TechTAC offers many types of tubing anchors to support a variety of well conditions. For extremely deviated wells, quarter-turn tension anchors are often a useful option. At the same time, the company’s Slimline® QuickSet™ TACs have also proven valuable in deviated wells. So which solution is right for your project? This article will break down the use cases and benefits of these two anchoring options.
Similarities and Differences
Both the quarter-turn tension anchor and the Slimline QuickSet TAC are mechanically set tubing anchors that hold a tubing string in tension. Each can improve the productivity of rod-pump wells and reduce wear on pump equipment. And both are available from TechTAC.
However, there are also three primary differences between these anchors:
- Quarter-turn tension anchors are designed to hold the tubing in tension, rather than lock it in place. A TAC, on the other hand, holds the tubing in tension and compression, preventing the tubing string from falling down the well if the pipe parts.
- Most quarter-turn tension anchors leverage an auto-J release mechanism that requires only a one-quarter rotation to engage. The Slimline QuickSet TAC requires the tool to be fully rotated to set the anchor, although it can typically be set in just 1-to-3 turns as opposed to the 6-to-8 turns required by traditional TACs.
- The Slimline QuickSet TAC generally costs less than the quarter-turn tension anchor – in some cases, significantly less.
Knowing the Right Use Cases
With those differences in mind, each anchor lends itself to particular use case:
- The higher relative cost of the quarter-turn tension anchor is worth it if a wellbore is so deviated or corkscrewed that it’s impossible to get the required torque down to the tool to set a mechanical TAC. In these extreme circumstances, a one-quarter rotation may still be possible.
- The more affordable Slimline QuickSet TAC can be used in all but the most extreme well conditions. Even with significant deviations or corkscrewing, the reduced number of rotations required to set the Slimline QuickSet anchor makes it a viable option for these wells. In addition, the Slimline QuickSet TAC sets and releases just like any other Slimline or B2-style TAC. That familiarity means no curveballs for the rig crew.
The following video provides a closer look at the innovation and applications for the Slimline QuickSet TAC:
Conclusion
The Slimline QuickSet TAC and the quarter-turn tension anchor each offer unique advantages that may be suitable for specific well conditions. Knowing the similarities and the differences between these tools can help operators and engineers make the best decision for their projects. To learn more, check out TechTAC’s complete line of tubing anchor solutions.
