Heshka Oil LLC

Operating & Maintenance Manual

Pressure Balanced Manually Operated

VR Lubricator
Operation & Maintenance Manual
H-OMM-0008

Record of Issue

B 10315 MJKP MP 5/11/2022

A 10143 MJKP MP 3/19/2021
Rev ECN Reviewed Approved Date

This document and all the information contained herein are the confidential and exclusive property of
Heshka Oil LLC., and may not be reproduced, used, disclosed, or made public in any manner prior to
obtaining expressed written authorization from Heshka Oil LLC. This document is loaned pursuant to the
foregoing and must be returned upon demand.
 Heshka Oil LLC
PBMO VR Lubricator Operating & Maintenance Manual

Revision History
Revision A
Original Issue of Operating Manual

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PBMO VR Lubricator Operating & Maintenance Manual

Safety Hazard Indicators

Indicates a hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, could result
in injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, will result in
death.

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PBMO VR Lubricator Operating & Maintenance Manual

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Equipment Descriptions
2.1 VR Plug Installation/Retrieval Tool
2.2 VR Plug (Medium Pressure)
2.3 VR Plug (High Pressure)
3.0 Specifications
4.0 Lubricator (PBMO)
5.0 Running Procedure
6.0 Retrieval Procedure
7.0 Maintenance
8.0 Disassembly/Assembly Procedures
9.0 Pressure Testing

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General Safety Guidelines

Read and understand all instructions herein prior to operating any equipment. Failure to follow
may result in serious personal injury and damage not only to the equipment but also the
environment.
1. Stay alert, use common sense and experience when using oilfield equipment.
2. Operators should be trained and exhibited a level of competency running this
equipment in a facility prior to running in the field.
3. Always use proper PPE and the correct tools during the operation.
4. It is recommended that a Job Safety Analysis be performed prior to work commencing.
5. Be aware of unexpected circumstances that may arise during operations. Stop work and
assess the hazards that may be posed and develop a plan to mitigate them.
6. When handling and lifting equipment always be sure to use the correct lifting devices
and follow company rules when lifting heavy equipment.

Warning
The purpose of this document is to Several factors are particularly
describe the correct process for important to consider prior to
running and retrieving a BPV or performing this potentially dangerous
TWCV with PBMO Lubricator through procedure.
the tree or BOP stack. ➢ Always conduct a Job Safety
Running and Retrieving should be Analysis on the rig and prior to
operated by a reputable service starting the job.
company and with qualified ➢ If working on an offshore
personnel. platform or workover rig never
place yourself in a tight space
when checking for trapped
pressure
➢ When working on land always
have a man basket to work
from.
➢ Always have proper lifting and
holding devices to enable the
safe manipulation of the
lubricator.

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PBMO VR Lubricator Operating & Maintenance Manual

1.0 Introduction
The information and procedures that follow serve as a guide for the installation and
retrieval of Medium Pressure (<=10,000 psi) V Thread VR and High Pressure (>10,000
psi) ACME Threaded VR Plugs utilizing the appropriate tools supplied by HESHKA Oil LLC.
A VR plug is a device that seats in a mating thread located in the tubing/Casing Spool
outlet. It enables the isolation of the wing valves from the casing/tubing annulus
pressure that may exist, in order to remove, refurbish and replace them.
Note: VR Plugs should not be left in place for extended period of time since pressure can
build up behind it making it more difficult to retrieve especially if there is no way to
release the pressure from the annulus.
2.0 VR Plug Installation/Retrieval Tool
2.1 The Installation/Retrieval tool is a Socket that includes an O-Ring attached to the
end of the polished rod by means of a pin and set screw. The O-Ring is there to
hold the VR Plug in place during installation and removal.

Installation/Retrieval Tool

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2.2 VR Plug (Medium Pressure) Features
The medium pressure VR plug consists of a body with a tapered sharp V thread a
Hex End and Groove. The V thread is a sealing thread and mates with the
wellhead outlet thread. The Hex End mates with the Hex in the
Installation/Retrieval Tool and the Groove allows the O-Ring to engage with it
and hold the plug in the socket.

Hex Head Groove Vee Thread

2.3 VR Plug (High Pressure) Features

The High Pressure VR plug consists of a body with an ACME thread, a Hex End
and a Groove with each feature mimicking what the medium pressure VR plug
does. There is an additional groove in the nose of the plug that houses an O-Ring
and is what seals the plug with the wellhead tubing/casing spool.

Hex Head Groove ACME Thread O-Ring Groove

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3.0 Specifications
Medium Pressure VR Plug

Nominal Nominal Threads Thread

Thread OD Per Inch
Outlet Size A TPI Type
Part Number Tolerance (REF.) NA
VR-114-LP-DD 1- 13/16 1.660 11-1/2 Line Pipe
VR-112-SV-DD 2-1/6 1.900 11-1/2 Sharp Vee
VR-238-SV-DD 2-9/16 2.375 11-1/2 Sharp Vee
VR-278-SV-DD 3-1/8 2.875 11-1/2 Sharp Vee
VR-312-SV-DD 4-1/16 3.500 11-1/2 Sharp Vee

High Pressure VR Plug

4.0 VR Lubricator
4.1 The Heshka Oil LLC. Pressure Balanced Manually Operated (PBMO) VR lubricator
is designed to run and retrieve threaded type VR Plugs. The following are the
features of this lubricator.
➢ Polished rod offered in 2 diameters – 1-1/8” and 1-1/4”
➢ Connection can be either Flanged, Weco or API Acme style
➢ High Pressure Needle Valves
➢ Manifold to manage the pressure that may be in the well during
operations.
➢ 10,000 psi rated components (Flanged or Heshka Slik Connect style
15,000 psi)
➢ H2S/CO2 or General/Sweet Service
4.2 This lubricator is designed to attach to the outlet of the Wellhead Spool or
Tubing Head wing Gate Valves. The needle valves are to enable the isolation and
monitoring of pressure both in the well and the lubricator. It is an open yoke design
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allowing for the manipulation of the rod in and out as well as rotation, even with
pressure in the system. The yokes house the low friction seals that contain the pressure.
The outer portion of the lubricator is made up of tubular sections connected by means
of couplings (WECO/Slik Connect) or API flanges. This modularity of the system can
accommodate various stroke lengths.
5.0 Running Procedure
5.1 Running procedure is the same for either the Medium or High Pressure VR Plugs.
5.2 PBMO VR Lubricator
5.2.1 Pre-Run Checks
➢ Lubricator was tested prior to shipping to site.
➢ Ensure all tools are on hand.
➢ Determine the size of the VR Plug.
➢ Inspect VR Plug Threads for damage
➢ Gage thread with a No-Go Gage
➢ Confirm material/class of Tubing Head/Wellhead Spool is sufficient for rating of the
VR Plug.
➢ Make up VR plug to Installation/Retrieval tool and confirm there is resistance from
release by the O-Ring
➢ Make up Installation/Retrieval tool to the Coupling attached to the Polished Rod
using the Dowel pin and Set screw
➢ Ensure correct stroke of Lubricator by manipulating the Polished rod out of the
lubricator until the no go stops in the outermost Yoke. Measure distance from
Flange face to end of VR Plug and compare with the valve distance you are passing
through.
➢ Follow Company Safety Guidelines and Protocols prior to mounting the VR lubricator
to the Wellhead Valve Flange.

5.3 VR Plug Lubricator Operation (Refer to Drawing PBMO-GA-OP-MAN)

➢ Close Inner & Outer (if fitted) Gate valves on Wellhead Tubing Head/Spool.
➢ Bleed down pressure from all cavities that may contain pressure including the
casing/tubing annulus
➢ Once confirmed that there is no pressure in the valves and annulus the blind
flange may be removed from the Gate Valve.
➢ Make up correct flange adapter to VR Lubricator
➢ Pick up lubricator and manipulate the rod out the bottom until the Coupling (1)
is exposed.
➢ Close Valves A & B and open Valves C & D.
➢ Install hydraulic jumper line to the available port on Valve D.
➢ Insert top end of VR running/retrieval tool into the coupling (1) aligning the
holes enabling the fitting of the pin.

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➢ Lock the pin in place with the 3/8” set screw.
➢ Make up VR Plug to Installation/retrieval Tool.
➢ Install VR lubricator onto the outermost Gate Valve and make up the
connection pressure tight.
➢ Connect the hydraulic jumper to the tubing head or whatever setup you have
for running the lubricator. Ideally if the jumper can be attached to the blind
flange on the opposite outlet it will ensure the pressure in the Lubricator is the
same as in the annulus.
➢ If unable to jumper to the annulus and pressure is known to be in the Tubing
Head/Spool Annulus, pressure the system to well pressure through the
hydraulic line attached to valve D on the lubricator. Monitor for leaks. If leaks
present, bleed down pressure and repair.
Note: If there is the possibility of there being gas condensate present on the
well it is recommended to use a solution of glycol and water or other freeze
resistant fluid in the lubricator. This will assist in eliminating the freezing of the
lines.
➢ With pressure maintained on the system open the Gate Valve/s. The lubricator
pressure should now be the same as the well pressure.
➢ Attach the Parmalee Wrench to the polished rod. Commence advancing the
Polished Rod until the VR Plug comes in contact with the wellhead threaded
outlet.
Note: The distance from the face of the top Packing Gland Nut (PGN) (12) to the
face of the bottom PGN is approximately 7”. By marking the polished rod at the
start of each stroke and counting the number of strokes it took to reach the
hanger threads and comparing with the known measurement from earlier will
give an indication of whether you are at the correct location.

➢ Warning: Never allow any part of your body to be placed above or

below the Parmalee wrench or its handle in the lubricator window. Should the
polished rod move up or down suddenly the wrench could result in serious
injury or death to personnel.
➢ After confirming you are in the right place mark the polished rod at the
outermost yoke. Pull on the Parmalee Wrench and rotate clockwise at the same
time. Continue to rotate the polished rod noting the change in position of the
mark on the polished rod. When the VR Plug gets tight apply approximately 50-
65 ft-lbs at the end to be sure the seal is effective.
➢ Once the VR Plug is installed, pull on the polished rod to disengage the tool
from the plug.

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➢ The polished rod complete with Installation/Retrieval tool can be pulled back to
a position beyond the outermost gate valve gate.
Note: Monitor pressure throughout the operation.
➢ On reaching the correct location bleed pressure from manifold on Lubricator by
opening Valve A. This bleeds pressure from gate valves and if jumper is
connected to annulus it will bleed this down also. If there is a Bleed Point on the
Wellhead Tree it can be used also.
➢ Remove or close jumper to wellhead annulus at wellhead connection.
➢ Monitor pressure gage on lubricator (5minutes) for increase in pressure. Any
pressure increase is an indication the VR Plug is not set correctly. If this is the
case it will be necessary to run back in and tighten the plug.
➢ If there is no indication of pressure rise on the Gage valve A on the lubricator
can be opened and monitored for fluid release. Before proceeding ensure that
any fluid stream coming from valve A reduces to no fluid coming from the valve.
This ensures that the VR plug is leak tight.
➢ On completion of all checks the VR Lubricator may be removed from the Valve
flange.
Note: if the valves are being repaired in-situ the lubricator can remain
connected.
➢ Gate Valve/s may now be removed for replacement with new ones.

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PBMO VR Lubricator Operating & Maintenance Manual

6.0 Retrieval Procedure (New or Refurbished Valves Installed)

➢ Inspect the Installation/Retrieval tool for signs of damage.

➢ Measure and record the distance from the wellhead outlet face to the outermost
flange face.
➢ Check for pressure and bleed off if present. Close the Gate Valves (if not already
closed) on the Wellhead Tubing Head/Spool.
➢ Once confirmed that there is no pressure in the system pick up the VR lubricator
with tool installed.
➢ Install lubricator onto the outermost valve flange and make up the connection
pressure tight.
➢ Connect the hydraulic jumper to the tubing head or whatever setup you have for
running the lubricator. Ideally if the jumper can be attached to the blind flange
on the opposite outlet it will ensure the pressure in the Lubricator is the same as
in the annulus.
➢ If unable to jumper to the annulus and pressure is known to be in the Tubing
Head/Spool Annulus, pressure the system to well pressure through the jumper

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line attached to valve D on the lubricator. Monitor for leaks. If leaks present,
bleed down pressure and repair.
➢ Note: If there is the possibility of there being gas condensate present on the well
it is recommended to use a solution of glycol and water or other freeze resistant
fluid in the lubricator. This will assist in eliminating the freezing of the lines.
➢ With pressure maintained on the system open the Gate Valves. The lubricator
pressure should now be the same as the well pressure.
➢ Attach the Parmalee Wrench to the polished rod. Commence pulling the
polished rod with the parmalee through the valves toward the wellhead.
Continue until the desired distance has been achieved.
Note: The distance from the face of the top Packing Gland Nut (12) to the face of
the bottom PGN is approximately 7”. By marking the polished rod at the start of
each stroke and counting the number of strokes it took to reach the VR Plug and
comparing with the known measurement from earlier will give an indication of
whether you are at the correct depth.

➢ Warning: Never allow any part of your body to be placed above or

below the Parmalee wrench or its handle inside the lubricator window. Should
the polished rod move up or down suddenly the wrench could result in serious
injury or death to personnel.
➢ After contact has been made, pull down on the Parmalee wrench and at the
same time slowly rotate the polished rod clockwise (right). Check for downward
movement (approx. 1”- 1.25”) of the rod as you rotate aligning the Hex on the
socket with the Hex on the VR Plug. Once connected apply approximately 65-85
ft-lbs in a counterclockwise direction with the parmalee wrench to start backing
out the VR plug.

: It is important to watch the pressure situation as you retrieve the VR

plug. Should the pressure start to rise in the system give it time to settle before
finally retrieving the VR plug.
➢ Once pressure has stabilized continue rotating and pulling on the polished rod
with the parmalee wrench. You will know when the plug is fully released as it will
be significantly easier to retrieve the polished rod.
➢ The rod complete with tool and VR Plug can be retrieved back to a position
beyond the gate of the outermost valve.
➢ On reaching the correct position close the outermost gate valve.
➢ Bleed pressure from manifold on Lubricator by opening Valve A. This bleeds
pressure from downstream side of valve also.

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➢ Once pressure is confirmed to be 0 psi, remove Lubricator assembly, and replace
blind flange as required.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A VR PLUG TO BE LEFT IN A

WELLHEAD OUTLET LONGER THAN THE PERIOD OF TIME NEEDED TO
CONDUCT THE NECESSARY CHANGE OUT OF EQUIPMENT.
LEAVING THE VR PLUG IN THE WELLHEAD OUTLET LONGER THAN IS
NECESSARY MAY RESULT IN A MORE COMPLICATED SHUT DOWN
PROCEDURE HAVING TO BE FOLLOWED

7.0 Maintenance
The following section describes maintenance guidelines that will extend the life of the
lubricator and ensure it works reliably and safely during each use.
The following steps should be taken on completion of a job. Refer to the GA drawing for
your lubricator.

i. Visual inspection of external components. Ensure all Valves and Hydraulic Tubing are
free from damage. If any of the tubing should be bent or kinked it should be
replaced. If the Valve handles are bent, they should be replaced. Inspect the
condition of the rod around the window to ensure it is damage free. If any signs of
gouges, deep scratches, or sharp edges appear in the rod, it should be removed for a
complete inspection.
ii. Drain system of all fluids. This can be done by removing the top connection(24) from
the extended pipe spools (17) and raising the lower end off the ground.
iii. Before replacing the weco plug (24) or flange on the spool fill the assembly using a
50/50 water/glycol mix. This will protect the carbon steel components from internal
corrosion.
iv. Replace the end connection (24) and pressure test unit to operating pressure for
your lubricator to evaluate the effectiveness of the sealing elements, valves, and
manifold system.
v. If the unit holds pressure steady for 3-5 minutes without any visible leaks from the
connections, packing or valves the unit can be stored safely for the next job.
vi. Heshka Oil LLC. Strongly recommends the use of a Maintenance Form for each
lubricator in use to capture the history of the tool.
vii. If there are any issues with equipment leaking, go to section 8 for instructions to
inspect and replace the failed components.

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8.0 Disassembly/Assembly Instructions
Note: this section covers Polished Rod and Packing removal and replacement. Refer to
the GA drawing for your lubricator.

i. If Polished Rod Shaft collar (9) is attached to the rod (18), remove it.
ii. Remove the Weco Hammer Union Plug (24) or Blind flange from the top end of the
pipe spool (17).
Note: Check for corrosion of the threads, sealing surfaces or ring grooves. Clean
items and coat with grease prior to installation.
iii. Pull the rod (18) out of the lower yoke of the lubricator until the No Go (19) meets
the upper yoke (27) and cannot be removed anymore.
iv. Remove the upper pipe spool (17) by disconnecting the weco nut (2) from the upper
yoke body (27).
Note: Check for corrosion of the threads, sealing surfaces or ring grooves. Clean
items and coat with grease prior to installation.
v. Remove BPV/TWCV No Go (19) attached to the top of the polished rod. Manually
move the rod out enough to remove the No Go. You will need to hold the polished
rod (18) with a Parmelee wrench to keep it from rotating as you remove the No Go
Cap Screw (20)
vi. Manipulate the rod downwards/out the bottom end of the lubricator.
vii. Pull the rod completely out and place it on a suitable surface for inspection. If there
are no signs of gouging or deep scratches and the overall surface is smooth, set the
rod aside until needed.
viii. Unscrew the Packing Gland Nuts (12)x2 using a face spannere from the lower &
Upper yokes and set them aside.
ix. Remove the packing Backup washers (13)x2.
x. Using a pick remove the packing elements (14)x2 individually. Ttaking care not to
scratch the sealing surface in the Yoke Body.
xi. Inspect the seal bore in the Yoke Bodies (27) & (28) for damage. Should there be
significant scratching or gouging it will be necessary to rework or replace the
component.
xii. Assembly of new packing (14) is done by placing it in the seal bore of the YOKE then
using the Packing Gland Nut (12) to install it. You will need to leave the metal backup
washer (13) out until packing has been installed.
xiii. With packing (14) installed remove Packing Gland Nut (12) and insert backup washer
(13) and hold it in place by threading the Packing Gland Nut into the yoke body.
xiv. Repeat process for second seal set.
xv. Replace polished rod by inserting through the lower yoke and pushing it through
until it passes both sets of packing. Extending it out the top sufficiently to install the
No Go.

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Note: install polished rod leading with tapered edge to ensure there is no
damage done to the packing. Also mineral oil may be used to lubricate the rod
prior to installation.
xvi. Make up any spools that were removed replacing seal gaskets, as necessary.
xvii. Prior to replacing the top weco blanking plug(24) and weco nut (21) it would be a
good time to fill the spool with a 50/50 glycol water mix.
xviii. With top Weco connection tightened down the unit is ready to test.

9.0 Pressure Testing

9.1 It is important to understand the dangers of pressure testing as an

incorrectly made up fitting or connection could lead to catastrophic failure
ejecting parts that could cause death to personnel and or extensive damage to
equipment. Ensure all high pressure hoses/tubing are in excellent condition with
no signs of damage.
9.2 Prior to testing ensure company protocols are followed with respect to safety,
including the wearing of appropriate PPE and location of the test, either in a
walled test bay or with other appropriate barriers in place.
9.3 It is recommended that a 50% Water 50% Glycol mix be used for testing. This
fluid can be left in place as a protection against corrosion.
9.4 Push polished rod/coupling inside lubricator until flush with the lower yoke
body.
9.5 Refer to the GA drawing in an earlier section of this document
9.6 Attach appropriate test adapter to the lower yoke body and make up pressure
tight.
9.7 Connect hydraulic pump hose connection to the port on valve D and confirm it is
open.
9.8 Ensure valve C is open and valves A & B are closed.
9.9 Depending on the spacer spool end connection it is recommended that the
lubricator be raised up such that the air can be bled from the system during
filling.
Note: If fitted with a weco connection it can be removed and the lubricator filled
using a water hose (adding the appropriate portion of Glycol).
Note: If fitted with a test port at the end of the spool it can be used to bleed the
air during the filling process.
9.10 Once filled with fluid replace the weco union or test port fitting.
9.11 Commence pumping until a pressure of 25% of working pressure is reached.
Hold for 30 seconds checking for any visible signs of leakage.

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9.12 If O.K. continue pumping until a pressure equal to the working pressure has been
reached. Once at pressure hold for 15 minutes monitoring for signs of leakage.
9.13 On completion of the test, release pressure back to 0psi.
9.14 Repeat pressure testing to working pressure and hold for 15 minutes monitoring
for signs of leakage.
9.15 On completion of a successful pressure test release pressure back to 0 psi.
9.16 Close valve D remove test flange and store.
9.17 Lubricator is now ready to be transported to and used in the field.

Working Pressure 25% of Working Maximum Test

(PSI) Pressure (PSI) Pressure (PSI)*
5,000 1,250 5,250
10,000 2,500 10,500
15,000 3,750 15,500
Note: *Per API 6A the initial test pressure shall not be greater than 5% above the
working pressure. Monitored pressure shall not vary from the test pressure at the
start of the test by more than 5% or 3.45 MPa(500psi) whichever is less, during the
entire hold period. During the entire hold period, the monitored pressure shall not
drop below the specified working pressure.
Note: All hold periods shall not start until the test article and the pressure
measuring/recording equipment has been isolated from the pressure source,
pressure in the lubricator has stabilized and the external surfaces of the shell
members have been thoroughly dried.
Note: If at any time during the pressure testing of the unit there are signs of
leakage from the packing located in the upper or lower yoke bodies, refer to the
relevant disassembly/assembly instruction located in this document for
instructions to fix the issue.

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