Tubing Movement Calculation Montrose v1.0 03.05.2003

Montrose Engineering Department
TUBING MOVEMENT CALCULATIONS
Page 1 of 33
Tubing Movement Calculations Manual Rev01.doc
TUBING MOVEMENT CALCULATIONS .................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 3
THE BASIC EFFECTS................................................................................................ 4
A. PISTON EFFECT.................................................................................................. 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PISTON FORCE - F1 ....................................................................................................................5

PISTON FORCE STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES............................................7
PISTON LENGTH CHANGE - L1 ................................................................................................9
PISTON LENGTH CHANGE STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES .........................9
PISTON EFFECT FORMULAS.....................................................................................................9
B. BUCKLING EFFECT........................................................................................... 11
1.
2.
3.
UNDERSTANDING THE BUCKLING EFFECT ..........................................................................11

BUCKLING EFFECT STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES: ..................................13
BUCKLING EFFECT FORMULAS: .............................................................................................16
C. BALLOONING EFFECT...................................................................................... 19
1.
2.
3.
BALLOONING FORCE (F3) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES.........................20

BALLOONING LENGTH CHANGE (L3) CALCULATION PROCEDURES: ..............................22
BALLOONING EFFECT FORMULAS.........................................................................................24
D. TEMPERATURE EFFECT.................................................................................. 27
1.
2.
3.
4.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEMPERATURE EFFECT .................................................................28

TEMPERATURE FORCE (F4) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES.....................30
TEMPERATURE LENGTH CHANGE (L4) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES 31
TEMPERATURE EFFECT FORMULAS: ....................................................................................32
Page 2 of 33
INTRODUCTION
The most important aspect when evaluating a packer installation is the determination
of the length and force changes due to varying pressures and temperatures. When
the magnitude (size) and direction of these length and force changes have been
calculated, this information can then be used to aid in the proper packer selection, to
determine if tubing damage will occur, and to determine the proper spacing out
procedure for the packer. This chapter deals with the effects that changing well
conditions (temperatures and pressures) will have on the packer installation as it is
installed.
Page 3 of 33
THE BASIC EFFECTS

When either the temperature, the tubing pressure, or the annular pressure is
changed in a packer installation, conditions are created which will cause the tubing
string to change its length. The tubing string will either shorten or elongate. If the
tubing string is not permitted to change in length (i.e., latched at the packer) forces
are generated on both the packer and the wellhead because these length changes
are kept from occurring. There are four different effects that create these length and
force changes. All of these effects must be combined together to get the total effect
for the packer installation. The four effects are:
A.
Piston Effect
B.
Buckling Effect
C.
Ballooning Effect
D.
Temperature Effect
The piston effect, buckling effect, and ballooning effect result from pressure changes
in the system. The temperature effect is related only to temperature change and is
not affected by pressure changes. While some of the effects are related to each
other, each must be calculated independently. Each effect will have a magnitude
(size value) and a direction. Once each effect is known, they are combined to obtain
the total effect. The decision to add or subtract when combining is based on the
direction that each effect acts.
The approach used to evaluate packer installation problems will depend on the type
of tubing-to packer hook-up being considered. There are three different possibilities
that exist. The packer may permit free motion (stung through tubing), limited motion
(landed tubing), or no motion (latched tubing). If the total effect acts in the direction in
which a packer will allow motion, then the packer installation is evaluated by
calculating the length changes that will occur. If the packer system will not permit
length changes in the direction of the total effect, then the packer installation is
evaluated by calculating the force changes.
Before evaluating a total packer installation, each effect must be examined
individually to determine why it occurs and how its magnitude and direction are
calculated.
Page 4 of 33
A.
PISTON EFFECT
The piston effect is the result of pressure changes inside the tubing string and
pressure changes in the casing annulus. The pressure changes inside the tubing
string act on the difference in the areas between the packer valve area (Ap) and the
tubing I.D. area (Ai). Pressure changes in the annulus act on the difference in the
areas between the packer valve area (Ap) and the tubing O.D. area (Ao). The result
of the piston effect is a force up or down on the end of the tubing string. Because the
piston effect acts only on the bottom of the tubing, it is often referred to as the end
area effect. If the tubing is free to move with respect to the packer, the piston effect
will result in a length change of the tubing. If the tubing is not free to move with
respect to the packer, the piston effect will result in a force change on the packer.
1.
PISTON FORCE - F1
In every packer installation, forces A and B exist as shown in the Figure 1. These
forces exist even before the packer is set. The result of forces A and B is called
the buoyant effect of the fluid on the tubing if the packer is not set. As the tubing and
packer are being run to depth in the well, forces A and B are increasing and
causing the tubing to shorten. Although the tubing is being shortened by forces A
and B, the packer-to-tubing relationship is not affected since the packer is not set.
However, once the packer is set, the effect of a change in tubing pressure or a
change in casing pressure is a change in the forces A and B. These changes in
forces A and B, after the packer is set will also affect the packer-to-tubing
relationship.
Page 5 of 33
Figure 1
When determining the piston force, always consider the packer-to-tubing relationship
as balanced when the packer is set. Consider any changes after the packer is fixed
(set) as having an effect on the packer-to-tubing relationship. Figure 2 illustrates this
point by showing a packer ready to be set after a heavy fluid was displaced from the
tubing with a lighter fluid. While setting the packer, a pressure is required to be held
on the tubing to prevent the heavy fluid from flowing back into the tubing. Before the
packer is set, there is a force A and a force B acting on the tubing, causing its
length to change. These forces do not affect the packer-to-tubing relationship since
the packer is still free to move up or down in the wellbore as the tubing length
changes. However, once the packer has been set, any change made, such as
bleeding off the tubing pressure, results in a change in the forces A and B. These
changes will now affect the packer-to-tubing relationship since the packer is no
longer free to move with the tubing.
Page 6 of 33
Figure 2
2.
PISTON FORCE STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES
The following step-by-step procedure is used to calculate the force change due to
piston effect:
ANNULUS CALCULATIONS
Step 1
Calculate the total pressure in the casing annulus at the packer that
existed when the packer was set or when the seals were stung in and
located.
(Po initial)
Step 2
Calculate the total pressure in the casing annulus at the packer that will
exist for the condition being analysed. (Po final)
Step 3
Calculate the change in the total annular pressure at the packer (Po) by
subtracting the initial total annular pressure (Po initial) found in (Step 1) from
the final total annular pressure (Po final) found in (Step 2).
Page 7 of 33
Step 4
Subtract the tubing outside area (Ao) from either the packer valve area
(Ap), if the packer has a valve, or the packer seal bore area (Ap), if the
packer has a seal bore. If the tubing O.D. is larger than either the packer
valve diameter or the packer seal bore diameter (SB), this quantity will be
negative.
Step 5
Calculate the change in force A by multiplying the change in the total

annular pressure (Po) found in (Step 3) times the difference in the areas
found in (Step 4). BE SURE to keep the signs of the numbers correct,
since they determine the direction in which the change in force A is
acting. A negative number means that the change in force A is acting
upward. If there was no change in the casing pressure between the initial
condition and the condition being analysed, the change in force A is zero.
TUBING CALCULATIONS
Step 6
Calculate the total pressure inside the tubing at the packer that existed
when the packer was set or when the seals were stung in and located.
(Pi initial)
Step 7
Calculate the total tubing pressure at the packer that will exist for the
condition being analysed. (Pi final)
Step 8
Calculate the change in the total tubing pressure at the packer (Pi) by
subtracting the initial total tubing pressure (Pi initial) found in (Step 6) from
the final total tubing pressure (Pi final) found in (Step 7).
Step 9
Subtract the tubing inside area (Ai) from either the packer valve area (Ap)
or the packer seal bore area (Ap). If the tubing I.D. is larger than either the
packer valve diameter or the packer seal bore diameter (SB), this quantity
will be negative.
Step 10
Calculate the change in force B by multiplying the change in tubing

pressure (Pi) found in (Step 8) times the difference in the areas found in
(Step 9). KEEP TRACK of the signs of the numbers since they determine
the direction in which the change in the force B is acting. A positive
number means the change in force B is acting upward and a negative
number means the change in force B is acting downward. If there was no
change in the tubing pressure between the initial condition and the
condition being analysed, the change in force B is zero.
PISTON FORCE CALCULATIONS

Step 11 - Calculate the piston force F1 by subtracting the change in the force B
found in (Step 10) from the change in the force A found in (Step 5). The
piston force units will be pounds (lbs). BE SURE to keep the signs correct
in order to know in which direction F1 is acting. If F1 is negative, it acts
upward on the bottom of the tubing (tension on the packer) and if F1 is
Page 8 of 33
positive, it acts downward on the bottom of the tubing (compression on the

packer).
PISTON LENGTH CHANGE - L1
3.
If the piston force F1 (calculated in Step 11 above) acts in a direction in which the
packer permits motion, it will cause a length change (L1) in the tubing to occur. The
procedure used to calculate the length change (L1) is the same for both the
shortening and the lengthening (elongating) of the tubing.
4.
PISTON LENGTH CHANGE STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION

PROCEDURES
The step-by-step procedure used to find the length change L1 due to the piston
force is:
Step 1
Determine the piston force (F1). (This force is calculated in (Step 11) of the
preceding step-by-step procedure).
Step 2
Divide the piston force (F1)

(E = 30,000,000 psi for steel)
Step 3
Multiply the value found in (Step 2) by the length of the tubing string (L) in
inches. (The length in inches equals the length in feet times 12)
Step 4
Find the tubing cross-sectional area (As) in inches2.
Step 5
Calculate the length change due to the piston effect, L1, by dividing the
value found in (Step 3) by the tubing cross-sectional area found in (Step
4).
5.
by
the
modulus
of
elasticity,
E:
PISTON EFFECT FORMULAS
Both of the preceding step-by-step procedures may be written in equations. They are
as follows:
Piston Force (F1):
] [
F1 = (A p A o ) (Po final Po initial ) (A p A i ) (Pi final Pi initial )
Writing this in a more condensed form, it becomes:
Page 9 of 33
] [
F1 = (A p A o ) (Po ) (A p A i ) (Pi )
Piston Length Change (L1):

L 1 =
(L ) {[(A p A o ) (Po )] [(A p A i ) (Pi )]}

(E ) (A s )
Writing this in terms of the piston force F1, it becomes:

L 1 =
F1 L
E As
The terms in the above equations are defined as follows:

AI
= Area of the tubing I.D. (in2)
Ao
= Area of the tubing O.D. (in2)
Ap
= Packer valve area or packer seal bore area (in2)
As
= Cross-sectional area of the tubing (in2)
= Modulus of elasticity (30,000,000psi for steel)
F1
= Force change due to the piston effect (lbs)
= Length of the tubing string in inches (in)
L1
= Length change of the tubing string in inches due to the piston force
F1 (in)
Pi
= Change in the total tubing pressure at the packer (psi)

Pi = Pi final - Pi inital
Pi final
= Total tubing pressure at the packer that will exist for the condition
being analysed (psi)
Pi inital
= Total tubing pressure at the packer that existed when the packer
was set or when the seals were stung in and located (psi)
Po
= Change in the total annular pressure at the packer (psi)

Po = Po final Po inital
Po final
= Total annular pressure at the packer that will exist for the condition
Po inital
= Total annular pressure at the packer that existed when the packer
Page 10 of 33
B.
BUCKLING EFFECT
The buckling effect is perhaps the most difficult to understand of all the effects. One
reason for this difficulty may be the fact that buckling is caused by two different force
distributions. They are a compressive force on the end of the tubing and a force
distribution acting across the tubing wall.
A compressive force acting on the end of the tubing is one of the force distributions
that will cause tubing to buckle. When a compressive force is applied to a long limber
tubing string, it is easy to visualize that the force will cause the tubing to buckle. An
example of this is tubing that is stacked in the derrick. The stacked tubing will buckle
or bow out due to its own weight.
The other force distribution causing the tubing to buckle is more difficult to visualize.
Tubing will also buckle due to a force distribution created by a larger pressure inside
the tubing than the pressure on the outside of the tubing. The pressure inside the
tubing creates a force distribution that acts on the inside area of the tubing while the
outside pressure creates a force distribution that acts on the outside area of the
tubing. Since the pressure inside the tubing is higher than the pressure outside the
tubing, these force distributions will produce burst stresses in the tubing. The wall
thickness of tubing used in the oilfield will vary along the length of the tubing. Tubing
cannot be manufactured in the lengths required for use in oil wells without having
wall thickness variations. Since the wall thickness is not constant, the burst stresses
can not equally distribute themselves in the tubing. The unequal burst stress
distribution will cause the tubing to buckle.
1.
UNDERSTANDING THE BUCKLING EFFECT
Before the procedure for calculating the buckling effect is explained, the following
statements about the buckling effect must be understood.
a.
Buckled tubing is tubing that is bowed from its original straight up and
down condition (See Figure 3). In a buckling condition, the tubing will
continue to bow out until it contacts the casing wall. When this contact is
made, the tubing will begin to coil. This coiling of the tubing is referred to
as corkscrewing the tubing. As shown in Figure 4, corkscrewed tubing is
a form of buckled tubing. As long as the stresses in the tubing produced
from buckling do not exceed the yield strength of the tubing, the tubing will
return to its original shape when the force causing the buckling is removed.
When the stresses due to buckling exceed the yield strength of the tubing,
permanent corkscrewing, as shown in Figure 5 will take place. When the
tubing is permanently cork-screwed, the tubing will not return to its original
shape when the force causing the buckling is removed.
Page 11 of 33
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
b.
Buckling can only shorten the length of the tubing. Buckling cannot cause
an increase in the tubing length. Buckling due to pressure is only capable
of exerting a negligible force on a packer.
c.
Buckling due to pressure cannot occur if the final pressure outside the
tubing is greater than the final pressure inside the tubing.
d.
A tubing string can buckle even if the entire string is in tension. The
buckling results from the unequal stress distribution in the tubing wall (See
Figure 6).
Page 12 of 33
Figure 6
Figure 7
e.
The buckling effect is most severe at the bottom of the tubing string (near
the packer). It decreases in severity the farther up the hole you go (as
shown in Figure 7). There is normally a point in the tubing string, above
which buckling will not occur. This point is called the neutral point. Below
the neutral point the tubing is buckled and above this point there is no
buckling.
f.
There are many factors that affect buckling. The factors that have the most
influence on the amount of buckling which will occur are: the amount of
radial clearance between the tubing O.D. and the casing I.D. (r), the
magnitude of the pressure differential from the tubing I.D. to the tubing
O.D., and the size of the packer seal diameter (SB). These factors have a
direct effect on buckling. That means, as any of these factors increase, it
will cause the length change due to buckling to increase.
2.
BUCKLING EFFECT STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES:
After you understand the reasons for buckling and the statements regarding how to
determine if buckling will occur, the following step-by-step procedures can be used to
calculate the length change due to buckling.
TUBING CALCULATIONS:
Page 13 of 33
Step 1
when the packer was set or when the seals were stung in and located
(Pi initial).
Step 2
Calculate the total pressure inside the tubing at the packer that will exist for
the condition being analyzed (Pi final)
Step 3
Subtract the initial total tubing pressure (Pi initial) found in (Step 1) from the
final total tubing pressure (Pi final) found in (Step 2). This result is the
change in the total tubing pressure (Pi).
ANNULUS CALCULATIONS:
Step 4
Calculate the total annular pressure at the packer that existed when the
packer was set or when the seals were stung in and located (Po initial)
Step 5
Calculate the total annular pressure at the packer that will exist for the
condition being analyzed (Po final)
Step 6
Subtract the initial total annular pressure (Po initial) found in (Step 4) from
the final total annular pressure (Po final)found in (Step 5). This result is the
change in the total annular pressure (Po).
BUCKLING CALCULATIONS:
Step 7
Subtract the change in the total annular pressure (Po).found in (Step 6)

from the change in the total tubing pressure (Pi).found in (Step 3). This
subtracting must result in a positive answer or buckling will not occur. That
means, the length change due to buckling (L2) is zero and (Steps 8
through 23) can be skipped.
Step 8
Square the result found in (Step 7). (Remember to square a number,

multiply it times itself).
Step 9
Calculate the area of the packer seal bore (Ap) in square inches.
Step 10
Square the packer seal bore area found in (Step 9).
Step 11
Determine the radial clearance (r) between the tubing O.D. and the casing
I.D. in inches (See Figure VI-8). The radial clearance is found by
subtracting the tubing O.D. from the casing I.D., then dividing the quantity
found by (2.0).
r=
(Ca sin g ID Tubing OD )

2
Page 14 of 33
Figure 8
Step 12
Square the radial clearance found in (Step 11).
Step 13
Divide the square of the pressure change difference (Step 8) by the

modulus of elasticity, (E). (E = 30,000,000 psi for steel)
Step 14
Multiply the square of the radial clearance found in (Step 12) times the
square of the packer seal bore area found in (Step 10) times the value
found in (Step 13).
Step 15
Calculate the moment of inertia (I) for the tubing size being used.
4
4
(OD ) (ID )
I=
64
Step 16
Calculate the Tubing Weight Factors, W s, W i, and W o,
Wi
= Weight of the fluid displaced in the tubing per unit length (lbs/in)
W I (lbs/in) = 0.0034 x (Tbg ID)2 x (Fin. Tbg. Fluid Wt. in lbs/gal)
= Weight of the final outside fluid displaced per unit length (lbs/in)
W o (lbs/in) = 0.0034 x (Tbg OD)2 x (Fin. Ann. Fluid Wt. in lbs/gal)
W s = Weight of the tubing in lbs per inch (lbs/in)

Add W s and W i together. Then, subtract W o from this quantity. This result
is the adjusted weight of the tubing in pounds per inch.
Adjusted Tbg Wt (lbs/in)= W s (lbs/in) + W i (lbs/in) - W o W0 (lbs/in)
Step 17
Multiply the adjusted tubing weight found in (Step 16) times the moment of
inertia (I) found in (Step 15) times (-8.0).
Step 18
Calculate the length change due to buckling, (L2) by dividing the result
found in (Step 14) by the result found in (Step 17).
Page 15 of 33
The answer is the length in inches the tubing will shorten as a result of buckling. The
length change due to buckling will always be a negative number.
NEUTRAL POINT CALCULATIONS;
Step 19
Subtract Po final (Step 5) from Pi final (Step 2), then multiply this value by Ap
(Step 9).
Step 20
Calculate the neutral point by dividing the result found in (Step 19) by the
result found in (Step 16). The value obtained represents the distance in
inches from the packer to the neutral point. (Remember, the neutral point
is the point in the tubing string below which buckling exists and
above which there is no buckling.)
If the distance from the packer to the neutral point calculated in (Step 20) is larger
than the entire length of the tubing string in inches (L), the length change due to
buckling (L2) is different than what was calculated in (Step 18) and it must be
corrected. The length change due to buckling is corrected by completing (Steps 21
through 23). If the distance from the packer to the neutral point is less than the entire
length of the tubing string in inches (L), the length change due to buckling (L2)
calculated in (Step 18) is correct and the (Steps 21 through 23) will be skipped.
When the distance from the packer to the neutral point is larger than the length of
the tubing string, the entire length of the tubing string is buckled and the corrected
length change due to buckling (L2) must be calculated.
Step 21
Divide the length of the tubing in inches (L) by the result found in (Step
20).
Step 22
Subtract the result found in (Step 21) from (2.0).
Step 23
Calculate the corrected length change due to buckling (L2) by multiplying

the result found in (Step 22) times the result found in (Step 21) times the
length change due to buckling (L2) found in (Step 18). The value obtained
is in inches.
3.
BUCKLING EFFECT FORMULAS:
All the preceding step-by-step procedures for calculating the length change due to
buckling may be written as the following formulas:
Length Change Due to Buckling (L2):
Page 16 of 33
If Po final is greater than Pi final, L2 = 0. That is, there is 0 inches of buckling due to
pressure.
(r )2 (A p )2 [(Pi final Pi inital ) (Po final Po inital )]2

L 2 =
( 8 )(E )(I)(Ws + Wi Wo )
This may be rewritten as:
(r )2 (A p )2 (Pi Po )2
L 2 =
( 8 )(E )(I)(Ws + Wi Wo )
Buckling Factor = (A p )(Pi Po )
(This is only used if buckling factor tables are available)
Length from the Packer to the Neutral Point in Inches (n):
n=
(A ) (P
p
i final
Po final )
(Ws + Wi Wo )
If the value calculated for the length of the tubing from the packer to the neutral point
(n) is greater than the total tubing length in inches (L), the corrected length change
due to buckling (L2) must be calculated.
Corrected Length Change Due to Buckling (L2):
(only calculate L2 if (n) is greater than (L))
L 2 ' =
(r )2 (A p )2 (Pi Po )2 (L ) (L )
2
( 8 )(E )(I)(Ws + Wi Wo ) (n) (n)

L 2 ' = (L 2 )
(L ) 2 (L )
(n) (n)
(The corrected length change (L2) will always be less than the originally calculated
length change.)
The terms in the preceding equations are defined as follows:

Page 17 of 33
Ap
= Packer valve area or packer seal bore area (in2)
= Modulus of elasticity (30,000,000psi for steel)
4
= Moment of inertia of the tubing (in ).
(OD ) (ID )
I=
64
4
= Length of the tubing (in)
L2
= Length change in inches due to buckling (in)
L2
= Length change in inches due to buckling when the neutral point is

above the top of the tubing. (in)
= The distance from the packer to the neutral point in inches. It. is also
called the length of buckled tubing. (in)
Pi
= Change in the total tubing pressure at the packer (psi)

Pi = Pi final - Pi inital
Pi final
Pi inital
Po
= Change in the total annular pressure at the packer (psi)

Po = Po final Po inital
Po final
Po inital
Total annular pressure at the packer that existed when the packer
= Radial clearance between the casing I.D. and the tubing O.D. (in)
r=
Wi
Ca sin g ID Tubing OD
2
= Weight of the fluid displaced in the tubing per unit length (lbs/in)
W I (lbs/in) = 0.0034 x (Tbg ID)2 x (Fin. Tbg. Fluid Wt. in lbs/gal)
Wo
= Weight of the final outside fluid displaced per unit length (lbs/in)
W o (lbs/in) = 0.0034 x (Tbg OD)2 x (Fin. Ann. Fluid Wt. in lbs/gal)
Ws
Note:
= Weight of the tubing in lbs per inch (lbs/in)

The above calculations did not solve for a force due to buckling, since
buckling due to pressure can only exert a negligible force.
Page 18 of 33
C.
BALLOONING EFFECT
The third effect which must be considered is the ballooning effect. When pressure is
applied to the inside of a tubing string, the pressure differential from the inside tubing
to the outside tubing creates forces which try to burst the tubing. These burst forces
cause the tubing to swell as shown in Figure 9. As the tubing swells, its length
becomes shorter, if it is free to move. If the tubing is held from moving it creates a
tension force on the packer.
If the pressure differential is reversed by applying a higher pressure on the outside of
the tubing than on the inside of the tubing, forces are created which will try to
collapse it (see Figure 9). As the tubing tries to collapse, its length becomes longer if
it is free to move. If the tubing is restrained from moving, it creates a compression
force on the packer.
The shortening of the tubing due to burst forces is called ballooning.
The lengthening of the tubing due to collapse forces is called reverse ballooning. The
effect of ballooning is directly related to the area over which the pressure acts. Since
the area outside of the tubing is larger than the inside area, the effect of reverse
ballooning is slightly larger than that of ballooning.
Figure 9
Unlike the piston and buckling effects, the ballooning effect occurs throughout the
entire length of the tubing. Since the ballooning effect occurs throughout the tubing
string, the calculations for the ballooning are based on the changes in the average
Page 19 of 33
pressures on both the inside and the outside of the tubing. Because the average
pressure is based on the surface pressure plus the pressure at the packer,
increasing the bottom hole pressure by changing the fluid gradient would only have
half the effect of making the same change by applying added surface pressure.
It is possible for well conditions to affect the average pressure both inside and
outside the tubing, so the ballooning and reverse ballooning effects are calculated
together. Ballooning can cause either a force or a length change depending on the
tubing ability to move at the packer.
1.
BALLOONING FORCE (F3) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES
The following is a step-by-step procedure for determining the force changes (F3) due
to ballooning.
Step 1
Determine the surface pressure inside the tubing that existed when the
packer was set or when the seals were stung in and located. (Initial
Applied Tubing Pressure)
Step 2
(Pi initial)
Step 3
Calculate the initial average pressure inside the tubing by adding the initial
applied tubing pressure found in (Step 1) to the initial total tubing pressure
at the packer (Pi initial) found in (Step 2) and then divide this value by 2.
Initial Avg Tbg Pr ess =
(Initial Applied Tbg Pr ess + Pi initial )

2
Step 4
Determine the surface pressure inside the tubing that will exist for the
condition being analyzed. (Final Applied Tubing Pressure).
Step 5
the condition being analyzed. (Pi final)
Step 6
Calculate the final average pressure inside of the tubing by adding to the
final applied tubing pressure found in (Step 4) to the final total tubing
pressure at the packer (Pi final) found in (Step 5), and then divide this value
by 2.
Final Avg Tbg Pr ess =
(Final Applied Tbg Pr ess + Pi final )

2
Step 7 - Calculate the change in average tubing pressure (Pia) by subtracting the
initial average tubing pressure found in (Step 3) from the final average
tubing pressure found in (Step 6).
Pia = (Final Avg Tbg Press) (Initial Avg Tbg Press)
Page 20 of 33
Step 8
Determine the surface pressure in the annulus that existed when the
Applied Annular Pressure)
Step 9 - Calculate the total annular pressure at the packer that existed when the
packer was set or when the seals were stung in and located. (Po initial)
Step 10 - Calculate the initial average pressure in the annulus by adding the initial
applied annular pressure found in (Step 8) to the initial annular pressure at
the packer (Po initial) found in (Step 9) and then divide this value by 2.
Initial Avg Annular Pr ess =
(Initial Applied Annular Pr ess + Po initial )

2
Step 11
Determine the surface pressure in the annulus that exists for the condition
being analyzed. (Final Applied Annular Pressure)
Step 12
Calculate the total final annular pressure at the packer that exists for the
condition being analyzed. (Po final)
Step 13 - Calculate the final average pressure in the annulus by adding the final
applied annular pressure found in (Step 11) to the final total annular
pressure at the packer (Po final) found in (Step 12), and then divide this
value by 2.
Final Avg Annular Pr ess =
Step 14
(Final Applied Annular Pr ess + Po final )

2
Calculate the change in average annular pressure, (Poa), by subtracting

the initial average annular pressure found in (Step 10) from the final
average annular pressure found in (Step 13).
Poa = (Final Avg Annular Pr ess ) (Init Avg Annular Pr ess )

BALLOONING EFFECT (F3) CALCULATIONS:
Step 15
Find the area of the inside of the tubing. (Ai)
Step 16
Multiply the inside area of the tubing (Ai) found in (Step 15) times the
change in average tubing pressure, (Pia), found in (Step 7).
Step 17
Find the area of the outside of the tubing. (Ao)

Page 21 of 33
Step 18
Multiply the outside area of the tubing, (Ao), found in (Step 17) times the
change in average annulus pressure, (Poa), found in (Step 14).
Step 19
Subtract the results of (Step 16) from the results of (Step 18).
Step 20
Calculate the force change due to ballooning, (F3), multiplying the result of
(Step 19) by (.6). If (F3) is a negative number, it will result in packer
tension. If (F3) is a. positive number, it will result in packer compression.
2.
BALLOONING LENGTH CHANGE (

L3) CALCULATION PROCEDURES:
If the tubing is held from moving, it will impose a force on the packer. If the tubing is
free to move, it will change its length.
(Steps 1 through 14) of the following step-by-step procedures for calculating the
ballooning length change, (L3) are the same as (Steps 1 through 14) of the
preceding step-by-step procedures for calculating the ballooning force change, (F3).
The step-by-step procedures for calculating the ballooning length change, (L3), are
as follows:
Step 1
Determine the surface pressure inside the tubing that existed when the
Applied Tubing Pressure)
Step 2
(Pi initial)
Step 3
Calculate the initial average pressure inside the tubing by adding the initial
applied tubing pressure found in (Step 1) to the initial total tubing pressure
at the packer (Pi initial) found in (Step 2) and then divide this value by 2.
Initial Avg Tbg Pr ess =
(Initial Applied Tbg Pr ess + Pi initial )

2
Step 4
Determine the surface pressure inside the tubing that will exist for the
condition being analyzed. (Final Applied Tubing Pressure).
Step 5
the condition being analyzed. (Pi final)
Step 6
Calculate the final average pressure inside of the tubing by adding to the
final applied tubing pressure found in (Step 4) to the final total tubing
Page 22 of 33
pressure at the packer (Pi final) found in (Step 5), and then divide this value
by 2.
Final Avg Tbg Pr ess =
Step 7
(Final Applied Tbg Pr ess + Pi final )

2
Calculate the change in average tubing pressure (Pia) by subtracting the

initial average tubing pressure found in (Step 3) from the final average
tubing pressure found in (Step 6).
Pia = (Final Avg Tbg Press) (Initial Avg Tbg Press)
Step 8
Determine the surface pressure in the annulus that existed when the
Applied Annular Pressure)
Step 9
Calculate the total annular pressure at the packer that existed when the
packer was set or when the seals were stung in and located. (Po initial)
Step 10
Calculate the initial average pressure in the annulus by adding the initial
applied annular pressure found in (Step 8) to the initial annular pressure at
the packer (Po initial) found in (Step 9) and then divide this value by 2.
Initital Avg Annular Pr ess =
(Initital Applied Annular Pr ess + Po initial )

2
Step 11
Determine the surface pressure in the annulus that exists for the condition
being analyzed. (Final Applied Annular Pressure)
Step 12
Calculate the total final annular pressure at the packer that exists for the
condition being analyzed. (Po final)
Step 13
Calculate the final average pressure in the annulus by adding the final
applied annular pressure found in (Step 11) to the final total annular
pressure at the packer (Po final) found in (Step 12), and then divide this
value by 2.
Final Avg Annular Pr ess =
(Final Applied Annular Pr ess + Po final )

2
Page 23 of 33
Step 14
Calculate the change in average annular pressure, (Poa), by subtracting

the initial average annular pressure found in (Step 10) from the final
average annular pressure found in (Step 13).
BALLOONING EFFECT (L3) CALCULATIONS:

Step 15 - Find the outside diameter of the tubing.
Step 16 - Find the inside diameter of the tubing.
Step 17 - Find the ratio, (R), of the tubing O.D. to the tubing I.D. by dividing the
tubing outside diameter found in (Step 15) by the tubing inside diameter
found in (Step 16). The ratio, R, will always be a number greater than 1.
R=
Tubing OD
Tubing ID
Step 18
Square the ratio R.
Step 19
Multiply the change in average annular pressure (Poa) found in (Step 14)
by R2 found in (Step 18).
Step 20
Subtract the change in average tubing pressure, (Pia), found in (Step 7)

from the result of (Step 19).
Step 21
Subtract 1.0 from the result found in (Step 18).
Step 22
Divide the result found in (Step 20) by the result found in (Step 21).
Step 23
Calculate the length of the tubing string in inches.
Step 24
Multiply the length of the tubing in inches found in (Step 23) by (-0.2) and
then divide this quantity by 10,000,000 psi.
Step 25
Calculate the length change due to ballooning in inches, (L3), by

multiplying the result found in (Step 22) by the result found in (Step 24). If
L3 is a negative number, the tubing will shorten. If L3 is a positive
number, the tubing will elongate.
3.
BALLOONING EFFECT FORMULAS
The preceding step-by-step procedures for calculating the ballooning effects may be
written as the following formulas:
BALLOONING FORCE (F3):
Page 24 of 33
F3 = 0.6[(Poa A o ) (Pia A i )]
CHANGE IN THE TUBING LENGTH, (L3), DUE TO THE BALLOONING FORCE:

2
0.2 L R Poa Pia
L 3 =

R2 1
10,000,000

2
0.2 L R Poa Pia
L 3 =
7
R2 1
1 10
The terms used in the formulas are defined as follows:

Ai
= Area of the tubing ID (in2)
Ao
= Area of the tubing OD (in2)
F3
= Force change due to the ballooning effect. (lbs)
= Length of the tubing in inches (in)
L3
= Length change of the tubing string in inches due to the ballooning

force. (F3) (in)
Pia
= Change in the average tubing pressure. (psi)
Where:
(Final Applied Tbg Pr ess + Pi final ) (Initial Applied Tbg Pr ess + Pi initial )
Pia =
2
2
Pi final
Pi inital
Poa
= Change in the average annular pressure (psi)
Where:
(Final Applied Annular Pr ess + Po final ) (Initial Applied Annular Pr ess + Po initial )
Poa =
2
2
Po final
Po inital
Total annular pressure at the packer that existed when the packer
= Ratio of the tubing O.D. to the tubing I.D.
Page 25 of 33
R=
Tubing OD
Tubing ID
Page 26 of 33
D.
TEMPERATURE EFFECT
The fourth basic effect is the temperature effect. The temperature effect is the only
one of the four basic effects that is not pressure related. The length and force
changes due to the temperature effect are only functions of the change in the
average temperature of the tubing.
When an object is heated, it will grow in size. On the other hand, if an object is
cooled, it will shrink in size. (See Figure 10) A couple of examples to show the effect
of changing an objects temperature follow: When removing a pulley from a shaft, the
pulley can be heated causing it to expand. This expansion (or growth) will allow easy
removal of the pulley from the shaft. Another example is dipping a persons hand in
cold water so that a ring can be removed. The cold water will shrink the persons
hand allowing the ring to be removed easier.
These same principles of expansion and contraction also hold true when the average
tubing temperature is increased or decreased. When an average tubing temperature
is decreased (by injecting cool fluids), it will either shorten in length if the tubing is
free to move or it will create tension force on the packer if the tubing is restrained
from moving. When the average tubing temperature is increased, (by either injecting
hot fluids or producing hot fluids), it will either cause the tubing to elongate if it is free
to move or it will create a compressive force on the packer if it is held from moving.
In many packer installations the temperature effect will be the largest of the four
basic effects.
Figure 10
Page 27 of 33
1.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEMPERATURE EFFECT
Since the temperature change occurs over the entire length of the tubing, the change
in the average tubing temperature must be used to determine the magnitude and
direction of the temperature effect. To find the average temperature of the tubing.
string, both the surface temperature and the bottom hole temperature must be
known. The average tubing temperature is found by using the following formula:
Hole Temp( F ))
( ) (Surface Temp( F) + Bottom
2
o
Average Tubing Temp o F =
Sometimes these tubing temperatures are not known for all the different well
conditions. In these instances, assumptions must be made which will allow the
temperature effect to be calculated. All the assumptions made should, therefore, be
conservative to prevent possible equipment failure.
The following is a list of conservative assumptions that will, in the absence of more
accurate data, allow the calculation for the maximum temperature effect. If more
accurate data is available, it should be used instead of the following statements.
a.
The initial surface temperature of the tubing can be assumed to be 70F.

This temperature is measured 15 feet to 30 feet below the wellhead and
remains constant regardless of the temperature of the surrounding air.
However, the actual surface temperature should be available from the oil
company who drilled the well. The initial surface temperature does vary
with geographical location.
b.
When the bottom hole temperature (BHT) is not known, it is assumed to

be the surface temperature, (approximately 70F, as found in the previous
statement), plus 1.6F for every 100 feet of the true vertical depth of the
well. Shown in the form of an equation this calculation becomes:
( )
1.6 o F True Vert Depth(ft )

BHT o F = Surface Temp o F +
100(ft )
( )
( )
This would make the bottom hole temperature of a 10,000 foot non-deviated well
equal to 230F.
The 1.6 number in the above equation is the geothermal gradient. It usually has
units of F per 100 ft (F/100 ft). The geothermal gradient varies from area to area
and from field to field. The actual geothermal gradient should be available from the
oil company who drilled the well. The geothermal gradient for a particular location
may, however, be determined if there is a well near the location that has a known
bottom hole temperature. The bottom hole temperature equation may be re-arranged
as follows to find the geothermal gradient (geoth grad).
Page 28 of 33
( )
( )
BHT o F Surface Temp o F

Geoth Grad o F / 100ft = 100(ft )
True Vert Depth(ft )
When working with the geothermal gradient, it is assumed the temperature from the
surface to the true vertical depth will increase uniformly.
c.
The tubing temperature is assumed to be the same temperature as either

the fluid that surrounds it, if the well is static, or the fluid that passes
through it, if there is fluid movement (injection or production).
d.
The temperature of the injected fluid that is not heated is assumed to be

the same as the current air temperature at the wellsite.
e.
When injecting fluids, assume that the entire length of the tubing is cooled
or heated to the temperature of the injected fluid.
f.
When producing fluids, the entire length of the tubing can be assumed to
be the same temperature as the initial bottom hole temperature.
g.
In a dual packer installation, the primary string and the secondary string
are treated separately. The previous temperature statements about the
injection, producing, or static conditions are applied to both the primary
string and secondary string separately.
By making these assumptions, the temperature effect magnitude and direction can
be calculated. When accurate well data is available, it should be used instead of the
assumptions presented.
Two important points about the temperature effect should be kept in mind when
equipment is installed downhole. The first point is that the temperature effect is not
felt immediately at the packer. When pressure changes occur, their effect is felt
immediately at the packer while the temperature effect can require anywhere from
several. minutes to several hours to change. However, it is normally assumed that
the temperature effect does occur immediately. This assumption allows the
temperature effect to be added to the pressure effects so that all the effects can be
considered at one time. In some situations this assumption can create problems
resulting in equipment failure if it is required that the temperature effect occurs
immediately in order for the installation to operate properly.
The second point is that in injection situations, the temperature of the injected fluid
will vary with time as a result of climatic changes. When an installation is planned
where the injection temperatures will vary, the average temperature calculation must
be based on the worst case of the injection temperature. Cold winter nights have
been responsible for packer failures. When the temperature drops at night, the
injection fluid temperature also decreases (See Statement d on page 29) causing a
tension force or a tubing shrinkage which may not have been considered.
Page 29 of 33
2.
TEMPERATURE FORCE (F4) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION

PROCEDURES
The following step-by-step procedure will show how to determine the temperature effect
force change (F4).
TEMPERATURE CALCULATIONS:
Step 1
Find the initial surface temperature in F when the packer was set or when
the seals were stung in and located. If this temperature is unknown, use
70F. (See Statement a, page 28).
Step 2
Find the initial bottom hole temperature in F when the packer was set or
when the seals were stung in and located. If this temperature is unknown,
use 70F plus 1.6F per every 100 feet of true vertical depth to the bottom
of the well. (See Statement b, page 28).
Step 3
Calculate the initial average tubing temperature in F by adding the initial

surface temperature (Step 1) to the initial bottom hole temperature (Step
2), and then divide this quantity by 2.
Bottom Hole Temp( F))
( ) (Initial Surface Temp( F) + Initial
2
o
Initial Average Tubing Temp o F =
Step 4
Find the final surface temperature in F of the tubing. If this temperature is

unknown, use the temperature of the injected fluid for injection wells or use
the initial bottom hole temperature for producing wells. (See Statement e,
page 29).
Step 5
Find the final bottom hole temperature in F of the tubing. If this

temperature is unknown, use the temperature of the injected fluid for
injection wells or use the initial bottom hole temperature for production
wells. (See Statement e, Page 29).
Step 6
Calculate the final average tubing temperature in F by adding the final

surface temperature (Step 4) to the final bottom hole temperature (Step 5)
and then divide this value by 2.
( ) (Final Surface Temp( F) + Final
2
Final Average Tubing Temp o F =
Step 7
Calculate the change in average tubing temperature (T), in F by

subtracting the initial average tubing temperature (Step 3) from the final
average tubing temperature (Step 6). If the change in average temperature
is a negative number, the tubing will create a tension force on the packer.
Page 30 of 33
If the change in average temperature is positive, the tubing will create a

compressive force on the packer.
Chg in Avg Tbg Temp (T) = (Fin Avg Tbg Temp) - (Int Avg Tbg Temp)
FORCE CALCULATIONS:
Step 8
Find the cross sectional area of the tubing (As) in square inches.
Step 9
Calculate the force change due to temperature effect, (F4), in pounds by

multiplying (207) times the cross sectional area, (As), (Step 8) times the
change in average temperature, (T), (Step 7). Remember, a negative
temperature force (F4) means a tension force on the packer and a positive
temperature force means a compressive force on the packer.
3.
TEMPERATURE LENGTH CHANGE (

L4) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION
PROCEDURES
The first seven steps for calculating the length change (L4) due to temperature changes are
the same as the first seven steps for calculating the force change, (F4). These steps are
repeated here for convenience.
TEMPERATURE CALCULATIONS:
Step 1
Find the initial surface temperature in F when the packer was set or when
the seals were stung in and located. If this temperature is unknown, use
70F. (See Statement a, page 28).
Step 2
Find the initial bottom hole temperature in F when the packer was set or
when the seals were stung in and located. If this temperature is unknown,
use 70F plus 1.6F per every 100 feet of true vertical depth to the bottom
of the well. (See Statement b, page 28).
Step 3
Calculate the initial average tubing temperature in F by adding the initial

surface temperature (Step 1) to the initial bottom hole temperature (Step
2), and then divide this quantity by 2.
2
o
Step 4
Find the final surface temperature in F of the tubing. If this temperature is

unknown, use the temperature of the injected fluid for injection wells or use
Page 31 of 33
the initial bottom hole temperature for producing wells. (See Statement e,
page 151).
Step 5
Find the final bottom hole temperature in F of the tubing. If this

temperature is unknown, use the temperature of the injected fluid for
injection wells or use the initial bottom hole temperature for production
wells. (See Statement e, Page 151).
Step 6
Calculate the final average tubing temperature in F by adding the final

surface temperature (Step 4) to the final bottom hole temperature (Step 5)
and then divide this value by 2.
2
o
Step 7
Calculate the change in average tubing temperature (T), in F by

subtracting the initial average tubing temperature (Step 3) from the final
average tubing temperature (Step 6). If the change in average temperature
is a negative number, the tubing will create a tension force on the packer.
If the change in average temperature is positive, the tubing will create a
compressive force on the packer.
Chg in Avg Tbg Temp (T) = (Fin Avg Tbg Temp) - Int Avg Tbg Temp)
LENGTH CHANGE CALCULATIONS:
Step 8
Calculate the length of the tubing in inches (L).
Step 9
Calculate the length change due to this temperature effect, (L4), in

inches, by multiplying (.0000069) times the tubing length in inches (Step 8)
times the change in average tubing temperature (Step 7). Remember, a
negative temperature length change, (L4), means the tubing shrinks and
a positive temperature length change means the tubing elongates.
4.
TEMPERATURE EFFECT FORMULAS:
The preceding step-by-step procedures can be written in the following equation form:
TEMPERATURE FORCE (F4):
F4 = (207) (As) (T)
Page 32 of 33
Change in the Tubing Length, (L4):

(L4) =(L) () (T)
The terms used in the formulas are defined as:
As
2
= Tubing cross sectional area (in )
F4
= Force change in pounds due to the temperature effect (lbs)
= Length of the tubing in inches (in)
L4
= Length change in inches due to the temperature effect (in)
= Change in the average tubing temperature (F)

Chg in Avg Tbg Temp (T) = [Fin Avg Tbg Temp (F)] - [Int Avg Tbg
Temp (F)]
Where:
2
o

2
o
= The coefficient of thermal expansion (in/in/F)

(For Steel =0.0000069 in/in/F)
Page 33 of 33

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What are the basic effects that cause tubing movement?

What are the basic effects that cause tubing movement?

What are the steps to calculate the piston effect?

What are the steps to calculate the piston effect?

Montrose Engineering Department

TUBING MOVEMENT CALCULATIONS

Montrose Engineering Department

TUBING MOVEMENT CALCULATIONS .................................................................... 1

PISTON FORCE - F1 ....................................................................................................................5

UNDERSTANDING THE BUCKLING EFFECT ..........................................................................11

BALLOONING FORCE (F3) STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES.........................20

UNDERSTANDING THE TEMPERATURE EFFECT .................................................................28

Montrose Engineering Department

Montrose Engineering Department

THE BASIC EFFECTS

Montrose Engineering Department

Montrose Engineering Department

Montrose Engineering Department

PISTON FORCE STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES

Montrose Engineering Department

Calculate the change in force A by multiplying the change in the total

Calculate the change in force B by multiplying the change in tubing

PISTON FORCE CALCULATIONS

Montrose Engineering Department

positive, it acts downward on the bottom of the tubing (compression on the

PISTON LENGTH CHANGE - L1

PISTON LENGTH CHANGE STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION

Divide the piston force (F1)

Find the tubing cross-sectional area (As) in inches2.

PISTON EFFECT FORMULAS

F1 = (A p A o ) (Po final Po initial ) (A p A i ) (Pi final Pi initial )

Writing this in a more condensed form, it becomes:

Montrose Engineering Department

Piston Length Change (L1):

(L ) {[(A p A o ) (Po )] [(A p A i ) (Pi )]}

Writing this in terms of the piston force F1, it becomes:

The terms in the above equations are defined as follows:

= Area of the tubing I.D. (in2)

= Area of the tubing O.D. (in2)

= Packer valve area or packer seal bore area (in2)

= Cross-sectional area of the tubing (in2)

= Modulus of elasticity (30,000,000psi for steel)

= Force change due to the piston effect (lbs)

= Length of the tubing string in inches (in)

= Change in the total tubing pressure at the packer (psi)

= Change in the total annular pressure at the packer (psi)

Montrose Engineering Department

UNDERSTANDING THE BUCKLING EFFECT

Montrose Engineering Department

Montrose Engineering Department

BUCKLING EFFECT STEP-BY-STEP CALCULATION PROCEDURES:

Montrose Engineering Department

Subtract the change in the total annular pressure (Po).found in (Step 6)

Square the result found in (Step 7). (Remember to square a number,

Square the packer seal bore area found in (Step 9).

(Ca sin g ID Tubing OD )

Montrose Engineering Department

Square the radial clearance found in (Step 11).

Divide the square of the pressure change difference (Step 8) by the