Coiled Tubing Services Manual: Dowell
Coiled Tubing Services Manual: Dowell
Coiled Tubing Services Manual: Dowell
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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COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
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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:
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COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 310
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Dow ell DESIGN METHODOLOGY Rev A - 98
Prepare/provide graphical
outputs and plots for
comparison during the operation
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Section 310
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
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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).
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
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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
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
Figure 3. Output plot of coiled tubing versus distance from downhole end of coiled tubing
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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.
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
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• Contingency Plans
• Emergency Procedures
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