Coiled Tubing Pipelines The Technology and Cost Effectiveness Challenge
Authors: Kenawy Farouk A. , Ellaithy Wael F. , Burseaux Andre , Louvety Franck , Dunlap Dennis 
Published: October 2008

Coiled tubing pipeline is a rapidly growing technology. Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (Gupco) as a joint venture between Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Amoco is a role model of the implementation of coiled tubing pipeline technology. Gupco is utilizing coiled tubing pipeline technology both for the development of economically marginal projects or for the development of financially more robust prospects. This paper presents Gupco case history for the installation of 1. 75", 3.5" & 4.5" of coiled tubing pipelines in the Gulf of Suez both from technical and economical standpoints, over the last 4 years. Technological and economical limitations of different approaches regarding the coiled tubing pipeline installation as witnessed and foreseen by GUPCO and STOLT COMEX SEAWAY are assessed. A parametric/historical approach of costs involved with the full installation and procurement of such lines will be reviewed. Future developments and challenges of the product and related installation technology and means are also reviewed in light of expected customer requirements and new applications. Finally, a prospective approach of future applications (including in deepwater) will be presented.

Introduction

The Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company has been using coiled pipe technology since 1994. Since that time the technology has grown with larger diameters and improved material grades being offered. These larger pipes and high strength material have enabled the company to examine additional opportunities in the Gulf of Suez. To date the company has installed a total of ¼ million Feet of coiled tubing pipeline. [n 1994 GUPCO embarked on its first two coiled pipeline projects using the 3.5 inch material. By 1995 a new larger diameter coiled pipe was being offered. The 4.5 inch material offered additional application in the Gulfand GUPCO pursued three additional projects. In January of 1996 the company installed the world's first and longest 4.5 inch coiled pipeline. In 1997 Gupco utilized the coiled tubing pipeline to develop a subsea completion (ESMA-2) in the Gulf of Suez. Utilization of the coiled tubing pipeline technology made ESMA-2 development economically viable. Gupco anticipates to lay as high as 100,000 IT of coiled tubing pipelines in 1998. A total of three projects were completed in 1996, two in 1997, and anticipated five in 1998. Projects have been completed successfully and the future application appears promising. Low overall cost and rapid installation continue to be the main attraction of the coiled pipe. As the coiled tubing pipeline diameter gets bigger, the application of the coiled tubing covers wider range of service. Following table shows the various applications of the coiled tubing pipelines utilized in Gupco.

Figure 1.0 Summary of coiled pipe projects completed in the Gulf of Suez. (available in full paper)

History of coiled pipe in the Gulf of Suez.

In the 1990's, the company was faced with maturing fields and limited growth potential. One area of potential growth was in marginal field development. These marginal opportunities had been identified in the past but were passed over for more lucrative field developments. As a result of their smaller size, these marginal fields do not usually require large service pipelines (i.e., the smaller coiled tubing pipe are often adequate for the design rates).