Coiled Tubing Test Sub for Rapid Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pressure testing coiled tubing connectors are time-consuming as they require filling the entire coiled tubing string with fluid to ensure the connection does not leak, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A test sub with a housing and valves that allows fluid to be pumped into the bore between the housing and coiled tubing, using sealing elements and valves to isolate the pressure test to the bore, enabling quick pressure testing without filling the entire coiled tubing string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire coiled tubing string is filled with fluid for pressure testing, then the connection integrity can be accurately tested, but the testing time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The test sub divides the coiled tubing system into two separate test zones: the bore interior (separated by the piston) and the bore exterior. This segmentation allows independent pressure testing of the connection without requiring the entire coiled tubing string to be filled, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The test sub acts as an intermediary device inserted into the coiled tubing string to create an isolated test chamber. The piston serves as a movable intermediary that separates fluid chambers, enabling pressure testing of the connection without involving the entire coiled tubing string, thus resolving the time vs. accuracy contradiction.
2Reliability
If the entire coiled tubing string is filled with fluid for pressure testing, then tool integrity can be tested, but the procedure becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The test sub segments the testing process into two independent phases: first testing the connection integrity in the bore exterior, then testing the tool integrity in the bore interior after piston movement. This segmentation enables efficient sequential testing without requiring the entire coiled tubing string to be filled, improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston provides dynamic adaptability by moving in response to pressure differential to separate the fluid chambers. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to transition between testing different zones efficiently, improving overall testing productivity while ensuring accurate integrity assessment.
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
Enables rapid and efficient pressure testing of coiled tubing connectors and tools connected via coiled tubing connectors, reducing testing time and ensuring connection integrity without filling the entire coiled tubing string.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve positioned within the bore of the housing... The first valve may prevent flow in the bore past the first valve in a direction from the opening to the second end of the housing
Implementation Method 2
The first seal positioned on the exterior of the housing may comprise two o-rings and the second seal positioned on the exterior of the housing may also comprise two o-rings
Implementation Method 3
fluid may be pumped into the bore between the first end of the housing and the first valve to test a connection between the housing and coiled tubing
Data Source
AI summary
A test sub having a housing with a first end, a second end, a bore, and an exterior portion of the housing including a coiled tubing connector may be used to test a connection with coiled tubing. The test sub includes a valve positioned within the bore. The second end of the housing may be inserted into coiled tubing and fluid may be pumped into the housing to test the connection between the connector and the coiled tubing. The test sub may be a housing that may be attached to a coiled tubing connector already connected to coiled tubing. A rod within the housing may be moved to an inserted position permitting communication between a pressure port of the housing and an exterior port of the coiled tubing connector. Fluid may be pumped into the pressure port to test the connection between the coiled tubing connector and the coiled tubing.