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903 Well Site Completion and Servicing Safety
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Special Services Operations Safety

Stimulation

Well stimulation is a process used to improve the flow of oil, gas, or other fluids from the reservoir into the wellbore.

Raising the mast while rigging up a new well site.

It is done to increase production from a well that is underperforming or to maintain the productivity of a well over time. Stimulation methods can include acidizing, fracturing, or pumping energized fluids and other chemical treatments to remove blockages, open new flow paths, or clean the formation.

Acidizing involves pumping acid into the well to dissolve minerals and improve flow channels. Other stimulation methods use chemicals, foams, or gases like nitrogen or carbon dioxide to enhance the permeability of the rock. These treatments must be carefully planned and controlled to avoid damage to the formation, equipment, or environment.

Rig Up

Rigging up is placing and assembling the various parts of equipment that make up the rig, and preparing the rig for stimulation and drilling.

Potential Hazards

  • Being struck by moving vehicles
  • Being exposed to potential ignition and respiratory hazards
  • Overexerting or receiving sprains and strains
  • Being exposed to pinch points (such as, hammer union wings and hammers, pump iron and racks)
  • Being hit by flying particles
  • Falling from heights
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Being struck by falling equipment
  • Being injured due to potential ignition of flammable or combustible carrier or base fluids

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-1. According to the text, which of the following hazards is possible during the stimulation rig up operations?