R 408.15744 Lubricator operations.

Rule 5744. (1) The provisions of this subrule apply when downhole tools are being run on a wire line in a well and a lubricator is used to allow removal of the tools under pressure. (2) A lubricator, including the swages and unions, shall be visually inspected for defects before use. Any defects that may affect safe operations shall be corrected before installation. (3) All valves and gauges shall be checked to be certain that there is no pressure on the lubricator before working on or removing it. (4) When a lubricator is installed on a wellhead, an outlet below the lubricator shall be provided for well control operations. (5) When downhole tools are being run on a wire line in wells where surface pressure is suspected, a lubricator or other equivalent control device shall be used to allow the removal of the tools under pressure. (6) Only employees essential to the conduct of ongoing operations shall be permitted near the pressurized lubricator, flow lines, and wellhead. (7) Wellhead adapters, wire line valves, and lubricating equipment shall be operated within their working pressure ratings. (8) Hammering or otherwise striking on a pressurized lubricator or connection shall not be permitted. (9) A threaded connection or union on a pressurized lubricator shall not be loosened or tightened. (10) When handling the lubricator with a rig catline, air hoist, or other type of hoisting equipment, the line shall be snug against a union. The catline or hoist line shall not be tied in the middle of a section of lubricator. (11) When breaking a quick-thread union that is secured with a single bolt, the bolt shall be left in place with at least 1 full nut of threads engaged until after the union has been knocked loose. After the union has been knocked loose, the connection shall be moved to make certain the ring seal is broken and pressure has been released. (12) A lubricator, 26 feet or more in length, shall be properly guyed or held vertical when in use.