Coiled Tubing

Introduction and Basics

By: Abdullah N. Abdulrazzaq
What is Coiled Tubing

 Runs and retrieves a continuous

string of tubing
 Can continuously pump fluids into
well while moving pipe
 No workover rig required
 Can be and is typically used on live
wells (no kill fluids introduced into
well
Origin Of Coiled
tubing
 The origins of continuous-length,
steel-tubing technology can be
traced to engineering and
fabrication work pioneered by Allied
engineering teams during the
Second World War. Project 99,
code named "PLUTO" (an acronym
for Pipe Lines Under The Ocean),
was a top-secret Allied invasion
enterprise involving the deployment
of pipelines from the coast of
England to several points along the
coast of France.
  CT is manufactured from flat metal strips, called
skelps.
 String construction and manufacturing
processes depend on:
✓Type of assembly weld (butt weld, bias weld)

CT String ✓Wall thickness configuration (non-tapered,

tapered, true taper)
Manufacturing ✓Special purpose strings (weld bead removal,
and coated CT)

Construction
Coiled Tubing Products

 Grades
 60000 to 120000 psi Yield Materials
 Configurations
 Butt Welded
 Continuous Milled (Bias Weld)
 Tapered Strings
 True Tapered Strings
 Manufacturers
 Tenaris Coiled Tubing- e.g. HS80 and HS80CM
 Quality Tubing - e.g. QT80 and QT800
 Global (new manufacturer)
Coiled Tubing Terminology

 CTU, 38K, 1.5, QT800 (0.125 in), 15000

feet -What is this?
 38KGenerally 38,000 lbs is the injector
maximum tensile force
 •1.5 inc and QT8001.5 in is the CT
ODQT800 is the CT minimum yield
strength 80,000 psi from Quality
Tubing0.125in is the wall thickness (ID is
1.25 in)
 •15000 ft This is the minimum total
coiled tubing length available on the reel
 Strip
preparation

Tube formed

Weld completed
and area
heat treated

Helical weld form Longitudinal seamweld

of biased weld
Heavier wall

Intermediate

Lighter wall
Coiled Tubing Equipment

 The basic configuration of a coiled tubing equipment package is dependent

on:

 Operating environment
 e.g., offshore, arctic, desert

 Primary applications
 e.g., units prepared for CTD, Fracturing operations will typically be larger than
conventional service units

 CT string dimensions
 e.g., string length/OD and necessary reel dimensions
Basic Equipment Configurations

 Onshore
 Paved road trucks (road legal for operating area)
 Off-road trucks (all-wheel drive, e.g., desert)
 Mobile mast units (special environment, e.g., arctic)
 Offshore
 Skid mounted units (crash-frame protected)
 Barge mounted units (permanent placement)
 Jacking barge/tender vessel
CT Express – Trailer Mounted
 CTU - Paved Road

 Trailer mounted CTU configured from skid mounted equipment for flexibility. The
crash frame protection is removed (to reduce weight) when the skids are fixed to
the trailer, but can be fitted if the equipment is to be shipped offshore.

 The configuration shown requires two trucks. The truck/trailer shown transports
the reel, control cabin, power pack and BOP. A smaller crane truck is used to
transport the crane, injector head and riser wellhead package (as required).

 Weight restrictions (country, state or road capacity) and the required CT string
size/length (weight) are the key factors in determining if two trucks are required
for the CTU package.
Single Chassis – Truck Mounted
Mobile Mast – Arctic & Desert Operations
CTU – Skid Mounted
CTU – Barge Mounted
CTU – Jacking Barge
Main CT Equipment Package
Prime Mover
Control Cabin / Console
Tubing Reel
Injector Head
BOP / Stripper
Lifting Equipment

Coiled Tubing Unit

Common Heads no longer in production
Only Intermittent. Head
used with large CT, CTD,
HR 440 demanding applications

HR 480
6000 East Berry Street Ft. Worth, Texas, USA hrisales@hydrarig.com www.hydrarig.com

6000 East Berry Street Ft. Worth, Texas, USA hrisales@hydrarig.com www.hydrarig.com
Injector Head –
Injector Head Model
Typical Specifications
HR 240 HR 440 HR 480
Capacities
Min. tubing size 1 1-1/4 1-1/2
Max. tubing size 1-1/2 2-3/8 3-1/2
Max. pulling force
- open loop (lbf.) 20,000 40,000 80,000
- closed loop (lbf.) 20,000 60,000 100,000
Max. snubbing force (lbf.) 10,000 20,000 40,000
Max. running speed (fpm) 200 240 150

Dimensions
Length (in.) 53 55 64
Width (in.) 34 52 64
Height (in.) 65 80 109
Weight (lbm) 3,400 7,800 12,650
New Generations – HR 560
Performance Data:
 60,000 lb. Continuous Pull
 26,000 lb. Continuous Snubbing
 200 feet/min. Maximum speed
 1” through 2-3/8” tubing sizes
 Capable of running 120,000 psi tubing
 Superior slow speed control (inches
per minute)
 70,000 lb. lifting capacity through
outer frame (CT)
 60,000 lb. Lifting capacity from
stripper (Stack)
Weights (Basic):
 8,100 lbs. Assembled weight with
stripper mount and 72”gooseneck,
stripper box, minimal handling slings,
lube tank.
New Generations
Performance Data:
– HR 580
 80,000 lb. Continuous Pull
 40,000 lb. Continuous Snubbing
 150 feet/min. Maximum speed
 1-1/2” through 3-1/2” tubing sizes
 Capable of running 120,000 psi
tubing
 Superior slow speed control (inches
per minute)
 95,000 lb. lifting capacity through
outer frame (CT)
 80,000 lb. Lifting capacity from
stripper (Stack)
Weights (Basic):
 10,800 lbs. Assembled weight with
72” gooseneck, stripper box, minimal
handling slings, lube tank.
New Generation HR 660
Performance Data:
 60,000 lb. Continuous Pull
 30,000 lb. Continuous Snubbing
 250 Feet/min. Maximum speed (Min
displacement)
 1” Through 2-3/8” tubing sizes
 Capable of running new 120,000 psi
tubing
 Superior slow speed control (inches per
minute)
 70,000 lb. Lifting capacity through
outer frame
 60,000 lb. Lifting capacity through
stripper mount
Weights (Basic):
 7,600 lbs. Assembled weight with 72”
gooseneck, stripper box, minimal
handling slings, lube tank.
New Generation – HR 680

Performance Data:
 80,000 lb. Continuous Pull
 40,000 lb. Continuous Snubbing
 150 feet/min. Maximum speed
 1-1/2” through 3-1/2” tubing sizes
 Capable of running new 120,000 psi tubing
 Superior slow speed control (inches per minute)
 95,000 lb. Lifting capacity through outer frame
 80,000 lb. Lifting capacity from stripper
Weights (Basic):
 9,500 lbs. Assembled weight with 72” gooseneck,
stripper box, minimal handling slings, lube tank.
Heavy Duty HR 5100

Performance Data
 100,000 lbs. continuous lifting capacity
 50,000 lbs. continuous snubbing capacity
 140 ft./min. maximum speed
 1-1/2” through 3-1/2” tubing sizes
 Capable of running new 120,000 PSI tubing
 Superior slow speed control for drilling
applications
 Inches per minute smooth operating speed
 100,000 lbs. lifting capacity through outer frame
 100,000 lbs. lifting capacity from stripper
 17,400 lbs. assembled weight with 100” tubing
guide installed, with no stripper
 100” tubing guide (1,200 lbs.)
Injector Head – Principal Components
Primary components/functions include:
1. Hydraulic drive/brake system 3
2. Drive chains and tensioners
3. Gooseneck or guide-arch
4. Weight indicator sensor
5. Stripper mount
1

5
Chain Tensioning Systems

 HR-480
 3-sprocket system

HR-560
2-sprocket system
Chain Components – HR 240/260
Chain link
pins

Gripper block
Roller
bearing

Chain link plate

and split pin
Chain Components – HR 480

 Variable insert
500 & 600 Series
 “Quick Connect”
Gripper System
 Quickly remove or
install a gripper
 Hardened and
Grooved Single Piece
Grippers
Guide Arch
API Recommendations
Tubing Size Radius
(in.) (in.)
1-1/4 48 to 72
1-1/2 48 to 72 HR240 - 72-in.
HR480 - 108-in.
1-3/4 72 to 96
HR240 - 50-in.
2 72 to 96
2-3/8 90 to 120
2-7/8 90 to 120
3-1/2 96 to 120
Weight Indicator – HR480 Dual Sensors

Front Rear
sensor/pivot sensor/pivot

Optional hydraulic cell in some

IH’s. To sense snubbing forces
(Pre-electronic load cells).
Stripper Mounting Point
 Some IH’s (company dependent)
have stripper assembled this way.
Others have stripper assembled to
BOP for simple land rig-ups.
 CT Reel – Functions
Basic functions of the reel: 5
1. Storing and protecting the CT 2
string – reel drum
 Maintaining proper tension
between reel and injector head
(reel drive system)
2. Efficiently spooling the CT string
onto the reel drum - levelwind 1
system
1
3. Circulating fluids with the drum
rotating – swivel 3
4. Application of protective coating 3
or inhibitor on tubing string -
tubing lubricator system 4
5. CT depth measurement system -
reel mounted counter and
integrity monitor
This is always the heaviest load. Determines logistics and applicability in many
situations !
Reel Models and Capacities
HR Model Code
Tubing Size 1015 2015 3015 3020 4122

1.25 in 15000 22,500 25,000 25,000 25,000

1.5 in 10000 15,100 22,000 25,000 25,000
1.75 in N/A 11,200 15,000 20,000 25,000
2 in N/A 8,500 11,000 15,000 22,500
2.375 in N/A N/A N/A N/A 15,300
Reel Drum Capacity Freeboard
Capacity of reel drum:
L = (A + C) (A) (B) (K)
Where: A
L = Reel capacity (ft)
A = Tubing stack height (in.)
B = Drum width (in.)
C = Core diameter (in.) C
K = Constant (tubing size
dependent)
1-1/4 = 0.168
1-1/2 = 0.116
1-3/4 = 0.086
2 = 0.066
2-3/8 = 0.046 B
Reel Models - Reel size comparison
Reel Drive and Brake Systems

Planetary
gears

Spoked reel Dished end reel

Floor mounted motor/brake Axle mounted motor/brake
(Levelwind systempump shown)
Drop-in Drum Reels
Levelwind System
3

2
System components include:
1. Drive chain/system
2. Override motor
3. Spooling head
1
Workover and Coiled Tubing Units
 Standard Work-over Unit
 Generally requires longer rig ups /
Downs
 ▪Longer RIH and POH.
 ▪Need to stop circulation to make
pipe connections.
 ▪Generally need to kill the well for
operations.
 Coiled Tubing Unit
 ▪Faster rig ups / Downs
 ▪Live Well/ Min. production
downtime
 ▪Continuous tubing / continuous
circulation
 ▪Enhanced Tubing Management
 ▪Improve Safety (min. thread
connections)
Coiled Tubing
Advantages
 Self-Contained unit, requires no rig
 –No connections
 –Continuous circulation
 –Saves time and money -do not have
to kill well
 –Typically used on live wells so
reduced potential damage to
formation
 –Act as tool transport medium for
deviated and horizontal wells
 Coiled Tubing
Limitations
 Small Diameters
 Restricted Flow
 Reduced Rates
 Rotation of Tubing
 Limited Reach in Horizontal
Wells
Coiled Tubing
Operation

Introduction to Coiled Tubing Application

CT Application Analysis

 Key application segments

 Fluid conveyance
 Circulation, placement, injection
 Tool conveyance
 Mechanical, Electrical
 Completions
 ESP, Vel Strings, etc
CTS Segmentation 0.2% 0.1% 0.1%
Jobs Jan 2008- Dec 2010
0.1%
0.1%
1.0% 0.1%
1.3%
1.5% 1.2% 0.0%
2.0%
Wellbore Cleanout
2.2%
Well Circulation
3.1%
Coiled Tubing Matrix
Tool Conveyance
4.5%
32.1% CT Logging
Milling
CT Cementing
CT Completion
9.5%
CT Fracturing
CT Perforating
CT Conformance
CT Fishing/Retrieval
CT Sand Control
9.7% CT ACTive Matrix
CT ACTive Isolation
CT ACTive Profiling
CT ACTive Perforating
CT ACTive Cleanout
CT ACTive Lift
31.4%
Fluid Conveyance
Applications
Well Kill/Kick-Off (Fluid Circulation)

 Fluid circulation and placement

 Dense fluid – well kill
 Light fluid – kick-off
 Technique sensitive to:
 Surface choke control
 Fluid volumes
Nitrogen Kick-Off

 Inducing flow from reservoir

 Lowering hydrostatic pressure
 System optimized when:
 Software used to select optimum
depth
 N2 rate at lowest practicable
Wellbore Fill Removal
 Removal of solids from wellbore - restoring production, wellbore access, operation of completion
devices
 Technique sensitive to:
 Wellbore profile and BHP
 Fluid characteristics and rate
Acid Wash

 Precise placement of acid in

wellbore
 Technique sensitive to:
 Length of interval
 Fluid delivery rate
 Temperature (inhibitor)
 Flow-back or clean-up
Screen Wash

 Removal of soft and soluble

deposits
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Fluid selection
 Geometry and Type of screen
 Nozzle selection and jet stand-off
Matrix Acidizing - Diverted
Ensuring treatment of least permeable zones
Technique sensitive to:
 Length of interval
 Placement and quality of diverter
Chemical Treatment

 Removal of soluble deposits from

wellbore or perforations
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Location and chemical composition
of deposits
 Surface area of deposits and action
of chemical
 Mechanical assistance (jetting)
Water Control – Polymer Injection

 Blocking water production by

chemical injection
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Length of interval
 Communication between zones
Cement Placement

 Accurate placement of cement

slurry
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Temperature and pressure
conditions
 Cement slurry characteristics
 Cement column stability
Fracturing with CT (CoilFRAC)

 Selective treatment of short zones

 Technique sensitive to:
 Depth of treatment
 Completion Type
 Fluid selection
 Reservoir Characteristics
Tool Conveyance
Applications
Conveying Tools

 Principal issues for tool conveyance

 Handling of toolstring
 insertion and retrieval process
 Depth control
 accurate placement/correlation
 Wellbore conditions
 pressure, temperature, fluid compatibility
 CT string force/movement
Flow Control

 Operation of completion
equipment
 Sliding sleeve
 Plug setting retrieval
 Gauge placement and retrieval
 Technique sensitive to:
 Wellbore depth and deviation
 Control force (TFM)
Scale Removal

 Removal of inorganic salts (may be

combined with organic deposits)
 Reduced flow area (ultimately
plug)
 Increased roughness
 Preventing wellbore access
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Type of scale - soluble, insoluble
 Location of scale - tubulars,
completion components
Gravel Pack

 Placement of screens and/or

gravel pack
 Prepacked screen
 Conventional screen + pack
 Remedial Screen
 Technique sensitive to:
 Placement of screen/tools
 Placement of pack fluids
Fishing

 Removal of large debris from

wellbore
 Magnetic, catchable (internal or
external), wire
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Retrieval of tools and fish
 Wellbore geometry
 Size and position of fish
 Fish stuck or free
Zonal Isolation

 Permanent/temporary isolation of
producing zone
 Bridge plug
(permanent/retrievable)
 Bridge plug + cement
 Retainer + cement
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Wellbore/completion geometry
 Depth control
 Cement slurry characteristics
Milling/Drilling

 Mechanical removal of hard

material
 Wellbore deposits (hard scale)
 Cement or cured treatment fluids
 Opening wellbore restriction
 Removal of fish/plug
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Wellbore geometry
 Fluid circulation rate
Underreaming

 Milling below tubing/restriction

 Scale, cement, OH underreaming
 Technique sensitive to:
 Hole size/geometry
 Material to be removed
 Length of interval
Tubing Cutting

 Rotary internal cutting

 Tailpipe removal (drop)
 Tubing string cut (retrieval)
 Technique sensitive to:
 Tubing geometry
 Tubing material
 Cutter stability
Selective Fluid Placement

 Selective placement of treatment

fluid through dual packer assembly
 Straddle assembly
 Packer - bridge plug
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Down hole conditions
 Placement of tools
 Treatment volume and rate
Perforating - TCP
Hydraulically activated perforating system
Technique sensitive to:
 Length of interval/guns
 Depth correlation
Production Logging - Memory

 Wellbore and production data

recorded within toolstring
 Pressure, temperature, flow rate
 Techniques sensitive to:
 Duration of survey/operation
 Synchronization of time/depth
Production Logging - Wireline
 CT conveyed wireline logging tools
 Technique sensitive to:
 Length of toolstring
 Control of string movement
 Depth correlation
Perforating - Wireline
 Electrically activated perforating system
 Technique sensitive to:
 Length of interval/guns
 Depth correlation