Workover Rig Services: Keeping Wells Producing
Workover rig services are the specialized oilfield services that maintain and repair oil and gas wells. Every well needs workover services at some point — production declines, equipment wears out, and problems develop. Workover service companies provide the rigs, crew, and expertise to fix these problems and get the well producing again. It's a multi-billion dollar industry, and it's essential to keeping oil and gas flowing around the world.
Common Workover Services
Workover service companies offer a wide range of well maintenance and repair services:
- Pump Replacement: When the downhole pump wears out, you pull it out and install a new one. This is the most common workover job.
- Perforating: Shooting holes in the casing to let more oil and gas flow into the well.
- Acidizing and Fracturing: Stimulating the formation to increase production.
- Fishing: Retrieving broken or stuck equipment from downhole.
- Casing Repair: Fixing leaks or damage in the well casing.
- Plugging and Abandonment: Properly plugging wells that are no longer producing, to meet environmental regulations.
Who Uses Workover Services?
Workover services are used by every kind of oil and gas producer — from major international oil companies to small independent operators. In fact, smaller producers are often the biggest users of workover services, because they don't have their own in-house workover crews. They hire service companies to come in and do the work as needed.
Workover services are also used by oilfield service companies, pipeline companies, and even government agencies. Any time there's a well that needs maintenance or repair, a workover rig crew gets called in.
FAQ
Q: How often does a well need workover services?
A: It depends on the well. Some wells need workover every 1-2 years. Others go 5-10 years between workovers. It depends on the production rate, the well conditions, and how much maintenance you do on a regular basis. Most wells need at least one major workover in their lifetime.