Coiled tubing can be defined as a large, flexible pipe that is wound into a coil form. This is because it is commonly applied in the oil and gas industry for activities such as well intervention and drilling. In contrast to the straight tubing, the coiled tubing is easily deployable in a wellbore without having to disassemble it which makes it economical.
It is one of the most commonly used stainless steel coiled tubing. It has high strength and durability to make it suitable for use in tough and harsh conditions and this form of tubing gives it enhanced corrosion resistance.
Common Uses of Coiled Tubing
Well Intervention and Maintenance
One of the primary applications of coiled tubing is in well intervention. It helps operators perform tasks such as:
- Removing blockages in wells
- Cleaning and flushing wellbores
- Repairing damaged sections of the well
- Stainless steel coiled tubing can withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures and is thus perfect for these operations.
Drilling Operations
For some cases, coiled tubing is used to drill new wells. This method is termed as ‘coiled tubing drilling’ (CTD) and is employed in such environments where conventional drill pipes are not effective. High-pressure wells are easily drilled with SS coiled tubing.
Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)
Hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to extract oil and gas from deep underground formations. Coiled tubing is inserted into the well to deliver fracking fluids under high pressure. Stainless steel tubing is preferred in this process because it does not easily crack or corrode.
Pipeline and Flowline Services
In addition to good operations, coiled tubing is used for maintaining and repairing pipelines. It can be deployed for:
- Removing scale and debris
- Conducting pipeline inspections
- Injecting chemicals to prevent corrosion
- Nitrogen and Chemical Injection
It is also used to convey nitrogen, acids and other chemicals into wells with the aim of increasing production. Stainless steel coiled tubing is more suitable for this application since it is not affected by corrosive materials.
Why Choose Stainless Steel Coiled Tubing?
Stainless steel coiled tubing is widely used due to several advantages:
Corrosion Resistance – It withstands harsh conditions including exposure to chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Longevity – It has a long life cycle which does not require frequent replacement and maintenance.
Durability – It can be bent and unbent many times and it does not break.
High-Pressure Resistance – It can withstand the challenging oil and gas environment.
Conclusion
Coiled tubing is a vital tool in the operation of the oil and gas industry, pipeline inspection and production of chemicals. Stainless steel coiled tubing is used as it is strong, corrosion resistant and most importantly reliable. In well intervention, drilling or fracking will remain a preferred option for optimized and cost-efficient operations.
