Since coiled tubing is a versatile tool that finds numerous applications in the oil and gas industry, there are diverse applications of coiled tubing that help the drilling procedure to be done easier. Circulating, pumping, coiled tubing drilling, production, logging and perforating commonly apply coiled tubing.
1.Circulation
Coiled tubing is a beneficial tool for circulation in well interventions due to its continuous length ability to navigate complex wellbores. In some cases, the flow of formation fluids in a well may be impeded by the weight of a hydrostatic head. To restore the flow, coiled tubing can be inserted into the wellbore allowing production to resume.
2.Pumping
Another common application of coiled tubing is for pumping operations in oil and gas wells to deliver various fluids and treatments. It is employed in applications such as hydraulic fracturing, well stimulation, cementing, acidizing, and nitrogen purging.
To initiate pumping, the coiled tubing is connected to a surface pumping unit or a dedicated pumping system. Fluids are then pumped down the coiled tubing string, which is inserted into the well. The continuous length of coiled tubing enables uninterrupted pumping, ensuring a consistent and controlled flow rate.
3.Coiled Tubing Drilling
As the name conveys, coiled tubing can be employed for Coiled Tubing Drilling (CTD) operations that involve utilizing a coiled tubing string as a drill pipe to carry out drilling tasks in oil and gas wells.
In Coiled Tubing Drilling, the coiled tubing is inserted into the well and equipped with a bottom hole assembly that comprises a drill bit. The coiled tubing is then rotated and pushed into the rock formation, enabling the drill bit to cut through the rock and establish a wellbore.
4.Logging and Perforating
Coiled tubing is specifically employed in logging operations to lower specialized tools and instruments into the wellbore, enabling the collection of data for evaluating subsurface formations.
These tools, including logging tools and sensors, are connected to the coiled tubing string and utilized to measure formation pressure, temperature, fluid composition, and rock properties. The acquired data aids in assessing reservoir characteristics and making informed decisions regarding production strategies.
5.Production
Coiled tubing can be employed in production operations to support a range of activities to maximize well productivity. One prevalent application involves well stimulation, where fluids, chemicals, or proppants are injected through the coiled tubing string into the well. This process enhances the performance of the reservoir, leading to an increase in hydrocarbon production.