PCE Tool Catcher

Description

PCE Tool Catcher

Technical Description and Specifications

The Slickline Tool Catcher is a critical safety component of the Pressure Control Equipment (PCE) stack, typically installed immediately below the stuffing box. Its primary function is to prevent the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) from falling down the well in the event the wire is accidentally “pulled out of rope socket” or sheared at the surface. It acts as a mechanical fail-safe that automatically “catches” the fishing neck of the tool string.

Key Technical Specifications and Operation

• Function: To automatically engage and hold the external fish neck of the slickline tool string if it is pulled into the top of the lubricator with excessive force or if the wire parts.

• Mechanism: The tool contains a series of spring-loaded “dogs” or a collet assembly. As the tool string fishing neck enters the catcher, the dogs expand and then snap shut under the shoulder of the fish neck.

• Hydraulic Release: Most modern tool catchers are Hydraulic Release models. Once the tool is caught, the operator must apply hydraulic pressure via a hand pump to the tool catcher’s piston. This retracts the dogs, allowing the tool string to be lowered back into the lubricator for retrieval.

• Secondary Safety: It provides a positive stop that prevents the tool string from hitting and damaging the stuffing box or the blowout plug mechanism at the top of the stack.

• High-Velocity Catch: It is designed to withstand the high-impact force of a BHA being propelled upward by wellbore pressure (a “pistoning” effect).

Customization and Materials

• Fish Neck Compatibility: The internal collet must be sized to match the specific external fish neck of the tool string being used (e.g., 1.375″, 1.750″).

• Material: Manufactured from high-strength 4140 alloy steel. For sour wells, NACE MR0175 versions are mandatory to prevent hydrogen embrittlement of the internal springs and latching collets.

• Inverted Models: Some variations are designed to be “Inverted” depending on the specific configuration of the PCE stack and the type of wireline valve (BOP) in use.

Critical Parameters