Engineering smarter well interventions through optimised technology

Hunting has announced the launch of Opti-TEK, a new suite of optimised intervention technologies designed to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of well intervention operations

Targeted at slickline and wireline applications, Opti-TEK focuses on extending well life, reducing non-productive time (NPT) and enabling better operational decision-making through improved tool design and data availability. The technology suite was first showcased at ADIPEC and ICoTA Europe, reflecting its relevance to both global and mature basin operations.

DELVING INTO THE TECH

At the core of Opti-TEK is Hunting’s TEK-HUB innovation platform, which provides a structured framework for accelerating technology development. By combining in-house engineering capability with selected technology partnerships, TEK-HUB enables rapid progression from concept to field-ready tools. Opti-TEK represents one of the first major product families to emerge from this approach, addressing long-standing operational pain points in intervention and plug and abandonment (P&A) activities.

One of the most technically significant developments in the portfolio is the Opti-TEK Slickline Tubing Cutter. Unlike conventional explosive or mechanically aggressive cutting systems, this tool delivers non-explosive, battery-powered cutting with CNC-level precision. The autonomous design enables verified severance without the safety, regulatory and logistical burdens associated with explosives. This makes the cutter particularly suited to P&A operations, live well environments and environmentally sensitive locations, where risk reduction and operational assurance are critical engineering drivers.

Complementing this mechanical capability is the Opti-TEK Data Stem, a plug-and-play slickline tool designed to address the cost and complexity barriers traditionally associated with downhole data acquisition. The system captures pressure, temperature, accelerometer and casing collar locator (CCL) data within a compact form factor, delivering actionable downhole intelligence at a significantly lower cost than conventional memory or real-time telemetry systems. For intervention engineers, this enables improved situational awareness during slickline operations, supporting more informed decision-making without the overhead of complex deployment systems.

Another key component of the suite is the Opti-TEK Monitoring System for Greaseless Cable Pack-Offs. As greaseless systems become more widely adopted to reduce environmental impact and simplify surface operations, maintaining seal integrity and system reliability is increasingly important. The monitoring system provides real-time operational data and supports predictive maintenance strategies, allowing operators to identify performance degradation before it results in downtime or well control issues.

The Opti-TEK Valves complete the initial product line, introducing a new approach to wireline valve design. These valves are engineered to be ultra-lightweight and compact while delivering high cutting force from relatively low pressure inputs. From an engineering perspective, this translates into easier handling, improved serviceability and reduced surface equipment requirements, particularly beneficial in offshore and space-constrained environments.

A SMART SHIFT

Collectively, the Opti-TEK suite reflects a broader shift in well intervention engineering towards smarter, more integrated systems that balance mechanical performance with data-driven insight and operational safety. As Allan Gill, product line director for well intervention at Hunting, explained: “Opti-TEK represents Hunting’s commitment to delivering smarter, safer and more cost-effective interventions. By aligning cutting-edge innovation with real-world operational demands, we are enabling our customers to optimise every intervention and maximise the value of their asset.”

For professional engineers tasked with improving intervention efficiency while meeting increasingly stringent safety and environmental requirements, Opti-TEK offers a cohesive set of tools designed around modern operational realities.