A quantitative formation evaluation wireline conveyance risk assessment was updated to quantify emissions across a range of operational scenarios. Emissions calculations can be complex, so to make the calculations broadly accessible they are based on rig fuel consumption and variables are linked to operational time such as well depth, type of wireline descents, and conveyance method. A similar methodology can be applied to risk assessments across other operational disciplines.
Incorporating emissions into wireline formation evaluation risk assessments represents a practical step towards aligning operations with aspirational sustainability goals. Raising awareness of operational implications on emissions will also provide a new lens to view the status quo and evaluate whether updates to standard operating procedures may be justified. As regulatory frameworks evolve to increasingly prioritize emissions reductions, new integrated risk assessments such as this one could become indispensable tools to monitor compliance and drive continuous improvement.
As the global industry undergoes a transformative shift towards sustainability and emission reduction, traditional risk assessment metrics no longer capture the full spectrum of potential consequences. Beyond the conventional factors of injury severity, cost, traditional environmental definitions, and downtime, carbon impact is an important metric to assess. This necessitates the incorporation of emissions into operational risk assessments for a more comprehensive understanding of the implications.
A wireline formation evaluation sticking risk assessment has been modified by integrating emissions considerations into the analysis. The methodology involves the development of a specialized calculator that factors in variables like well depth, rig type, wireline descents, and mobilization distance to quantify emissions across a range of operational scenarios. The scenarios encompass severe outcomes like loss of a wellbore, moderate incidents like wireline fishing operations, lighter severity situations requiring pipe-conveyed logging or tripping to replace a failed toolstring, and fully mitigated scenarios WL operations completed successfully without additional risk, NPT, or committing significant rig time.
There are other emissions related to wireline operational NPT that are not addressed in this paper: failure to descend in a well (requiring a wiper trip and possible additional attempt on wire), cable stranding during a run (requiring cable drum swap), and sub-optimal winch driving (speed and technique).