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Coiled Tubing Services Manual: Dowell

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Section 310

Schlum berger COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL


Dowell Rev A - 98

DESIGN METHODOLOGY

Contents Page

Introduction .................................................................................................... 2
1 DESIGN METHODOLOGY ............................................................................. 2
1.1 Job Design Data .................................................................................. 2
1.2 Design Software .................................................................................. 4
1.2.1 Tubing Forces ...................................................................................... 4
1.2.2 Fatigue Tracking Software .................................................................... 4
1.2.3 Operating Limit Software ..................................................................... 4
1.2.4 Wellbore Simulator .............................................................................. 4
1.2.5 Friction Pressure ................................................................................. 6
1.2.6 Foam Cleanout .................................................................................... 6
1.3 Operating Limits And Procedures ........................................................ 7

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Section 310
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 DESIGN METHODOLOGY Dowell

Introduction Databases within the design software are used to track the
history, and more importantly the fatigue to which CT
As coiled tubing operations become more complex, a workstrings may be subjected.
thorough and methodical job design process becomes
essential. Although the majority of the job design process Figure 1 shows a generalized CT job design sequence. In
is performed away from the wellsite, many potential execu- complex or sensitive applications, several iterations of
tion problems or hazards can be identified. With timely each stage may be required to ensure the desired results.
identification, operational problems or hazards may be Conversely, the design of routine treatments is often driven
resolved without risk to the client’s interests, or the safety and tuned by experience.
of personnel and equipment. Therefore, the job design
process must be regarded as an investigation and prepa- The evaluation phase is necessary to complete the CT
ration procedure for all aspects of the intended operation - operation and assess the design efficiency.
not simply the selection of an appropriate treatment,
toolstring or equipment configuration. 1.1 Job Design Data

1 DESIGN METHODOLOGY The data required to enable the job design process to be
completed varies with the type of application and its
Fundamental to any job design process is a full understand- complexity. Most sections of this manual contain a sum-
ing of the operation objectives. The ultimate success of the mary and brief description of the typical data required for
operation will be gauged by the client against these each application. The principal areas of investigation are
objectives, therefore, a clear understanding is essential. In shown below and are grouped in three categories: data
some instances, the objectives may be economically or obtained from well records, information relating to product
operationally misguided. A review of influencing factors and service availability, and the requirements of regulatory
should be conducted, along with suggested alternatives agencies.
which will provide improved return on investment or greater
operational success. Operator company sourced:

In almost all CT applications, the workstring functions as • Reservoir parameters


a conveyance method for treatment fluids or toolstrings.
Therefore, to complete a treatment design some knowl- • Wellbore conditions
edge and understanding of the associated service is
required (e.g. matrix stimulation or squeeze cementing). In • Surface or location limitations
many cases a number of alternative treatments or means
of application may be identified. While some may be Service company sourced:
quickly dismissed due to economic or availability reasons,
it is prudent to assess all options to ensure that the • Product availability/compatibility
selected treatment is optimal in terms of efficiency and
economics. • Equipment and tool availability

A major component in the design of CT operations is the Regulatory requirements:


use of computer software. Such software provides design
support for a wide range of CT applications through vali- • Operational requirements or limitations
dated models which are used to simulate conditions antici-
pated during the operation. The resulting outputs are used The output of representative plots and values from com-
to confirm the operation can be safely completed under the puter models is greatly dependent on the input of accurate
given conditions. data. Consequently, some effort should be made to ensure
the accuracy of job design data. While acquiring this data,
the operation objectives should be confirmed by investigat-
ing the desired changes in wellbore or reservoir conditions.

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COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 310
Schlum berger
Dow ell DESIGN METHODOLOGY Rev A - 98

Determine operation objectives

Acquire job design data


Define operating limits
deternined by reservoir or
wellbore conditions Identify possible treatments
based on availability of
products, tools and equipment

Select treatment type


Identify the applicable
requirements of regulatory
agencies
Apply relevant CADE design
processes

Prepare fluid pumping schedule


• To simulate the workstring loads
Define operating limits and stresses anticipated during
determined by treatment Select CT equipment the job
selection
• To predict fluid rates and
Apply CT software design pressures during the anticipated
process operation

• To ensure the anticipated


Define operating limits treatment can be safely
deternined by CT and pressure completed within the useful life
control equipment selection of the workstring
and configuration
Confirm the selected treatment
and equipment are capable of
achieving clients objectives

Prepare/provide graphical
outputs and plots for
comparison during the operation

Prepare detailed job procedure

Execute job and evaluate


results

Figure 1. Generalized coiled tubing job design methodology

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Section 310
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 DESIGN METHODOLOGY Dowell

The design methodology adopted for each job is dependent the effect of wellhead pressure. The module can predict
on the application or operation to be completed, and in weight indicator readings, the point of helical buckling and
many cases prior experience is the best guide. However, lock-up. The principal functions and outputs are:
several factors apply to all CT operations and must be
considered during all phases of the job design and execu- • Confirming that the selected workstring and tool assembly
tion: can be run to the desired position in the wellbore.

• Well security - it is essential that adequate well security • Verifying that the selected toolstring will pass any doglegs
is maintained to guard against the exposure of personnel, or wellbore anomalies.
equipment and the environment to wellbore pressure and
fluids. • Providing a predicted weight indicator reading vs. depth
plot for running in and pulling out of the wellbore. This plot
• Personnel safety - performing the necessary tasks using enables the operator to compare predicted and actual
the required safety equipment, or with equipment on values, allowing anomalies to be detected (Figure 2 ).
standby for immediate use as required.
1.2.2 Fatigue Tracking Software
• Operating limits - the operating and safety limits of all
equipment and tools must be known by relevant opera- This module predicts the remaining useful life of a workstring.
tors. The operation must be designed and executed within It operates in conjunction with a database, which is main-
such limits. tained for each CT reel. The reel length (including changes),
pressure cycle history and acid exposure history is up-
• Operating standards - the operation must be executed, as dated for each operation. In addition, it may calculate the
designed, by trained and competent personnel in accor- fatigue damage imposed on the tubing due to the sequence
dance with applicable operating practices, regulations of pressure and bending cycles.
and safety standards.
The principal functions and outputs include:
1.2 Design Software
• Predicting the life remaining in each workstring element.
Design software which allows modifications and additions This information is presented in a plot of life remaining (%)
to be easily made is essential. The software should include vs. distance from the downhole end of the string (ft)
the following principal job design modules: (Figure 3).

• Tubing forces • Details of the anticipated operation can be input to ensure


that the operation can be completed safely.
• Fatigue tracking software
• Minimizing the risk of tubing failure during an operation.
• Operating limit software
1.2.3 Operating Limit Software
• Wellbore simulator
This module determines the pressure and tension limits for
• Friction pressure a workstring under the anticipated wellbore conditions. The
effect of workstring ovality is also considered when calcu-
• Foam cleanout lating the collapse pressure limit.

1.2.1 Tubing Forces The principal functions and outputs are:

The tubing forces module analyzes the loads applied to the • Graphically depicting the safe pressure and tension limits
CT. These include buoyancy, frictional drag, stripper fric- for the workstring in a given wellbore (Figure 4).
tion, reel back tension, workstring and toolstring weight and

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COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 310
Schlum berger
Dow ell
W EIG HT IND IC ATO R R EA DING (lbf) DESIGN METHODOLOGY Rev A - 98

9000 Measured
RIH (model)
PO OH (m odel)

4500

500

4,000 8,00 0

M EA SU RED DEP TH O F S TR ING (ft)

Figure 2. Tubing forces graphical output of weight indicator load versus measured depth of toolstring
PR EDIC TED LIFE R EM A ININ G (% )

60 We ld Location
Previous Life
50 Current Life

40

30

20

10

2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000

D ISTA NC E FRO M D O W N H O LE EN D O F STRIN G (ft)

Figure 3. Output plot of coiled tubing versus distance from downhole end of coiled tubing

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Section 310
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 DESIGN METHODOLOGY Dowell

1.2.4 Wellbore Simulator 1.2.5 Friction Pressure

The wellbore simulator models the transient, multi-phase The friction pressure module determines friction pressure
fluid flow and particle transport in a wellbore environment. gradients for Power Law, Newtonian, Bingham Plastic and
It also determines circulation rates and pressures and foam rheological models. It is also used to select fluids,
models the mixing and flow of all solids, liquids and gasses rate and pressures for input to the wellbore simulator.
in the annular flow stream.
The principal functions and outputs are:
The principal functions and outputs are:
• Providing fluid friction, pressure and rate data for use in
• Determining treatment feasibility and enabling equipment other software modules.
and product selection (including quantity) for a treatment.
• Providing graphical output of friction pressures for various
• Predicting the rate of gas, liquid and solid returns, allowing fluids in a given CT workstring and annular configuration.
efficient operations to be conducted at the wellsite.

• Quantifying return fluid composition, allowing appropriate


disposal arrangements to be made.

M aximum A llowable M aximum Allowable


Pressure (P ma x ) Tension (T max )

12
10
PRE SSU RE (psi x1000)

8
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
-12

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

C O M PR E SSIO N/TEN SIO N (lbf x1000)

Figure 4. Output plot showing safe pressure and tension limits

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COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 310
Schlum berger
Dow ell DESIGN METHODOLOGY Rev A - 98

1.2.6 Foam Cleanout

The foam modules calculate the rates and volumes of liquid


and gas required to achieve a desired bottomhole pressure
and foam quality.

The principal functions and outputs are:

• Detailing the pump rates and volumes of liquid and gas


required to maintain the specified bottomhole foam qual-
ity.

• Surface choke pressures required to maintain desired


wellbore conditions.

1.3 Operating Limits And Procedures

Operating procedures should be prepared to ensure correct


execution of the intended operation, as designed and in a
safe manner. These must be prepared for every CT
operation. The operating limits of the CT workstring and
applicable components of the toolstring should be consid-
ered during the preparation of the job procedure. In addition,
workstring and toolstring operating limits should be docu-
mented - either within the job procedure or as an appendix.

• Contingency Plans

Contingency plans should be prepared for use should


unplanned conditions be encountered during an opera-
tion. These may include emergency procedures to main-
tain control of well pressure or surface equipment. CTU
operators must be fully familiar with these procedures.

• Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures may be defined as an immediate


response to conditions which threaten well security, or
personnel safety. Such responses are enacted as a result
of detailed training, familiarity with equipment and ex-
ecuted with the knowledge and awareness of the wellbore
and operational conditions.

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