Coiled Tubing String Connection Method for Extended Reach Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light intervention methods for coiled tubing are limited by the maximum length of tubing that can be combined on a single spool, restricting access to increasingly longer wells, and require additional equipment and skills for jointed pipe handling.
Innovation Solution
A method for safely and efficiently connecting two coiled tubing strings from different reels using a stabbing/deployment device and telescopic/articulated tubing handling equipment, allowing for the combination of multiple strings with varying diameters to extend reach beyond conventional limits without needing jointed pipe, utilizing a single injector setup and maintaining operational safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If coiled tubing length is extended by using jointed pipe, then reach capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled tubing reel is segmented into multiple spools, each holding a separate coiled tubing string. These spools are positioned on the reel hub to allow independent storage and deployment of multiple tubing strings, enabling extended reach without jointed pipe
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coiled tubing strings from different spools are combined and deployed through a single injector. The injector merges the tubing strings from multiple spools, allowing them to be run simultaneously or sequentially into the wellbore, achieving extended reach while maintaining equipment simplicity
2Length of moving object
If jointed pipe is used to extend reach, then access to longer wells is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional skills required
Solution Approach 1:
The injector is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple coiled tubing strings from different spools. It can deploy strings individually or in combination, and can service both conventional and extended reach wells using the same equipment, eliminating the need for specialized jointed pipe handling skills
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic selection of deployment mode - strings can be deployed individually from separate spools or combined from multiple spools depending on the well requirements. This flexibility maintains operational simplicity while adapting to different reach requirements
3Length of moving object
If multiple coiled tubing strings are combined on a single spool, then reach is extended, but the spool capacity and handling limitations are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of overloading a single spool, the system segments the tubing storage across multiple spools. Each spool maintains its designed capacity and handling characteristics, while the combined system achieves extended reach by coordinating multiple spools through the single injector
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for connecting coiled tubing strings, and a coiled tubing working connector, in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. The method for connecting coiled tubing strings, in one aspect, includes lowering a downhole end of a first coiled tubing string within a wellbore, an uphole end of the first coiled tubing string remaining outside of the wellbore. The method, in one aspect, further includes coupling the uphole end of the first coiled tubing string to a downhole end of a second coiled tubing string while the uphole end of the first coiled tubing string remaining outside of the wellbore to form a combined coiled tubing string, and lowering the combined coiled tubing string within the wellbore.