Snubbing Units Used Effectively in Well Control Recovery Efforts

Abstract This paper will discuss the use and advantages of employing snubbing units during and after well control operations. The benefits of snubbing units compared to coiled tubing are widely known and generally accepted in the industry. During some well control operations the advantages a snubbing unit provides can positively impact the outcome of the well. From its inception solely as a mechanism for handing tubulars during well control operations, snubbing has evolved into a highly versatile technology, offering myriad operational, economic and HSE benefits. To illustrate the versatility of new generation snubbing technology in a variety of well control situations, the authors will present case studies of a number of diverse applications. The paper is intended to educate operators and service contractors alike by sharing experiences, lessons learned and demonstrating the effectiveness of snubbing units in a variety of hostile well control environments, including its use with gunk squeezes.