Coiled Tubing (CT) in Oilfield Services: An Overview

The term coiled tubing (CT) is crucial in the oilfield services industry, particularly for drilling and completion services. It is a long, continuous length of pipe that is wound on a spool and can be precisely manipulated within a wellbore. Unlike traditional drill strings, which are made of multiple sections that require joining, coiled tubing is a seamless and continuous pipe that can be readily deployed into a well for various operations.

Understanding Coiled Tubing (CT)

Coiled tubing (CT) is a drum-shaped coil of thin pipe that can extend for many hundreds of feet. This unique structural design allows it to be used for a wide range of drilling, completion, and intervention services in the oil and gas industry, including geothermal applications.

Usage of Coiled Tubing (CT)

CT is renowned for its versatility and precision. It is commonly used for well intervention activities, such as hydraulic fracturing (fraccing), wellbore cleaning, wireline operations, and more. The continuous nature of the pipe minimizes installation time, which is particularly advantageous in deep wells where traditional jointing methods are time-consuming.

Key Features of Coiled Tubing (CT)

Seamless and continuous pipeline High precision placement for treatments at specific depths Reduced installation time due to no need for jointing Flexibility in handling for various applications

Coiled Tubing in Oilfield Operations

In the context of oilfield services, coiled tubing (CT) is often the preferred method for performing well interventions. It can be delivered to the well via a special reel on a truck-mounted winch, unwinding and feeding the CT through a downhole drilling assembly, typically using a blowout preventer (BOP).

As an example, consider the current operations at the Cuadrilla fracking site in Preston New Road, Lancashire, England. At this site, coiled tubing is being used for various fracturing services. The long, thin pipe running diagonally from the right side of the image is the CT, which is being fed into the well via a gooseneck and a BOP housed in a blue tower. This setup is crucial for precise placement and delivery of fracturing fluids at the desired depths.

These operations highlight the importance of coiled tubing in modern oilfield services. Given its versatile nature and time-saving advantages, it is no wonder that companies like Schlumberger often provide CT services for such operations.

Conclusion

In summary, coiled tubing (CT) is an indispensable tool in the oilfield services sector. Its continuous and seamless design, combined with its ability to perform precise operations, makes it a preferred choice for various drilling and intervention activities. As the oil and gas industry continues to evolve, the role of coiled tubing in enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness is likely to remain significant.