Varco WL Group Products

A Major Supplier of

Wireline Glossary
Pressure Control Equipment

B.
Incorporating products previously A. Elmar "E-Lite"
Control Module
available from Elmar, SSR, EOT and
B. Elmar Wireline
Hydrolex, and with over 50 years of Mast Truck
combined experience, the Varco WL
Products Group is the global leader in
the design and manufacture of wireline
products for slickline and electric line
applications. Marketed under Elmar,
equipment is available for sale or rent
from regional facilities strategically based
in Houston, Aberdeen, Dubai, Singapore
and Perth, Australia.
A.
All Elmar products are
manufactured to the highest
quality standards under ISO
9001:2000, conforming when
necessary to API, British
Standards and NACE, with full
traceability and certifications.
In addition to WL products, Elmar has established TCP gun
manufacturing facilities at each of its four locations. Using the latest
CNC machines and with a global capacity of over 1M feet of guns
per year, Elmar can offer the client local support in this demanding
market.

C. A Holing and Slotting of casing service is also available

from the Aberdeen facility. Casing and tubing can
either be purchased by Elmar or free-issued by the
client.

D.

C. TCP Gun comprising of carrier, lasered

loading tube and thread protector
D. Holed, Slotted and Plugged Casing

Westhill Industrial Estate, Westhill, Aberdeen, AB32 6TQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 740261/748748 Fax: +44 (0)1224 743138 Sales E-mail: sales@elmar.co.uk
Website: http://www.elmar.co.uk
WLHB.book Page 1 Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:03 AM

WIRELINE
1
GLOSSARY

Copyright© 2004, Varco International

 WLHB.book Page 2 Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:03 AM

Wireline Glossary
-A-

-A-
Absolute Pressure

The pressure measured from a vacuum (0 psi absolute pressure

= vacuum). Absolute pressure minus atmospheric pressure
equals gauge pressure. Note that it is physically impossible to
have a negative absolute pressure.
Abrasion

Frictional surface wear on the wire or wires of a wireline.

Acceleration Stress

The additional stress that is imposed on a wireline as a result of

an increase in load velocity.
Accumulator

A pressure vessel charged with nitrogen gas used to store

hydraulic fluid under pressure for operation of pressure control
equipment.
Accumulator Precharge

An initial nitrogen charge in an accumulator which is further com-

pressed when the accumulator is filled with hydraulic fluid, stor-
ing potential energy.
Actuator

A mechanism for the remote or automatic operation of a valve or

a choke.
Adapter

A piece of pressure-containing equipment having different con-

nections at either end, used to connect pieces of equipment hav-
ing different nominal sizes, threads, and/or pressure ratings.
Aeration

Air in the hydraulic fluid. Excessive aeration causes the fluid to

appear milky and components to operate erratically because of
the compressibility of the air trapped in the fluid.
Annular BOP

A type of valve where the elastomeric sealing element has the

shape of a rubber doughnut that is mechanically squeezed
inward to seal around pipe in a well. The annular blowout pre-

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Wireline Glossary
-A-

venter can seal on different OD pipes, for instance on drill pipe

body and also on the drill pipe external upset joints. Most drilling
rigs BOP stacks contain at least one annular BOP at the top, and
one or more ram-type preventers below. The annular BOP is not
rated for pressures as high as the ram type preventers. The
most common brand of annular BOP is the Hydril
Smaller size annular BOPs working on a similar principle are
available to seal around large size electrical wireline. These
annular wireline valves are rated 3,000 psi WP maximum.
Annulus

Annulus is an area between two concentric tubular strings or a

tubular string and the wellbore.
API

Abbreviation for American Petroleum Institute, a trade associa-

tion founded in 1919 with offices in Washington, DC, USA. The
API is sponsored by the oil and gas industry and is recognized
worldwide. API has developed standardized testing procedures
for drilling equipment, drilling fluids and cements, called API
Recommended Practices ("RPs") and sets minimum standards
for materials used in drilling and completion operations, called
API Specifications ("Specs"). The API works in conjunction with
the International Standards Organization (ISO).
API Spec 6A

American Petroleum Institute's Specifications and Standards for

Wellhead and Christmas Tree equipment. Current version is the
eighteenth edition, May 2002. Also published as ISO
10423:2001. Although not specifically covered by this standard,
most modern wireline pressure control equipment is designed
and quality controlled according to API 6A.
API Spec 9A

American Petroleum Institute's Specifications and Standards for

wire rope (wireline).
Armor

Layers of steel wire strands wrapped around insulated electrical

conductors of a wireline logging cable. Typical cables have two
layers of metal strands, one wound clockwise and the other
counterclockwise. The strength of the cable under tension is
related to the number of wire strands in the armor and their con-
dition.

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Wireline Glossary
-B-

Armor Crushing

A condition where the lower layers of a cable closer to the drum

core are overlaid with layers at a higher tension than when origi-
nally spooled, resulting in the cable being distorted and possibly
damaged.
ASME

American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Provides many

specifications and standards for high pressure containment
equipment such as boiler code ratings.
Azimuth

The azimuth in well survey data is the angle from magnetic

north, in degrees, of the well axis at a given point. For example,
a section of a well that goes east has an azimuth of 90°.

-B-
Back-Off

A method of causing overtight threaded connections to unscrew

through use of a wireline tool with an explosive charge deto-
nated adjacent to the connection in the well. Normally applied to
tubular strings stuck in a well.
Back-Stay

See Guy Lines

Back-up Ring

A supporting ring used with an O-ring seal, to prevent extrusion

of the seal material into the union gap under high differential
pressures.
Bailer

A slickline / E-line tool used to remove debris or sand that has

accumulated on top of subsurface equipment.
Bailing Line

In well drilling, it is the wire rope that operates the bailer that
removes water and drill cuttings.
Bell Nipple

On a drilling rig, an enlarged pipe at the top of a casing string

that serves as a funnel to guide drilling tools into the top of a

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Wireline Glossary
-B-

well. The bell nipple is usually fitted with a side outlet to permit
drilling fluids to flow back to the surface through another inclined
pipe called a flowline.
Bending Stress

Stress that is imposed on the wires of a strand by a bending or

curving action.
Stress applied on lubricator string joints when not supported or in
a poorly aligned rig-up.
Birdcage

A section of a cable where the outer armor layer has been loos-
ened and expanded to a larger OD than the inner armor layer
due to improper cable tension control.
Bleed-Off

To divert and release a specific controllable portion of wellbore

fluid pressure. To relieve pressure from a pressure vessel or sys-
tem.
Blind Box

A slickline tool used to clear obstructions in the tubing string.

Block

A term applied to a wireline sheave. A pulley enclosed between

plates and fitted with a hook or shackle.
Blowout

A sudden, uncontrolled flow of pressurized wellbore fluids (liquid

or gas) and/or formation fluids out of the wellbore at the surface
or into lower-pressured subsurface zones (underground blow-
out).
Blowout Preventer (BOP)

Equipment installed on the wellhead at surface level on rigs to

prevent the escape of pressurized fluids either in the annular
space between the casing and drillpipe or in an openhole during
drilling and completion operations.
Wireline Valves used to seal the wellbore around a wireline are
often, improperly, called BOP.

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Wireline Glossary
-B-

BOP Stack

On a drilling rig, this is a set of two or more BOPs used to control

pressure in case of a blow-out. A typical stack includes up to six
ram-type BOPs and one or two annular-type preventers. The
annular preventers are the top of the stack. The BOP stack also
includes the valves and piping necessary to circulate/bullhead
mud for well control.
Boom Hoist Line

Wire rope that operates the boom hoist system of derricks,

cranes, draglines, etc.
Borehole

See Wellbore
Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)

The pressure measured in a well at or near the depth of the pro-

ducing formation.
Bottom Hole Temperature (BHT)

The maximum expected and/or recorded temperature at the bot-

tom of a wellbore.
Braided Line

A type of multistrand wireline used for slickline applications in

which higher tension or weight-carrying ability is required. The
most common size of braided lines are 3/16” and 7/32” diameter,
although special heavy applications use 1/4” and 5/16” sizes.
Breaking Strength

The amount of pull on a wireline, as rated by the manufacturers,

which can be applied before the wireline breaks. Usually listed in
pounds. Must be specified whether “Ends Free” or “Ends Fixed”.
Bridge

A constriction in a wellbore that prevents pipe and/or wireline

equipment from being lowered past a given depth.
Bridge Plug

A downhole device composed primarily of slips, a plug mandrel,

and a rubber sealing element, that is run and set in casing to iso-
late different zones in the well.

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Wireline Glossary
-C-

Bridle

A special disconnectable section of cable that is placed between

the logging cable and the head of the logging tool. This discon-
nectable feature permits the quick changing of cablehead types
and sizes for easier servicing.
Bright Wireline

Wireline cable fabricated from carbon steel wires that are not
coated.
Bulldog Spear

A slickline fishing tool designed to engage the ID of a tubular

section lost in a wellbore that does not have a fishing neck pro-
file.
Bullhead

To forcibly pump fluids into a well, usually to re-inject into a for-

mation fluids that have entered the wellbore thus regaining con-
trol of a well.
Buoyancy

The apparent loss of weight or upward force on an object

immersed in a fluid. The buoyancy force is equal to the weight of
fluid displaced by the object.

-C-
Cable

A term loosely applied to wire rope, wireline composed of

strands, and wireline with electrical conductors. (See Wireline)
Cable Bridle

See Bridle
Cable Cutter

A device with a guillotine type blade that when struck with a

sledge hammer, will cut a wireline cable smoothly and evenly.
Hydraulic pressure-actuated models also exist.
Cable Rotation

When wireline cable is subjected to a load, it will generate

torque, if the cable is not restricted, it will rotate.

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Wireline Glossary
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Cable Seasoning

When new cable is first used, it experiences change in length,

diameter, and torque condition. Certain “break-in” procedures
must be used with the cable in the well to season it. Otherwise, it
can be damaged.
Cable Splice

An area of a wireline cable where two ends have been joined by

interweaving the strands. Splices reduce the strength of the
cable.
Cable Stretch

Wireline, when subjected to tension, will experience elongation,

both elastic and permanent. New cable will stretch permanently
until it is “seasoned”.
Cablehead

A quick-connecting and quick disconnecting device, mounted at

the end of a wireline, which provides the means to couple a wire-
line mechanically and/or electrically to downhole equipment.
Cableheads normally include a "weak link," (weakpoint) so that if
a logging tool becomes irretrievably stuck in a well, the operator
may intentionally pull in excess of the breaking strength of the
weakpoint causing the cable to pull out of the cablehead in a
controlled fashion.
Carbon Dioxide- CO2

An odorless, nontoxic gas, carbon dioxide [CO2] is present in

natural gases. It is highly soluble in water and oil, especially
under pressure. In water, it forms carbonic acid, a weak acid that
can nevertheless cause accelerated corrosion of steel parts,
resulting in pitting and metal loss. Special equipment is needed
to handle well fluids with a high percentage of CO2.

Cartridge

The section of a wireline logging tool that contains the control

and signal treatment electronics and power supplies for the mea-
surement, as distinct from the sonde that contains the measure-
ment sensors.
Cased Hole

A wellbore in which casing (pipe) has been set in place.

8
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Wireline Glossary
-C-

Casing

The large diameter pipe which is used to line a drilled hole. It can
be cemented in place by pumping cement into the space
between the outside of the casing and the inside of the wellbore.
Casing Annulus

The space between the outside diameter of the tubing and the
inside diameter of the casing above the packer. It is usually filled
with a fluid, such as water, mud or completion fluid which usually
contains a corrosion inhibitor to protect the tubing and casing
from corrosion.
Casing Collar

The threaded collar used to connect two joints of casing.

Casing Collar Locator

A downhole tool used to detect the presence of casing collars, to

correlate measured depth using known reference points on the
casing string.
Casing Shoe

A short assembly of heavy wall pipe and profiled concrete or

thermoplastic interior rounded at the bottom, screwed at the end
of a casing string. A passage through the center of the shoe
allows fluid to pass through. The rounded profile prevents the
casing from hanging-up on borehole irregularities. The concrete
or thermoplastic interior can be drilled out if the well is to be
deepened beyond the casing point.
Casting

A metal body obtained by solidification of molten metal in a

mould. Wireline valves and other items of wireline pressure con-
trol equipment can be manufactured starting from a semi-fin-
ished casting.
Cathead

A spool shaped attachment on a winch around which rope is

wound for hoisting and pulling.
Cat Line

A hoisting or pulling rope operated by a driller at a cathead.

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Wireline Glossary
-C-

Cat Walk

A raised, narrow walkway extending from a rig which serves as a

staging or work area from which equipment is raised to the rig
floor.
Check Valve

A device that allows fluid to flow or pressure to act in one direc-

tion only. This device may be usually a ball-and-seat type or flap-
per type.
Chemical Cutter

A tool run on wireline to make an internal cut of the tubing string.

Chemical cutters use a small explosive charge to forcefully jet a
highly specialized corrosive fluid against the tubular wall. Chem-
ical cutters make clean, burr-free cuts.
Christmas Tree

A term applied to the combination of valves and fittings assem-

bled above the top of the tubing spool on a completed well to
contain well pressure and control the flow of hydrocarbons and
other fluids. See Wellhead
Centipoise

A unit of measurement for absolute viscosity equivalent to one-

hundredth of a Poise and symbolized by cP. The viscosity of
water at 20°C is approximately one centipoise.
Centistoke

A unit of measurement for kinematic viscosity equivalent to one-

hundredth of a Stoke and symbolized by cS
centiStokes = centiPoise / specific gravity.
Centralizer

A tool used to keep a tool string in the center of the tubing, cas-
ing or wellbore.
Certification

For an item or a set of equipment, a document or set of docu-

ments produced by an independent third party certification
agency, stating that the components, equipment, or assemblies
meet the requirements specified by the industry standards (e.g.
API 6A) or by local government regulations, such as SI 289 for
mobile rigs in the UK sector of the North Sea, Norwegian Petro-

10
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Wireline Glossary
-C-

leum Directorate Regulations in the Norwegian Sector of the UK,

Alberta Recommended Practices (ARP) in Canada, etc.
Minimum certification for a set of WHE equipment consists of an
IRC (Independent Review Certificate) and COC (Certificate of
Conformity) and a witnessed pressure test.
Certification documents have a limited validity in time, and must
be renewed before expiration.
CO2

See Carbon Dioxide

COC- Certificate of Conformity

A certificate stating that a specific asset or assembly, identified

by its serial number conforms to the approved design and manu-
facturing file and/or the industry regulations. They often include
test and inspection reports that certify to the performance of
tests (pressure, load, lifting capacity, etc.).
A certificate of conformity is valid for a limited period of time, and
must be renewed.
A COC can be issued by the manufacturer (manufacturer's cer-
tificate), or verified by an independent certification agency (third
party certificate).
Coiled Tubing

A continuous length of pipe wound on a reel. The tubing is

straightened and pushed into the wellbore against pressure by
means of an injector head, and is coiled back on the reel when
retrieving it from the well.
Coiled tubing is generally made of steel, with pipe diameter
ranging from 1" to 4-1/2". Depending on pipe and spool size
continuous length can be up to 16,000 ft or more.
Fluids can be pumped through coiled tubing at any time, and
coiled tubing can be used with downhole mud motors for coiled
tubing drilling. Installing an electrical conductor into the coiled
tubing make it possible to use electrical wireline techniques and
tools in horizontal and highly deviated wells.
Completion

The assembly of downhole tubulars, valves, sleeves, and other

equipment used to enable and control production from a well.

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Wireline Glossary
-C-

Condensate

Light liquid hydrocarbons associated with gas in wet gas reser-

voirs.
Conductors

The insulated electrical conductor(s) wire that is the core of an

electromechanical wireline cable for supplying electrical power
and a means of communication between the surface hoist unit
and the subsurface tools and instruments.
Connection

Any threaded or non-threaded union or joint that connects two

tubular components.
Core

1. A cylindrical sample of rock taken from a formation for analy-

sis.
2. The axial member of a wire rope or wireline cable about which
the strands (armor) are laid (wrapped).
Coring Line

Wireline cable used to operate the coring tool that is used to take
core samples during oilwell drilling.
Corrosion Inhibitor

A specially formulated chemical added to pressure test fluids or

wireline grease to protect the wireline and the pressure control
equipment components on wells likely to present corrosion prob-
lems.
Corrosion Resistant Alloy -CRA

Special alloys formulated for a wide range of aggressive well-

bore conditions. Alloys with high chrome content are commonly
used for tubing strings.
Creep

Barely perceptible movement of a wireline winch when stopped

under hydraulic power, or when brakes are slipping.
Also, the unique movement of a wireline with respect to a drum
surface or sheave surface resulting from the asymmetrical load
between one side of the drum or sheave and the other. It is simi-
lar to the action of a caterpillar moving over a flat surface.

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Wireline Glossary
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Cross-Over

A short subassembly, threaded at both ends, used to connect

two components with different thread types or sizes. Often
abbreviated as X/O.
Crown Block

A stationary pulley system located at the top of the derrick to

which the wire rope system of the traveling block and hook is
attached.
Cut-and-Thread (Strip Over)

A method of fishing for stuck downhole wireline equipment which

consists of supporting the wireline at the rig floor, cutting the
wireline, and threading it through a string of drillpipe being run in
the hole, until the overshot attached to the end of the drill pipe
engages the fish and it is withdrawn from the well.

-D-
Depth

The distance from the zero depth reference at the top of the well
to the point in question.
Depth Datum

See Depth Reference

Depth Reference

The point in a well from which depth is measured. Alternatively,

the depth reference is the point at which the depth is defined as
being zero. It is typically the level of the rig floor on the rig used
to drill the well, or it can be the MSL (mean sea level) on offshore
wells. The depth measured from that point is the measured
depth (MD) for the well. Even when the drilling rig has been
removed, all subsequent measurements and operations in the
well are still tied in to the same depth reference.
Depth Correlation

The process of comparing and adjusting wireline measured

depths with marker features on baseline logs of the surrounding
formations, or with casing collars.
Derrick

A tower-like load bearing structure used to raise and lower

equipment (pipe, casing, wireline equipment, etc.) used in drill-

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Wireline Glossary
-D-

ing and testing of a well. The original style was a construction of

assembled heavy beams, but this has been largely replaced by
a mast, which can be raised and lowered without disassembly.
Detonator

A device containing primary high-explosives that is used to ini-

tiate an explosive sequence. The two common types of detona-
tors are electrical detonators (also known as blasting caps) and
percussion detonators. A detonator is usually used in a perfora-
tor gun to set off primacord which in turn sets off shaped
charges.
DHSV

Downhole safety valve. See SSSV

Dogleg

1. A sharp bend or change in direction of the wellbore.

2. Permanent bend or kink in a wireline caused by improper use
or handling.
Downhole Wireline Equipment

A term used to describe sub-surface tools, equipment, and

instruments which are run in the wellbore.
Drawdown

The difference between the bottom hole pressure at the sand-

face or borehole and the reservoir pressure. The change in pres-
sure causes the fluid in a reservoir to flow into the well. In a killed
well, there is no drawdown because the bottom hole pressure is
equal to the reservoir pressure.
Drawworks

The hoisting mechanism on a drilling rig. It is essentially a large

winch unit that spools the drilling line on or off thus raising or
lowering the drill pipe and drill bit.
Drilling Line

A large diameter solid wire rope cable that is wound on the draw-
works drum then to the crown block and then to the traveling
block. It is used to raise and lower the drill pipe and drill bit, also
for hoisting other equipment in the derrick.

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Wireline Glossary
-E-

Drum

A flanged cylindrical spool on which wireline is wound (spooled).

Usually equipped with a large sprocket on one flange and is
chain driven. Part of a winch, mounted on a truck or a skid unit.
Drum Core

The cylindrical center of a drum. The outer diameter must not be

less than the minimum bending radius of the wireline that is
spooled on it. The outer surface can be smooth or grooved.
Dump Bailer

A slickline or wireline tool designed to dump cement, acid, gel, or

other materials at a selected depth in a wellbore. Dump bailers
can be “gravity actuated” -- the material is dumped under the
effect of gravity alone -- or “positive displacement” -- the material
is pushed out by a piston.
Durometer

A numerical scale of elastomer hardness determined by an

instrument that measures the resistance to the penetration of an
indentor point into the surface of an elastomer. 90 is considered
hard, 60 soft.
DVR- Design Verification Report

See IRC

-E-
Elastic Limit

The yield point or the stress limit above which permanent defor-
mation will take place within the material.
Electric Line

A wireline with electrical conductors. (See Wireline)

Electric Log

In general terms, any log recorded on a conductor wireline,

whether it measures an electrical quantity or not.
Elevators

A heavy, hinged clamp attached to the hook and traveling block

on a drilling rig by bail-like arms and used for lifting drill pipe and

15
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Wireline Glossary
-F-

tubing and lowering them into the well utilizing the drawworks
drilling line.
Elongation

When new cable is first put into service, it is subjected to stretch-

ing. The maximum amount of this elongation of the cable would
normally be obtained after the first 20 to 30 runs of the cable into
a well.
Escape Line

A steel cable attached to the derrick or mast near the work plat-
form for the derrick man, and anchored at surface level (on a
vessel or the Earth) away from the mast in a loose catenary pro-
file. The escape line provides a rapid escape path for the derrick
man, using a special braked harness.
Expendable Gun

A perforating gun that contains explosive charges which are

mounted in special capsules. After firing, nothing remains of the
gun but a small amount of debris.
External Pulling Tool

A downhole tool used to pull or retrieve temporary plugs or simi-

lar equipment. The external pulling tool engages on the external
surfaces of the item to be retrieved.
External Upset

A type of tubing connection in which the external diameter of the

tubing joint is larger in the connection to provide the necessary
strength. This allows internal tubing surface to be flush.

-F-
Fish

A foreign object lost in the wellbore which obstructs routine func-

tions performed in the well.
Fishing Neck

The specific profile on which a fishing tool engages when retriev-

ing tools stuck or lost in a well. The fishing neck profile is
designed to enable the running and retrieval tools to reliably
engage and release.

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Wireline Glossary
-F-

Fishing Tool

Special mechanical devices run on wireline or coiled tubing to

aid the recovery of equipment lost downhole. Among fishing
tools, are impression blocks, wireline spears, and wireline over-
shots. wireline jars are used in conjunction with wireline fishing
tools.
Fishing Operation

The attempt to retrieve an object stuck or lost in the wellbore by

use of wireline, coiled tubing or drill pipe mounted equipment.
Flag

A marker placed on a wireline so as to locate a particular posi-

tion (depth).
Flange

A connection used in wellheads, pipe work, and associated

equipment featuring a protruding rim with a bolt-hole pattern to
allow the joint to be secured and a gasket ring to ensure a pres-
sure-tight seal. A flange is the preferred mean of connecting
wireline pressure control equipment to a christmas tree. Flange
dimensions and specifications are defined in API specification
6A.
Fleet Angle

That angle between the wireline position at the extreme end

wrap on a drum, and a line perpendicular to the axis of the drum
through the center of the nearest fixed sheave.
Flow Line

A line or hose that conducts liquid or gas from the well and/or
pressure control equipment.
On a drilling rig, the large-diameter metal pipe that connects the
bell nipple to the mud treatment equipment and tanks.
Flotubes (Flow Tubes)

A series of small inside diameter tubes through which wireline

travels as part of the grease control head section of wireline
pressure control equipment. High pressure grease is injected in
the annulus space between the wireline and the flotube to help
control the well pressure.
Special flotubes are used for slickline applications in high-pres-
sure gas wells.

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Wireline Glossary
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Fluid

Any substance which will undergo continuous deformation when

subjected to shear stress. Liquids and gases are fluids.
Forging

A shaped metal body, formed by applying compressive force on

the hot metal, normally using a die. Wireline valves are often
manufactured using forgings.
Formation

A stratified layer of rock (sand, limestone, or shale) which may

contain hydrocarbons. The thickness of a formation can vary
from a few feet to several hundred feet and can be anywhere
from a few feet to several thousand feet below the surface of the
earth.
Four-way Valve

A directional valve having four flow paths.

Free Pipe

Casing, tubing or drill pipe which is free of the restraint of a

cement sheath or formation materials, and can be retrieved from
a well.
Free Point

The deepest depth in the well that stuck casing, tubing, or drill
pipe is free and can be salvaged.

-G-
Gas Hydrate

A combination of natural gas and water under pressure which

forms solid ice-like crystals at temperatures above the freezing
point of water. Gas hydrates formation in wellhead pressure con-
trol equipment can be prevented or suppressed by injecting con-
tinuously antifreeze materials such as glycols or methanol.
Gas Lift

An artificial lift method in which gas is injected into the produc-

tion tubing to reduce the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid column.
The injection gas is typically conveyed down the tubing-casing
annulus and enters the production train through a series of gas
lift valves positioned in gas lift mandrels.

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Wireline Glossary
-G-

Gas Lift Mandrel

A gas lift system component that is assembled with the produc-

tion tubing string to provide a means of locating gas lift valves.
The gas lift mandrel provides communication between the lift
gas pumped in the annulus and the production-tubing bore.
Gas Lift Valve

A valve used in a gas lift system to control the flow of lift gas into
the production tubing conduit. The gas lift valve is located in the
gas lift mandrel. It is normally run and retrieved using slickline
running and pulling tools. The valve operates by opening or clos-
ing at a pre-set differential pressure between the tubing and
annulus.
Gate Valve

A valve which employs a sliding gate to open or close the flow

passage. The valve may or may not be full-opening. Gate valves
are commonly found on christmas trees.
Gauge Cutter

A slickline tool designed to gauge and scrape clean the ID of a

tubing string.
Gauge Hole

A wellbore with a diameter the same size as the drill bit.

Gauge Pressure

The pressure indicated by a pressure gauge (0 psi gauge pres-

sure = atmospheric pressure). Gauge pressure plus atmospheric
pressure equals absolute pressure. Note that it is possible to
have a negative gauge pressure.
Gauge Ring

A precisely machined ring, having a specified internal or external

diameter. The gauge ring is used to confirm the dimensions of
tools and equipment that must pass through restrictions of a cer-
tain diameter. Gauge rings are run on wireline to confirm the
minimum ID of tubing and casing strings.
Gin Pole

One or more connected lengths of small diameter pipe with a

block and tackle arrangement. It is attached to the wellhead and
is used as a mast to raise and lower slickline pressure control
equipment.

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Wireline Glossary
-G-

GICH (HGT)

An abbreviation for the grease injection control head section of

wireline pressure equipment. See also HGT
GIT

An abbreviation for Grease Injection Tool, a set of wireline pres-

sure equipment including a grease injection head.
Glycol

A series of alcohols with general formula C2nH4n+2On+1. The

simplest member is ethylene glycol C2H6O2, widely used as
antifreeze. Ethylene glycol is used for hydrate prevention and as
pressure test fluid.
Go Devil

A slickline tool that is slotted over the slickline, and dropped

downhole to activate another tool, or cut the slickline from a
stuck string. (See also Wireline Cutter)
Gooseneck

The assembly mounted on a wireline head that guides the wire-

line through an arc, and avoids a sharp bend when picking-up or
laying-down heavy tools.
Grapple

An element of a fishing tool that engage on the outer surface of a

fish.
Grooved Drum

A drum with a grooved surface that accommodates the wireline

and guides it for proper spooling.
Ground (Earth)

A conducting body whose potential is taken as zero and to which

an electrical circuit can be connected.
Ground Line

An electrical conductor wire that is used to connect the wireline

hoist unit either to the rig or wellhead for safety... With electrical
logging, it is connected to a portable surface remote electrode to
provide a reference zero potential.

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Wireline Glossary
-H-

Gun Perforating

A wireline or tubing conveyed procedure involving the use of an

explosive device to introduce holes through the steel casing into
a formation so that fluids can flow from the formation into the
casing.
Guy Lines

Wireline cables that are used to support and steady a derrick,

boom, or mast.

-H-
Hardness

Resistance to a distorting force. Measured by the relative resis-

tance of the material to an indenter point of any one of a number
of standard hardness testing instruments. Brinell and Rockwell
hardness measurement are commonly used on wellhead pres-
sure control equipment metal bodies.
Hay Pulley

Lower sheave, used to guide the wireline down from the top
stuffing box, parallel to the lubricator string, to the base of the
pressure system, then in a horizontal direction to the wireline
winch drum.
Head

See Cablehead
Heat lot

A batch of metal originating from the same melt, and having

undergone simultaneously the same heat treatment.
HGT

Hydraulically-controlled Grease Tubes. An abbreviation for the

grease injection control head section of wireline pressure equip-
ment.
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

Pertaining to wells that are hotter or higher pressure than the

norm. HPHT is formally defined as a well having an undisturbed
bottom hole temperature of greater than 300ºF [149ºC] and a
pore pressure of at least 0.8 psi/ft (~15.3 lbm/gal fluid weight) or
requiring a BOP stack with a rating in excess of 10,000 psi
[68.95 MPa].

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Wireline Glossary
-H-

High Shot Density Gun (HSD)

Conventionally, a gun having more than four shots per foot.

Honey Oil

A term often used to designate high viscosity seal grease that is

pumped at high pressure into wellhead pressure control equip-
ment to help contain the well pressure.
Horsepower (HP)

The power required to lift 550 lbs, one foot in one second. One
horsepower is equal to 746 watts or 42.4 BTUs per minute.
Hostile Environment

Any wellbore which meets any one of the following criteria: (1)
Depth greater than 20,000 ft; (2) Pressure greater than 10,000
psi; (3) Temperature greater than 300ºF; (4) Hole inclination is
greater than 50º; or (5) Contains gas-cut fluids or a high percent-
age of H2S and/or CO2.

Housing

The steel container of a cartridge or a sonde in a wireline logging

tool. The housing is pressure-proof, and isolates the electronics,
power supplies and sensors from the borehole fluids.
Hydraulic Head

The pressure caused by the weight of an equivalent column of

liquid upon a unit area expressed by the height or vertical dis-
tance of the liquid above the point at which the pressure is mea-
sured. Also called "Hydrostatic Head".
Hydraulic Power Pack

An equipment system used to provide a hydraulic power supply,

as used for winch units and masts. Normally consists of a prime
mover, a hydraulic pump, and the necessary tanks, hoses and
controls. Hydraulic power packs have Diesel or Electric prime
movers.
Hydril

The brand name of a common hydraulically operated annular

blowout preventer. Often used as a generic term for annular
BOP.

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Wireline Glossary
-I-

Hydrocarbon

A naturally occurring organic compound comprising hydrogen

and carbon. Hydrocarbons can occur as gases, liquids or solids.
Natural gas and oil are mixtures of hydrocarbons.
Hydrogen Embrittlement

Deterioration of metal tensile strength due to exposure to Hydro-

gen Sulfide [H2S]. This is caused by the migration of hydrogen
ions between the grains of the steel, where they recombine into
H2, taking up more space and causing sudden cracking.

Hydrogen Sulfide - H2S

A gaseous compound (H2S) of sulfur and hydrogen commonly

found in petroleum. Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic, colorless,
and odorless at high concentrations, but smells like rotten eggs
in low concentrations, A few seconds of exposure in relatively
low concentrations, (10,000 ppm) is lethal. Exposure to H2S
causes sulfide-stress-corrosion cracking of metals. A well con-
taining H2S is called a “Sour Well”.

H2S resistant metals (as defined by NACE MR0175) must be

used for Well Head Pressure Control Equipment used in sour
wells.
Hydrostatic Head

Same as Hydraulic Head.

Hydrostatic Pressure

In a reservoir, it is the normally expected pressure, equal to the

pressure exerted by a column of freshwater from sea-level to a
given depth. Depleted reservoirs have pressures below hydro-
static pressure. Over-pressured reservoirs have pressures
above hydrostatic pressure.

-I-
ID

Inside or inner diameter. Casing, tubing and drillpipe are com-

monly described in terms of inside diameter and outside diame-
ter (OD).
Impression Block

A slickline tool containing a block of soft metal, usually lead, that

is dropped, or preferably positioned and jarred, onto the top of a

23
 WLHB.book Page 24 Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:03 AM

Wireline Glossary
-I-

fish to recover an image of its top part and its position in the
bore. This will facilitate designing a fishing tool string to recover
the fish.
In Situ

In its natural location. In place.

Inclination

The inclination in well survey data is the angle, in degrees,

between the well axis and the vertical axis at a given depth. A
vertical section of well has an inclination of 0º. A horizontal sec-
tion of well has an inclination of 90º.
Inhibitor

A chemical agent added to a fluid system in a well or injected in

Pressure Control Equipment to retard or prevent chemical attack
or formation of undesirable compounds. Inhibitors are commonly
used to control the effect of hydrogen sulfide [H2S].

Integral Lubricator

A lubricator joint with body tube and unions machined in a single

piece, from a single bar of metal.
Intelligent Completion

A completion string including in-situ measurements systems and

remotely operated valves, which can be re-configured automati-
cally or with electronic/ hydraulic signals from surface, to opti-
mize production parameters and reservoir economics.
Intensifier Pump

A double opposed piston pump that is capable of producing very

high pressure and volume. Requires high pressure hydraulic
fluid to actuate. Used to supply high pressure grease for well-
head wireline pressure control equipment.
Internal Pulling Tool

A downhole tool used to pull or retrieve temporary plugs or simi-

lar equipment. The internal pulling tool engages on an internal
profile of the item to be retrieved.
IRC - Independent Review Certificate

A form of Design Approval Certificate. These are assessments

by a competent body verifying that the specifications for manu-
facture of an assembly meet the requirements of the authorities'
regulations and the industry standards. An IRC applies to a

24
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Wireline Glossary
-J-

series of identical devices manufactured under the same draw-

ings and assembly number.

-J-
Jar

A slickline or wireline device used to deliver an impact load to a

downhole component, especially when that component is stuck.
There are two types, mechanical and hydraulic jars. In a jarring
cycle, energy is stored by pulling on the slickline/wireline, and
this is suddenly released when the jar is triggered.
Jet Charge

See Shaped Charge

Jet Cutter

A wireline tool that uses the detonation of an annular shaped

explosive charge to cut the surrounding tubing or casing.
Joint

A length of oilfield pipe with threaded connections at both ends.

While there are different standard lengths, the most common drill
pipe or tubing joint length is around 30 ft [9 m]. For casing, the
most common length of a joint is 40 ft [12 m].
Junk Basket

A wireline or drill pipe run device used to remove small debris

from inside a wellbore.

-K-
Kelly

A square or hexagonal pipe used to transmit rotary motion to the

drillstring, while allowing the drillstring to be lowered or raised
during rotation. The Kelly goes through the Kelly bushing, which
is driven by the rotary table. The Kelly bushing has an inside pro-
file matching the Kelly's outside profile.
KB -Kelly Bushing

An adapter that serves to connect the rotary table to the Kelly.

The Kelly bushing has an inside profile that matches that of the
Kelly, usually square or hexagonal. The Kelly bushing is fixed to
the rotary table, and transmits rotary motion to the drillstring via

25
 WLHB.book Page 26 Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:03 AM

Wireline Glossary
-K-

the Kelly that is screwed into the top of the drill string. Well depth
measurements are commonly referenced to the KB while the
well is being drilled, (7466 ft KB means 7466 feet below the Kelly
bushing).
Key-Seat

A crevice or groove in the wellbore wall or a split in casing in

which wireline or wireline tools can become wedged.
Kick

A flow of drilling fluids from a wellbore resulting from the entry of

formation fluids, oil, gas or water into the wellbore. The kick is
caused by the pressure in the mud column becoming less than
the formation pressure. An uncontrolled kick leads to a blow-out,
unless the well is killed.
Kill

To stop the flow of formation fluids from a reservoir into the well-
bore, by increasing the pressure of the mud or completion fluid,
so that it becomes higher than the reservoir pressure. In the
case of a drilling well, the driller must increase the density of the
drilling fluid, and circulate out, or bullhead into the formation any
formation fluid present in the wellbore. In the case of a producing
well, a kill fluid with sufficient density to overcome production of
formation fluid must be pumped into the well to stop the flow of
reservoir fluids.
Kill Line

A high-pressure pipe leading from the BOP Stack to high-pres-

sure rig pumps. Kill fluid is pumped through the kill line to regain
control of a well after a kick, or to reduce to zero the wellhead
pressure in a producing well.
Killed Well

A wellbore with only atmospheric pressure at the surface. During

drilling this is accomplished by conditioning the drilling fluids to
stabilize any well formation pressure within the well.
Kinematic Viscosity

See Viscosity
Kinetic Energy

Energy that a substance or body has by virtue of its mass

(weight) and velocity.

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Wireline Glossary
-L-

Kinked Wireline

A section of wireline that has received excessive twisting or has

been allowed to curl excessively creating an irreparable sharp
bend.
Knuckle Joint

A knuckle Joint is a slickline string in-line accessory that pro-

vides flexibility in the tool string by using a ball and socket
arrangement.

-L-
Lay

The manner in which the wires in the strands of a wireline cable

are helically laid. The distance measured parallel to the axis of
the wireline cable in which a strand (armor) makes one complete
convolution about the core.
Lebus Sleeve

A grooved plastic sleeve that is fitted on a wireline winch drum

core to facilitate even spooling.
Lightweight Lubricator

A lubricator design developed by Elmar, offering much reduced

weight with respect to conventional lubricators with equal specifi-
cations.
Line

See Wireline
Liner

A casing string in which the top does not extend to the surface.
The liner is suspended inside the previous casing string using a
liner hanger.
Lithology

The physical character and composition of the rock. Refers to

the different rock strata within the formations penetrated by the
wellbore.

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Wireline Glossary
-L-

Live Oil

Oil containing dissolved gas that may be released from solution

at surface conditions. Live oil presents the risk of explosion or
fire if not handled under closely controlled conditions.
Load Cell

The sensor that detects the tension in a wireline winch operation.

Load cells are hydraulically or electronically operated and are
connected to the weight-indicator display system on the winch
operator's console.
Log

A record containing information versus depth or time, related to

properties in the wellbore or some properties in the formation
surrounding the wellbore. A well log or survey.
Logging Cable

A wireline containing one or more insulated electrical conductors

enclosed in a tightly wrapped sheath of steel wires (armor).
Logging Tool

An instrument used in openhole or cased hole for performing

downhole well log data gathering for determining properties of
the formation, or characteristics of the wellbore and its environ-
ment.
Logging Unit

The system that contains the surface hardware needed to make

wireline logging measurements. The logging unit contains the
surface instrumentation, a winch, a depth recording system and
a data recorder.
Logging While Drilling (LWD)

The measurement of formation properties while drilling the hole,

through the use of logging tools integrated into the bottomhole
drilling assembly. LWD tools store high resolution data in solid-
state memory for retrieval when the drilling assembly is tripped
out, and transmit low resolution data in real-time, usually as
pressure pulses in the mud system.
Losing Seal

A condition where a large amount of well pressure and fluid is

escaping from the top of a wireline pressure control system. Nor-
mally as a result of the grease control head not being able to
contain well pressure.

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Wireline Glossary
-M-

Lost Circulation

A partial or complete lack of mud returning to the surface after

being pumped down a well. Lost circulation takes place when the
drilling bit encounters natural fractures or caverns in which the
mud flows. Lost circulation may also be caused by using mud of
too high density, creating induced fractures in the formation.
When lost circulation is encountered, the pressure exerted on
the open formations is reduced. This can result in another open
zone flowing into the wellbore and, in the worst case, a cata-
strophic loss of well control.
Lost Circulation Material (LCM)

Material added to drilling fluids to cure a Lost Circulation situa-

tion. Commonly used lost-circulation materials include vegetal
material (bark, shredded cane stalks, nut hulls), mineral (mica
flakes, ground marble) and pieces of plastic or cellophane sheet-
ing.
Lubricator/Riser

The hollow tubular sections of wireline pressure control equip-

ment that are used to contain the wireline downhole set of tools
to be run into and out of the well.

-M-
Major Survey

A detailed inspection and performance verification carried out or

controlled by a certification agency. For WHE, a major survey is
required every five years, and is necessary for renewal of Certifi-
cation. It includes NDT, pressure testing and function testing of
all components.
Mark

A magnetic mark or metal shim on a cable. Usually located every

100 feet or 50 metres for depth-control purposes.
Mast

Drilling Mast: See Derrick

Wireline Mast: A unit used for well-servicing with slickline and
electrical wireline that provides a means of lifting and supporting
pressure control equipment, and running wireline and slickline
tools. Wireline Masts can be folding or telescopic.

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Wireline Glossary
-M-

Master Valve

The main control valve on a Christmas Tree. Being the main iso-
lation valve, the Master Valve is often redundant.
Maximum Temperature Rating

Pertaining to wireline operations, this is the maximum tempera-

ture for satisfactory operation of a specific downhole tool, explo-
sive device, or wireline. The temperature rating is often specified
for a given period of time (e.g. 350°F for 1 hour).
Measured Depth (MD)

The length of a well measured along its wellbore. It is normally

measured using drill pipes as the measuring stick. This mea-
surement differs from the true vertical depth of the well in all but
vertical wells.
Measurement While Drilling (MWD)

The evaluation of well parameters such as pressure, tempera-

ture and wellbore trajectory while drilling the well, using tools
included in the drilling bottomhole assembly. The measurements
are initially stored in a solid-state buffer memory and later trans-
mitted to the surface, usually as pressure pulses in the mud sys-
tem. MWD tools that measure also formation parameters are
called logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools.
Measuring Head (Horsehead)

An assembly of wheels that the wireline is directed through. As

the wireline travels through the system, the length is measured
by counting the number of revolutions of a calibrated wheel. The
system is installed adjacent to the drum and also serves to guide
the wireline evenly onto the drum.
Measuring Line

Synonymous with Slickline. Slickline was initially used to mea-

sure the depth of wells.
Milking

The progressive movement of armor strands along the axis of

the wireline cable, resulting from the cable movement through a
restricted passage such as a tight line wiper or flowtube.
Minimum Restriction

The smallest diameter in a wellbore through which the tool string

must pass to reach the operating depth. In a completion string,
this will usually be the no-go nipple. The tool string outside diam-

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WLHB.book Page 31 Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:03 AM

Wireline Glossary
-N-

eter should be normally smaller than the minimum restriction by

1/4”.
Minimum Wall

The minimum wall is the smallest allowable thickness for a given

nominal wall of a pressure vessel according to the manufac-
turer’s specifications. Although the actual wall thickness will in
most cases be greater, for critical calculation purposes, the mini-
mum wall thickness is used to ensure that a worst-case scenario
is considered.
Monocable

An armored single conductor wireline cable for logging, perforat-

ing and operation of electrical/mechanical tools.

-N-
NACE MR 01-75

National Association of Corrosion Engineers specifications and

standards for equipment that is used in conditions where hydro-
gen embrittlement or sulfide stress cracking is likely to occur,
commonly designated as sour environments.
Nipple

A completion string tubular element comprising a seal area and

a locking profile. Landing nipples are positioned in the comple-
tion string to receive flow-control devices, such as plugs and
chokes, run on slickline. Three basic types of landing nipple are
commonly used: no-go nipples, selective-landing nipples and
safety-valve nipples.
No-Go Nipple

A nipple with a reduced diameter internal profile that prevents

the tool or device to be set from passing through it. In many com-
pletions, a no-go landing nipple is set close to the tubing end
providing a no-go barrier to protect against a slickline tool string
being dropped below the tubing shoe.
Nominal Wall

The nominal wall is the target wall thickness of a pressure vessel

provided by the manufacturer and commonly referred to by
users. The actual wall size may vary within the plus and minus
specifications quoted by the manufacturer.

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Wireline Glossary
-O-

Nitrile (Buna-N)

The most commonly used elastomer material for O-rings and

seals, because of its resistance to petroleum fluids, good physi-
cal properties and temperature range.

-O-
OD

Outside or outer diameter. Casing and tubing are commonly

described in terms of inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter.
OD of all wireline tools must be known before running them in
the well.
Openhole

A wellbore that does not contain casing, or an uncased portion of

the wellbore.
Overbalance

The amount of pressure in the wellbore fluids that exceeds the

pressure of fluids in the formation, thus preventing reservoir flu-
ids (oil, gas, water) from entering the wellbore. Excessive over-
balance can damage the formation.
Overshot

A device that is attached to the bottom end of wireline, drill pipe

or tubing to retrieve equipment lost in a wellbore. It is hollow,
open-ended, and usually contains an internal spiral grapple, or
wireline slips arrangement to grab the equipment being fished.

-P-
Packer

A downhole, expanding plug-like device which is used to seal-off

certain sections of tubing, casing or openhole. Packers can be
run on wireline, tubing, drill pipe, or casing. (See Bridge Plug)
Production Packers are used in almost every completion to iso-
late the annulus from the production string, enabling controlled
production, injection or treatment.
Packers include an assembly to secure it in place, such as slip
arrangement, and an elastomeric seal.

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Wireline Glossary
-P-

Packing

A flexible device used to retain fluids under pressure or seal out

foreign matter. Normally used as a dynamic type seal.
Pack-Off

The pack-off is normally incorporated as an integral part of the

grease injection control head. It provides a means to seal around
a wireline cable or a slickline to prevent liquids and/or gas from
escaping into the atmosphere should the grease control head
fail. Pack-off can be hydraulically or manually actuated.
Paraffin

Heavy hydrocarbon compounds associated with crude oils that

precipitate on production components as a result of the changing
temperatures and pressures within the production system.
Heavy paraffins build up on the completion components and
restrict production.
Paraffin Scratcher

A downhole tool, generally run on slickline, used to remove par-

affin and soft wax deposits from the internal wall of production
strings.
Pascal

The measurement unit for pressure in the SI system.1 Pascal =

1 Newton/m2. For oilfield measurements the kiloPascal (kPa)
(1,000 Pascal) or Mega Pascal (MPa) (1,000,000 Pascal) are
used.
1 psi= 6.895 kPa; 1 Kg/cm2 = 98.07 kPa. 1 MPa = 145.04 psi;
1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
PCE

An abbreviation for wireline Pressure Control Equipment. The

assembly mounted on top of a wellhead to allow entering and
exiting the wellbore under pressure with wireline conveyed tools.
(See also WHE)
Perforating

The wireline or tubing or drill pipe run procedure involving the

use of a downhole equipment perforating gun using explosive
charges. Most modern guns use Shaped Charges.

33
 WLHB.book Page 34 Tuesday, April 13, 2004 11:03 AM

Wireline Glossary
-P-

When the charges are detonated, they create holes through

steel casing and into the formation so that fluids can flow from
the formation into the casing.
Perforating Overbalance

To create holes in the liner or casing under hydrostatic pressure

inside the casing or liner greater than the reservoir pressure.
When the perforation is made wellbore fluid will invade the reser-
voir formation.
Perforating Underbalance

To create holes in the liner or casing under hydrostatic pressure

inside the casing or liner lower than the reservoir pressure.
When the perforation is made, there will be a tendency for the
reservoir fluid to flow into the wellbore and clean-up the perfora-
tions.
Pick-up depth

The depth at which the tool string is picked up off the bottom of
the well during a wireline logging survey. Pick-up is indicated by
an increase in cable tension and by a variation in the log mea-
surement. Before pick-up, the observed depth is changing, but
this is due to spooling-in the slack in the cable, and the tool
remains stationary.
Plug Valve

A valve whose mechanism consists of a plug with a hole through

it on the same axis as the direction of fluid flow. Turning the plug
90º opens or closes the valve. The valve may or may not be full-
opening.
POH

An abbreviation for “Pulling Out of Hole”.

Polished Bore Receptacle (PBR)

A profiled component normally run in the production liner string,

whose ID has been polished to provide a sealing surface for a
production tubing seal assembly. A PBR enables some move-
ment of the completion string maintaining the hydraulic seal.
Poppet Valve

A valve that opens when a predetermined pressure value is

reached set by a spring. Normally used to protect a lower-rated
component in a pressure containing string.

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Wireline Glossary
-P-

Power

Work per unit of time measured in horsepower (HP) or watts.

Power Pack (Power Unit)

An integral power supply unit, normally hydraulic, as used for

wireline winches and masts.
Normally consists of a prime mover, a hydraulic pump, and the
necessary tanks, hoses and controls. Hydraulic power packs
have Diesel or Electric prime movers.
Primacord

A trade name for a cord containing a core of high explosive

material which is used to detonate high explosive charges such
as shaped charges. Sometimes liquid proof and pressure proof
for exposed applications.
Preformed Wireline

Wireline cable in which the strands are permanently formed dur-

ing fabrication into the helical shape they will assume in the
cable.
Pressure

The force that is exerted over a surface measured as force per

unit of area. It is usually expressed in pounds per square inch
(psi), or kilograms per square centimeters (Kg/cm2). In the SI
system, the unit used is the Pascal= Newton/m2.
For oilfield measurements the kiloPascal (kPa) (1,000 Pascal) or
Mega Pascal (MPa) (1,000,000 Pascal) are used.
1 psi= 6.895 kPa; 1 Kg/cm2 = 98.07 kPa. 1 MPa = 145.04 psi;
1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
Pressure Drop

The difference in pressure between any two points of a system

or a component.
Pressure Line

The line or hose carrying the fluid from the pump outlet to a pres-
sure inlet port.
Pressure Reducing Valve

A valve which limits the maximum pressure at its outlet, regard-

less of the inlet pressure.

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Wireline Glossary
-Q-

Pulling Tool

A slickline tool used to engage and retrieve completion string

devices, such as plugs and flow-control equipment from the well-
bore. Pulling tools normally require a jarring action to retrieve the
equipment. Pulling tools are available in a range of sizes and
profiles and must be compatible with the equipment to be
retrieved. They have an emergency release system in case the
equipment on which they are latched cannot be released.
Pull Out

The action of retrieving a wireline tool from a well.

Pull Off

When a wireline downhole tool is stuck in the well and cannot be

freed, the wireline will be pulled with enough tension to discon-
nect it from the cablehead rope socket. The stuck tool will then
be fished-out of the well.
Pull out of Hole (POOH)

Remove the wireline from a well by spooling on the winch drum.

Pump

A device which converts mechanical force and motion into

hydraulic fluid power.

-Q-
Quick Unions

Connections used to assemble the wireline pressure control

equipment. Designed to be assembled by hand without use of
large wrenches.
Q-Guide Ram

Trade-marked name of a Wireline Valve ram design developed

by Elmar. Q-Guide rams have better wireline guiding capabilities,
avoiding crushed or sheared wirelines.
Quality File

A Quality File is a compilation of documents showing, for one

individual asset or assembly some or all of the following informa-
tion:
- Manufacturer's bulletins or manuals
- Certification documents, usually a COC, with all relevant

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Wireline Glossary
-R-

renewals
- Traceability of critical components and materials when required
- Maintenance, test and inspection records
- Operating history notes.

-R-
Rams

Elastomer-faced metal sealing elements in a wireline valve

(BOP) which can be closed to seal around the outer surface of a
wireline to provide well pressure control. Wireline ram bodies
normally have a cut-out semicircular slot with a diameter equal
to the OD of the wireline on which they seal.
Multiline rams have a slot sized to the largest wireline they can
handle (15/32”), and can be used with a wide range of line diam-
eters.
Reel

A flanged spool on which wireline is wound for storage or ship-

ment.
Reeve

To pass a line through a hole or around a system of sheaves.

Repeat Section

A short interval of log, typically 200 ft [60 m] long that has been
recorded for a second time. The purpose is to ascertain the good
functioning of the tool by checking the repeatability of the mea-
surement. There can be more than one repeat section.
Residual

That which remains after a removal or displacement process.

Residual Pressure can be trapped when equipment is “bled-off”.
Resistance

An opposition to the flow of electrical current in a conductor

expressed as OHMS. Mathematically, resistance is a ratio of
voltage drop to the applied current (OHMS = VOLTS/AMPS).
Resistivity

The specific resistance or resistivity of a unit cube of any mate-

rial under defined conditions. Resistivity of rocks changes with
the porosity, the fluid content, and the nature of the fluid. In well
logging, it is expressed as Ohm-Meters (OHM-M).

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Wireline Glossary
-R-

Retrievable Gun

A perforating gun designed to be retrieved from the wellbore

after firing, leaving minimal debris in the hole.
Return Line

A tube or hose used to carry exhaust fluids to the waste fluid res-
ervoir tank.
Rig

A derrick equipped with drilling equipment; i.e. mast, drawworks,

drilling engines, rotary table, mud pumps, and auxiliary equip-
ment.
Rig Down

To dismantle wireline equipment after the completion of an oper-

ation.
Rig Up

To install wireline equipment on a well, ready for an operation.

Rig-up equipment

In wireline operations it is the equipment used to install and run a

wireline and wireline tools in a mast or derrick.
Usually consists of lower and upper sheave, tie-down chain,
sheave hanger, gooseneck, etc.
RIH

An abbreviation for “Running in Hole”. Insert the wireline into a

well, paying out from the winch drum.
Rope Socket

A metal device which is used to connect the bottom end of the

wireline to the cablehead, which in turn is connected to the
downhole tools.
Round Thread

A basic threadform commonly found in oilfield applications. (8-

Round is a common API Casing thread, 8 threads per inch) The
thread has a dual function, providing both the mechanical cou-
pling and fluid seal.

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Round Trip

The action of pulling the drill pipe or wireline out of the hole and
subsequently running the pipe or wireline back into the well to
the same depth.
RTKB

RTKB (Rotary Table Kelly Bushing) is the depth reference typi-

cally used by conventional rotary drilling rigs when they drill a
well. (See Kelly Bushing)
Running Tool

A slickline tool used to run and set slickline plugs or similar

equipment. Running tools are available in a range of sizes and
profiles and must be compatible with the equipment to be set. A
running tool can select the nipple in which to set the equipment
being run, based on different size Lock Mandrels.

-S-
Safe Working Load - SWL

The maximum load that can be safely applied to a wireline or to

a steel rope either to move or sustain a load. It is a portion of the
nominal wireline strength. For electric line it is often considered
to be 50% of a new line breaking strength. SWL of lifting slings
must be verified regularly with a pull test.
Sand Line

A wire rope on a drilling rig often used to run or recover tools

inside the drill string or for swabbing. The sand line is typically
operated on a separate winch drum that is part of the rig draw-
works. The sand line is rated for higher pulls than slickline or
electric wireline.
Shaped Charge (Jet Charge)

A small high explosive device with a lined cavity used in wireline

or tubing conveyed gun perforating operations. The charge deto-
nation produces a high pressure, high velocity jet whose size
and penetration characteristics depend on the shape of the cav-
ity and of the metal liner. The extremely high pressure and veloc-
ity of the high energy jet cause steel, cement and rock
formations, to flow plastically around the jet path, thereby creat-
ing the perforation tunnel.

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-S-

Shear Ram

A Wireline Valve closing element fitted with hardened tool steel

blades designed to cut the wireline when the valve is closed.
Shear-Seal Rams seal the wellbore after the severed wireline is
dropped. Other shear-only designs require a separate set of
blind rams to seal the wellbore.
Sheave Wheel

A pulley that is used to guide wireline. The top sheave wheel

supports the weight of the wireline and the downhole equipment
while directing it into and out of the well vertically. The bottom or
floor sheave wheel directs the vertical wireline at an angle
toward the winch unit drum. Small bottom sheaves for slickline
are called “Hay Pulleys”.
Shifting Tool

A slickline tool designed to open and close sliding sleeves.

Shipping Spool

A shipping spool is a spool used to hold a wireline for shipping

purposes.
Shoe

A device placed at the end of a tubular string. (See Casing Shoe;

Tubing Shoe) In wireline operations, often used as short for the
measured depth of the bottom of a string (e.g. Shoe = 2345 ft
KB).
Shut-Off Valve

A valve that closes a hydraulic or pneumatic supply line.

Side-Door Overshot

Similar to an overshot, but has a side door through which wire-

line passes.
The wireline runs alongside fishing tools and drill pipe.
Side Pocket Mandrel

A completion string element that is used to house gas-lift valves,

gauges, or other devices that require communication with the
annulus. The side-pocket mandrel and the installed components
do not obstruct the production flow path, enabling access to the
wellbore and completion components below. Valves or Gauges
are set into Side Pocket Mandrels with slickline. (See Gas Lift
Mandrel)

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Wireline Glossary
-S-

Sinker Bar

A specialized heavy weight which can be attached to downhole

tools in order to add extra weight necessary for the tools(s) to
overcome the wellbore pressure and friction, and descend prop-
erly into the well. Sinker bars for slickline are also called “Stems”.
Sinker bars for electrical wireline (commonly called “weights”)
have a conductor running through their body.
Skid Unit

A winch unit installed on a steel frame to facilitate handling with

cranes or flatbed trucks. The skid has at least two lengthwise
beams to facilitate sliding the equipment into place on the rigsite,
and has attachment points for lifting equipment and shackles.
Slickline

A single-strand round steel wireline used to run and retrieve

completion tools, flow control hardware, and to carry out simple
mechanical intervention in a completion string. The wire passes
through a stuffing box and pressure-control equipment mounted
on the wellhead to enable slickline operations to be conducted
on wells producing and/or under pressure.
Sliding Sleeve

A completion string device that can be operated from surface to

open or close communication between the production string and
the annulus. Sliding sleeves are generally operated on slickline.
In highly deviated wells, they may be operating by coiled tubing.
Slip-Over Weight

A hollow, slotted sinker bar that is installed around electrical

wireline, above the tool head.
Sonde

A detachable wireline probe or downhole logging tool, especially

the device in a logging assembly that senses and transmits for-
mation data.
Sour Gas Environment

Well conditions where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is contained in

the well fluid. Even in small amounts, it is very dangerous for
humans and harmful to equipment.
Spear

A wireline device that contains prongs with pointed barbs used to

catch and retrieve wireline that has broken in the well. It can be a

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Wireline Glossary
-S-

housing type with internal barbs or a single pointed device with

barbs.
Spooler

A device used to guide the wireline when installing on a winch

unit drum. It is mounted on an arm controlled by the winchman. It
normally carries the wireline measuring wheels, and can carry a
load cell.
Spooling

The process of installing a wireline on a winch drum during the

initial installation or winding-on during normal well operations.
Spud

To move equipment, either wireline or drilling, up and down

repeatedly in the well over a short distance in order to hit and
clear obstructions in the wellbore.
Spud-In

To initiate the well drilling process.

Stranded Line (Cable)

1) The situation where one or more strands of the wireline cable

armor breaks when the wireline is in the wellbore. This creates
major difficulty when pulling the wireline out of the wellbore when
pressure control equipment is used.
2) Sometimes used as synonym for “Braided Line”
Stem

Slickline Sinker Bars. In addition to solid steel stems, special

high-density stems are available with internal cavities filled with
lead, tungsten or uranium.
Stress

The force or resistance within any solid body against alteration of

form; in the case of a solid wire, it is the load on the wireline
cable divided by the cross-section area of the wire.
Stretch

The elongation of a wireline under load.

Strip Over

See Cut-and-Thread

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Stuck Point

The depth in the wellbore at which a wireline, wireline downhole

tool, drill pipe, casing or tubing is stuck.
Sub

A short component of a Pressure Control Equipment string or

drillpipe, or tubing string, such as a short joint or a threaded
crossover.
Also used to designate a short sensor element in a logging tool
string.
Sub-Surface Safety Valve (SSSV)

A valve, installed in the upper wellbore that will shut off the well-
bore conduit in case of emergency or damage to the wellhead
and surface production facilities. SSSVs can be sub-surface
controlled or surface controlled. The safety-valve system is
designed to be fail-safe; it requires power to be kept open, and
automatically closes when power is lost.
Surface Safety Valve (SSV)

An automatic valve, part of the wellhead, that will close in case of

a system failure or an emergency.
Swabbing Tool

An assembly including weighted stems and swab cups run in a

well on heavy wireline/slickline. It contains a check valve that
opens upward on the lower end, and is used to remove liquids
from the wellbore.
Swabbing

To operate a swab tool on wireline in order to bring fluids to the

surface when the well does not flow naturally. Swabbing is
sometimes used to initiate the flow of hydrocarbons in some
wells completed with overbalanced fluids.
Swab Valve

The topmost valve on a Christmas Tree that provides vertical

access to the wellbore.
Swage

A threaded adapter used to connect wellhead pressure control

equipment to the wellhead. Flanged connections are preferred
over swages.

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Wireline Glossary
-T-

Sweet Gas

Natural gas that does not contain hydrogen sulfide [H2S] or sig-
nificant quantities of carbon dioxide [CO2].

-T-
Tag Line

A small wire rope used to prevent rotation of a load.

Temperature Range

The maximum and minimum temperature limits within which

equipment and elastomers will function in a given application.
Tensile Strength

The maximum tensile stresses which a material is capable of

sustaining.
Tensile strength is calculated from the maximum pull during a
tension test carried to rupture and the original cross-section area
of the specimen.
Tension

A force tending to produce elongation. Tension is the opposite of

compression. When a wireline is being pulled, it is in tension.
TP - Test Pressure

Wellhead pressure control equipment is tested initially by manu-

facturers, and regularly by users, at a maximum pressure
greater than or equal to WP, defined as Test Pressure TP. The
value of TP is recommended by the manufacturer and often stip-
ulated by industry standards (API 6A).
Thief Zone

A section of a well that permits fluids inside the wellbore to flow

back into a formation rather than being produced at the surface.
Third Party

Third party certification documents are issued by recognized cer-

tifying agencies such as Bureau Veritas (BV), American Bureau
of Shipping (ABS), Lloyds, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) etc.

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-T-

Tool

A downhole tool, downhole instrument package or a complete

subsurface device. A number of tools can be run simultaneously
as a combination service.
Logging tools are normally divided into different sections assem-
bled at the well site, consisting of “cartridges” and “sondes”.
Torpedo

A quick-connecting and disconnecting wireline conductor cable

device which provides a means to quickly change the cablehead
and bridle without having to “re-head” the wireline cable.
Torque

The twisting force applied to an object.

Total Depth (TD)

The total length of a wellbore from the surface to the bottom,

measured along the well’s axis.
Traceability

The ability for parts to be identified as to their origin, manufactur-

ing process and materials used. Traceability requirements for
certified items cover also replacement parts used in mainte-
nance and repairs, e.g. O-rings.
Traveling Block

The large, heavy-duty sheave wheel block suspended in the

mast or derrick and to which the hook is attached. It moves up
and down to hoist pipe in and out of the well. The wire rope cable
from the hoisting drum on the drawworks runs to the crown block
and down to the traveling block’s sheave wheel.
Trip

One complete series of either a wireline or drill pipe run into and
out of a wellbore. (See Round Trip)
True Vertical Depth (TVD)

The vertical distance from the surface plane to a point in the

wellbore.
Tubing End Locator

A slickline tool used to detect the end of the production tubing

and correct the measured depth a known reference point.

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Wireline Glossary
-U-

Tubing Puncher

A special perforating charge that is designed for limited penetra-

tion to allow an inner tubing or casing string to be perforated
without damaging a surrounding outer string.
Tubing Perforator

A slickline device used to mechanically punch a hole in a pro-

duction tubing string.
Tubing Shoe

An assembly placed at the end of a tubing string. It may contain

a Wireline Entry Guide.
Turn

Synonymous with the term ‘wrap’; it signifies a single wrap of

wireline around a drum.
Two-Way Valve

A directional control valve with two flow paths.

-U-
Underbalance

The amount in the pressure in a wellbore is below the internal

fluid pressure of that formation. If communication exists forma-
tion fluids will enter the wellbore. Perforating under underbal-
ance will facilitate cleaning of the perforation tunnels.
Underbalance Drilling

Drilling a well in a condition when the pressure exerted by the

drilling fluid is less than the formation pressure, and well fluids
are produced while drilling. Coiled Tubing is normally used for
Underbalance Drilling.

-V-
Valve

A device which controls fluid (liquid and/or gas) flow direction,

pressure, or flow rate.

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-W-

Vertical

An imaginary line perpendicular (at an angle of 90º) to the plane

of the horizon.
Viscosity

Also called Absolute Viscosity. A measure of the internal friction

or the resistance of a fluid to flow. Poise is the unit for viscosity,
equivalent to dyne-sec/cm2. For oils and greases, 1/100 poise,
or one centiPoise (cP), is normally used. One centiPoise equals
one millipascal-second. The viscosity of any substance is depen-
dent upon temperature. Generally, as the temperature goes up
the viscosity goes down, except for gases where the reverse is
true.
Kinematic Viscosity of a substance is a measure of its dynamic
viscosity per unity density of that substance. Kinematic Viscosity
is measured in centiStokes.
centiPoise=centiStokes X specific gravity
There are several other commercial ways to measure viscosities
of oils and greases, like Saybolt (SSU), Viscosity Number, Vis-
cosity Grade, etc.

-W-
Wall Reduction

The reduction in wall thickness of equipment due to exposure to

service conditions such as wireline wear.
Washover

A type of milling operation in which the outer surfaces of a plug

or similar fish are milled with a circular hollow mill.
Washover Pipe

A large-diameter pipe fitted with an internal grappling device and

tungsten carbide cutting surfaces on the bottom. It can slip over
a fish body, and reach slips or other retaining devices, that can
be milled-out to free the fish.

Weak Point

A feature of the cablehead connection that is designed to break

under a specific tensile stress. The weak point will part well
below the breaking tension of new or worn wireline. If a logging
tool becomes stuck, the weak point will break before the cable,
leaving only the head and logging tool in the hole. This is much
easier to fish than a long length of cable.

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Wireline Glossary
-W-

Wedge Socket

Wireline cablehead fittings where the wireline end is secured by

a wedge-type device.
Weight Indicator

A device that measures the tension of the wireline and transmits

the information to the hoist unit panel on which the total weight or
tension is metered and can be monitored.
Wellbore (Borehole)

The hole made by the drill bit into the formations. It can be open-
hole (without casing) or cased.
Wellhead

Of or pertaining to the equipment at the top of the wellbore which

is used to maintain surface control of the well. Includes casing
head, tubing head, Christmas tree, etc.
WHE

An abbreviation for WellHead Equipment (wireline pressure con-

trol equipment). The assembly mounted on top of a wellhead to
allow entering and exiting the wellbore under pressure with wire-
line conveyed tools.(See also PCE)
Winch

A machine that pulls or hoists by winding a wireline or rope

around a drum.
Wire (Round)

A single, continuous length of metal, with a circular cross-section

that is cold-drawn from rod.
Wire Rope

See Cable
Wireline

The general term that applies to the many forms of wire that is
used in oilfield applications. (See Cable)
Wireline Clamp

A safety device that is used to secure wireline when performing

operations where the wireline could possibly move. Also used to

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Wireline Glossary
-X-

obtain a firm grip on wireline when applying pull separately from

the winch.
Wireline Cutter

A downhole tool used to cut slickline from a tool string that is

stuck or jammed in a wellbore. The wireline cutter is slipped over
the slickline at surface and dropped down the wellbore. When
the cutting tool hits the tool string, a cutting mechanism cuts the
slickline, leaving a clean surface for the fishing tools. (See Go
Devil). Special models use a timed explosive charge to actuate
the cutting blade.
Wireline Entry Guide (WEG)

A profiled end sub run on the end of the tubing string to facilitate
the re-entry of wireline tools into the tubing ID.
Wireline-Retrievable Safety Valve (WRSV)

A safety valve that can be run and retrieved by wireline or slick-

line. The valve assembly is landed in a ported nipple that is
equipped with a control line connected to the surface control
system.
Wireline Valve

A component of a wireline wellhead pressure control system. It

uses opposing elastomer faced ram seals that compress around
the outer surface of the wireline to contain well pressure when
wireline equipment is in the well. Often improperly referred to as
a "BOP" or "Wireline BOP".
WP- Working Pressure

The pressure rating of a set of pressure control equipment, usu-

ally expressed in psi (pounds per square inch). WP is the maxi-
mum allowable pressure never to be exceeded during field
operations of the equipment.

-X-
X/O

An abbreviation for Cross-Over.

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Wireline Glossary
-Y-

-Y-
Yield Strength

The stress at which a material exhibits a specified strain. If the

yield strength of a material is exceeded, permanent deformation
results.
Young’s Modulus

The modulus of elasticity of material, that is the ratio of longitudi-

nal stress to longitudinal strain Young’s Modulus is a measure-
ment of how elastic a material is, or how much a material can
bend and still return to its original shape. Young’s Modulus for
steel is 30,000,000 psi.

-Z-
Zero Depth Datum

The point from which depth is measured at the wellsite (depth =

0). This may be the Master Valve, ground level, RTKB, at the
reel, or any other specified position.

50