Fishing and Isolation Tools
Getting junk out of the hole, and sealing off what needs sealing
When something is stuck or lost downhole, a fishing job gets it back so the well can keep working. When a zone has to be shut off, isolation tools seal it. Both are the difference between a well that produces and one that is lost.
Fishing
Adam runs and supervises fishing work in cased and open hole: overshots and spears to catch the fish on the outside or inside, taps, jars and intensifiers to hit it free, bumper subs, internal and external cutters to cut it loose, under-reamers, washpipe to wash over it, and casing swages to open up collapsed casing.
Isolation
Mechanical, hydraulic and inflatable packers, retrievable and cast iron bridge plugs, and cement retainers, run on wireline or tubing. Composite and pump-down plugs for plug-and-perf work, liner and liner top packers, and tie-back assemblies.
Why it matters who runs it
Most fishing jobs are won or lost in the first few decisions: what the fish is, how it is stuck, and what not to do to it. Adam worked as a fishing and isolation tool contractor before consulting, and The Chair's fishing and recovery volume puts that experience on paper.