Cable Installation Suggestion

All newly manufactured armored cables have inherent tension imbalance between wire layers. When tension increases, the cable elongates, its diameter slightly decreases, and it rotates in one direction. Conversely, when tension decreases, the cable contracts, its diameter increases, and it rotates in the opposite direction. All factors that cause uncontrolled cable rotation are sources of wear. Since cable rotation is governed by tension changes, it is impossible for manufacturers to produce cables entirely free of initial torque. The first ten runs are the most critical period for a new cable. Cables produced by our company undergo pre-stretching and untwisting processes before leaving the factory. These processes release the cable’s torque to a certain extent（80%）, thereby avoiding any troubles that may arise during your first use.

The purpose of seasoning:

To allow the cable's length and diameter to stabilize.

To relieve the built-in internal torque.

To enable the armor wire layers to gradually wear in, align neatly, and eventually move as cohesive, well-ordered layers.

Huaneng cable seasoning recommendations

Part 01 Pre-operation Setup Well Type:

Huaneng recommends running a new cable in a test well for at least the first run; completing three to five runs is ideal.
The test well should be at least as deep as the wells you will typically work in. If this is not possible, a minimum depth of 8,500 ft is recommended.
Minimal deviations (near-vertical is best).

Tool Configuration:

Use Casing Collar Locator or wight bars.
Use a swivel to allow for necessary cable rotation.
NEVER use a junk basket, centralizer, caliper, or any other tool that would restrict cable rotation.

Surface Equipment Setup:

Keep the sealing pressure as minimal as possible, preferably at zero.
Use large internal diameter (ID) flow tubes. We recommend a tube ID of 0.006 to 0.008 inches larger than the largest cable diameter.
After a period of service, the internal diameter (ID) of the flow tube shall be adjusted according to the external diameter (OD) of the cable.

Part 02 The 80/120 Rule & Tension Control

Maintain a controlled running speed. The in-hole to out-hole tension ratio must be at least 80:120 to equalize stress across all armor wire layers and achieve torque balance.

Going into the well: Tension should not exceed 80% of the cable's weight in fluid plus the tool string weight.
Coming out of the well: Tension should not exceed 120% of the cable's weight in fluid plus the tool string weight, including drag.

Part 03 Procedural Recommendations

1. Locate a cased water well. Connect the cable head to a Casing Collar Locator and heavy bars.
2. Lower it 984 feet, then pull up 164 ft and hold. Wait until the CCL indicates that the cable rotation has stopped.
3. Then lower another 984 ft, pull up 164 ft, hold, and observe until the cable becomes still.
4. Repeat this process to run the cable into the well, allowing the cable torque to release. One point to note is that at least three layers of cable must remain on the drum.
5. Reduce speed both in and out of the hole to maintain equal tension and facilitate rotation. Always follow the 80/120 Rule.

Ø Note: A 22.96 kft seven-conductor cable may rotate up to 600 turns at the head. The above recommendations must be followed for at least the first run on a new cable; three to five runs are preferred for thorough seasoning. The subsequent 10 to 20 runs should continue to employ the 80/120 Rule and a mindful approach to tension control. This often means running the cable slowly, especially in deviated or horizontal wells. For horizontal wells: On the way in, stop just above the kick-off point (KOP) to allow tension to equalize. After pulling through the KOP on the way out, stop, let the weight stabilize, and allow the cable to normalize.

Part 04 Field Application & Speed Regulations

Formulating reasonable running and pulling speeds based on the mechanical characteristics of the cable and different logging operations, establishing appropriate running, pulling speeds and controlling the cable lowering speed are essential measures to prevent cable twisting. In case of obstruction, operations should be halted promptly to avoid cable accumulation and subsequent twisting.

General Regulations:

When the cable encounters resistance while lowering in the well and is pulled upward, the pulling speed should be controlled within 55 ft/min until the cable tension returns to normal before acceleration is permitted.
Speed must be reduced to below 55 ft/min before the tool enters the tubing guide or casing shoe.
The maximum operating speed of the cable in cased holes must not exceed 328 ft/min. In open holes or wells using wellhead sealing devices, the cable speed should not exceed 218 ft/min.
For new cables (first use until after 3 well operations): Speed < 109 ft/min.
Within 328 ft of the wellhead: Pulling speed < 55 ft/min.
Within 328 ft of the bottom: Lowering speed < 82 ft/min. Initial pulling speed < 27 ft/min.
The cable should not remain stationary in the open hole section for more than 1 minute. Under normal operating conditions, sudden starts and stops of the winch drum should be avoided.