. Open cover
on the chuck.

Chuck Cover
4. Remove the sample wire from the tester.

Remove sample wire

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Step Work instruction

5. Insert the center piece straight end into the 1. Insert sample wire 2. Tighten bolt
top of the tester and tighten the retaining
bolt onto the wire.
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6. Grip the sample piece and pull it off of the Center wire
center piece using the lineman’s pliers.

Sample wire

3.3 Perform the Wrap Test Without Sandvik

Torsion Tester (10 Min)
Step Work instruction
1. If the tester fails or is not present, the following wrap test can be performed by hand using
a vice.
2. Cut a 40-in piece of wire from the drum.
3. Secure a .092-in rope socket thimble in
the vice to make the smooth wrap knot
(0.92-in style knot).
You can use any object which allows you
to wrap the wire around itself, washer, nut,
shear stock or other object.

4. Create the common “T” handle on the other end of the wire.
5. Secure the loose end of the wire in your non-dominate hand, by wrapping it once around
your arm so it is taught.
6. Begin to make smooth wraps around the line until ten (10) smooth wraps are achieved.
7. Compare the results to the images in the next section.

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3.4 Wrap Test Comparison Chart (5 Min)

Step Work instruction
1. Examine the sample piece using the
magnifying glass.
Comparing it to the chart to determine if
the test was a pass or fail.
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1. Approved 2. Tendency to cracking. 3. Cracking initialised. 4. Cracking initialised.

Approved Only one spiral: Only one spiral:
Approved. Approved.
More than one spiral: More than one spiral:
Not approved. Not approved.

5. Incipient cracking. 6. Incipient cracking: 7. Crack: 8. Crack:

Only one spiral: Not approved. Not approved. Not approved.
Approved.

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 11 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Torsion (Twist) Test - API 9A Lines (25 Min) 11

4 Torsion (Twist) Test - API 9A Lines

(25 Min) Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

Prepare Torsion Test Accessories (10 Min)

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4.1

Step Work instruction

1. Cut the sample piece 10-in (25cm) long.

Cut 1 sample piece:

- 10-in (25 cm)

2. Insert one end of the wire in the hole Hole marked “T”
marked “T” for Torsion on the tester. (for Torsion)

3. Bend one end of the sample 90 degrees.

o
Bend 90

o
4. Bend the other end of the test piece to 90 Bend 90 both ends
degrees.

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Step Work instruction

5. Install the chuck to the crank shaft.

Chuck for torsion test

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6. Install the torsion bushing into the director.

Torsion bushing
7. Install the tension attachment to the Tension attachment
director.

8. Install the sample with the 90 degree Sample wire

angles facing into the chuck and bushing.

9. Tighten the bolts on the bushing and chuck Allen wrench Bushing bolts
to secure the sample in place.
Sample wire

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Step Work instruction

10. Close the lid to the tester.

Close the cover
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4.2 Perform the Torsion Test (10 Min)

Step Work instruction
1. Rotate the handle 360 deg. Rotate handle until the sample breaks
Do NOT exceeding 60 RPM. - NOT to exceed 60 RPM
- Count the number of turns

2. Count the number of turns until the sample

breaks. Count the number of turns
Compare to chart

3. Go to the next section.

4.3 Close the Work Order

Step Work Instruction
1. Close the work order in Maximo.

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4.4 Torsion Chart for API 9A lines (5 Min)

Step Work instruction
1. Compare the total turns counted until the break occurs with the chart below.

Size Weight Per 1000 ft Torsion/Twist

0.092 22.7 23
0.108 31.1 19
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0.125 41.9 18
0.140 52 12

2. If minimal turns were acquired, the test is considered a pass.

Refer to Appendix A for Failure Criteria of Wrap testing.
Refer to Appendix B for Acceptance criteria for Torsion Testing API 9A Slickline.

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 15 Torsion, Wrap, Pull Test SWI / Pull Test for Slickline and Braided Line 15

5 Pull Test for Slickline and Braided

Line Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

This service is performed by Schlumberger or an approved Independent

Third-party Metallurgist, or wire rope company. The service follows standard
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ASTM A931, (Standard Test method for Tension Testing of Wire Rope and
Strand).

ASTM A931 covers the tension testing of wire ropes and strand. This ASTM
standard test covers steel wire rope at room temperature. The mechanical
material properties are determined using a tension test. The purpose of the
tensile test is to determine the breaking force, yield strength, elongation, and
modulus of elasticity. To guarantee an accurate test the appropriate gripping
method should be used as to not damage the wire rope. Damage of the steel
wire rope will negatively affect the results of the tensile test.

5.1 Pull Test Machines

Universal Testing Machines

Field Pull Test Devices

The Excro Rope Socket Tester is a device used to test braided line or Slickline
wire while it is in the rope socket. This test is considered a pull test. A full
detailed procedure to use the Excro Rope Socket tester can be found at InTouch
Content 6271462.

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NOV / Elmar WIRETESTER

The Wire Tester is suitable for testing Slickline Wire up to 0.160". Testing is
destructive and requires taking a sample of approximately 32cm long from wire
on the drum or reel. The test result is recorded automatically using an integrated
chart recorder.

The operational manual for the WIRETESTER can be found at InTouch Content
4799814.
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Older Torsion Testing Devices

There are several other types of mechanical wire testing devices in the field used
in Slickline. One is the older version of the torsion tester (see figure below). It
uses the same theory; however, it is a more crude design. There is a weight
which hangs on one end, to maintain the force needed to keep the line taut while
the test is executed. A 10-in sample is cut form the drum. The two ends are bent
at 90 degrees and secured in each end of the tester by means of Allen screws
tightened down on the top plate. The line is then tested as the Sandvik listed
in this manual. The number of twist are the same.

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5.2 Conducting Pull Testing in the Field

When utilized in the field, the Pull Test provides you a snap shot of the Asset’s
Minimum Breaking Load. This test should only be used to provide confidence
to the client of the Asset’s Strength and not be used as pass or fail criteria in
the field.

Note
When a Pull Test is expected to occur in the field by the client, InTouch
recommends that prior to mobilization the base conduct a "Formal Test" by a
certified metallurgist.

As mentioned above, when pull testing, factors such as elongation, modulus of

elasticity, yield strength and breaking force together determine if an Asset is fit
for purpose which requires the expertise of a metallurgist.

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Note
A variance between the manufacturer’s MBL and Local Pull Test is to be
expected. Factors which affect the result include:

• Age of the asset

• Environments the asset is exposed to (duration and level)
• How the asset is utilized (tension, cycling, duration)
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• Maintenance (cleaning, re-spooling, lubrication, storage)

Acceptable Results:

• Cable: 15% or less of the Manufacturer’s MBL

– Eg. Manufacturer’s MBL = 3000lbs. Test results must be higher than
2550lbs

• Wire: 10% or less of the Manufacturer’s MBL

– Eg. Manufacturer’s MBL = 2000lbs. Test results must be higher than
1800lbs

• Contact InTouch Support if the requirements listed are not achieved.

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A Failure Criteria for Wrap Style Testing Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

Step Work instruction

1. Failure Criteria for Wrap Style Testing Magnified Pitting and Superficial Cracking (Surface)
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2. Wear Groove, Corrosion Pit, and Transverse Crack

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B Torsion Testing of API 9A Slickline Torsion, Wrap, Slic kline, SWI

B.1 Acceptance Criteria for Torsional Testing of

API 9A Slickline
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If the number of turns is satisfactory, the test piece is considered as having

passed the test, irrespective of the position of failure. If the number of turns does
not satisfy the requirement of the specification and if failure is within 1/8-in (3.18
mm) of the grips the test shall be considered as invalid and is repeated.

If when making any individual test, the first specimen fails, not more than two
additional specimens from the same wire shall be tested. The average of any
two tests showing either failure or acceptance is used as the value to represent
the wire.

For carbon steel wirelines which have been kept in storage for a long period, or
which have been submitted to intermittent or frequent use in-service, torsional
ductility gradually decreases due to a process of strain-ageing.

The rate at which this deterioration takes place is related to time and temperature
and generally increases slowly with time and more rapidly with temperature.
Where conditions exist, which cause chemical to attach, and more specifically,
production of free nascent (atomic) hydrogen (e.g., presence of H2S or acids)
serious deterioration can be experienced in a matter of a few hours of downhole
operation.

It is under the latter conditions that regular testing of the wireline is important if
a downhole failure is to be avoided.

B.2 Torsion Fracture Analysis

Few people appreciate the significance of the torsion test as definitive wire quality
arbiter for plain carbon steel wirelines. It is not just the number of twists to failure
that is important, but more specifically, whether the material exhibits a ‘ductile’ or
a brittle primary fracture. In general, three species of primary wire fracture may
be encountered after a torsion test, these are categorized as follows:

Grade 1 Fractures without Secondary Breaks

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The torsional test piece should show no evidence of spiral splitting along its
length and should contain a single, ductile, primary fracture which is perfectly
square ended. This type of fracture is desirable in carbon steel wireline and
is usually, but not always, associated with a high number of twists to failure.
A wireline exhibiting this type of fracture characteristic would be considered
of suitable quality for further use under most circumstances. If, however, the
number of twists to failure are very low (e.g., 30% of the API 9A value) the line
should be discarded.
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Grade 1 Fractures with Secondary Breaks

It is possible, during torsion testing of wirelines exhibiting exceptionally high

tensile strength values, to experience secondary wire breaks which feature
stepped or helical fracture faces. These breaks are recoil fractures and are
induced by the instantaneous release of stored energy in the wire when the
primary fracture occurs. Although such breaks indicate a marginal reduction
in wireline ductility, their presence can be discounted, the wire quality being
dictated by the characteristics of the primary fracture.

Grade 2 Fractures

The torsional test piece may show evidence of waviness and the presence of
slight spiral splitting along its length. The primary fracture, whilst preferably
square ended, may be slightly stepped. Secondary recoil fractures may be
present. This type of primary fracture is acceptable but is usually associated
with a reduced number of twists to failure, indicating a reduction in wireline
ductility. A wireline exhibiting such fracture characteristics would generally be
considered suitable for limited further service, provided the number of twists to
failure exceeded say 60% of the API 9A value and provided ductility tests were
carried out after each operation.

Grade 3 Fractures

The torsional test piece may show evidence of uneven or localized twisting.
Spiral splitting and waviness is invariably present and the primary fracture will
exhibit severely stepped or helical fracture faces. Secondary, recoil fractures are
uncommon. This type of failure is unacceptable and is usually associated with a
low number of twists to failure. A wireline exhibiting such torsional characteristics
should be discarded immediately.

B.3 General Guidance Notes

It should be noted that any torsion test performed relates only to the test piece
and does not guarantee the quality of the remaining length of wireline.

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In the event of obtaining Grade 2 or Grade 3 type fracture characteristics, two

repeat tests shall be performed.

If the quality of a wireline is variable, it is permissible to cut off a length (say 200
ft or 60.0 m) and re-test. Two re-tests should both give Grade 1 type fractures.
This procedure may, if necessary, be repeated since it is well known that the
ductility of a wireline deteriorates more rapidly at bottom hole temperatures.

The torsional ductility of a carbon steel wireline should always be determined

prior to embarking on a downhole operation.
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Where H2S or acid conditions are encountered, suitable inhibitors should be used
to combat embrittlement and corrosive attack. Even so, it is recommended that
the wireline be tested before and after each run as rapid deterioration can occur.

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