Industry Trends Utilizing Larger Diameter Coiled Tubing for Extended Reach Operations in Northwestern Canada

Abstract

Abstract Coiled tubing (CT) operations in Canada have evolved significantly due to advancements in horizontal, multi-stage fracturing. This evolution has caused a shift from using smaller diameter tubing (31.75 mm to 50.8 mm) less than 3,000 m in length to using larger diameter tubing (60.3 mm to 73.0 mm) with lengths over 6,000 m. The preference for larger diameter CT is a result of operators drilling longer lateral lengths to stimulate as many zones as economically possible. To illustrate recent trends in Canadian CT operations, statistics from the past 10 years of horizontal drilling are briefly analyzed followed by an examination of operational data from a leading CT service provider. The surface equipment and CT string design required to perform these operations is also reviewed. Three recent case studies of CT milling operations in Northwestern Canada are discussed to highlight the importance of purpose-built equipment and accurate string selection in today's horizontal market. The industry trend to larger CT is significant because CT capability has become a key component in the overall feasibility and economic evaluation of extended reach, multi-stage horizontal wells.