Anatomy of a Wireline Tractor Perforating Intervention Train Wreck

Abstract This paper examines an incident where the surface and intermediate casings of an offshore well were unintentionally perforated during a multi-run perforating program using a wireline tractor deployment system. It delves into the safety, operational, and financial impacts resulting from inadequate processes and insufficient collaboration among competent teams during this intervention. Detailed discussions cover the root causes, contributing factors, and key corrective actions identified. The data, intervention requirements, wireline equipment, and operational plans presented are hypothetical, designed to illustrate the types of operations and incidents addressed, without directly referencing any existing wells or actual wireline operations. The incidents and root causes are based on the author's experience over twenty years as a global wireline deployment product line manager and subject matter expert for a major wireline service company. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness among personnel in energy and field service companies about the unique safety and operational challenges of wireline tractor interventions. It also highlights design and control methods to mitigate these risks. This topic was inspired by frequent requests from well-intervention conference attendees for detailed "unsuccessful operation case studies" that offer deep insights and valuable learning opportunities.