Society of Petroleum Engineers
Distinguished Lecturer Program
Modern Open Hole Wireline Operations: Safer, More Efficient Outcomes with Proactive,
Holistic Planning
Lee Hyson
Gaia Earth Group
Abstract:
Open hole wireline logging continues to be the preferred, cost-effective method of formation evaluation in our industry. But as wellbore geometry, trajectory, and logging objectives become more complex, the longer and heavier logging tool strings introduce greater deployment risks, operational uncertainty, and costs.
Traditional wireline logging job planning based on tension simulations is no longer sufficient because other hazards can be left undetected with potentially costly consequences.
This lecture presents a modern-holistic methodology, already widely adopted, that integrates wellbore geometry, trajectory, formation properties, operational requirements, and insights from databases of historical wireline jobs that include well designs and operational outcomes.
Attendees will gain understanding of a data-driven framework for evaluating deployment risks, including quantifying differential and mechanical sticking, along with practical guidance for safer and more reliable wireline operations.
Biography:
Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve
University and has completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business LEAD program. He began his career as a wireline engineer and has spent more than two decades supporting operations globally, including the Rocky Mountains, Southeast Asia, the Marcellus, the Gulf of America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the North Sea.
Since joining Gaia in 2011, his work has focused on strengthening wireline job design and execution by developing practical frameworks, modeling approaches, and field methods for challenging wells. He has provided wellsite QA/QC support on more than 175 field operations and has contributed to the creation and refinement of several of the planning and risk-assessment workflows highlighted in this talk. Lee has authored technical papers and frequently delivers in-house training on applying systematic, model-based strategies to improve wireline performance.