Wireline

Definition - What does Wireline mean?

Wireline is the cabling system used by operators to lower down equipment, Wireline tools, or measuring devices into a wellbore. A Wireline consists of braided cables which are used for pipe recovery, evaluation purposes, well intervention or maintenance. It also contains electrical cables which are used to check the well condition of the wellbore. The data received is logged into Wireline logs.

Petropedia explains Wireline

On a Wireline, Wireline tools which are specifically designed instruments for well workover functions are used. The Wireline is helpful in taking down and bringing up any type of instrument in and out of the wellbore. These Wireline tools help in:

Evaluating rock properties in a reservoir
Pore size information gathering
Hydrocarbon formation pressure gathering
Location of casting collars
Sample recovery

Since oil and gas wells are drilled in locations with very hard conditions, modern Wireline tools are used to withstand these extreme conditions. In the gas wells, pressure can exceed 30,000 psi and in a geothermal well the temperature can be as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. So the material properties of the Wireline and Wireline tools should be strong enough such that they can withstand these rigorous temperatures and pressure.