TAC Best Practices: Before Running the Anchor

Rig worker using power tongs

TechTAC’s Setting and Releasing Instructions provide essential guidance for realizing optimal performance from a tubing anchor. This article will focus on one key section of those instructions. Specifically, it will highlight important TAC best practices that should be followed BEFORE running the anchor.

Watch Those Drag Springs

The drag springs on a 7" Slimline TAC

Most tubing anchors run in the United States include drag springs. Drag springs are an essential component for a TAC to function properly. In addition to stabilizing the TAC while it is being run into or out of a well, they provide the necessary tension to ensure surface torque effectively reaches the anchor for setting or releasing. Unfortunately, the curved shape of drag springs also makes them look like convenient carrying handles. They are not. You should never hold the drag springs to carry a TAC, as inviting as they may be. The springs could be permanently distorted, which can result in serious difficulty running the tool.

Prepare the Casing

Another recommended TAC best practice is to ensure the well casing is prepared and cleaned prior to running an anchor. If debris, scale, paraffin, etc. remain attached to the casing, they can interfere with the anchor. Using tools like a casing scraper or string mill can remove those obstructions and ensure the TAC will actuate properly.

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Confirm the TAC Placement

Before running a tubing anchor, it’s essential to always confirm the TAC placement in relation to the pump, other downhole assemblies and the well deviation survey. For example, the Slimline® TAC may safely be set below the pump, in the perforations, or even below the perforations to accommodate pumps or other tools that are larger than the TAC ID. However, this placement would rarely be advisable with a standard B2 TAC and its larger OD.

Another consideration is the wellbore geometry. Depending on the number and severity of deviations in the wellbore (DLS, corkscrewing, etc.), it can be difficult to get the proper torque down to the tool to set it. Similarly, pulling enough tension on the tubing before landing it can also be challenging when navigating certain deviations. Both issues can affect the proper operation of the TAC. However, they can also be addressed with careful preparation, if the well data and anchor placement are vetted and confirmed beforehand.

Don’t Over-Torque the TAC

Running a TAC in a well

A final TAC best practice during the preparation phase is to ensure you do not torque through the TAC when attaching it to the tubing string. Most tubing anchor mandrels (bodies) are connected to the subs with NU 10-round threads, whereas most tubing connections are EUE 8-round threads which can handle higher amounts of torque. This knowledge is particularly important when attaching tubing to the anchor. It’s recommended to put a backup on the TAC subs, while independently connecting the tubing to both the top and bottom TAC connections. Doing so will help prevent over tightening and possible galling the 10-round inner threads on the TAC.

The Value of Following TAC Best Practices

Following the TAC best practices noted above – as well as the other Setting and Releasing Instructions – provides two significant benefits to operators. First, the chance of breaking or damaging the TAC is greatly reduced. That means less downtime and less finger pointing. Second, with the TAC properly set, the entire downhole production string becomes more efficient, leading to better results.

To learn more about TechTAC’s suite of tubing anchors, check out our Product Catalog.

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