ICoTA

International Coiled Tubing Association

presenta

An Introduction to Rolled Pipe

History, applications and benefits of rolled pipe

©Reserved rights about translation. International Petroleum, 2007.

What is Rolled Pipe (CT)? ______________________________________________3
Key elements in a CT unit ____________________________________
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Utilización de
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History
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Ct origin
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Evolución de los equipos de CT _____________________________________________ 10

The business
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Service Fleet
Growth CT________________________________________14 New Markets for CT / Field
Utilization ___________________________ 15
CT_______________________________________________ Service Providers 16
The pipe
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Raw material for CT_____________________________________________________
16 CT acero carbón en CT ___________________________________________21
manufacturing
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Repairs and splices

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Use in repairs and completion of pozos___________________________22

Common use in repairs of
pozos____________________________________22 Sand removal or filling of a
well___________________________________________ 22
Discharge of a well with nitrogen ______________________________________________ 23

Fracturing / Acidifying a formación______________________________________ 23

Drilling uses
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Non-directional wells
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Hidraúlica y fluidos del pozo ____________________

CTD sub balanceada ______________________________________________________ 27

Use in oleoductos____________________________________________________27
On the mainland
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Limitaciones_________________________________________________________________
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Permanent facilities
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Coastal flow lines Líneas de control
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What is Rolled Pipe (CT)?
Rolled pipe (CT) is defined as any continuously manufactured
tubular product in lengths that require it to be rolled into a reel
during the manufacturing process. The pipe is straightened before being inserted into the well and
re-rolled into the reel when removed. Diameters generally range from 0.75 to
4.0 inches, and are sold in single reels, in lengths exceeding 30,000
feet andsteels that have endured forces from 55,000 PSI to 120,000 PSI.

Key elements in a CT unit

The rolled CT unit consists of a complete set of equipment needed to perform standard activities in the
field, in continuous pipe operations. The unit consists of four basic elements:
• Reel: for the storage and transport of CT.
• Injection head: to supply on the surface the was necessary to insert and
remove the CT.
• Control cab: from which the equipment operator monitors and controls the CT.
• The power assembly: to generate the hydraulic and pneumatic power required to
operate the CT unit

Figure 1: A trailer-mounted CT unit and crane

Figure 2: Injection head
Figure 3: Reel
Figure 4: Control Cabin
Figure 5: Energy Set

Well control equipment

The appropriate well control equipment is another key component of CT operations, as most of these
operations are performed in the presence of wellhead pressures. Typical CT well control equipment
consists of a set of
BOP preventers with a pressure extraction element (stripper) in their toppart (CT units for high pressure
have two of these additional BOP elements and components). All components must be classified for
wellhead pressure and maximum possible temperatures for operation at the plannedrate.

The stripper (sometimes called "packing" or "packaging box") supplies the

main operational seal between pressure fluids in the well and the surface environment.
It is physically placed between the BOPs and the injection head. The stripper supplies a
dynamic seal around the CT during travel, and a static seal around the CT when
not in motion. The latest styles of the stripper are designed with a
side opening that allows easy access and removal of seal elements,
keeping the CT in place.
BOPs are placed under the stripper,and can also be used to control well pressure. A BOP system for CT
must be designed specifically for CT operations. It consists of several pairs of battering rams, with each
pair designed to
perform a specificrole. The number and type of battering pairs in a BOP is determined by the BOP
configuration, whether single, double or quadruple. A
quad system is generally used in most operations.

The four pairs of battering rams andpreventers, from top to bottom, and their associated
functions are:

Blind battering rams: seal the well when CT is outside the BOPs. Cutting rams:
used to cut CT.
Sliding battering rams: they hold the weight of the CT, hung below it (some are bidirectional and
prevent CT from moving upwards).
Pipe battering: seal around the CT that is hung.

Standard CT preventers are alsoequipped with two side openings, one to

each side of the seal battering rams, to balance the pressures. They also have an exit between the sliding
and cutting rams. This output can be used as a safe line to kill the well. BOP preventers are available in a
wide range of sizes, and generally follow API dimensions for flanges.

Advantages of CT
While the initial advantage of the development of the continuous rolled pipe was to be able to work in
active production wells, speed and economy have become the main
benefit in the use of the rolled pipe, as well as the tight spaces and shorter operating times in drilling and
repair operations.

Someof the key advantages associated with the use of CT technology are as follows:

• Safety and effectiveness to intervene in active wells.

• Rapid mobilization and assembly of equipment.
• Possibility to keep the well circulating while the pipe is inserted and removed.
• Decreased travel times, which means less loss of production.
• Reduction in the number of operators required.
• Costs can be significantly reduced.

The coiled pipe can also be used to place internal electrical and hydraulic conductors allowing
communications and the establishment of power functions between the well bottom elements (BHP) and
the surface. In addition, modern CT stringes provide sufficient stiffness and strength to be pushed or
removed along highly deviated or horizontal wells, which would be impossible to achieve with
conventionalcab-le units, or would be prohibitive, for cost, with threaded joint pipe.

Using CT in the field

The use of CT continues to grow beyond its employment in typical cleanliness and
stimulation with acid. This growth can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including advances in CT
technology and materials, as well as the growing emphasis on
wells with horizontal or highly deviated sections. The relationship of the uses of CT
(shown below) is provided as a "thought challenge" to create
additional operations, in which CT can be beneficial for future fieldwork.
campo.

Advanced uses
• Drilling with rolled pipe (CT).
• Fracturamiento.
• Underwater operations.
• Deep wells.
• Pipelines, pipelines, flow lines.

Routine uses
• Discharge of wells.
• Cleaning
• Acidifications or Stimulations
• Speed sartas
• Fishing operations
• Tool scrolling
• Well logging (real-time or memory)
• Settlement or recovery of plugs

History
The emergence of the coiled pipe into the oil industry was presented in the early 1960s, as a tool in the
process of maintaining and repairing wells.
While well work and repair utilization still cover 75% of CT uses, technical advances have increased the
use of CT in
both drilling and completion operations.

The abilityto do repair work on active wells was the key to driving the
development of CT. To achieve this achievement, three technical challenges have had to be overcome:

• A continuous duct capable of being inserted into the well (rolled pipe string)..
• A method to run and remove the CT string in and out of the well while
under pressure (injection head).
• A device capable of supplying a dynamic seal around the pipe
string (stripper or packing device). mpaquetamiento).

Origin of CT
Prior to the Allied invasion in 1944, British engineers developed
and manufactured very long and continuous pipes to transport fuel from England to continental Europe,
to supply the ejércitor allies. The project was called an operation "PLUTO", an
acronym for "pipe under the ocean" and involved the manufacture and placement of several
pipes under the English Channel. The success of manufacturing and winding a
flexible and continuous pipeprovided the basis for subsequent technical developments that
eventually led to the coiled pipe stringes used in today's
continuous pipe industry.
In 1962, the California Oil Company and Bowen Tools developed the first
fully functional in order to wash sand plugs
in the production pipe of the wells.

Initial CT teams
The first injection head operated under the beginning of two vertical chains that rotated
in opposite directions. This design is still used in most CT units. The
stripper was simply an annular sealing device that could be
hydraulically activated to seal around the pipe at relatively low wellhead
pressures. Initially the rolled pipe was manufactured with sections of 50 feet, of
1 3/8 inch external diameter, welded at its ends to a length of15,000 feet, rolled into a 9-foot-diameter
reel.

Evolution of CT teams
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, both the Bowen Tools and the Brown Oil Tools
continued to improve their designs to accommodate continuous pipes of up to 1
inch in diameter In the mid-1970s, more than 200 of the CT units
originally designed were in service. In the late 1970s, several fabricantes companies (Uni-Flex Inc., Otis
Engineering and Hydra Rig Inc.) also began to influence the design of improved injection heads.

CT sarta were also undergoing substantive improvements

during the same period. By the end of the1960s CT services were dominated by
pipe sizes of an inch or less, and in relatively short pipe blocks. Pipe diameters
and their length were limited by the mechanical properties of the
available manufacturingprocesses.

Initial CT operations experienced multiple failures due to inconsistency in pipe quality and the large
number of
stop welds required to obtain the appropriate length of the string. However, at the falesinales of the
1960s, pipe
stringes were being manufactured in much larger lengths, with fewer stop welds per string.
During this period, the properties of steel also improved. These changes, and improvements
associated with the reliability of the CT pipe string, contributed greatly to the continued growth of the CT
industry.

Currently, it is common for CT stringes to be made up of manufactured pipes that do not

requires welds. Additionally, CT diameters have continued to increase to
keep pace with the resistance requirements associated with new market demands.
It is not uncommon for CT diameters up to 2 7/8 inch to be available
for routineones.

It is clear that the CT industry has continued to make advances that have opened new
markets for the use of technology. This progress has made CT an even more attractive solution in early
applications.
Fig. 6: Modern CT equipment, in a location on land

Fig. 7: Inside a control booth of a modern CT unit.

Fig. 8: Disassembled CT unit for ground transportation

Fig. 9: CT operations from an elevated boat.

Fig. 10. CT operations from a barge.
Fig. 11: CT operations on a costa Rican platform.

The business
The rolled pipe industry continues to have one of the highest growths in the services sector of the oil
industry and for good reason. Growth has been driven by continuous technological advances, an
attractive cost economy and the possibility of using CT for a growing list of operations in the field. The
rolled tuberis now a multi-billion dollar global industry and is part of the
fundamental technologies for energy resource extraction.

The potential advantages associated with CT are typically driven bythe fact that
a repair drill is not required (with its associated costs), by the high speed in
travel with the CT pipe entering and removing it from the wells, and because CT
operations are designed to be executed with pressure inside the well. Eliminating the requirement to kill
the well can be a determining factor in the decision to use CT in a
particular operation in the field, as it reduces the risks of causing damage to the formation.

Fleet growth ofCT vices

As of August 2005, it was estimated that just over
1060 CT units were available around the world. The total number of units working had grown vertically
from
approximately 850 units reported in February 2001. Atthe very time, the
international market has at its disposal an approximate fleet of 556 CT units. Canada and the
United States are estimated to contribute an additional 254 and 253 units,
respectively. These figures are continuously increasingas indicated by reports
of new work orders.
Fig. 12: Global distribution of CT units.

New markets for CT/ Use in the field

CT first established its niche as a cost-effective cleaning tool. In
recent years, these conventional well cleaning and acid
stimulation work covered more than three-quarters of total CTrevenue. However,
the use of CT has continued to expand as it is adopted for use
in additional field operations. More recently, fracturing and drilling have
emerged as the two highest growing areas. Revenues from these two
CT uses have grown from near zero ten years ago, to about 15% in
recent years.
Fig. 13: Truck loaded with a 1 1/4 inch CT unit with hydraulic telescopic liftfor quick installation.

CT service providers
The CT market is dominated by three large service
companies, which have control of almost 60% of the total market. The market is also covered by
numerous
CT service providers. In regional bases, there are more than 30 typical CT
service companies in the international market. Canada is served by more than 35 companies and theUnited

States for more than 25.

The pipe
The manufacture of CT involves several steps. The following is a vision of the key components involved
in the manufacturing process.

• Raw material for CT.

• Manufacture of CT.
• Mechanical behavior of THE CT.
• Design of a CT string.
• CT inspection tools.
• Repairs and joints.
• Alternatives to steel and coal in CT.

Raw material for CT

All the rolled pipe used today begins as large rolls of sheet
low carbon steel alloy. Rolls can be up to 55 inches wide and weigh
more than 24 tons. The sheet length on each roll depends on the weightof it and
varies from 3,500 feet for a gauge of 0.087 inches, to 1,000 feet for a caliber of
0.250 inches.
CT manufacturing
At the end of 2003, two companies supplied all the steel used for CT in the
oil industry. Quality Tubing, Inc. (QTI) and Precision Tube Technology (PTT) had both manufacturing
facilities in Houston. The first step in the manufactureof the pipe was to cut flat strips of the steel sheet
roll, and this step was usually performed by a company specialized in the operation. The thickness of the
strip established the thickness of the CT wall, and the width of the strip determined the externalOD
diameter of the finished CT.

The steel strips were then sent to the steel mill for the next step in the process of
Manufacturing. The steel mill uses diagonal welds to join
the flat strips to form a single continuous strip of the desired CT string length. The mechanical
properties of diagonal
welds almost matched those of the original strips in welded conditions, and
the weld profile evenly distributed the stresses over a large CT length. The
CTabrica then uses a series of rollers to gradually convert the flat strip into a
round tube. The final set of rollers binds the two sides of the strip forcibly inside
a high-frequency induction welding machine that melts both sides into one
continuous longitudinal welding seam. This welding procedure does
not use any filler material, but leaves a small amount of steel (welding highlight) a on both
sides of the strip.

The factory removes excess external steel with a lime tool that supplies
a smooth external diameter. The weld seam is subsequently standardized using
highly localized induction heat. The soldering seams are then allowedto
cool down before cooling it with water. A
full tube inspection with hed currents, or ultrasonic inspection of welding,
is also performed, depending on the steel mill installations. The pipe is then passed through the size
rollers, which
slightly reduce the OD to maintain the specific diameter tolerances of the
Manufacturer. A complete stress release treatment is carried out
to impart to steel, the desired mechanical properties. After being rolled into the
shipping reel, the CT string is pressure washed to remove any loose material from the
finished CT string.

Mechanical behavior of the coiled pipe

The mechanical behavior of the rollpipe is fundamentally different from all
other tubular products used in the oil industry due to THE CT plastically deforming
with normal use. The plastic deformation of the materials imparts fatigue to the
CT string and the fatiga continues to accumulate during the life of the string, until the time
that cracks develop, which may result in the failure of the string. Plastic
deformation can be described as a deformation that remains after the load I
caused is removed. (fatigue can be defined as a failure under a repeated load, or
variable load, which never reaches a sufficient level to cause a
single utilization failure).

For standard CT operations, the tube deforms plastically

when straightened out of the reel at point 1 as seen in Figure 14, below. Then it curves at the point
2 as it moves towards the guide arc and is straightened back at point 3, as it moves towards the injection
head and enters the well. The CT string is then plastically deformed
at the same three points when removed from the well.
Figure 14: Deformation points.

CT service providers use fatigue simulation and fatigue simulation software systems
data acquisition to track the history of the CT string operation while it is being used in the field. This
operational history allows the
life of the CT string to be monitored, and replace the string before it is lacking. Figure 15 is an
example screenshot of a fatigue simulation program, which shows the amount of life of a CT that has
been used during two down-well operations.

Figure 15: Fatigue simulation program for CT.

CT sarta design
The length of a CT on a reel varies according to diameter. By comparison, a
Small reel can only contain about 4000 feet of 2 7/8 inch pipe, but can contain 15000 feet of 1 1/2 coiled
pipe.

A properly designed string must meet the

following attributes for the planned operation.

• Enough mechanical strength to safely withstand the combination of forces that

imposes the work.
• Proper rigidity to be run into the well to the required depth and or push
with proper force.
• Light weight to reduce logistics problems and total cost.
• Maximum working life.

Optimizing the design of a CT string to

simultaneously meet the criteria shown above for a given CT operation requires a sophisticated CT
simulator and
numerous iterations with the proposed string designs. The CT stringes
designed in this way usually contain multiple sections of different wall thicknesses.
These are called "variable thickness scales", with the thickness varying not necessarily in
a gradual way from thick to thin (from the superi or partto the bottom). Instead, the
thickness of the wall varies depending on the position in the string. However, the outer diameter of the
string remains constant.

The simplest method for designing a CT string takes into account only the wall thickness required at a
given point for the required mechanical strength and total weight of the string. This method assumes that
the CT string with the ends open ishung
vertically in a fluid, with the floating weight of the pipe being the only force that is
acting on the string. Starting at the lower end of the string and working
upwards, the designer selects the wall thickness at the top of each section that supplies sufficient stress
force at that site.

CT inspection tools
In addition to practical reasons for determining whether a CT string can passsafety through surface
equipment and can be properly sustained by the injector, real-time measurements of pipe geometry
are crucial in preventing disastrous failures. To determine the capacity of a CT string for a scheduled
operation, you must determine whether:

1. Efforts on the pipe wall caused by pressure and

axial forces shall exceed the yielding effort of the material, and
2. Accumulated fatigue in any segment of the stringexceeds a
predetermined safety limit during the course of operation.

The geometry of the pipe has a direct and significant effect on these two points.

Various tools capable of measuring the external geometry of CT have beenused

in the industry. These tools measure the OD of the pipe at several radii of a
given cross section to determine the ovality and diameter of the CT. More recently, they have been
Used several "full body" CT inspection tools with
the ability to detect pipe wall imperfections, as well as supply wall
thickness and geometry measurements. Actualti-in
inspection systems are being used in offshore operations to ensure the total integrity of the coiled pipe.

Repairs and splices

The only acceptable method for repairing mechanical or corrosion damage to a CT string is to remover
the affected pipe section and reattach the
ends with a temporary or permanent splice.

A temporary splice consists of a mechanical connection that forms a tube-to-

Tube. This type of connection is not generally used in prolonged operationsduring a CT job, but as an
emergency repair to allow a CT string to be removed from the well.

However, connector technology continues to evolve and there are certain

situations where they are worth using. There are usually three types of connectors,
including staples, fixing/dimple screws, and bearing connectors. The selection of the connector is based
on the particular operation that will be carried outar, since each type incorporates unique
characteristics that best adapt it to a given use.

Only, stop welds are possible for welded repairs in the field in CT stringes, preferable the TIG welding
method for permanent repairs on CT workboxes.
The low heat inlet and slow deposition rates in this technique make it ideal for use with CT.

The best welding does not have 50% of the fatigue life of the virgin pipe.

Coastal limitations of weight and space

CT operations on many offshore platforms are restricted
by crane hoistingcapacity as well asspace and load limitations on the deck. A CT-loaded reel
is generally the heaviest component of the CT system. Several
solutions to address this point have been successfully implemented in the field,
including:

1. Dismantlethe CT equipment in as small and light loads as possible, and reassemble

the equipment on the platform.
2. Cut the CT string into sections, roll the sections into more load reels
lift these reels onto the platform and then reconnect them on the same platform.
3. Use barges and structures with heavy-duty
cranes to lift all CT equipment on the platform
4. Hoist the CT unit, without the CT string on the platform. Then roll the
CT string into the work reel from another cargo reel from another boat.
5. Install only the CT injector on the head, leaving the CT reel and the others
CT unit ona barge, workboat, or floating crane placed next to the platform.

The first four options can be used when the lifting

capacity of the crane is the factor that controls. Option 2 has beensuccessfully used many times in the
North
Sea, and requires high-quality welding services to be available. Options 3 to
5 require more equipment and personnel compared to typical CT operations, with the
consequent increase in the cost of the operation. Option 3 is only used occasionally due to its high
cost and shortage of floating cranes.

Extension of CT operations cover - well bottom tracks

In some uses, such as wells with very long horizontal sections, the resistance
Inherent CT may not be suitable for the task being performed at the well bottom, or the CT string may get
stuck and prevent it from reaching the desired depth.

In many cases, these points can be overcome and CT operations can be

successfully complete with the addition of a well bottom caterpillar to the CT string. The caterpillar can
push or pull the end of the CT string, allowing it to
successfully reach the sought depth or to apply the required force down into the well (e.g. operate a
sliding window).

The caterpillars areinstalled at the well bottom end of the CT string. Several designs of
Tracks provide the ability to pull or push the end of the pipe into the well under the direction of a computer
control system from the surface. Some caterpillars exercise up to 11,000 lbs. force to push or pull the CT
string, and can operate at speeds of up to 30 feet per minute.

Alternatives to coal steel in CT

Conventional carbon steel in CT is more than adequate to meet requirements in
most field operations. However, some corrosive environments at the
bottom of the well recommend the use of improved CT materials. QT- 16Cr is a new corrosion resistant
alloy
(CRA) that was developed specifically for
long-lasting exposure to humid environments with CO 2. The QT-16Cr was commercially
introduced in early 2003, and more than 30 string of pipe was in service a yearlater.
Many of the initial uses were for permanent installations such as speed tartars
in environments containing wet CO2 and saline conditions. They have been installed
at depths greater than a 18,000 feet.

The commercial appeal of the QT-16Cr goes beyond its favorable corrosion resistance characteristics. The
material has also exhibited an improvement in
abrasion resistance (approximately 1/4 material loss vs. the well-known45 HRC steel read) as well as has
demonstrated a better fatigue life cycle when compared to its carbon steel equivalent. This data indicates
that this material may be an excellent
candidate for future use in CT.

The HS-80-CRA is another CRA material that is being developed to be used in

well bottom completions in H2S and CO2environments. This product is a thin duplex material welded with
laser. Initial tests indicate that it has very good corrosion resistanceperformances in H2S or CO2
environments. 2.

Another alternative to steel for the manufacture of CT is a compound made of fibers

included in a resin matrix. Fibers, usually glass and charcoal,become
around an extruded thermoplastic tube (pressure barrier) and saturated with a resin,
like the epoxy. Heat or UV radiation is used to cure the
resin as the tube moves along the assembly line. Composite pipe can be manufactured with a
wide range of behavioral characteristics by changing the combination of fibers, the
orientation of its stringing, and the properties of the resin on the matriz. The first app
commercial for composite CT was in three speed boxes placed in the Netherlands in mid-1998.

Factories have also built small amounts of CT using titanium or steel

unso oxidable for highly corrosive environments, but the high cost of these materials has
severely limited use. Titanium was thoroughly researched for
this use, but is very difficult to weld and costs about 10 times more than coalsteel.

Use in repairs and completion of wells

CT pipe is routinely used as an economical solution in the repair of
Wells. The key advantage of CT in this utilization is the ability to maintain continuous circulation through CT
while using pressure control equipment to treat an active well. This prevents the potential training damage
associated with
well kill operations. The ability to circulate with CT also allows the use offlow-activated tools or
hydraulically.

Other key features of the coiled pipe for use in well repairs
include the inherent stiffness of the CT string. This rigidity allows access to highly deviated/horizontal wells
and the ability to apply tensile or compression forces to the
well bottom. Additionally, CT allows much faster travel times than thread pipe operations.

Common use in well repairs

Some of the most common uses in well repair are listed below.

Review of uses in repair of selected wells

Pumping uses Mechanical uses

• Remove sand or filling from the well. • Sentar un tapón o empaque.
• Fracture/acidification of a • Fisheries.
Training. • Cannon.
• Unload a well using • Records.
nitrogen. • Removal of inlays
Empaquetamientos with burden. (mechanical).
• Cut tubularusing fluids. • Cut pipes (mechanical).
• Pump grouts. • Operation of sliding windows.
• Isolate zones (to control • Run a complete.
production profiles). • Mounting to isolate multiple zones.
• Removal of inlays. • Drill.
• Removal of wax plugs,
hydrocarbons and carbohydrates.

Removing sand or fillings from a well

Removing sand or fillings from a well is the most common CT operation. The
process receives several names, including sandlifting, sandblasting, sand cleaning and
filling removal. The goal of this process is to remove any acumulation of
solid particles in the well. These materials impede fluid flow and reduce
well productivity. In many cases, the use of CT is the only viable way to remove a fill from a well. The
filling includes materials such as forming sand or fine, displacement fluid reflux or removal in a fracturing
operation, and failures in
gravel packaging.

The typical procedure involved in this use is the circulation of a fluid through the CT
while slowly penetrating the filling with a jet nozzle placed at the end
of the CT string. This action causes the filler material to enter the
flow of circulantefluid, and is subsequently transported out of the well through the CT ring
or production pipe. When a consolidated fill is presented, the procedure
may require the help of a well and drill bottom motor, or impact drilling.

An alternative approach to removing a filler is to

pump inwards by the CT annular/production pipe and allow returns to be carried to the surface inside
the
CT string. This procedure, calledreverse circulation, can be very
useful for removing large amounts of particles such as well fracturing sand.
It can also be used when a particular configuration avoids enough annular
speed to lift the filler material. Reverse circulation is appropriate only in
dead wells.

Discharge from a well with nitrogen

The process of unloading a well with nitrogen using CT is a fast and economically effective method for
recovering sustained production. A typical field
scenario consists of a well that has developed a fluid column with sufficient
hydrostatic pressure that prevents the fluid from the reservoir from flowing into the well. The despingof
part of this fluid accumulated within the well with nitrogen reduces the hydrostatic head, and this
reduction in well bottom pressure (BHP), allows the reservoir fluid to flow
naturally back into the well. If thewell conditions are favorable
(pressure, fluid phase mixing, and flow rate), well production will continue
after nitrogen injection is discontinued.

The rate and depth of nitrogen injection can be adjusted to meet a wide range of field conditions. The
procedure also provides an early source of production of un contaminated samples (oil, training water)
and the procedure is extremely operationally simple, as only a small amount of equipment and a limited
number of staff are needed.

Fracturing/Acidifying a formation
This use of CT has experienced a significant or significant growthin recent years and offers several
advantages over conventional training treatment techniques In particular, the
coiled pipe provides the ability to
mobilize and remove equipment from the well (or reposition it quickly)when multipleareas are being
fractured into a single well. CT
also allows the treatment fluid to be fractured or precisely placed to ensure
full coverage of the area of interest. When used in conjunction with appropriate
dispersion technology, more uniform treatment is achieved in very wide target areas. This
is particularly important in horizontal wells. Upon completion of the
training treatment operation, CT can be used to remove any sand cap used inthe
treatment process and lift the well to be put into production.

One of the previous concerns in CT fracturing

was the erosion effects that occurred when the conveyor fluid was pumped in those CT
fracture and the resulting impact effect on CT string life. An ultrasonic calibrator (UT) is used today to
measure the thickness of CT during work. The data from theseUT meas can be used to adjust THE CT
fatigue models and to accurately monitor the remaining life of the CT string.

Drilling uses
Drill rolled pipe (CTD) has been used commercially for several years and can provide significant economic
benefits when used in appropriate field conditions. In addition to cost benefits, CTD can provide the
following additional benefits:

• Safe and effective pressure control.

• Shorter travel time (more than 150 pee/min.
• Weight and reduced trajectory.
• Reduced assembly and disassembly time.
• Less environmental impact.
• Less personal.
• High-speed telemetry (optional).

In general, CTD can be divided into two main categories, namely in wells
directional and non-directional. Non-directional wells use a fairly conventional drilling assembly in
combination with a well bottom motor. Directionalperfo rationing
requires the use of orientation devices to direct the well path, according to the scheduled plan. CTD can
also be segmented in use in balanced and subbalanced drilling. The design and selection of CTD bits
follows the same theory used in conventional rotary drilling.

However, CTD generally uses higher bit speeds and

lower weight on the bit as a result of structural differences in CT vs. CT. screwed pipe.

Non-directional wells
Non-directional wells represent the highest utilization of CTD. These are defined
such as wells that lack background tools to control steering, tilt and azimuth. Most CTD work done so far
involves shallow gas wells in Canada, but it has also been used in shallow water injection wells and "finish"
operations. A main advantage of using the
CTD is the speed in assembly and disassembly operation and the
continuous drilling rate (no delays in adding the screwed pipes).

Most CTD work has been done on smaller gap sizesis seven inches, but wells up to 13 3/4 inch have been
successfully drilled. As in conventional drilling, drill bottles can be used in wells at reduced angles to
controlthe shapeof the inclination and apply the weight on the drill bit when using CTD.

Directional wells
This type of CTD application uses an orientation device in the CTD assembly
(BHA) to control the trajectory asdesired. The CTD application may
include new wells, extensions, deviations through existing completes,
horizontal drainage wells, and other deviations where completion devices are
pulled. However, the primary use of CTD for directional wells is directional drilling within new target
reservoirs, from existing hollows.

Directional drilling with CT has fundamental differences compared to conventional rotary drilling
techniques. One of these basic differences is the need for an orientation device to control the well path, as
the pipe cannot
rotate. Orientation devices control the direction of the gap byrotating a deviated elbow in a particular
orientation (on the well wall) or by controlling the side load on the bit to push the assembly in that
particular direction. This control over the BHA provides dimensional control forthe use of CTD.

A directional tool is used to measure the tilt,

azimuth, and orientation of the tool face. In addition, there are two basic types of guiding tools for
directional drilling with CT. The first type is the electrical orientation tools that
are used in conjunction with a cable inside the CT to transmit the information to the
surface. The second type is pulse-driven steering tools through
the sludge. These tools transmit the data to the surface generating pressure
pulses in the sludge.

In addition to guidance and steering devices, some BDs used in CTD are equipped with measurement
tools including gamma rays, liner joint locators, acceleration meters (shock load meters), pressures
(internal and ring) and weight on the drill bit.

Hydraulics and well fluids

There are some key fluid design parameters, which should
be considered when using CT in contrast to traditional rotary drilling. For example, all
CT operations require fluids to travel through all of the pipe
string regardless of the actual depth of the drill. Additionally, friction pressure losses
in the CT on the reel are considerably greater than in straight
pipe. Therefore, for optimal hydrophilicbehavior, the drilling fluid must
behave as a low viscosity fluid as long as it remains inside the pipe and
as a high viscosity fluid in the annular space (for effective cutting removal).

Another key differenceassociated with CTD is the absence of rotation in the pipe while drilling. The
threaded pipe is rotated during
conventional drilling operations and this movement helps maintain the drilling cuts in suspensewithin
the drillingfluid, in a way that allows it to be lifted to the surface. Since the pipe does not rotate when
CTD is being used, cleaning the gap can be more
complicated in wells with high or horizontal deviation. This efecto is partially exceeded with the size of
the cuts produced with CTD (higher RPM, lower weight on the bit). Additionally, special pseudo-elastic
fluids have been developed for CTD, which
vary rheology according to local cutting rate, for example, it becomes more viscous in the annular space
(lower rate) to improve the suspension of the cuts.

CTD overbalanced
As in conventional well drilling
operations, drilling fluid is used to controlsubsurface p-de-damage and CTD drilling fluid systems are
generally reduced versions of conventional systems.
Conventional well control principles are used with the exception that the CT string limits the
flow rate, and friction losses vary relative to the pipe in and out of the reel.
Figure 16: Mast of a CT drill unit and substructure for 5 1/2 inch CT.
CTD sub balanceada
To date, most CTD activity has been in re-entry operations, but
new wells can also benefit from this approach, which is ideal for use in
subbalanced drilling due to its inherent well control system. Additionally,
the subbalanced "finish" is a variation of subbalanced drilling, widely used
in Canada, and that is gaining acceptance in other areas. For finishing
operations, a persuaded onal drill is used to drill to the top of the reservoir and the liner pipe is
run. From that point, CTD is used to drill inside the
reservoir with subbalanced drilling techniques. This technique tries to level the
pective resistancesof the two drilling approaches. Conventional drilling can
be faster (less expensive) in larger diameters, non-producing intervals in
drilling at the top of the well, while CTD subbalanced drilling is
faster (less expensive) at producing intervals. CTD is
also better prepared for the management of pressure and hydrocarbons produced by the producing range.

Use in pipelines
CT can be used as an effective toolfor numerous uses in hydrocarbon transport pipes, including:

• Transport of inspection tools.

• Remove organic deposits and hydrate caps.
• Remove sand or fillers.
• Place a smaller diameter patch or pipe to repair small leaks.
• Place temporary plugs.

On the mainland
Ct mainland operations in pipelines are similar to operations in
horizontal wells with a fewnotableexceptions. First, the injection
head must supply the force needed to introduce CT during drilling. The lack of a
vertical SECTION of CT means that the weight of the CT section is not available to push the CT
hciainfront. Second, the injection head must be oriented horizontally
at the entrance of the pipeline. This requires a special mounting structure and injector that
will operate efficiently while the pipe is settling from that side. Finally, the
injection head is needed to force the CT into the pipeline during operation
complete, and therefore, the weight measurement device (weight cell) must be configured for
accurate measurement of thrust forces.

Costafuera
CT operations in pipelines from a offshore platform are similar to those
operations in long-range wells that start at shallowdepths. The main difference is that the CT trajectory
between the injector and the duct at the bottom of the sea
includes several short radius curvatures. These curvatures imply a very high drag force and increase the
required thrust force andthe CT injector. Since the CT injector must force it into the pipeline for most of
the time of the run operation phase, the weight measurement device (weight cell) must be configured
for apre-straight measurement of the thrust forces.

Limitations
Regardless of the operating environment (mainland vs. costafuera),
a rear buckling lock of the pipe is the main limiting factor for pipeline operations. The
blocking limits both the horizontal range of the CT within the pipeline as well as the maximum
available force that can be transferred by the CT.

Additionally, the radial clearance between the CT and the conductive pipeline is generally much larger than
when compared to standard well operations. This
effectively reduces the critical force required at the bottom of the well to helically pan CT. Also, pipelines
generally have an internal coating of viscous or wax high-mine oil thatsignificantly increases the pipe's
sliding friction coefficient. This drag resistance can also reduce the length of CT that can be pushed into the
pipeline before it is panned.

Decreaseddrag force limitations on pipelines

A normal approach to reducing drag forces in CT in operations
conventional is the use of friction-modifying liquids, to reduce the coefficient of friction between the pipe
and the well hole. This technique can be used in
pipeline operations and can supply a sufficient window of operation to
perform the desired operation.

Another typical approach used to counteract the drag force of CT in pipelines is

to add "skates" to the CT string at regular intervals. A skate resembles a
rigid centralizer or stabilizer, with a bearing at the end of each arm (blade).
The skates serveto provide support to the CT and prevent it from being dragged into the
pipeline. This effectively converts bearing friction-sliding
drag friction. It is not uncommon with this approach to reduce the effective coefficient of friction by
75%, allowing the pipe to be pushed much further into the pipeline without
experiencing locking.

In addition to the use of skates, hydraulic

"impellers" can be used to reach the desired length within the pipeline. The impeller consists of
pressure jets directed in the opposite direction to the desired direction of the pipe movement.
This action applies a stress force and acts literally pushor CT string along
the pipeline. Impeller service providers claim that the combination
of impellers and skates allows CT operations to be carried out on
horizontal pipelines up to a distance of five miles from the injection headsite.

Permanent facilities
There are multiple permanent CT facilities that go beyond their use in
pipelines or pipelines presented in the previous sections. These uses include flow lines, speed sartas, and
control lines.

The largest market for CT is flow lines and pipeline

installations for hydrocarbon transport. Speed stringes are the final destination for many used CT
stringes. And control lines are the largest market for small diameter
CT pipes.
Figure 17: 4 1/2 inch offshore flow line in the Gulf of Suez.

Coastal flow lines

In permanent installations, CT can be used as
a flow line between the different coastal structures. The installation costs of a CT for this use are
generally
much lower than those of conventional welded tubería
installations placed with barges. Previous case studies have certified economies greater than 50%.
Additionally, the lower roughness inside the CT flow lines provides less
frictional pressure loss than pipes with equivalent-sized joints.
A
15-20% reduction in pressure losses (H.P. of pumps) has been reported with
CT flow lines. This represents an additional economic benefit in the form of
lower operating and maintenancecosts.

The longest CT flow line installed until 2000 was 4 1/2 inches OD. Without
However, CT suppliers have manufactured shorter pipes in up to 6 5/8 inches OD for this use.

Individual sections of flu jo linescan be connected mechanically (using

slip-type) or welded connections, the latter being the most common.
"Total diameter" plug connections can be installed and inspected in CT factories. When installed, the joint
needs only one weld and inspection on each new
reel to be added to the flow line. This approach reduces installation time and the total diameter does
not obstruct future flow orcontrol of pig inspection.

Speed sartas
The use of speed chips is a common practice, especially in gas wells
Exhausted. The purpose of these permanent facilities is to reduce the area of
surface-available production, within the production pipe, in such a way that the gas being produced has
enough energy to drag to the surface any amount of liquids produced. Reduced diameter speed sartas
(OD < 2 in.) are often manufactured with used CT string pipe.

A hydraulic well bottom simulator is often used

to estimate the behavior of the string within a range of expected operating conditions. This
simulationcan
help design a speed string that maximizes well production. However,
for these depleted wells, the selection of CT size and
installation tools may depend heavily on the pre-cios and availability of used CT pipes.
usadas de CT.

Control lines
CT is often used as a hydraulic control line
connection between different production facilities and seabed equipment. Each typical installation
requires
several control installations. As a result, the different lines are grouped as
a single umbilical line to reduce installation costs and make the system more
robust. The Deepstar industrial project developed the umbilical control line as shown in
Figure 18. It consists of four separate lines, 3/4 inch in a CT
string surrounded by insulation and subsequent protected by two layers ofreinforced wire.
Approximately 33,000 feet of this control line were installed in the North Sea in
1995.

Figure 18: Control line (umbilical) developed by Deepstar

Nomenclature
BHA: Well bottom set.
BHP: Well bottom pressure.
BOP: Resning preventers.
CRA: Corrosion resistant alloy. CT: Rolled
pipe.
CTD: Drilling with rolled pipe.
HRC: "Hardness" value, determined byrockwell C. OD duration test: External
diameter.
TIG: Tungsten Inert Gas. UT:
Ultrasonic thickness.