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oma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tub
bing Surface Equiipment
ROUN
ND II DIIPLOMA
A – YEA
AR 1: CW
WI S10
Interv ention ‐ Coiled TTubing
TOPIC 1: COILEED TUBIN
NG SURFA
ACE EQUIIPMENT
PREVIEW
W
Thiis Topic provvide informattion on coiled
d tubing surfface equipmeent and associated equip‐
men nt, required to carry out general CT o
operations.
REQUIR
RED LEARN
NING & UN
NDERSTAN
NDING
On completion o
of this topic, you must bee able to:
Describe wh
hat Coiled Tu
ubing is.
Discuss the advantages of using Coiled Tubing.
Detail the su
urface compo
onents that m
make up the Coiled Tubin
ng system.
Understand
d the operatio
on of the Injeector Head.
Describe thee six systemss supplied by
y the Power P
Packs.
Describe wh
hat recordingg instrumenttation is conttained within
n the Controll Cabin.
Understand
d how to estim
mate tubing stretch.
Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Primary Equipment ............................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1 CT Reel Unit ................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Injector Head ............................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Power pack ................................................................................................................................................ 15
2.4 Control cabin ............................................................................................................................................ 20
3 Auxiliary Surface Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 24
3.1 Weight indicator ..................................................................................................................................... 24
3.2 CT reel connectors ................................................................................................................................. 24
3.2.1 Coiled Tubing Collector (Slip Ring Joint) ............................................................................ 24
3.2.2 Hydraulic Quick Connector (HQC) ......................................................................................... 24
3.3 Depth measurement .............................................................................................................................. 25
3.3.1 Mechanical Counter ..................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.2 Electronic Counter ....................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.3 Depth Correction .......................................................................................................................... 25
Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
1 INTRODUCTION
Coiled Tubing is a continuous length of small diameter pipe which is spooled onto a reel in the
same way as wire or cable is wrapped on a drum. The coiled tubing operation permits the
technique of “snubbing” a continuous length of tubing in and out of a live well through a strip‐
per BOP arrangement. The main advantage of Coiled Tubing is that it can be run into produc‐
ing wells, against high wellhead pressures (5000 psi), and down past the perforations, with‐
out production interruption or killing the well. The most common pipe size in use is 1"
through to 1.75", although larger sizes are available and used. In an offshore environment
Coiled Tubing can be run into a well as quickly as 3 hours, after positioning the equipment on
deck. When truck mounted for land operations, this time can be cut to 1.5 hours after rig up
on site. With the addition of a maximum working depth of 25,000 ft, which can be achieved at
running speeds of 260 ft/minute, it can be seen that Coiled Tubing is a very cost effective way
of performing downhole work.
Gooseneck
Injector
Head
Tubing
BOP’s
Control
Cabin
Power
Pack CT Reel
Christmas
Tree
Assembly
Hydraulics
Figure 1: Main Coiled Tubing Components
The standard coiled tubing package can be defined in terms of the surface equipment needed
to safely trip the coiled tubing in and out of the well:
• Coiled Tubing
• Reel Unit
• Power Pack
• Control Unit
• Tubing Injector Unit
• Blowout Preventers (including lubricator and stuffing box)
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 2: Coiled Tubing Rig Up, Land Well
Figure 3: Examples of Offshore CT Rig Ups (in drilling derrick and off‐
shore platform)
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Auxiliary equipment is needed to ensure that the tubing is run to the required depth and that
the operating envelope (pressure, weight etc.) of the equipment is not exceeded throughout
the duration of the task. Additional equipment associated with the type of task to be per‐
formed is also required, such as nitrogen tanks for nitrogen displacement, or downhole tools,
such as a mill and motor for milling operations.
This Topic provides an overview of the available surface equipment, however as technology
develops, the range of tools may be enhanced for most applications.
A range of coiled tubing packages/units are available from the service companies. Selection of
this equipment is predominantly determined by the intended application and well completion
conditions, i.e. sour service, CT size, etc. Additionally, hybrid units are available which enable
the retrieval of conventional tubulars, or other well preparation tasks requiring conventional
operations, prior to commencing the coiled tubing work. These hybrids have been developed
predominantly in response to well re‐entry requirements and coiled tubing drilling.
The full suite of surface equipment used during coiled tubing operations will vary depending
on the job to be performed.
Without exception, however, the following principle items of equipment are considered to
be standard:
(a) Primary Equipment
• CT Reel Unit
• Injector Head (including “gooseneck”)
• Power Pack
• Control Cabin (e.g. load / depth indicators)
(b) Pressure / Well Control Equipment
• Stuffing Box
• Quad Blowout Preventers (BOP)
• Shear Seal BOP
• Annular BOP (optional)
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
2 PRIMARY EQUIPMENT
2.1 CT Reel Unit
Coiled tubing is stored on large reels in the same manner as the flexible cable of a wireline
unit. It is in essence a storage drum, designed to store the entire tubing string, and is an inte‐
gral part of the Coiled Tubing Unit. These reels capacity come in sizes ranging from approxi‐
mately 5000 to 25000 feet. The weight of the reel increases considerably with longer, larger
diameter tubing.
Example Reel Weights
• Reel Without Tubing 9000 lbs
• Reel with 21,000ft 11∕4" Tubing 33,000 lbs
• Reel with 15,000ft 11∕2" Tubing 36,000 lbs
The reel is supported on an axle and is rotated by a hydraulic motor through a chain drive.
This drive system has a dual function: when uncoiling tubing, i.e. running into the well, the
motor acts as a constant‐torque brake, thus keeping the tubing to the gooseneck under ten‐
sion.
Figure 4: Coiled Tubing Reel, Trailer Mounted
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 5: Coiled Tubing Reel, Chain Drive System
When coiling, this drive system revolves the reel so as to coil the tubing under a constant ten‐
sion. The CT reel drive system itself is not used to lower or hoist tubing in the well, which is
the purpose of the injector head.
To control the coiling process so that the tubing is correctly coiled upon itself, a winding
(spooling) mechanism is synchronised with the rotation of the reel. This is provided with a
manual override facility for finer adjustment.
Figure 6: Coiled Tubing Reel, Spooling Mechanism
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 7: Coiled Tubing Reel, Spooler Head
The inner end of the coiled tubing is connected to the hub of the reel which incorporates a ro‐
tating joint. Fluid can be pumped through this joint and down the coiled tubing while the reel
is stationary or in motion, and to any pressure up to the operating pressure of the coiled tub‐
ing itself.
Figure 8: Coiled Tubing Reel, Rotating Joint Connection
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Usually, two depth odometers (both mounted on the spooling arm) are used. Their measuring
wheels are rotated by frictional contact with the tubing as it passes by. It is essential that they
are mounted correctly so that the spring forces which keep the counter wheel in contact with
the tubing are working in the right direction. Finally, a spray system operated from the con‐
trol skid coats the coiled tubing with an oil based corrosion inhibitor to ensure long life.
In emergency situations i.e. tubing part between the gooseneck and reel, the reel drum will be
able to rotate at a far greater speed than normal, therefore it will have to be brought under
control immediately. This is done by selecting the reel control lever into “neutral position”.
Once in this position the directional valve hydraulically locks the motor instantly. However,
due to the large amount of inertia caused by the reel drum rotating, it will start to “drive” the
reel motor, giving a pump like characteristic. This will cause a large build up in hydraulic
pressure within the system, and could, if left to build up, rupture a hose rendering the reel un‐
serviceable. To prevent this, a crossflow relief valve is installed.
The size of reel varies depending on the diameter and length of coil tubing to be stored. Table
1 provides a typical range of reeled units available from coiled tubing service companies:
Table 1: Typical coiled tubing unit specifications
Description Trailer Truck Trailer Skid/ Trailer DNV Certified DNV Certified
Mounted Mounted Mounted Mounted Skid/Trailer Skid/Trailer
1
1‐inch OD. 1‐inch OD. 1‐inch OD. 1 ⁄2‐inch OD. Mounted Mounted
1 1
TBG TBG TBG TBG 1 ⁄4‐inch OD. 1 ⁄2‐inch OD.
TBG TBG
Engine (HP) 140 320* 280 280 228 228
Reel Capacity (ft) 17,500 14,000 15,000† 15,000 17,500 15,000
(5334 m) (4267 m) (4572 m) (4572 m) (5334 m) (4572 m)
Reel Speed (FPM) 160 220 160 220 220 220
(48,77 mpm) (67,05 mpm) (48,77 mpm) (67,05 mpm) (67,05 mpm) (6705 mpm)
Injector Capability 12,000 12,000 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000
(LBS)(Push/Pull) 5448 kg 5448 kg 10896 kg (10896 kg) (10896 kg) (10896 kg)
Max Working Pressure 5,000** 5,000** 5,000** 5,000** 10,000# 5,000#
(PSI)
2 2 2 2 2 2
(352 kg/cm ) (352 kg/cm ) (352 kg/cm ) (352 kg/cm ) (703 kg/cm ) (352 kg/cm )
Service STD/H2S STD/H2S STD/H2S STD/H2S STD/H2S STD/H2S
* Truck Engine Used as Prime Mover
** 10,000 psi (703 kg/cm2)
† Units available with 17,500 (5334M) reel capacity
# DNV units equipped with 10,000 psi (703 kg/cm2) Blowout Preventers
2.2 Injector Head
The injector head is the mechanism which transfers the force necessary to inject, retract or
hold the tubing with precision control, while tripping into/out of the well. It is the main item
in the coiled tubing unit and comprises the following two parts:
• The Injector Drive
• The Tubing Guide (Gooseneck)
A Weight Indicator and Stripper / Packer is usually bolted to the injector sub frame, directly
underneath the drive chains.
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Indicator Pins:Shows
Shows Cutter Rams:
Rams: Cuts CT
Position of BOP Rams
Directs Returns Slip Rams:
Rams: Keeps CT from Moving
Flow Tee: Directs Returns
to Flowback Iron Tubing Rams:
Rams: Seals CT Annulus
2X2 Hamer Valve: Valve:
2X2 Hammer
Isolates
Isolates Flowback
Flowback Tubing Swedge:
Swedge: CT Wellhead
Adapter
Figure 9: Injector Head and BOP Components
Figure 10: Injector Head Assembly
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 11: Injector Drive Assembly
Figure 12: Gooseneck Assembly
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
The Injector Head grips the coiled tubing between profiled gripper blocks (sized for the tub‐
ing diameter) mounted on triplex chains which are hydraulically driven by two motors. There
are two types of chain used, “R” profile or “S” profile. Effectively, the chains grip the tubing,
the motors drive the chains.
Figure 13: Injector Drive Assembly close up,
showing drive chains
Figure 14: Gripper Blocks separate and Gripper Blocks attached to drive chain
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Hydraulic tensioning mechanisms maintain correct tension on the drive chains to prevent
crushing or slippage of the tubing. The gripper blocks are pushed against the tubing by hy‐
draulic pistons, and the tubing is generally “held” by at least 2 pairs of gripper blocks are hold‐
ing the tubing.
Figure 15: Gripper Blocks separate and Gripper Blocks attached to drive chain
Figure 16: Hydraulic Piston
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
The injectors’ pulling capacity is dependent on how much hydraulic pressure is applied to the
system, and which gear the system is in ( high or low). The hydraulic pressures are variable
and set by the Unit Operator. For example, one type of chain has a pulling capacity of 33,000
lbs when 3000 psi hydraulic pressure is applied. In addition the hydraulic drive motors have
brakes which will hold the tubing should the hydraulics fail.
Figure 17: Injector Head Hydraulics
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
The complete assembly is mounted in a subframe, one side of which is hinged and the other
rests on a load cell. The forces exerted by the action of the drive system and the tubing weight
are applied along the centre line of the tubing and cause the subframe to pivot. The compres‐
sion of the load cell registers the weight of coiled tubing and BHA via a weight indicator on the
control panel. Compression on the load cell due to increased tubing load or overpull on the
tubing by the injector will pressurise the fluid within it and this will be felt by the control
cabin by a positive deflection of the needle on the weight indicator. The reverse is when the
tubing is compressed downhole due to hole friction or downhole obstruction. This will lighten
the coiled tubing and thus give a negative deflection on the weight indicator.
Figure 18: Subframe Assembly
Figure 19: Injector Head Assembly being lifted onto Subframe
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 20: Injector Head Assembly positioned on Subframe. Reel and Coil being rigged up
To complete the injector equipment there is a roller guide and gooseneck located on top of the
main frame. This supports the tubing during its transition from motion along the vertical axis
of the wellhead to the horizontal axis of the storage reel, ensuring that the tubing is not exces‐
sively bent between the injector and the reel unit. They come in different radii, which coin‐
cides with the core radius of the reel drum. These range in sizes from 54" to 98" depending on
the diameter of the tubing. The gooseneck itself must then be secured properly to prevent the
guide from shifting around during the operation.
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 21: Two views of Gooseneck
During rig‐up it is vital that the gooseneck is properly installed
onto the injector head to maintain an arc for the coiled tubing.
Failure to do this may result in erroneous weight indicator
readings when running in hole.
Typical injectors are capable of exerting a maximum upward
pull or downward thrust on the tubing of 40,000 lb to 60,000
lb. Larger units are also available for use with the larger sizes
of coiled tubing.
Example Specifications:
Weight of Injector Head with 7800 lbs
Gooseneck
Speed (maximum with engine @ Low gear = 115 ft/min,
2000rpm and 90 gmp being High gear = 230 ft/min
pumped)
Pull (maximum with engine @ Low gear = 39,000lbs,
3000psi) High gear = 22,000lbs
Figure 22: Gooseneck Rollers and
tubing guide
2.3 Power pack
The Power Pack or Power Unit supplies hydraulic power to the coiled tubing unit. Most con‐
ventional units use a diesel engine (examples are Scania DN14 and Detroit 8V71 engines) to
power hydraulic pumps, which in turn drive the hydraulic motors in the injector head, tubing
reel and well control systems. The engine is independent to rig power and air systems. As an
alternative, electric motors may be used to drive the hydraulic power pack.
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 23: Skid Mounted Power Pack
Figure 24: Skid Mounted Power Pack, with Sound Suppression System
Mounted in the Power Pack are two nitrogen charged hydraulic accumulators, those provide
essential back up energy for the well control and auxiliary equipment, should the unit fail, or
have to be stopped for any reason. The accumulators are a standard bladder type, and should
retain the pre‐charged nitrogen pressure even in extreme circumstances.
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 25: Accumulators mounted in Power Pack Frame, next to air cooler for engine
Diesel engines fitted to coiled tubing reel units must be fitted with the following safety devices
to comply with hazardous zone 2 requirements (15 feet from wellhead):
• Anti‐static fan belts
• Exhaust spark arrester
• Explosion proof instrumentation
• Emergency shut down device
• Air or hydraulic starter
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Engines will shutdown automatically under conditions of High Temperature, Low Engine
Coolant, Low Oil Pressure, etc. These conditions are monitored by actuators which sense ei‐
ther pressure loss or temperature increases. The actuators are linked, via trip indicators on
the control panel, to the engine shut fuel shut off and the engine air intake. The whole system
is charged with low pressure air, and this 60psi of air pressure must be maintained to keep
the system form tripping. If the actuators operate they vent the air pressure, and hence trip
the system.
There are six systems typically supplied from the Power Packs:
1. Main Injector Circuit ‐ two hydraulic pumps at 60 gpm and 30 gpm. Supplies to Injec‐
tor Head motors at 3000psi.
2. Reel Circuit ‐ hydraulic power to reel motor only, variable to a maximum of 2000 psi /
16 gpm.
3. Levelwind Circuit ‐ the levelwind is the leadscrew assembly which spools the tubing
onto the drum, variable to 2500psi / 30 gpm.
4. BOP Circuit ‐ The blowout preventer (BOP) is hydraulically operated by oil stored in
an Nitrogen charged accumulator. A pressure controlled activator maintains the
charge in the accumulator, which when fully charged can typically operate the BOP
through two complete cycles (max 3000psi / 12 gpm). A hand pump is provided for
emergency operation.
5. Priority Circuit ‐ supplies the various controls and ancillary features of the CT unit.
Variable pressures up to 2000psi / 12 gpm.
6. Auxiliary Circuit ‐ for additional pieces of equipment that require hydraulic supply.
Preset up to 3000psi / 28 gpm.
Figure 26: Hydraulic Supply hoses from Power Pack
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Output pressure control valves are used to control the operation of the injector and reel, by
imposing a given oil pressure on the hydraulic motors. This is converted directly into a maxi‐
mum attainable torque. Adjustable relief valves on the injector drive circuit can be set to limit
pressure, restricting pull and thrust to a safe level. This is particularly important when operat‐
ing small or medium coil sizes in large size casing. In these instances critical buckling loads
may only be a few thousand pounds force.
The hose connectors on the majority of CT units are a quick connect type, know as a snaptite.
The two main injector hoses are slightly different in that they are threaded and have to be
screwed together. Both types of couplings have an integral poppet which prevents oil leakage
when disconnected.
Figure 27: Snaptite quick connectors
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
2.4 Control cabin
The control cabin is sited to provide a clear view of the wellhead, injector head and the tubing
reel. The CT operator controls all the equipment from within the Control Cabin using hydrau‐
lic pressure control valves.
Figure 28: Control Cabin exterior
Figure 29: Control Cabin interior
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
The valves are predominantly remote pressure valves, i.e. solenoid actuators and to the main
hydraulic control valves, the oil pressure and flow required. Relief valves on the main Injector
Drive circuit, are set to a predetermined pressure to restrict the tubing “Pull Value”. This
means that in the event of the tubing becoming stuck while pulling out of hole, the applied
torque will not exceed the tensile limit of the tubing.
The Control Cabin houses all the controls relevant to the operation, which include:
Figure 30: Main recording pressure gauges Figure 31: Main control which controls the
and related weight indicators direction and speed of the injec‐
tor, reel and spooler system
Figure 32: A Well Control System containing BOP Pressure and Operating Controls
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 33: Control Cabin Layout
All of the above systems are mounted within easy reach / view of the CT operator
• The main recording instrumentation generally includes:
• Hydraulic Pressure Gauges (injector traction cylinders, etc.)
• Tubing Depth Meter
• Tubing Load (Weight) Indicator
• Wellhead Pressure Gauge
• Power Pack Engine Temperature and Pressure Gauges
• Circulating (reel/pump) Pressure Gauge
• BOP Pressure Gauge
Control Cabins are becoming more complex with regard to electronic / digital displays and
monitoring. There is quite a difference in just 20 years between a basic Control Cabin (circa
1985) and a new computerised control Cabin (circa 2005)!
Figure 34: 20 Year evolution of the CT Control Cabin, the old!
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
Figure 35: 20 Year evolution of the CT Control Cabin, the new!
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
3 AUXILIARY SURFACE EQUIPMENT
Some examples of Auxiliary Surface Equipment are as follows:
3.1 Weight indicator
The two principle weight indicator systems include:
• Mechanical
• Electrical
The mechanical type is a side mounted load cell which works on the principle of transference
of hydraulic pressure.
The electrical type is a strain gauge load cell which may either be centrally or side mounted on
to the injector head.
The main check to be carried out before running in hole is to ensure that the weight indicator
is reading accurately. Once the injector head, complete with gooseneck and coiled tubing
stabbed on, is lifted onto the wellhead a check on the weight indicator can be made. When the
injector head is completely tied back and ready for operations, prior to the well being opened
up, the weight indicator should read the weight of the tool string only. The amount of coiled
tubing in the well is minimal at this stage and will not affect the weight reading. If the reading
is not correct at this point the error should be noted so that allowances can be made during
the operation (plus allowances for friction).
3.2 CT reel connectors
3.2.1 Coiled Tubing Collector (Slip Ring Joint)
During stiff wireline operations it is necessary to provide a means of communication from the
wireline, which is turning with the CT reel, to a fixed point. This is accomplished using a slip
ring joint (collector) fixed to the side of the CT reel. The collector consists of a series of
brushes that rotate with the reel whilst maintaining contact with a stationary conducting ring.
Connections from this ring are wired to a brass plug on the collector body, which enables di‐
rect communication from the BHA to the surface logging equipment.
3.2.2 Hydraulic Quick Connector (HQC)
Installed between the coiled tubing BOP and the stuffing box or riser, the HQC provides a safe
and easy method of injector rig‐up.
Using standard connection unions with the larger coiled tubing sizes can sometimes result in
the injector hanging off‐plumb, making stabbing unusually difficult. The HQC has been de‐
signed to allow stabbing of the injector with a 10° offset, as the standard HQC has an integral
guide to aid alignment of the mating connections.
The HQC has a mechanical latch mechanism which when fully connected provides positive
engagement on the locking dogs, as well as actuating an external indicator which shows
whether the equipment is correctly “stabbed” on. It is released by applying hydraulic control
pressure to the internal piston.
To minimise the overall height of the rig‐up, the HQC can be permanently mounted in place of
the quick union on the bottom of the stuffing box. This provision allows the HQC to be used
while only adding approximately 6" to the stack height. Alternatively, the HQC can be supplied
as a self contained unit with quick unions or flanges.
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
3.3 Depth measurement
Two typical types of depth counter systems include:
• Mechanical Counter
• Electronic Counter
3.3.1 Mechanical Counter
The measuring wheel of the depth odometer is rotated by frictional contact with the tubing as
it passes by, and is mounted on the spooling system of the reel unit. A read out on the control
panel is activated mechanically to provide the operator with the depth of the coiled tubing.
Depth odometers have sufficient accuracy for most jobs, however, their accuracy can suffer if
they are not well maintained (e.g. wheels not kept clean) or the coiled tubing surface is coated
with wellbore debris (sand, gas, asphaltenes, etc.). More importantly, if coiled tubing running
speeds (in or out of hole) are high, i.e. over 100 ft/min, this can cause the odometer wheel to
jump and give rise to depth errors. Accuracy may also be reduced in large bore, deviated com‐
pletions where the coiled tubing can corkscrew/buckle.
3.3.2 Electronic Counter
This counter is driven from a fixed point on the main drive of the injector head. The signal is
sent via a cable through a transducer to an electronic read‐out situated inside the control cab,
where the weight, running depth and feet per minute are recorded.
3.3.3 Depth Correction
Downhole forces such as the hanging weight, pressure and buoyancy will stress the coiled
tubing and cause it to stretch, while temperature changes will cause the tubing to expand or
contract. The following illustration gives a simple estimate of tubing stretch due to hanging
weight:
CT weight = 1.081 lbs/ft
CT depth = 10,000 ft
CT OD = 1.25"
CT ID = 1.076"
Modulus of Elasticity, E = 30 x 106
10, 000 1
Stretch @ 10,000ft = x (10,000 x 1.081) x
30x10 6 /4(1.252 ‐ 1.0762)
Depth
x (Force) x 1/Area
E
=11.34 ft
In addition, elongation due to temperature difference at the same depth (BHT of 180°F and
surface temperature of 55°F) will be 4.17 ft.
Similarly this method can be used for determining the “free point” should the CT become
stuck downhole. By measuring the stretch in the coil tubing due to a measured pull on the in‐
jector, the stress and hence stretched length can be determined.
For special applications requiring precision depth measurement, a tubing end locater can be
used to correlate coiled tubing depths with the known depth of the wireline entry guide at the
bottom of the production string.
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Round II Diploma –Year 1: CWI Section 10 Topic 1 – Coiled Tubing Surface Equipment
LEARNING SUMMARY
Having completed this topic, you must now be able to:
Describe what Coiled Tubing is.
Discuss the advantages of using Coiled Tubing.
Detail the surface components that make up the Coiled Tubing system.
Understand the operation of the Injector Head.
Describe the six systems supplied by the Power Packs.
Describe what recording instrumentation is contained within the Control Cabin.
Understand how to estimate tubing stretch.
26