Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Introduction of Coiled Tubing
◼ Schlumberger Well Intervention carries out many different types
of coiled tubing (CT) operations in many different environments.
The presentation also explains the advantages of using CT over
other intervention methods.
◼ Service Quality and HSE
Well Services, Well Intervention Services, Well Intervention,
PPCG, PPC, HSE
Due to the many hazards involved in the oilfield industry, all
Schlumberger personnel must be familiar with the relevant safety
regulations and precautions.
To ensure optimum health, safety, and environmental (HSE)
compliance, you must review and adhere to the standards and
guidelines found on the Schlumberger QHSE Standards and
Guidelines

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 History of Coiled Tubing
The origins of coiled tubing began with Project PLUTO
(PipeLines Under The Ocean), in which a total of 23 pipelines
were welded together out of 20’ joints of 3” which were
spooled together on floating drums that were 40’ in diameter
and 70’ in width. The pipelines, approximately 70 miles long
were then laid across the English Channel in support of the
1944 invasion by towing the drums across the channel while
the pipeline unspooled.

The first coiled tubing unit was developed in 1962 by Bowen

Tools by fabricating a 15,000’, 1 3/8” tubing string from butt-
welded 50’ sections, which was spooled onto a 9’ diameter
reel. The injector was based on two contra rotating chains,
similar to today’s designs, with a simple stripping rubber to
seal around the tubing, and was based on a design developed
by Bowen Tools for submarine radio antennae

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 What Is Coiled Tubing?
Coiled tubing (CT) is a generic name often used for coiled
tubing services (CTS). Operationally, a CT intervention
involves pushing a coiled tubing string with certain
downhole tools attached at its end into an oil or gas well
to perform work
without disturbing the existing well completion. The
ability to pump through the CT string allows many
different types of operations be carried out. At the end of
a CT operation, the CT string is pulled out of the well and
spooled back onto the CT reel.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 What Is Coiled Tubing?
CT technology is based on the use of the CT string, which is a
continuous flexible steel tube that is spooled on a reel for transport
and storage. The reel is a part of the coiled tubing unit (CTU).
At the surface, the end of the CT string is connected to a high-
pressure swivel joint on the reel hub so that fluids can be pumped
through the string continuously, maintaining pressure integrity while
the reel is in rotation when the CT is being pushed to the well or
retrieved from the well.
The CT string is run into and retrieved from the wellbore by the
injector head. On a conventional unit, the injector head is controlled
hydraulically from the CT cabin by the CTU operator. On an X-11*
modular offshore coiled tubing unit, the unit’s automated control
system monitors the entire electric hydraulic system

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Why Was Coiled Tubing Developed?
Coiled tubing (CT) was developed to perform remedial work on live
wells. To perform remedial work, three key elements were required:

• A continuous conduit that can be inserted into the well and allow
fluid conveyance means of running and retrieving the string from the
well under pressure

• A device capable of providing a dynamic seal during any operation

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Why we use Coiled Tubing?
Compared to wireline and slick line, the benefits of using
coiled tubing are:
• The ability to run in highly deviated and horizontal wells
• The ability to run heavy tool strings
• The ability to apply push and pull on tools
• The ability to pump simultaneously.
The direct competitors for CT services are snubbing units
and small workover rigs. Each technique has its own
advantages depending on the particular work or
operating conditions.
The following sections explain the advantages of CT
operations over snubbing units and workover rigs

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Live Well Intervention
A workover intervention is a major maintenance or remedial
treatment of an oil or gas well. In many cases, a workover requires
removing and replacing the production tubing string after the well
has been killed and a workover rig placed on ___location
CT operations, however, can be run through the existing production
tubing or
casing, while it is still producing oil or gas. The pressure control
equipment
used on every CT operation allows the well interventions to be done
safely on a live well. The ability to perform an intervention without
having to kill the well and remove the production tubing saves the
client time and money and avoids potential damage to the
formation.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Continuous Circulation
The CT reel is equipped with a swivel and piping, which allows fluid
to be
pumped through the tubing while the reel is rotating.
CT system enables continuous circulation while running in hole (RIH)
and pulling out of hole (POOH) because the tubing is continuous.
With a conventional workover rig or snubbing unit, circulation must
be stopped to break out each stand of pipe.
The ability to continuously circulate or convey a well treatment
provides better
well control, which is one of the primary reasons why CT is used for
live well
intervention.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Rapid Mobilization and Rig-up
Since all the components of a CT rig are modular and mobile (for
example, skidor truck-mounted), they can be moved from ___location to
___location easily.
A CT unit can be rigged up more quickly than most conventional rigs

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Real-time Down Hole Monitoring
Real-time Down Hole Monitoring
Use telemetry based real-time surface readout system
of down-hole measurements deployed on coiled tubing. Depending
on the
selection of downhole tool assembly and surface electronics, the
system allows real time measurements such as bottom hole
pressure and temperature, temperature survey along entire length of
CT (DTS), correlation to completion (CCL) and reservoir (GR), and
tension and compression on the tool. This real-time monitoring
allows for real-time job optimization and formation-friendly
treatments

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Environmental Impact
The CT unit footprint is usually much smaller than a workover rig.
This results in less environmental impacts from unit setup. In
addition, since the CT unit and its circulating system are self-
contained, any spilled fluids are also contained, thereby protecting
the environment

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Tripping Time
Because a CT string is continuous, it can be run into a well and pulled
out quickly.

Conventional tubing consists of individual tubing joints with

connectors on each end. These connectors must be screwed together
when running in hole and broken (unscrewed) when pulling out of a
well

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Crew Levels
Pipe handling refers to picking up, laying down, and maintaining
pipes. Handling one reel of pipe usually requires less manpower and
resources than handling many lengths of pipes.

CT operations require less personnel than conventional drilling rigs.

reduce the number of personnel required even further by improving
efficiency

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Operation Cost

CT is generally less expensive than using a conventional drilling rig to

perform well intervention because of reduced time and personnel.

However, in each case, the client makes an economic evaluation

between all the well intervention options (e.g. wireline, slick line,
snubbing, or workover rig).

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Evolution

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Evolution
Traditionally, low carbon steel alloys are used to manufacture CT
strings. These alloys come in various material yield strengths. The
yield strength is usually given in pound per square inch (psi) and
indicates the load-bearing capacity of the material.
The most commonly used material yield strengths currently used are:
• 70,000 psi
• 80,000 psi
• 90,000 psi
• 100,000 psi
• 110,000 ps

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Coiled Tubing Evolution

Chromium CT is available for long term direct exposure to CO2.

Titanium and
composite materials are also available but not commercial.
Early continuous tubing was limited to relatively small diameters and
short string lengths (76 m [250 ft]), because of manufacturing
limitations. The short strings were combined using butt welds to
make longer strings. The many butt welds resulted in numerous
string failures.
Coiled tubing is manufactured from slit coils obtained from master
coils of steel depending on tube diameter and wall thickness.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Wall Thickness Configuration

A nontapered CT string has only one wall thickness. To manufacture a

nontapered string, several sections of CT with the same wall thickness are
welded together. The string has the same outside diameter, inside diameter,
and wall thickness over its entire length.

For tapered CT strings, several sections of CT with different wall thicknesses

are welded together (Figure 3-4). The result is a CT string with varying inside
diameters and wall thickness. The outside diameter is constant over the
entire length of the string.

Tapered strings are very common and are typically necessary to enable safe
access into deeper wellbores. The heavier wall thickness at surface supports
the weight of the CT string in the well plus any tensile force at the downhole
end (for example, during fishing operations) and thinner wall thickness at
downhole end helps to reduce the hanging weight.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Count

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Wall Thickness Configuration

True tapered strings with linear taper

have also been developed by gradually
varying the thickness of the flat steel
strip.
This allows for the elimination of stress
concentration by eliminating the need Slus
for multiple bias welds of dissimilar
gauge material

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coil Tubing Unit Components

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Coiled Tubing Unit Models
Mast Coiled Tubing Unit Coiled Tubing Single Chassis

Skid Mounted CTU Jacking Barge

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing Injector Head

◼ Injector head Types

◼ HR6100
◼ HR-6140
◼ HR6100
◼ HR635
◼ HR-680
◼ HR5100
◼ HR-580
◼ HR-560
◼ HR-480
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
◼ Coiled Tubing Injector Head

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing Gooseneck

◼ Gooseneck
◼ G’Neck Create soft
bend for Coiled
tubing get introduce
on the injector
head, have different
sizes and Models

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing Reels

◼ Reel Types
Off shore reel
Land Reel
DID reel
Spooling reels

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing Stripper

◼ Stripper
Exist in the market
different stripper sizes
depend of the
application

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing BOP

◼ BOP
◼ Part of PCE Component
Create barriers Between
well and Coil Types
• Quad BOP
• Combi BOP
• Single BOP
• Single Shear BOP

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing Power Packs

◼ Power Pack
Is the Unit who provided
Hydraulic Power to all the Unit
CTPP Use different Hydraulic
Circuit
Priority / Auxiliary Circuit
Reel Circuit /BOP Circuit
Injector head Circuit/ Level wind

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Coiled Tubing Control Cabin

◼ The CTCC have all the control to

operate the unit from CTCC control
Injector Head/Reel/Level
wind/BOP/Stripper
◼ Off shore Modular
◼ On shore Cabin
◼ CTD Cabin

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Coiled Tubing Control Cabin

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Coiled Tubing Rig Up

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Categories 1
◼ Operating category 1 (MPWHP=0 to 3500 psi

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Categories 2
◼ Operating category 2 (MPWHP=0 to 3500 psi

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Categories 3
◼ Operating category 3 (MPWHP=8501 to 13500 psi

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ Types Of Stress
◼ Effective Force
◼ Tubing Force Module
◼ Helical Buckling
◼ Coil Limit Analysis

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ • Strain: A change in the length of the element, divided

by the length; it is a dimensionless number.
• Young’s Modulus of Elasticity (E): The slope of the
stress-strain plot. If the stress of the CT is maintained
below its yield point, then the deformation on it will be
elastic (refer to Figure 1-1). This means that after
removing the stress, the strain (deformation) will
disappear, so the element will come back to its original
state. The yield point represents the maximum elastic
deformation.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ TFM & CoiLIMIT / Tubing Force and CoiLIMIT Analysis

◼ Elastic Deformation
◼ When the pipe goes beyond the yield point, illustrated in Figure 1-3, it is
subjected to plastic deformation, which means that after removing the
stress
there will be a residual strain. This is what happens to the pipe when it is
spooled
in and out the CT reel, goes over the gooseneck, and passes through the
injector
head (reverse bending). Pipe straighteners also cause plastic
deformation; with
more hydraulic pressure on the skate, more fatigue is transmitted

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ TFM & CoiLIMIT / Tubing Force and CoiLIMIT Analysis

◼ Severe Plastic Deformation
There is a point at which the CT reaches its ultimate tensile strength, where not a
lot more stress is needed to create a lot more deformation (refer to Figure 1-4).
The strain increases in an uncontrolled manner, even without applying any more
stress, and necking occurs.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ TFM & CoiLIMIT / Tubing Force and CoiLIMIT Analysis

◼ Failure
Finally, the pipe reaches its breaking strength, where it
cannot withstand any more stress without failing
◼

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ Types of Stress
During the operation the CT is subjected to different
kind of stresses (Figure 1-6):

◼
Axial stress is due to axial forces applied to the CT by
the surface equipment
and also the bending stresses caused by the helical
buckling condition.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼
 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ Types of Stress
◼ For example, suppose that a piece of pipe is bending
due to sinusoidal buckling; the inner section of the
pipe will experience more compression than the outer
section, which affects the total axial stress being
applied to the element.
Hoop stress acts tangentially against the walls of the
tubing: If the inside pressure is greater, the tubing will
balloon and eventually burst. If the outside pressure is
greater, the tubing will collapse.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ Types of Stress
◼ Radial stress is caused by the pressure differential
between the inside and outside of the tubing and is
perpendicular to the CT surface. Radial stress also
causes bursting and pipe collapsing.
The von Mises stress criteria (Figure 1-7) is used to
calculate the total stress applied to the string:
◼

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

◼ Von Mises describes a combination of axial, radial, and hoop

stress; the radial and hoop stresses are caused by the differential
pressure (refer to Figure 1-8)

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

TFM & CoiLIMIT / Tubing Force and CoiLIMIT Analysis 1-6

This term, the compressive component of the stress (bending stress), will be zero
as long as the compressional force is not higher than the HBL (helical buckling
load). When the CT is in a vertical well the HBL is “0”, which means that any
compressive force will cause the CT to become helical. On the other hand,
when the CT is run in a deviate well (HBL>0), a compressive force higher than
the HBL will need to be applied before the CT becomes helical. That axial force
may be applied from the surface, or simply caused by the friction between the
CT outer surface and the wellbore inner surface; therefore, the roughness of the
wellbore surface will impact this behavior.

If the compressive force is higher than the HBL, then that term will have a value and
the axial stress profile on a particular cross sectional area will no longer be
uniform. The section of the CT that will exhibit more compression stress is the
inner section, while the outer section will be subjected to less total axial stress,
since the tensile bending stress counteracts the compression stress.
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

Effective Force
The effective force (Fe) is a common term used in CT, but few people really
understand it. This value differs from the true force because the effective
force is
not affected by the applied pressures outside and inside the CT, meaning
that F snub (WHP x Ao) and the force caused by the Pcirc (Pcirc x Ai) does not
influence the F
e. Change the Pcirc and WHP in any way and check the Eng Rprt; Fe will
be the same.
Then why do we consider WHP and Pcirc? Remember that these two values
are part of the Pi and Po terms for von Mises stress calculations in every
section that is subjected to the analysis. Remember that

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis
TFM & CoiLIMIT / Tubing Force and CoiLIMIT Analysis

P
i = Pcirc + Phi – Ffri

and

P
o = WHP + Pho + Pfro

These two equations describe how the fluid is pumped through the CT and
returned to surface through the annulus. Any change in flow needs to be
considered.
Figure 1-10 shows how effective force ( effective in the figure) and true force
(Ftrue) equations are written:
Figure 1-10: True Force versus Effective Force. Below the stripper;
from CoiLIMIT Level 1 training.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis
There is a another term, WI, which is important to define and which many
find
confusing.
WI = F
e – Fsnubb +/- SFL – RBT
then
WI = W
CTair - Fsnubb + Wfin - Fbuoy +/- Fadd +/- Fdrag +/- SFL – RBT
These two terms must not be confused; what is shown in the CoiLIMIT plot is
completely different to what is shown on the load cell, so don’t let the client
become confused on that point. Having a clear understanding will help to
explain
this phenomenon. Remember that changing Pcirc will not change the WI or
even the F e; if no other parameters change, WHP especially, then WI and Fe
should stay the same. This can be verified with the TFM or real time CoiLIMIT
–
remember that all of the other parameters should be the same.
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis
◼ Tubing Force Model
As previously described, the CT pipe undergoes “elastic” deformation during its downhole
runs, and normally this deformation is so low that it is not considered for day-to-day
operations. When the CT is RIH in a deviated or horizontal
wellbore, it can become sinusoidal or even buckle helically, depending on the magnitude of
the compressive force. When the force applied to the CT is higher than the helical buckling
load, the pipe becomes helical. The operation can still
continue, but if the compressive force continues to increase, there will be a point at which the
string will lock up. This is because, as the pipe becomes helical and there is more surface of
the pipe in contact with the casing/OH, frictional forces
increase dramatically, and eventually those forces overcome any external force applied to the
CT.
CoilCADE/CoilCAT can only calculate this point with a certain accuracy. Start monitoring the CT
when it gets 200 ft above the predicted lockup point. At that point the user can check the
accuracy of the software by changing the force by a small amount or introducing a small
increase in depth, and then observing a large change on WI; this indicates that the software
equations are no longer converging to a reasonable solution which will allow the software to
predict lockup. By changing the compressive force just 10 lbf or a few feet of penetration with
the CT, it will predict that the WI will change more than 10,000 lbf; the user can be
sure that the lockup point is probably close. Calibration of the friction coefficient may be
helpful to determine if any of the extended reach penetration is needed

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

◼ TFM & CoiLIMIT / Tubing Force and CoiLIMIT Analysis

Helical Buckling Load

◼ Figure 1-12: Helical Force Equation

Where:
E = Young’s modulus (psi)
I = moment of inertia (in4)
EI = bending stiffness of the pipe (lbf/in2)
W = buoyant weight of the pipe (lbm)
r = radial clearance between the pipe and hole wall (in); radius of the confining
hole less the CT radius
α = inclinations from the vertical
From the equation above, it can be determined what is more convenient to run in
an extended reach application

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

◼ Parameter to be consider TFM

◼ 1. CT Dimensions: The user needs to calculate which WT of the CT is across this depth.
2. CT Minimum Thickness: A default value, given by the manufacturer, and it is the lowest WT
that is tolerated by the manufacturing process.
3. CT Yield Strength: This is very important since the plot will be generated based on this; a
lower value will give very conservative and inaccurate esults, and a higher value will
underestimate the situation and at the end will plot a greater operating envelope, which is
also undesirable.
4. Hole ID (CSG/TBG/OH): The ID of the wellbore at the depth of the analysis.
Note that the CoilCADE analysis assumes that the pipe goes directly into the wellbore without
passing through a BOP/riser or any WH stack component. If it is below the stripper, then
assume the larger ID on the WH stack.
5. Max External Pressure (Po): Defined as the maximum external pressure when the CT is
about to burst. This value will affect the burst values by reducing the operating envelop of the
CT on the positive differential pressure.
This value is calculated right outside the section where the analysis is carried
out.
P
o = WHP + Pho + Pfro

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

◼ 6. Max Internal Pressure (Pi): The maximum internal pressure when

the CT pipe is about to collapse. It affects the collapse limits and it is
calculated using the following equation:
Pi = Pcirc + Phi - Pfri
Once again, carefully monitor the fluid inside the coil and do not
overestimate the operating envelope. If the user enters 8.42 ppg because
he or she starts the job with 2% KCL brine, all calculations are going to be
based on that.
BE CAREFUL if later on during the operation it is decided to change to
N2because of a kick off; the curve will not be valid anymore since the
operating envelope will be overestimated for the collapse pressure
(remember that
Pi = Pcirc + Phi - Pfri
i affects collapse limits). The same comment about the friction pressure,
above, applies for this field as well.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
Coiled Tubing Force Analysis

◼ 7. Ovality: For designing, the user can directly input this if he or

she gets the value from the previous job UTIM reading (max value
to be taken); if it is not available, it can be estimated based on the
CoiLIFE. For the worst-case scenario, in real time, the value is
obtained from the UTIM or Coil Scan or CT Inspect reading.
Ovality tremendously affects the collapse pressure limits since
equal distribution of the pressure direction will not be
experienced on the CT surface.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Coiled Tubing Applications

CT applications can be broken into three major

categories:

• Fluid conveyance

• Tools conveyance

• CT completions

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Fluid Conveyance
• Clean Out fluid
• Water Brine or diesel fluids
• Gelled fluids
• Nitrified Fluid
• Foamed fluids
• Slug Fluids

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Fluid Conveyance

Circulate Fluid / Injected in the well

The main CT fluid conveyance operations are
• nitrogen kickoff
• fill removal (cleanout)
• cement placement
• stimulation: matrix acidizing
• stimulation: hydraulic fracturing and Coil
Tubing Frac & stimulation through coiled
tubing

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Nitrogen Application kick off

After performing drilling and workover operations on a well, the

well is usually dead, that is, in overbalanced condition. This is
because the column of fluid left inside the wellbore exerts a
hydrostatic pressure that is greater than the formation
pressure. This pressure prevents the flow of the reservoir fluid to
surface
Nitrogen (N) circulation through CT is the most common method of
starting production. This is often called a kickoff or lift (Figure 4-3).
It is one of the most common applications of CT.
The technique is relatively simple. The CT string is run into the well
and nitrogen
gas is circulated through the string into the fluid column in the well.
This gas reduces the hydrostatic pressure of the column because
the mixture fluid (N2 and wellbore fluid) density is less than the
original density. When this pressure is reduced below the pressure
of the reservoir, the well begins to flow

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Nitrified Fluids & Foam Fluids
Nitrified Fluids
The fluid is called a nitrified fluid (or energized fluid) when a base fluid (water,
brine, or diesel, or gelled fluid) is pumped simultaneously with nitrogen. The
proportion of nitrogen in the fluid is generally relatively low.
Nitrified fluids are mainly used to lower the hydrostatics pressure of cleanout
fluids in low-pressure wells. The gaseous nitrogen expands in the annulus, giving
increased annular velocity in large ID completions, to assist in lifting out solids.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Cementing
CT Cement
One of the most important considerations in placing
cement is the cement platform. Small cement slurry
volumes combined with a slow pumping rate through
CT will cause the cement to free fall down the hole
due
Cement plug /Cement different densities CT Squeeze
CT/ CT Cement balance plug
Variables to take in in consideration
Cement slurry Proper design Good Circulation well

Pumping time thru CT Volumes Control

Observer Returns Pressure in the well
BHP during Operation Gradient Frac

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fill Removal (Cleanout)
Fill Removal (Cleanout)
The most common application of CT is removing fill materials, such as
sand or debris, from the wellbore (Figure 4-4). Fill material can
severely reduce or even stop the production of a well by blocking the
flow of oil or gas. It can also block slickline or wireline tools from
passing for well intervention operations or prevent downhole sleeves
and valves from opening or closing.
Common sources of fill are
• sand or fine material from the reservoir
• proppant (material used in hydraulic fracturing operations)
• debris from a workover
• impurities from water injection
Variables to consider in fill Removal
Rheology of Gel Follow closely returns
CT Bite inside sand (ft) . Weith on String or CT
Pump rate / Pump pressure WHP/BHP/CT Press/Pump Press

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Fill Removal & Fluid (Cleanout)
Cleanout Fluids
There are four classes of cleanout fluids:
• Water, brine, or diesel
• Gelled fluids
• Foamed or nitrified fluids
Water, Brine, or Diesel Fluids
Water, brine, and diesel are the most common fluids used in the most simple
cleanout candidates, such as vertical or slightly deviated wellbores (less than 30
degrees) which can hold a column of fluid
Gelled Fluids
Gelled fluids (Figure 4-5) provide more effective solids carrying capability than
water or diesel because of their viscosity. This viscosity decreases the falling
velocity of particles. This decrease can be highly effective in vertical and slightly
deviated wells.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Nitrified Fluids & Foam Fluids
Nitrified Fluids
Foamed Fluids
The fluid is called a foamed fluid or just
foam when a chemical foaming
agent/surfactant is added to gel mixed in a
base fluid and a relatively high proportion of
nitrogen is pumped simultaneously. An ideal
foam has consistency like shaving foam.
Foam has excellent solids-carrying capacity
because it suspends the particles in its foam
structure. A good foam will hold particles
even if you stop circulation.
Foamed fluids are used
• as a low hydrostatic cleanout fluid in low
pressure wells • to improve solid removal in
horizontal wells.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Stimulation Fluid Convenyance

CT Stimulation is one of the most common CT

applications. The alternative to stimulating through CT is
bullheading, which means pumping the stimulation
treating fluid through the production tubing from
surface. While this method is generally quicker and
cheaper than CT, there are distinct advantages to using
CT:
• Protecting client completion: Pumping the stimulation
fluid through coiled tubing protects the client’s
production tubing from acid corrosion or erosion from
slurry. With bullheading, the entire production tubing is
exposed tothe stimulation fluid.

Acid Stimulation
CT Frac
CT Sand control
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 CT Stimulation Fluid Conveyance

CT Frac
The sand or proppant fills the crack created in the
reservoir. When the treatment is finished and the
pressure reduces below reservoir fracture pressure, the
reservoir rock tries to return to its original position, but
it remains propped
open by the layer of sand or proppant. The layer of sand
or proppant is highly permeable and allows oil and gas
flow to the wellbore much easier than the original
reservoir, increasing well production.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Stimulation Tools

CT Stimulations Tools
technology was initially developed for the
purpose of improving hydrocarbon recovery
from formations that contain stacked
multiple zones. is a service which uses high-
strength solids to produce an erosive effect
on tubular goods downhole, and creating a
pathway from the wellbore to the formation.
The stimulation treatment may be
performed down the annulus work w string
and the casing or down the casing. The
service consists of pumping an abrasive
solids-laden fluid against the surface of a
desired downhole target.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Slugs
Slugs
Another common fill removal technique involves pumping liquid and viscous fluid
or liquid and nitrogen in alternating stages. These are called slugs. Nitrogen
slugs are generally used in wells that do not support a full column of fluid, and
viscous fluid slugs are used in cases where the annular velocity is low. Slugs
are recommended for vertical rather than deviated or horizontal wells due to the
tendency for fluids to flow past each other in deviated wells. Normally, a slug
of water is followed by a slug of gel and a slug of nitrogen. The slug size is
generally calculated so that one cycle equals one reel volume

Another common fill removal technique involves pumping liquid and viscous fluid
or liquid and nitrogen in alternating stages. These are called slugs. Nitrogen
slugs are generally used in wells that do not support a full column of fluid, and
viscous fluid slugs are used in cases where the annular velocity is low. Slugs
are recommended for vertical rather than deviated or horizontal wells due to the
tendency for fluids to flow past each other in deviated wells. Normally, a slug
of water is followed by a slug of gel and a slug of nitrogen. The slug size is
generally calculated so that one cycle equals one reel volume
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 CT Tool Fishing Tools

Coiled Tubing Fishing Tools

Auxiliary Fishing tools
Jars & Acelerators
Weight Bar
Impact Hammers
Venture junk Basket
Knuckle Joins
Lead impresser
Motor
Bit

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT BHA Selection

• Characteristic of operation
• Restriction well schematics and ID
• Clean Out fluid
• Water Brine or diesel fluids
• Gelled fluids
• Nitrified Fluid
• Foamed fluids
• Slug Fluids

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool HP Jetting Tools
HP Rotating tool: is a rotating high-pressure jetting tool for conveying fluid and/or
abrasives downhole for many different applications. This system reduces fluid
usage and has excellent results when compared to conventional techniques.

the tool following comprehensive research into the physics behind jetting
efficiency. The optimum jetting head and nozzles can be selected for each
particular situation.

high pressure jetting system is used primarily for cleaning deposits and
obstructions from inside wellbore tubulars. is made up of a filter module, swivel
module and head module. Have swivel is The tool can be used for a range of
applications including
• acid washes
• solvent washes
• scale removal
• cleaning plugged screens
• formation cleaning
• perforation cleaning

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Logging
Coiled tubing Unit Logging

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Zone isolation

Zonal Isolation
Zonal isolation refers to operations where the primary objective is to isolate a
section of the wellbore. It is achieved through packers, which provide mechanical
isolation between two zones.

Typical applications of such zonal isolation are

• zone testing
• zone shutoff or abandonment
• selective stimulation
• leak detection
• cement plugs
• velocity strings
• recompletions and workovers
• well control.
The main types of packer systems used are

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Packers

Cup-type Packers
Cup-type packers are the simplest type of packers (Figure 5-11). This
packer is often set across a set of perforations to pump a treatment
fluid, such as acid.

The cup system isolates one section of wellbore and ensures that the
fluid treats the selected perforation

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Mechanicals Packers
Mechanical Packers
Require the tool string to maintain an
adequate load on the packer to keep it set.
Depending on the packer, the load can be
tension
or compression.

A tension-set mechanical packer (Figure 5-12)

is set by pulling tension on the CT string. It can
be released by relaxing the tension. Similarly,
a compression-set packer is set by setting load
on the packer and released by pulling
upwards.
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 CT Tool Mechanical Packers

Mechanical
Mechanical packers require the tool string to maintain an adequate
load on
the packer to keep it set. Depending on the packer, the load can be
tension
or compression.

A tension-set mechanical is set by pulling tension on the CT string. It

can be released by relaxing the tension. Similarly, a compression-set
packer is set by setting load on the packer and released by pulling
upwards.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Inflatable Packers

Inflatable Packers

Through-tubing inflatable packers, are designed to seal in a

casing section that is larger than the tubing above it. The
packer needs to be small enough to run and retrieve through
the tubing, but when set, it expands to two or three times its
original diameter.
The higher the expansion, the lower the pressure differential
it can withstand.

The inflatable packer was developed to perform reliable

through-tubing zonal isolation. The system is designed to
perform single-trip, single-set zonal isolations.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Bridge Plugs

Bridge Plugs

Retrievable bridge plugs can be fished again and are used to

temporary isolate a well for operations such as wellhead
repair or upper zone
stimulation

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Logging

CT Logging
Logging refers to the downhole surveys carried out with
very specialized electronic tools to gather detailed
information on the formation and wellbore
Logging applications can be divided into two main groups:
• Openhole logging gives valuable reservoir information
about the ___location and
amount of oil and gas. This survey is performed in the
open hole section before setting a casing or liner.
• Cased hole logging is used to confirm or identify the
formation and completion characteristics. Cased hole
logging evaluation is performed after a well has been
completed

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Downhole Monitoring System

PTC Measurements
Fluid
Placement • Pressure
• Temperature
• Casing Collar Locator
Pressure
Pressure
Conditions
Temperature Expanded Measurements
• Gamma module (shock and non-
CCL shock)
Depth
Control • Tension & Compression (TC) module
Gamma Ray • Torque
• Tensile or Compressive Forces
Applied Tension & Compression
Load
6
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 CT Tool Coveyance

CT Perforating
Perforation refers to the process of shooting
holes in the wellbore cemented casing or liner to
enable oil or gas flow from the reservoir into the
wellbore

Perforation is generally done with explosives

deployed in special perforation guns run carefully
By CT
There is complete procedure & standards and
Safety check list to do this operation due the
complexity . Well planning is very interesting Job
to perform

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Drilling CTD
CT Drilling directional Under Balance
CT drilling (CTD) is a special application of CT It does
not compete with conventional rig rotary drilling for the
majority of applications, but there are certain types of
wells for which CTDUBD makes technical and
economical sense.
CTD have the capability at the same time drilling
logging well simultaneously
CCL
Gamma
Temp
Pressure
Annu Pressu

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Tool Drilling Casing exit & Sidetrack

CT Drilling Casing Reentry Sidetrack

With casing reentry, the existing production tubing and packer
are removed before the operation. The CT reenters the
wellbore through the casing. Casing reentry is used to deepen
wells or for sidetracking and horizontal drilling.

CT is most effective economically when used

• to perform short radius drilling
• when in environmentally sensitive locations
• offshore on platforms where a full drilling rig is cost
prohibitive

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Completion

CT Completions
The term completion refers to the production tubing and
associated downhole completion hardware in a well. The
typical tubing sizes are 2⅞ in to 5½ in, although smaller and
larger tubing exist.
CT completions are applications where a CT string or a
section of a CT string is left in the wellbore as a permanent
part of the completion (Figure 6-1). In most cases, the CT
completion is run with a standard CT unit and equipment.
CT completion applications have several advantages over
completions run with conventional workover rigs. They are
• less expensive
• generally quicker
• less damaging to the formation when working in live
wells.
The following CT completion applications are described in
this section:
• CT velocity string
• CT tailpipe extension
• Electric submersible pumps (ESP)
• Spoolable* safety valves for CT
• Through-tubing gravel pack.
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 CT Tools Completion Applications
CT Completions
• CT tailpipe extension
• Electric submersible pumps (ESP)
• Spoolable* safety valves for CT
• Through-tubing gravel pack.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Supervise While CT Intervention

◼ General execution
◼ The majority of CT operations comprise several operational phases.
◼ Before Arrive Location
◼ Inspect ___location / prepare Resources /complete all check list / Test Units
◼ Convoy Meeting / Review program
Before running well
◼ Prepare Fishing Tools and diagram
◼ Record Well Head pressure prior to RIH
◼ Confirm well returns during operation
◼ Prepare monitoring and acquisition confirm shut down settings

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Supervise While CT Intervention

◼ Running CT in the Well

◼ Manage Speed and set up according Program
◼ Running thru Stack
◼ Observe restriction slow down in restrictions as per well schematic
◼ Conduct Pull test
◼ Check and manage well returns
◼ Observe operating pressure & abnormal Pressures
◼ Observe Operating limits
◼ Observe WHP well head pressure and volume in / out
◼ Manage Fluid circulation Levels on tanks pump rates
◼ Observing carefully tag restrictions
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 ◼ Supervise While CT Intervention

◼ Execute Treatment
◼ Manage/confirm wellbore fluid hydraulics
◼ Manage/Confirm CT string Fluid/ Hydraulics
◼ Manage /confirm CT String depth and treatment depth
◼ Execute Treatment
◼ Mange Fluid Circulation
◼ Observe/manage wellbore returns
◼ Manage CT string Load on BHA
◼ Observe Critical operating parameters
◼ Manage tool Operation
◼ Determine/confirm end of treatment
◼ Implement Treatment change suit conditions

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Supervise While CT Intervention

◼ Pulling out of the Hole

◼ Confirm / prepare tool string for retrieval
◼ Observe Operating Limits
◼ Observe CT string force Models TFM
◼ Observe restriction
◼ Control BHP while POOH
◼ Manage Fluid Circulation
◼ Observe WHP
◼ Manage proper operating Injector head while POOH Aply pressures as required
◼ Tag stripper at surface Bleed off pressure before disconnect

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 ◼ Supervise While CT Intervention

◼ After Complete CT Operation

◼ Observe / record well head conditions
◼ Secure equipment safe manner
◼ Bleed off pressures before to disconnect
◼ Inspect equipment after job to get ready next operation

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Basic Well Control Precautions While CT Intervention

BARRIERS ACTIVE AND MAINTAINED

BARRIERS AS PER STANDARDS HAVE TO MAINTENANCE AND ACTIVE ALL TIMES DURING
OPERATION .

FLUID AND RETURN CONTROLS

MONITORING AND CONTROL FLUID WEIGHT AND IN /OUT FROM THE WELL
MONITORING VOLUMES OF RETURNS

Control Hydrostatic Colum

Well control precautions all times is control the hydrostatic Colum to control BHP observing well
flow compare with Pump rate.

INJECTOR HEAD WHILE INTERVENTION

Check proper parameters Of operation traction / tension /Coil Limit /Set Up Alarms /Pull test
Before Job : Check & test Load cell / Get certifications Chains / Load & Frame certifications

BOP
Make sure Perform Function test monitoring pressure on Bop Hydraulic System
Monitoring For leak while intervention / check Hydraulic pressure are ok
Before Job : Function Test / COC & MPI update
Dimensional certificate / Pressure test in base / STEM 2,3 updated
Post Emergency procedure on Cabin
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 Basic Well Control Precautions While CT Intervention

STRIPPER CONTROL WHILE INTERVENTION

KEEP STRIPPER PRESSURE TO AVOID LEAKS ALL DEPEND ON WHP
Observe operating limits
• During pull tests or when pulling out of the well, the CT string maximum
over pull should not exceed the CoilLIMIT curve (80% of the yield strength)
of the CT string across the stripper.
CONTROL BHP PRESSURE FOR KICK OFF OR LOSSES
BHP NEED TO TRY KEEP IN CONSTANT PARAMETERS A TO VOID KICK OR LOSSES IS
RELATED WITH DIFFERENT VARIABLES BHP / WHP /FLUID / PRATE/ RATE PENETRATION
/VELOCITY
KEEP MONITORING CONSTANTLY WHP
WHP IS CRITICAL WC PARAMETER NEED TO BE MONITORING ALL TIMES TO CALCULATE
BHP Observe critical operating parameters
• In some applications, the operating limits or parameters - tension/compression
or pump rate and circulating pressure, for example - may vary during different
phases of the operation. Where critical operating limits change, a clear
description should be included in the specific job procedure.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Basic Well Control Precautions While CT Intervention
Monitoring CT Weight .
Monitoring wt is most during CT operations specially I n case of abnormal pressure to
determined the kick off as result during kick Off wt of CT increase due Gas in annular
CT /TBG

Set up Alarms and limits for POOH / RIH

Set up critical parameter to advice the operator in case of kick or any abnormal
pressure/WT

Control Pump parameter

This phase of the operation is critical to have a well control and avoid kick from the
well
Volumes and Pump rate are critical to keep well in control

Control Speed coiled tubing

Pre set and discuss Speed Limits RIH/POOH need to control during operation to avoid
swabbing or compression

MONITORING RETURNS TIMES VOLUME / WT/CONSISTENCY /APPEARANCE

MONITORING SAMPLES WE CAN DETERMINATE WHAT IS HAPPEN IN THE WELL
VOLUMES AND MINERALOGY RETURN IS VERY IMPORTANT
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 Basic Well Control Precautions While Intervention

ACQUISITION SYSTEM
MAKE SURE IS WORKING PROPERLY DURING OPERATION CHECK ALARMS
FUNCTION TEST IN BASE
CERTIFICATIONS FOR ALL SENSORS DEVICES
CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE FOR ACQUISITION EQUIPMENT
QAQC UPDATE

CT STRING
CHECK FOR DAMAGE OR PLOW MARKS AND PIN HOLES DURING OPERATION
BEFORE JOB: NDE CERTIFICATION / STRING HISTORY UPDATE / PRESSURE TEST STRING UPDATE
QAQC UPDATE

PUMPS
MONITORING FOR ANY CHANGES IN PUMP RATE OR PRESSURE
BEFORE JOB CERTIFICATION PRESSURE TEST UPDATE QAQC RELEASE

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Basic Well Control Precautions While Intervention

Coiled Tubing Stuck prevention

Coiled Tubing (CT) operations cover an extensive range of well intervention services and solutions.
In fact, CT is the only service line in Schlumberger that is able to join efforts with almost every
Schlumberger segment to operate jointly and provide solutions to our clients. No other service line
has the agility and the amplitude CT has. Every job is different, every well is a challenge, the
technologies used are diverse, the applications are varied, and this is what gives taste and flavor to
operations.
Design Phase:
- Inadequate well-data collection
- Incorrect
- Unclear Step by Step Program
- Improper BHA selection, Improper Job Design
- Crew make-up or competency insufficient
- JRI & pre-job brief
- No contingency plans available
Execution Phase:
- Design not followed
- Job-critical parameters not monitored
- Inadequate decisions taken when critical parameters changed abnormally
- Poor implementation of MOC
- Contingency plans not followed logically and calmly

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Basic Well Control Precautions While Intervention

RAISERS
CHECK FOR LEAK
COC & MPI update
Dimensional certificate
Pressure test in base
STEM 2,3 updated

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

◼ CoiLIMIT Analysis
The section along the string on which the user needs
to focus is where the maximum combined stress is.
Therefore, the Eng Rprt needs to be generated for two
reasons; first, to be able to determine the section that
experiences the maximum stress under those
conditions, and second, to obtain the proper values at
the current condition's pressures tension compression
in the well live

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

◼ Fatigue life factors.

Based on analysis of working CT strings with similar well and pay
zone MDs, it was noted that most of CT strings have very uneven
Fatigue Life distribution profile due to highly repeatable, similar
treatment depths.
If majority of the jobs with same or similar depth falls between
50-90% - Fatigue Life in Coil Life module “builds up” very fast.
There are few reasons for that:
1. The deeper treatment depth, the more CT pipe used in the well
during treatment, and lesser pipe
left on the CT reel, so the “smaller” CT Reel Core become (CT
drum core plus wraps).

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

◼ Trim frequency factors.

Trims and cuts on predetermined section of CT string are directly related to
CT operations economic efficiency. The lesser length of trim for highly-
repeatable type of jobs, the faster Fatigue life will build up. For CT Logging
jobs and similar types of CT operations with minor reciprocations, trim size
does not have big effect (and often has very little) on overall Fatigue life
profile build up rate due to its very even distribution.
However, big size of Trim won’t necessarily lead to improved CT pipe
utilization and can sometimes be abuse. Under some circumstances very long
Trims will decrease CT utilization efficiency caused by effect of loosing
operational CT length and so – will devalue of CT Pipe without need. For such
cases it may be better to order 2 strings instead of 1 with hugely extended
section, typically small wall thickness. Unlike previous case, short Trim may
be performed any time without problem to change ___location of highly
exposed section, especially if graph profile is very “sharp”. Usually such
“sharp” profile occurs on single-layer, or two closely located zones’ well fields

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

◼ Fatigue Life profile vs. Trim length in CT life module.

For the given CT string with OD=1.5” and even wall thickness 0.125” (Fig. 4)
multiple experiments with CT Life module were conducted to demonstrate
effect of improper fatigue management. Excess of weld
◼ locations for CT string in demonstration will help to get realistic snapshots of
CT Life profiles as of model

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

◼ In case of short CT trim of about 10 ft (typical practice on locations is 5-10 ft

noted as a feedback from FE/FS in learning centers) plots below demonstrate
how CT Life profile cumulatively changes with increasing length of Trim
Length: 10, 20, 180, 240, and 270ft (considering Modifying Factors model,
corrosion MF=1.0 % for 1 months included). This CT life profile change may
represent CT wellbore cleanouts with similar to analyzed well profiles

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

◼ Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

Has shown example of inadequate CT pipe utilization representing rapid grow of

Fatigue Life during one job. The guideline for Fatigue Life management can be
developed with regards to critical parameters during job. In case of rapid CT Life
grow by 30% or more, job has to be interrupted for re-evaluation, including trim
possibilities. Only after sufficient CT pipe trimming procedures such operations
can proceed.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

1. CT Dimensions: The user needs to calculate which WT of the CT is across

this depth.
2. CT Minimum Thickness: A default value, given by the manufacturer, and it
is the lowest WT that is tolerated by the manufacturing process.
3. CT Yield Strength: This is very important since the plot will be generated
based on this; a lower value will give very conservative and inaccurate
results, and a higher value will underestimate the situation and at the end will
plot a greater operating envelope, which is also undesirable.
4. Hole ID (CSG/TBG/OH): The ID of the wellbore at the depth of the analysis.
Note that the CoilCADE analysis assumes that the pipe goes directly into the
wellbore without passing through a BOP/riser or any WH stack component. If
it is below the stripper, then assume the larger ID on the WH stack.
5. Max External Pressure (Po): Defined as the maximum external pressure
when the CT is about to burst. This value will affect the burst values by
reducing the operating envelop of the CT on the positive differential pressure.
This value is calculated right outside the section where the analysis is carried
out.
Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva
 Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

◼ 6. Max Internal Pressure (Pi): The maximum internal pressure when the CT pipe is about to
collapse. It affects the collapse limits and it is calculated using the following equation:
P
i = Pcirc + Phi - Pfri
Once again, carefully monitor the fluid inside the coil and do not overestimate the operating
envelope. If the user enters 8.42 ppg because he or she startsthe job with 2% KCL brine, all
calculations are going to be based on that. BE CAREFUL if later on during the operation it is decided
to change to N2 because of a kick off; the curve will not be valid anymore since the operating
envelope will be overestimated for the collapse pressure (remember that P i affects collapse limits).
The same comment about the friction pressure,
above, applies for this field as well.
7. Ovality: For designing, the user can directly input this if he or she gets the
value from the previous job UTIM reading (max value to be taken); if it is not
available, it can be estimated based on the CoiLIFE. For the worst-case
scenario, in real time, the value is obtained from the UTIM or CT Inspect
reading. Ovality tremendously affects the collapse pressure limits since
equal distribution of the pressure direction will not be experienced on the CT
surface. Figure 1-17 illustrates the effect of ovality in the pipe when outside
pressure is applied. The components of the force in the vertical axis caused
by the pressure are greater due to the area where the pressure act

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Types of CT Storage Corrosion
• Uniform corrosion: even material loss.
• Experienced in well inhibited treating systems.
• Corrosion rates are reduced to their minimum.
• Crevice corrosion: type of localized corrosion.
• Occurs in areas that are shielded from fluid flow.

Figure 7. Uniform Figure 8. Crevice corrosion.

corrosion.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Storage Corrosion Mitigation Procedures

Summary of the storage corrosion procedures.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 CT Corrosion Causes
Table 1. CT corrosion causes.
• Internal corrosion mainly due to

• Fluids (treatment, flush, etc) and debris left in

the tubing.
• Oxygen dissolved in fluids or free in the internal
atmosphere.
• External corrosion mainly due to

• Left-over (treatment, flush, etc) fluids.

• Crevice corrosion at CT contact points.
• Corrosion by water and oxygen when the tubing
is stored in an area not protected from weather.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

Review
• Corrosion inhibitors • System to apply the external
recommended: inhibitor:
• Volume of internal corrosion • Oiler.
inhibitor solution for the • When is the outside corrosion
average CT string: inhibitor applied during the job?
• 10 gallons. • While POOH from TD during
• What fluid is used to displace the last run in that well.
the internal inhibition solution? • Is the use of foam pigs always
• Nitrogen. necessary?
• Yes.

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 Summary

Questions ……………..
◼ Introduction to Coiled Tubing
◼ Basic Coiled Tubing Equipment
◼ Fundamentals of Critical CT Parameters
◼ Supervision While CT Intervention
◼ Basic Well Control Precautions While Intervention
◼ Coiled Tubing Pipe Life Management & Fatigue Assessment

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva

 THE END

Coiled Tubing Fundamentals by Aquiles Villanueva