Casing and liners
Preparation and running with control of connections, tubular sequence and accessories. Preserving their condition ahead of cementing and subsequent testing.
NGB / TUBULAR RUNNING SERVICE
Well integrity.
Quality in every connection.
Controlled casing and tubing running is an important part of building reliable well barriers. We combine tubular preparation, controlled make-up and traceable records to support safe, long-term well operation.
Discuss your running programmeA tubular string is part of the barrier system.
Tubular Running Service (TRS) covers preparation, handling, make-up and running of casing, liners and production tubing. The service aims to assemble the string to programme, preserve tubular and connection condition, and deliver a documented result.
Tubing and completion strings
Assembly of tubular sections with packers, seal assemblies and artificial-lift components, following the relevant manufacturers’ requirements.
Records for future operations
Tubular identifiers, as-run tally, make-up parameters, deviations and dispositions. Records that remain linked to individual string components.
Well Integrity: contain fluids, manage risk.
Well integrity combines well design, barriers and management practices to prevent uncontrolled fluid release and unintended flow between formations. It is maintained from initial design through final abandonment.
Well Integrity
Integrity and containment of the barrier system throughout the well life cycle.
Well Control
Prevention and management of formation influx during well operations.
Wellbore Stability
Mechanical stability of the open hole under the relevant geological and operating conditions.
From equipment readiness to an accepted connection.
TRS quality depends on a controlled sequence of actions. Before work starts, the team agrees the running programme, rig-crew interfaces, connection manufacturer criteria and hold points for inspection.
Programme and equipment readiness
Confirm tubular size, grade and connection, tally and assembly sequence. Select tongs, gripping and lifting tools; verify load ratings, operating ranges and measurement-system calibration.
Tubular inspection and preparation
Check identification, threads and sealing surfaces. Cleaning, drift inspection and application of thread compound or handling of dry coatings follow the programme and manufacturer instructions.
Alignment and make-up
Control stabbing, initial thread engagement, speed and torque to reduce cross-threading, galling and seal damage. Assess the torque-turn curve against the criteria for the specific connection.
Running and rig coordination
Running speed, loads, fill-up and circulation are coordinated under the well programme. Define roles, exclusion zones and stop-work commands before operations; document re-makes and deviations.
For packer completions: connection quality, seal condition and correct assembly are interdependent. Tubular make-up torque and packer-setting parameters are separate quantities defined by the respective manufacturers.
Torque-turn: evidence for a sound decision.
The final torque value is only part of the assessment. The make-up curve helps identify deviations that need investigation. Torque limits, turns and engagement criteria are specific to the connection design.
Identify and inspect
Connection type, threads, sealing surfaces and protective coatings. Damaged components are segregated before make-up.
Assess the complete curve
Final torque, turns and load build-up are checked against manufacturer criteria. Shoulder engagement is assessed where the design includes a torque shoulder.
Control the operation
Alignment, make-up speed and gripping affect assembly quality. Equipment condition and coordinated crew actions are essential.
Retain the disposition
Accepted, rejected or re-made: each decision is linked to a connection number, curve and corrective-action record.
Assembly quality and verification of containment
An accepted curve demonstrates that make-up met the specified criteria. It does not replace connection-design qualification or string pressure testing. An abnormal curve calls for investigation; it is not, by itself, proof of a manufacturing thread defect.
WIMS: integrity must be managed over time.
A Well Integrity Management System connects accountability, engineering requirements, monitoring and records: which barriers are available, what risks exist and what actions the operator needs to take.
Governance and accountability
Barrier policy, authorities, risk criteria and management of change. Every deviation needs an owner, a due date and an agreed disposition.
Engineering and operations
An up-to-date WBS, operating limits, pressure surveillance, valve and barrier testing, diagnostics and maintenance. Intervals and limits are defined for the individual well.
Data and traceability
As-built configuration, test results, defect history, restrictions and completed actions. A digital platform supports these processes; authorised personnel make the decisions.
Design
Construction
Production
Intervention
Abandonment
Barrier condition evolves
Corrosion, erosion, pressure and temperature cycling, and seal ageing can change well condition. Annular pressure is assessed in its operating context; persistent anomalies require diagnosis and risk assessment.
Every anomaly needs a defined response
Record the deviation, assess barrier availability, define restrictions and corrective actions, verify the outcome and close the record. This connects surveillance, decisions and the actual condition of the well.
TRS evidence becomes part of the well file.
The handover package reflects the agreed scope. These records provide the operator with the assembly history needed for subsequent integrity management, intervention planning and investigation of deviations.
- As-run configuration. Final tally, tubular identification, component sequence and installation depth.
- Connection records. Make-up curves and parameters linked to connection identifiers.
- Deviations and dispositions. Rejections, re-makes, corrective actions and approved deviations.
- Job report. Equipment and calibration traceability, completed operations, events and non-productive time.
Key terms
OCTG
Oil country tubular goods, including casing and tubing. Selection considers diameter, wall thickness, grade, connection and service conditions.
Torque-turn
Torque plotted against turns during make-up. It supports assessment of a specific connection against approved assembly criteria.
WBS · Well Barrier Schematic
A well barrier schematic identifies primary and secondary envelopes, their elements and status for a specific well configuration and operation.
Tally
A record of identifiers, lengths and running order for tubulars and assembly components. It establishes actual string length and installation depth.
SCP · Sustained Casing Pressure
Sustained annular casing pressure that rebuilds after controlled bleed-down. It requires diagnosis, risk assessment and operator-defined actions.
MOC · Management of Change
Assessment and approval of changes that could affect well design, barriers, procedures or operating limits.
Start with your well programme.
String type, tubular sizes and connections, assembly, running parameters and reporting requirements establish the basis for the TRS scope.