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Largely pioneered in the US on land-based operations it gained popularity in the North Sea during the late 80's early 90's and is still used albeit less frequently. However, with the acceleration in offshore P&A activity in the North Sea snubbing has been very successfully deployed on several P&A campaigns in preference to re-activating mothballed rigs/derricks.
HWO is a live well intervention service using 'jointed pipe' through a mini rig and using a hydraulic 'jacking ram' to push or 'snub' the pipe into the well against the well pressure. Once the weight of pipe exceeds the well pressure acting upon the pipe trying force it out of the hole, the jack is then used to effectively lower the pipe / BHA to the desired depth. Just as with a drilling rig the pipe can be rotated and large volumes of fluids circulated through the pipe.
HWO is generally used for 'heavy duty' well operations and typically include:
Modern HWO equipment is of modular design and comparatively light weight in consideration of aging infrastructure and attendant crane limitations, transportation, storage and rig up and rig down operations. The 'package' will consist of:
