Releasing Casing Spears for Internal Catch and Recovery

Description

Goldenman AZ Releasing Casing Spears are internal-catch fishing tools used to engage, pull, jar and recover casing, liner and other hollow tubular fish during drilling, workover, slot-recovery and well-abandonment operations.

The tool enters the open bore of the fish and expands hardened slips or slip segments against the internal wall. As upward load is applied, the slips move along the mandrel taper and increase their gripping force.

If the casing cannot be recovered within the approved pulling and jarring program, the spear can be released from the fish and retrieved for another fishing strategy.

The complete range supports:

• 7 in casing
• 9-5/8 in casing
• 11-3/4 in casing
• 13-3/8 in casing
• 16 in casing
• 18-5/8 in casing
• 20 in casing
• Project-specific large-diameter casing
• Casing and liner recovery
• Internal catching of tubular fish
• Pulling and upward jarring
• Combined cutting-and-pulling operations
• Onshore and offshore workover
• Subsea and platform slot recovery
• Plug-and-abandonment casing removal

Standard connection options include NC38, NC50, 4-1/2 REG and 6-5/8 REG rotary-shouldered connections.

Product Short Description

Goldenman AZ Casing Spears engage casing from its internal diameter using a large-area expandable slip or segmented-slip assembly.

The internal catch design is especially useful when the external surface of the casing is damaged, irregular, inaccessible or unsuitable for an Overshot.

The spear can be run as an independent fishing tool or assembled with a Fishing Jar, Bumper Sub, Jar Intensifier, Internal Casing Cutter, Casing Mill or Pack-Off Assembly.

Standard models cover casing sizes from 7 to 20 inches. The finished mandrel, slip diameter, catching range, top connection and working-load capacity are matched to the actual casing ID, nominal weight, wall thickness and recovery program.

Product Highlights

• Internal-catch casing recovery tool
• AZ and AZ-LM releasing designs
• Standard casing range from 7 to 20 in
• Project-specific larger casing sizes
• One-piece or segmented slip configurations
• Large circumferential gripping area
• High gripping force under upward load
• Controlled release from unrecoverable fish
• Re-engagement after release
• Pulling and upward-jarring capability
• Suitable for cut-and-pull operations
• Compatible with Internal Casing Cutters
• Compatible with Fishing Jars and Bumper Subs
• Compatible with Jar Intensifiers
• Optional circulation and pack-off components
• Full-bore internal flow passage
• High-strength alloy-steel mandrel
• Heat-treated and hardened slip teeth
• Replaceable slips, segments and retainers
• NC38 and NC50 connections
• 4-1/2 REG and 6-5/8 REG connections
• Rotary-shouldered thread gauging
• Material and heat-number traceability
• Full-body ultrasonic inspection
• Magnetic-particle inspection
• Dimensional and functional testing
• Pull-test verification by project requirement
• Complete spare-parts and redress packages

General Technical Specifications

Parameter	Available Configuration
Product	AZ Releasing Casing Spear
Tool category	Internal-catch fishing and casing-recovery tool
Standard models	LM7-AZ through LM20-AZ
Standard fish sizes	7–20 in casing
Extended sizes	Project-specific large-diameter casing and liner
Catch method	Expandable internal slip or segmented slips
Operation	Pulling, upward jarring and cut-and-pull recovery
Release	Mechanical rotational release
Re-engagement	Yes
Standard mandrel OD	Approximately 146–299 mm
Standard tool bore	Approximately 38.1–71.4 mm
Connection options	NC38, NC50, 4-1/2 REG and 6-5/8 REG
Connection standard	API Spec 7-2 where applicable
Main body material	High-strength quenched-and-tempered alloy steel
Slip material	Heat-treated alloy or tool steel
Slip type	One-piece, full-circle or segmented
Internal circulation	Through-bore circulation available
Pack-off	Optional
Service	Onshore, offshore, subsea and abandonment
Inspection	UT, MPI, dimensional, thread and functional inspection
Supply	Complete tool, slip kits, accessories and overhaul parts

AZ Casing Spear Model Range

Model	Nominal Casing Size	Typical Mandrel OD	Typical Tool Bore	Standard Connection Options
LM7-AZ	7 in / 177.8 mm	146 mm	38.1 mm	NC38 or 4-1/2 REG
LM9-5/8-AZ	9-5/8 in / 244.5 mm	210 mm	50.8 mm	4-1/2 REG
LM11-3/4-AZ	11-3/4 in / 298.5 mm	Drawing controlled	Drawing controlled	NC50 or project connection
LM13-3/8-AZ	13-3/8 in / 339.7 mm	299 mm	71.4–79 mm	NC50 or 6-5/8 REG
LM16-AZ	16 in / 406.4 mm	Project configuration	Project configuration	NC50 or 6-5/8 REG
LM18-5/8-AZ	18-5/8 in / 473.1 mm	299 mm	71.4 mm	6-5/8 REG
LM20-AZ	20 in / 508 mm	299 mm	71.4 mm	6-5/8 REG
Custom AZ Spear	Up to project casing size	Engineered	Engineered	Customer-specified connection

Final dimensions are manufactured from the approved tool drawing and the actual internal dimensions of the casing to be recovered.

The model designation alone is not sufficient to select the correct slip assembly.

What Is a Casing Spear?

A Casing Spear is a downhole fishing tool that enters the bore of a tubular fish and grips its internal wall.

It is used to recover:

• Casing
• Casing liners
• Conductor pipe
• Production tubing
• Drill Pipe
• Washover pipe
• Cut casing sections
• Collapsed tubular sections with an accessible bore
• Subsea wellhead casing strings
• Abandonment casing sections

Unlike an Overshot, which catches the outside diameter of the fish, a Casing Spear catches from inside the tubular.

Internal-Catch Operating Principle

The spear contains a tapered mandrel and an expandable gripping assembly.

When the slips move over the increasing diameter of the mandrel taper:

1. The slip assembly expands radially.
2. The slip teeth contact the casing ID.
3. Upward pull moves the mandrel relative to the slips.
4. The tapered surfaces increase radial gripping force.
5. Load transfers from the fish into the slips.
6. Load then transfers through the mandrel and top connection to the fishing string.

The greater the approved upward load, the more firmly the slips engage the internal casing wall.

The gripping force must remain below the limit that would split, permanently deform or collapse the fish.

Main Components

The AZ Casing Spear consists of:

• Top Sub
• Main Mandrel
• Tapered gripping section
• One-piece slip or segmented slips
• Slip holder
• Slip retainer
• Jarring ring
• Friction components
• Release mechanism
• Lower nut or guide
• Retaining screws
• Optional pack-off assembly
• Optional cutter connection
• Optional stop ring or stop sub

Top Sub

The Top Sub connects the spear to the fishing string.

Available connections include:

• NC38 Box
• NC50 Box
• 4-1/2 REG Box
• 6-5/8 REG Box
• Project-specific rotary-shouldered connection
• Crossover connection through a separate sub

The Top Sub transfers:

• Tensile load
• Jarring load
• Torque
• Compression during release
• Hydraulic pressure
• Bending load

The connection is selected from the work-string size, expected pulling load, planned jarring force and cutter arrangement.

Main Mandrel

The mandrel forms the primary load-bearing structure.

It provides:

• Internal circulation bore
• External tapered gripping surfaces
• Slip-guiding geometry
• Release movement
• Connection to the Top Sub
• Load transfer to the fishing string
• Support for the lower guide and accessories

The mandrel is manufactured from forged alloy steel and receives controlled quenching and tempering.

Slip Assembly

The Slip Assembly is the primary gripping component.

Available arrangements include:

• One-piece grapple
• Full-circle slips
• Segmented slips
• Replaceable slip blocks
• Special long-contact slip segments
• Slips matched to one casing weight
• Wide-range slips covering several casing weights

The correct slip geometry is determined from the minimum and maximum internal diameter of the fish.

Segment-Type Slips

Segmented slips provide an extended catching range and distribute load around a large portion of the casing circumference.

They provide:

• Wide fish-ID coverage
• Large contact area
• Reduced localized casing deformation
• Replaceable individual segments
• Improved adaptation to casing-ID variation
• High pulling and jarring capacity
• Stable grip in large-diameter casing

Segmented slips are especially useful for large casing and liner recovery.

One-Piece Grapple

A one-piece grapple provides a continuous gripping structure for a defined fish-ID range.

It offers:

• Simple assembly
• Uniform load transfer
• Positive internal engagement
• Reduced number of small components
• Efficient redressing
• Accurate matching to a specific casing weight

A one-piece grapple normally has a narrower catching range than a segment-type assembly.

Slip Teeth

Slip teeth penetrate or mechanically bite into the internal casing surface.

Available tooth forms include:

• Standard circumferential teeth
• Helical teeth
• Wickered teeth
• Carburized teeth
• Hardened directional teeth
• Vertical teeth for torque or back-off applications
• Casing-friendly reduced-penetration profiles

The tooth pattern is selected from:

• Casing material
• Casing hardness
• Wall thickness
• Pulling load
• Jarring requirement
• Requirement to rotate or back off the fish
• Requirement to minimize fish damage

Friction System

Friction blocks or springs hold the slip assembly against the casing ID while the mandrel moves into the setting position.

The friction system:

• Maintains relative movement between the mandrel and slips
• Supports engagement
• Supports release
• Maintains slip orientation
• Prevents uncontrolled slip rotation
• Compensates for casing-ID variation

Friction blocks are replaceable wear components.

Jarring Ring

The Jarring Ring transfers controlled impact load from the mandrel to the gripping assembly.

It supports:

• Upward jarring
• Breaking sand or cement adhesion
• Freeing stuck casing
• Releasing mechanically bound tubulars
• Transferring impact without uncontrolled slip displacement

The spear is normally combined with a Fishing Jar and Jar Intensifier when repeated impact is required.

Lower Guide and Nut

The lower guide assists the spear in entering the fish.

Available lower-end arrangements include:

• Bullnose Nut
• Tapered Guide
• Sidehill Nut
• Sub-Type Nut
• Mill-Type Nut
• Cutter Connection
• Pack-Off Connection

The final arrangement depends on the fish condition and the tools installed below the spear.

Releasing Mechanism

The releasing system allows the fishing string to disengage from the casing if recovery is unsuccessful.

In the standard right-hand work-string configuration:

• Left-hand rotation places the spear in the engaging position.
• Straight upward pull sets the slips.
• Downward bump load unloads the slips.
• Right-hand rotation moves the mandrel into the release position.
• A straight upward pull withdraws the spear.

Actual rotational direction and number of turns follow the approved tool configuration and operating manual.

Engaging the Fish

A standard engagement sequence is:

1. Confirm the spear and slip assembly match the fish ID.
2. Assemble the tool in the run-in position.
3. Run the spear to the top of the fish.
4. Establish circulation above the fish.
5. Clean the fish opening.
6. Lower the spear slowly into the casing bore.
7. Monitor weight and pressure for obstruction.
8. Reach the planned catching depth.
9. Apply the specified engaging rotation.
10. Pick up slowly to expand the slips.
11. Apply a controlled test pull.
12. Confirm positive engagement.
13. Increase load within the approved fishing program.

A spear should not be dropped into the fish or set using uncontrolled impact.

Pulling the Fish

Once engagement is confirmed, pulling load is increased in controlled stages.

The operator monitors:

• Hook load
• Overpull
• String stretch
• Casing movement
• Pump pressure
• Torque
• Wellhead movement
• Annular returns
• Formation or cement response

The allowable overpull is limited by the lowest-rated component in the complete fishing assembly.

This includes:

• Fishing string
• Crossover Sub
• Top Sub
• Spear mandrel
• Slip system
• Fish body
• Wellhead and casing hanger
• Rig and hoisting equipment

Upward Jarring

When static overpull does not free the casing, a Fishing Jar can apply upward impact.

A typical BHA can include:

1. Fishing Spear
2. Bumper Sub
3. Fishing Jar
4. Jar Intensifier
5. Heavy Weight Drill Pipe
6. Drill Pipe or Work String

The jarring program is calculated from:

• Spear working load
• Slip capacity
• Fish condition
• Jar impact
• Jar Intensifier pressure
• Work-string stretch
• Maximum rig overpull
• Wellhead load limit

Cut-and-Pull Operation

The AZ Casing Spear can be run with an Internal Casing Cutter.

The combination supports:

• One-trip casing cutting and recovery
• Cutting above a stuck interval
• Recovery of the free upper casing section
• Slot recovery
• Conductor and surface-casing removal
• Plug-and-abandonment operations
• Offshore and subsea casing removal

A typical assembly includes:

• Fishing string
• Jar or Bumper Sub
• Casing Spear
• Spacer or extension
• Internal Casing Cutter
• Cutter stabilizer or guide

Cut-and-Pull Sequence

1. Run the spear and internal cutter into the casing.
2. Position the cutter at the planned cutting depth.
3. Position the spear above the cutter.
4. Establish the required tension or neutral weight.
5. Activate and rotate the cutter.
6. Confirm complete circumferential separation.
7. Move the spear into the cut casing section.
8. Engage the internal casing wall.
9. Apply a controlled test pull.
10. Recover the cut section.
11. Release the spear if recovery cannot be completed safely.

The cutter and spear must have compatible flow paths, connections, tensile capacities and torque ratings.

Casing Spear vs Overshot

Casing Spear	Releasing Overshot
Catches the fish internally	Catches the fish externally
Requires accessible fish bore	Requires accessible fish OD
Suitable where external clearance is limited	Requires annular clearance around the fish
Internal slips expand outward	Grapple contracts around fish OD
Useful with damaged external surfaces	Useful when the internal bore is blocked
Can be combined with internal cutters	Can be combined with external cutters
Selected by fish ID	Selected by fish OD

Casing Spear vs Taper Tap

Casing Spear	Taper Tap
Releasable	Normally non-releasing
Uses replaceable slips	Cuts or forces threads into fish
Can be re-engaged	Often used as a last-resort engagement
Minimizes permanent thread cutting	Deliberately deforms the fish ID
Suitable for controlled high-load pulling	Suitable where a conventional slip cannot engage

A Taper Tap creates a more permanent catch and carries greater risk of becoming stuck in the fish.

Casing Spear vs Internal Casing Cutter

The spear grips and retrieves casing.

The Internal Casing Cutter cuts the casing wall.

The two tools perform separate functions but can be assembled in one fishing string.

Releasing vs Non-Releasing Spear

Releasing Spear

A Releasing Spear can be disengaged from the fish.

It is used when:

• Fish condition is uncertain
• Multiple fishing attempts may be required
• The casing can remain stuck after maximum safe pull
• The tool must be recoverable
• A cut-and-pull operation is planned

Non-Releasing Spear

A Non-Releasing Spear provides a simple permanent grip.

It is used where:

• The fish is known to be movable
• Maximum simplicity is required
• Tool release is not part of the recovery plan
• The fish will be pulled directly to surface

The releasing configuration reduces the risk of leaving the complete fishing assembly stuck downhole.

Full-Circle Slip Configuration

Full-circle slips distribute gripping load over a large internal surface area.

Advantages include:

• Reduced point loading
• Reduced fish distortion
• High pulling capability
• High jarring capability
• Improved engagement in thin-wall casing
• Greater slip contact than narrow grapple designs
• Improved load sharing among slip segments

Full-circle spears are selected where casing deformation must be minimized.

Flush Mandrel Configuration

A Flush Mandrel is designed to enter completely into the fish.

It is used where:

• The fish top is irregular
• External shoulder contact is undesirable
• Deep internal engagement is required
• The spear must pass through a larger upper section

Shoulder Mandrel Configuration

A Shoulder Mandrel includes a positive stop that lands on the top of the fish.

It provides:

• Defined insertion depth
• Controlled slip position
• Reduced risk of running too deeply
• Improved repeatability
• Support for short fish sections

The shoulder diameter must be smaller than the available wellbore or casing restriction.

Pack-Off Assembly

An optional Spear Pack-Off seals against the internal wall of the fish after engagement.

It enables circulation:

• Through the casing fish
• Below the spear
• Around an Internal Cutter
• For washing and debris removal
• For pressure-assisted lifting
• For well-control circulation

The pack-off element is selected from the fish ID, temperature, fluid chemistry and pressure.

Circulation Applications

Circulation through or around the spear can be used to:

• Clean the fish bore
• Remove sand and scale
• Reduce differential sticking
• Wash around the casing
• Carry cutting debris
• Support an Internal Casing Cutter
• Condition the well before pulling
• Confirm the internal flow path

The spear bore and nozzle arrangement are sized for the planned pump rate and pressure.

Marine and Offshore Operations

AZ Casing Spears are used in:

• Offshore platform wells
• Jack-up drilling units
• Semi-submersible operations
• Subsea well abandonment
• Conductor recovery
• Marine riserless intervention
• Wellhead and casing recovery
• Platform slot recovery

Offshore programs require control of:

• Suspended casing weight
• Vessel or rig movement
• Subsea wellhead load
• Casing hanger status
• Marine growth and corrosion
• Cut depth
• Lifting capacity
• Weather limitations

Plug-and-Abandonment Applications

During P&A operations, the spear can recover:

• Surface casing
• Intermediate casing
• Production casing
• Liner sections
• Conductor pipe
• Wellhead-connected casing
• Cut casing above a permanent barrier

The recovery program is coordinated with:

• Barrier placement
• Cement evaluation
• Casing cutting
• Section milling
• Wellhead removal
• Environmental requirements
• Waste handling
• Lifting and transport planning

Slot-Recovery Applications

Platform slot recovery removes existing casing so the slot can be reused for a new well.

The spear supports:

• Internal engagement of cut casing
• Controlled high-load pulling
• Jarring
• Cutting-and-pulling in one trip
• Recovery of multiple casing sections
• Reduction of offshore rig time

Fishing Casing with Cement Bond

Casing can remain attached to cement after cutting.

Recovery may require:

• Static overpull
• Upward jarring
• Washing around the casing
• Section milling
• Perforating or slotting
• Additional cuts
• Mechanical vibration
• Hydraulic pulling equipment

The spear load must remain within its documented working capacity while these methods are applied.

Fish ID Selection

The spear is selected from the actual internal diameter of the fish, not only the nominal casing OD.

Required inputs include:

• Casing outside diameter
• Casing nominal weight
• Wall thickness
• Steel grade
• Drift diameter
• Actual minimum ID
• Maximum ID
• Corrosion loss
• Scale thickness
• Collapse or ovality
• Connection ID
• Previous milling or cutting damage

Two casing joints with the same outside diameter can require different slip assemblies because their weights and wall thicknesses differ.

Catching Range

The Catching Range identifies the minimum and maximum fish ID that a slip or segment set can grip correctly.

A correct Catching Range must provide:

• Sufficient running clearance
• Proper slip expansion
• Adequate tooth penetration
• Full taper engagement
• Mechanical release travel
• Acceptable fish deformation
• Adequate load distribution

Using an undersized slip can prevent proper engagement.

Using an oversized slip can prevent the spear from entering or releasing from the fish.

Casing Weight Selection

The nominal casing weight controls the wall thickness and internal diameter.

The quotation therefore requires both:

• Nominal casing OD
• Casing weight in lb/ft or kg/m

Examples include:

• 7 in, 23–38 lb/ft
• 9-5/8 in, 32.3–61.1 lb/ft
• 10-3/4 in, 40.5–65.7 lb/ft
• 11-3/4 in, 47–71 lb/ft
• 13-3/8 in, 48–86 lb/ft
• 18-5/8 in, heavy conductor configurations
• 20 in, conductor and surface-casing configurations

The finished slip set is machined to the ordered internal catching range.

Fish Condition Assessment

Before selecting a spear, establish whether the fish has:

• A clean open bore
• Internal scale
• Internal cement
• Collapsed or ovalized sections
• Split casing
• Thin-wall corrosion
• Previous slip marks
• Perforations
• Cut edges
• Internal restrictions
• Multiple casing weights
• Premium connections
• A hanger or wellhead profile

An Impression Block, caliper, camera or gauge tool can be used when the fish condition is unknown.

Pulling-Load Assessment

The required pulling load is calculated from:

• Suspended fish weight
• Casing buoyancy
• Cement bond
• Mechanical sticking
• Well deviation
• Friction
• Dogleg severity
• Wellhead restraint
• Formation movement
• Corrosion and reduced wall
• Cut depth
• Expected jarring program

The selected tool must have documented working load above the planned maximum overpull with the required design margin.

Torque Assessment

Torque capacity matters when the operation requires:

• Setting or releasing the spear
• Rotating an Internal Cutter
• Backing off casing
• Rotating a stuck casing section
• Milling below the spear
• Reverse rotation
• Working the fish through restrictions

Connection torque, mandrel torque and slip torque resistance are evaluated separately.

Material Selection

Mandrel Material

Standard mandrels use high-strength alloy steel such as:

• AISI 4140
• AISI 4145H Modified
• AISI 4330
• Equivalent quenched-and-tempered alloy steel

The material provides:

• High tensile strength
• High torsional strength
• Impact toughness
• Fatigue resistance
• Stable heat-treatment response
• Resistance to jarring loads

Slip Material

Slip and grapple materials include:

• Heat-treated alloy steel
• Tool steel
• Carburized alloy steel
• Surface-hardened steel
• Nitrided steel

The tooth area is hardened while the slip body retains sufficient toughness.

Sour-Service Material

Sour-service configurations include:

• Controlled-hardness mandrel
• H₂S-compatible alloy steel
• Controlled heat treatment
• Hardness mapping
• Sour-compatible elastomers
• Corrosion-resistant internal components
• Full material traceability

The complete fishing program must account for H₂S exposure, applied stress and temperature.

Heat Treatment

Mandrel heat treatment includes:

• Quenching
• Tempering
• Stress relieving
• Grade-specific controlled cooling

Slip heat treatment can include:

• Through hardening
• Carburizing
• Induction hardening
• Nitriding
• Local tooth hardening

Heat treatment controls:

• Yield strength
• Tensile strength
• Hardness
• Impact toughness
• Fatigue performance
• Tooth wear
• Resistance to brittle fracture

Rotary-Shouldered Connections

Available connections include:

• NC38
• NC46
• NC50
• 4-1/2 REG
• 6-5/8 REG
• Customer-specified rotary-shouldered connections

Connection inspection covers:

• Thread form
• Taper
• Lead
• Pitch diameter
• Thread height
• Root and crest condition
• Shoulder flatness
• Shoulder perpendicularity
• Pin nose
• Box counterbore
• Gauge standoff
• Surface finish
• Connection concentricity

API Standard Positioning

The Casing Spear is a fishing-tool design supplied under the manufacturer’s approved drawings and quality-control plan.

API Spec 7-2 applies to NC and REG rotary-shouldered connections used on the tool.

API 7-2 conformity does not constitute certification of:

• The complete spear
• The slip mechanism
• The catching range
• The working load
• The release mechanism
• The jarring performance
• The casing-recovery capability

Product performance is verified through material testing, dimensional inspection, NDE, connection inspection and project-specific functional or load testing.

Connection Stress-Relief Features

Pin stress-relief grooves and box borebacks are available where required by the connection size and fatigue design.

They can reduce stress concentration near the last engaged thread during:

• High overpull
• Repeated jarring
• Bending
• Offshore motion
• Long-duration fishing operations

The finished connection geometry follows the applicable drawing and connection standard.

Typical Fishing BHA

A typical casing-recovery BHA can include:

1. Casing Spear
2. Stop Sub or Stop Ring
3. Bumper Sub
4. Hydraulic or Mechanical Fishing Jar
5. Jar Intensifier
6. Safety Joint
7. Crossover Sub
8. Heavy Weight Drill Pipe
9. Drill Pipe or Work String

A cut-and-pull BHA can add an Internal Casing Cutter below the spear.

Safety Joint

A Safety Joint provides an additional controlled release point above the fishing assembly.

It is used where:

• The complete spear assembly may become stuck
• High jarring loads are expected
• The well contains multiple restrictions
• A secondary recovery option is required

The Safety Joint release direction must be compatible with the Spear engagement and release directions.

Bumper Sub

A Bumper Sub provides axial travel for:

• Bumping down to release the spear
• Positioning the slips
• Applying compression without moving the entire work string
• Supporting fishing-jar operation
• Controlling cutter position

Fishing Jar

A Fishing Jar converts stored string energy into impact.

Available configurations include:

• Hydraulic Fishing Jar
• Mechanical Fishing Jar
• Double-Acting Fishing Jar
• Up-Jar
• Up-and-Down Jar

The jar working load and impact are selected below the spear and connection limits.

Pre-Run Inspection

Before running:

1. Confirm the fish OD, weight and internal catching range.
2. Confirm the Spear model.
3. Inspect the Top Sub.
4. Gauge the rotary-shouldered connection.
5. Inspect the mandrel for cracks and corrosion.
6. Inspect all tapered surfaces.
7. Inspect the slips or segments.
8. Verify the tooth condition.
9. Inspect the friction components.
10. Inspect the release mechanism.
11. Verify free slip travel.
12. Confirm the correct lower guide.
13. Verify internal bore clearance.
14. Function-test engagement and release.
15. Confirm working-load and torque documentation.
16. Record the tool serial number.

Running Procedure

1. Make up the spear to the approved fishing string.
2. Apply the specified connection makeup torque.
3. Run to one stand above the fish.
4. Establish circulation.
5. Clean the top and internal bore of the fish.
6. Lower slowly into the fish.
7. Monitor hook load and pump pressure.
8. Reach the planned engagement depth.
9. Apply engaging rotation.
10. Pick up slowly.
11. Confirm engagement with a controlled test pull.
12. Increase overpull within the approved program.
13. Jar or work the fish as required.
14. Recover the fish or begin the release procedure.

Release Procedure

For the standard configuration:

1. Remove upward strain.
2. Lower the work string to unload the slips.
3. Bump down using the Bumper Sub or work-string weight.
4. Apply controlled right-hand rotation.
5. Move the mandrel into the release position.
6. Pick up slowly while maintaining release rotation.
7. Confirm that the spear exits the fish.
8. Pull out of hole for inspection or redressing.

The operator follows the model-specific operating manual because left-hand tools use the opposite rotational sequence.

Re-Engagement

After release, the spear can be repositioned and engaged at another depth inside the same fish.

Re-engagement is used when:

• The first catching area is damaged
• The casing wall is too thin
• The spear must be positioned above a cut
• A different slip interval is required
• The first pulling attempt did not move the fish

Common Failure Modes

Spear Does Not Enter the Fish

Possible causes include:

• Incorrect slip size
• Fish ID smaller than expected
• Collapsed casing
• Internal cement
• Scale
• Deformed cut edge
• Incorrect safety-ring diameter
• Misalignment

Spear Enters but Does Not Grip

Possible causes include:

• Slip assembly too small
• Worn slip teeth
• Insufficient engagement travel
• Damaged taper
• Fish ID too large
• Friction blocks not functioning
• Incorrect engagement rotation
• Oil or debris on the contact surface

Spear Cannot Be Released

Possible causes include:

• Excessive residual tension
• Slip teeth deeply embedded
• No downward bump load
• Incorrect rotational direction
• Packed debris
• Damaged release ring
• Deformed fish
• Excessive casing ovality

Fish Distortion

Possible causes include:

• Small slip-contact area
• Excessive overpull
• Thin-wall casing
• Severe internal corrosion
• Oversized slip
• High jarring force
• Split casing

A full-circle or segmented slip assembly reduces local point loading.

Slip Tooth Failure

Possible causes include:

• Excessive hardness
• Impact loading
• Inadequate heat treatment
• Incorrect tooth profile
• Extremely hard casing
• Excessive rotational torque
• Repeated engagement in the same location

Mandrel Failure

Possible causes include:

• Overpull above working load
• Excessive jarring energy
• Connection fatigue
• Bending in a dogleg
• Material defect
• Corrosion
• Improper heat treatment
• Previous unrecorded overload

Connection Failure

Possible causes include:

• Incorrect makeup torque
• Damaged shoulder
• Thread wear
• Galling
• Excessive bending
• Uncontrolled reverse torque
• Repeated jarring beyond the connection capacity

Post-Run Inspection

After each run:

• Clean the complete assembly
• Remove mud, scale and metal debris
• Disassemble the slip assembly
• Inspect all teeth
• Inspect slip segments for cracks
• Inspect the mandrel tapers
• Inspect friction blocks
• Inspect release components
• Inspect retaining screws
• Inspect the Top Sub
• Inspect the internal bore
• Perform MPI on critical load areas
• Measure connections
• Replace worn components
• Function-test setting and release
• Apply corrosion protection
• Install thread protectors

Manufacturing Process

Goldenman Casing Spear manufacturing includes:

1. Alloy-steel forging verification
2. Heat-number assignment
3. Forging ultrasonic inspection
4. Rough machining
5. Quenching and tempering
6. Mechanical-property testing
7. Mandrel finish machining
8. Taper and helix machining
9. Internal-bore machining
10. Top-connection machining
11. Connection gauging
12. Slip forging or machining
13. Slip heat treatment
14. Tooth cutting
15. Tooth hardening
16. Slip dimensional inspection
17. Friction-component manufacturing
18. Release-component manufacturing
19. Tool assembly
20. Engagement testing
21. Release testing
22. Dimensional inspection
23. UT and MPI
24. Optional pull testing
25. Surface coating
26. Permanent marking
27. Documentation review
28. Export packaging

Quality Control and Testing

Inspection and testing include:

• Raw-material certificate verification
• Chemical-composition testing
• Heat-number traceability
• Heat-treatment monitoring
• Yield-strength testing
• Tensile-strength testing
• Elongation testing
• Impact testing
• Mandrel hardness testing
• Slip-body hardness testing
• Tooth hardness testing
• Full-body ultrasonic inspection
• Mandrel magnetic-particle inspection
• Slip magnetic-particle inspection
• Mandrel OD inspection
• Tool-bore inspection
• Taper inspection
• Catching-range inspection
• Slip-travel inspection
• Friction-force inspection
• Thread-gauge inspection
• Shoulder inspection
• Engagement testing
• Release testing
• Optional proof-load testing
• Final visual inspection

Proof-Load Testing

Project-specific proof-load testing verifies the load-carrying performance of the assembled spear or critical components.

The test program identifies:

• Spear model
• Slip configuration
• Test mandrel or casing ID
• Applied tensile load
• Hold time
• Permanent deformation
• Slip movement
• Connection condition
• Acceptance criteria

Proof load does not replace the operating load calculation for the complete fishing BHA.

Product Marking

Each Casing Spear is permanently marked with:

• Goldenman identification
• Tool type
• Model
• Nominal casing size
• Catching range
• Mandrel OD
• Tool ID
• Top connection
• Working-load identification
• Heat number
• Serial number
• Manufacturing date

Each slip or segment set is marked with its matching fish-ID range.

Product Documentation

The supply package includes:

• Certificate of Conformity
• Product datasheet
• General assembly drawing
• Dimensional drawing
• Catching-range chart
• Slip-selection chart
• Material certificate
• EN 10204 3.1 certificate
• Chemical-composition report
• Heat-treatment record
• Mechanical-property report
• Hardness report
• Impact-test report
• Ultrasonic-inspection report
• Magnetic-particle-inspection report
• Thread-gauge inspection report
• Dimensional inspection report
• Engagement and release test report
• Proof-load report where ordered
• Material traceability list
• Makeup-torque recommendation
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Replacement Parts and Accessories

Goldenman supplies:

• One-piece grapples
• Full-circle slips
• Individual slip segments
• Slip holders
• Slip retainers
• Friction blocks
• Friction springs
• Jarring rings
• Release rings
• Bullnose nuts
• Sidehill nuts
• Sub-Type Nuts
• Mill-Type Nuts
• Safety rings
• Stop rings
• Stop Subs
• Pack-Off Assemblies
• Seal kits
• Retaining screws
• Top Subs
• Crossover Subs
• Connection protectors
• Complete redress kits

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of casing spear is shown on this page?

This page covers the AZ Releasing Casing Spear, an internal-catch fishing tool for casing and liner recovery.

What casing sizes are available?

Standard configurations cover:

• 7 in
• 9-5/8 in
• 11-3/4 in
• 13-3/8 in
• 16 in
• 18-5/8 in
• 20 in

Larger project-specific configurations are available.

Does the spear catch the casing OD or ID?

It catches the internal diameter of the casing.

An Overshot catches the outside diameter.

Is the spear releasable?

Yes.

The slips can be mechanically unloaded and moved into the release position if the casing cannot be recovered.

Can the spear be re-engaged?

Yes.

After release, it can be repositioned and engaged at another internal depth.

Can it be used with an Internal Casing Cutter?

Yes.

The AZ Spear can be assembled with an Internal Cutter for one-trip cut-and-pull casing recovery.

Can it be used with a Fishing Jar?

Yes.

Fishing Jars, Bumper Subs and Jar Intensifiers can be installed above the spear.

Can the spear circulate through the fish?

Yes.

Through-bore circulation and optional Spear Pack-Off Assemblies are available.

What is the difference between one-piece and segmented slips?

One-piece slips provide a simple grip for a defined casing-ID range.

Segmented slips provide a wider catching range and distribute load over a larger circumference.

How is the correct slip size selected?

Selection requires the actual minimum and maximum fish ID, casing OD, nominal weight, wall thickness and internal condition.

Can one spear body cover several casing weights?

Yes.

Different slip or segment sets can be installed on a common mandrel when their approved catching ranges are compatible.

Are NC and REG connections available?

Yes.

Standard options include NC38, NC50, 4-1/2 REG and 6-5/8 REG.

Is the entire Casing Spear API certified?

API Spec 7-2 applies to qualifying NC and REG rotary-shouldered connections.

It does not provide a product-performance certification for the complete Casing Spear.

Can it be used offshore?

Yes.

The AZ design is used in onshore, offshore, subsea, slot-recovery and abandonment operations.

Can it pull cemented casing?

The spear can grip and apply pulling or jarring load to cemented casing.

Actual recovery can also require cutting, washing, milling, perforating or additional mechanical release methods.

Can left-hand release tools be supplied?

Yes.

Right-hand and left-hand operating configurations are supplied according to the fishing-string and back-off program.

Are spare slip sets available?

Yes.

Goldenman supplies matched slips, segments, friction blocks, retainers, release components and complete redress kits.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Casing Spear type
• Nominal casing OD
• Casing nominal weight
• Casing wall thickness
• Minimum fish ID
• Maximum fish ID
• Casing grade
• Fish condition
• Fish-top condition
• Estimated fish length
• Estimated suspended fish weight
• Fishing depth
• Well inclination
• Maximum dogleg severity
• Casing cement condition
• Planned cut depth
• Required pulling load
• Maximum rig overpull
• Planned jarring load
• Required working torque
• Top connection
• Bottom cutter connection
• Internal-bore requirement
• One-piece or segmented slips
• Shoulder or flush mandrel
• Right-hand or left-hand release
• Pack-Off Assembly requirement
• Internal Casing Cutter requirement
• Bumper Sub requirement
• Fishing Jar requirement
• Jar Intensifier requirement
• Safety Joint requirement
• Standard or sour service
• Maximum temperature
• H₂S concentration
• CO₂ concentration
• Proof-load-test requirement
• NDE requirements
• Third-party inspection
• Documentation requirements
• Required quantity
• Destination country
• Delivery schedule

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies AZ Releasing Casing Spears for internal catching, pulling, jarring, cutting and recovery of casing and liner strings.

The standard range covers:

• 7–20 in casing
• One-piece and segmented slip assemblies
• NC38 and NC50 connections
• 4-1/2 REG and 6-5/8 REG connections
• Releasing and re-engaging operation
• Onshore and offshore casing recovery
• Cut-and-pull fishing assemblies
• Fishing Jars, Bumper Subs and Jar Intensifiers
• Internal Casing Cutters and Pack-Off Assemblies
• Replacement slips and complete redress kits

Complete tools are supplied with material traceability, mechanical-property reports, UT and MPI records, connection inspection, dimensional verification and engagement-and-release test documentation.

Email: info@goldenman.com