To ensure the optimal downhole performance of its tubing anchor solutions, TechTAC® has established best practice guidelines for setting a tubing anchor. Some of these guidelines are simple cautions, such as avoiding carrying an anchor by the drag springs. Others are vital to its proper operation.
View the complete Setting & Releasing Instructions.
An Important – and Commonly Missed – Best Practice
Though uncommon, rig operators may encounter an anchor that accidentally releases or won’t fully set. This issue can often be linked to missing one important best practice that’s noted in those Setting & Releasing Instructions. In the “Setting the TAC” section of the document, items 3 and 4 say:
The tubing will torque up when the slips have set. To ensure all tubing torque works its way down to the tool, maintain left-hand torque and alternate several times between setting down and pulling up.
During this slip-setting operation, the strain pulled should be at least equal to the final strain that will be applied when the tubing is landed and full set-down weight should be applied.
In other words, it’s essential all the tubing torque reaches the anchor. Moving the tubing up and down ensures the torque can make it past any tight corners. This technique is especially important in deep, deviated or corkscrewed wells. However, it should be applied in any well where a TAC is set.
One More for Good Measure
As an added measure to help prevent a TAC from backing off during pump operation, once the slips have set, the rig crew should hold tension for at least 2 minutes to ensure the slips permanently bite the casing. Then put an additional 1/2 – 3/4 turn in the tubing immediately before landing it.
Best Practices for Setting a Tubing Anchor Ensure Benefits are Realized
Following the guidelines for assembling, setting and releasing the Slimline® TAC not only prevents troublesome issues, but it also ensures the numerous benefits of the Slimline® will be realized downhole. Thanks to a patented design, the Slimline® anchor provides up to 245% more flow-by area than a conventional TAC. With that increased flow area, the anchor is far less likely to create turbulent flow and pressure drop as fluid passes around it. In turn, the risk of scale formation or a gas-locked rod pump is greatly reduced.
To learn more or get a quote for the Slimline® TAC, contact the TechTAC® team today.
