Optimizing Cost and Restoring Integrity with the First Saudi Aramco Mechanical Descaling Using a Wireline Torque Action Debris Breaker Tool

This paper aims to address the great success of utilizing the torque action debris breaker (TADB) tool as a wireline mean to restore wellbore accessibility. The tool was trial tested to remove hard scale accumulation consisting of 95% Iron compounds. Iron compound scale are generally among the most difficult types of scale to be removed by chemical means as historical data showed high failure rate in terms of succeeding to eliminate wellbore blockage. Subsequently, wells have to be treated mechanically using an extensive and costly solutions such as coiled tubing (CT) milling operation to allow for accessing the wells for routine surveillance. Instead, a simple, innovative, and cost effective TADB tool was deployed using a slickline unit. This tool can be conveyed with different sizes of cutters to allow for optimum scale removal and is activated via downward jarring action. Throughout the entire length of tubing, hard Iron compound scale bridges were removed from one oil producing well and well accessibility was restored. The tool contains a unique helical sub which applies a rotational torque with each downward jarring action with cutters designed for maximum cutting capabilities that is safe to internal completion sections. During the trial test, TADB tool was deployed with 1.875" wireline string with two cutting sub sizes and removed accumulated scale inside the 4 ½" tubing in just 12 hours operation. The rotational movement of the tool maximizes the removal and cutting rate which was in the range between 230 to 1,600 ft. /hour depending on size of the cutting sub. Field trial has shown that increasing the size of wireline string increase the TADB tool weight and operational functionality which should translates into higher cutting rate and operational efficiency. The implementation of this technology has generally optimized operational cost compared to lengthy and costly CT operation by minimizing foot print, equipment, manpower, job duration, and provide a more environmentally friendly solution.