Coiled Tubing Roller Set Centralization for Extended Reach Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coiled tubing (CT) insertion into horizontal wells is challenging due to friction and buckling issues, leading to lock-up phenomena, which complicates deep well access and is costly and inefficient, especially in extended reach wells.
Innovation Solution
An automated roller set assembly system is used to centralize coiled tubing by attaching roller sets to the CT, which includes magnetic components and guide cables for secure attachment, allowing the CT to reach deep into the wellbore without buckling, using rollers that contact the wellbore wall to prevent friction and facilitate deeper insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coiled tubing is inserted into horizontal wells without centralizing devices, then the insertion process is simpler, but friction increases and buckling occurs leading to lock-up
Solution Approach 1:
A roller set assembly acts as an intermediary device between the coiled tubing and the wellbore wall. The rollers contact the wellbore wall and provide a low-friction surface for the coiled tubing to slide against, mediating the interaction between the tubing and the wellbore to reduce friction and prevent buckling during insertion.
2Reliability
If roller sets are manually attached to coiled tubing, then attachment is secure, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller set assembly system is self-attaching. As the coiled tubing advances through the wellbore, the roller sets automatically engage with the tubing through guide cables and magnetic components without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the tubing and securing the rollers in place autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical attachment operations are replaced by a combination of guide cables and magnetic components. The magnetic components attract and secure the roller sets to the coiled tubing automatically, substituting the need for manual mechanical fastening operations.
3Device complexity
If conventional CT operations are used in extended reach wells, then equipment complexity is lower, but reaching total depth becomes difficult due to lock-up
Solution Approach 1:
The roller set assembly serves as a mediating device that enables the coiled tubing to overcome friction and buckling forces in extended reach wells. By providing continuous support and low-friction contact points along the wellbore, the rollers allow the tubing to reach total depth without lock-up, bridging the gap between conventional equipment capabilities and extended reach requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables coiled tubing to reach the total depth of the well efficiently and cost-effectively, reducing operational time and complexity compared to conventional methods, while preventing buckling and lock-up issues.
Implementation Method 1
The roller set includes a first half and a second half, each including magnetic components. The magnetic components secure the roller set to the coiled tubing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Embodiments provide a method for centralizing a coiled tubing in a wellbore. The method includes the step of supplying a roller set to a roller set assembly system located at a surface. The roller set includes a first half and a second half. The roller set assembly system includes a first guide cable and a second guide cable. The method includes the step of installing the first half to the first guide cable and the second half to the second guide cable. The method includes the step of securing the first half and the second half to the coiled tubing such that the roller set is fixed to the coiled tubing. The method includes the step of injecting the coiled tubing into the wellbore.