bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underbalanced Drilling with Coiled Tubing: A Case Study on the Alaskan North Slope, Which Proves the Benefits of Drilling a Straight Hole
Authors: Miszewski Antoni , Miszewski Adam , Stevens Richard , Gemignani Matteo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A set of 5 wells were to be drilled with directional Coiled Tubing Drilling (CTD) on the North Slope of Alaska. The particular challenges of these wells were the fact that the desired laterals were targeted to be at least 6000ft long, at a shallow depth. Almost twice the length of laterals that are regularly drilled at deeper depths. The shallow depth meant that 2 of the 5 wells involved a casing exit through 3 casings which had never been attempted before. After drilling, the wells were completed with a slotted liner, run on coiled tubing. This required a very smooth and straight wellbore so that the liner could be run as far as the lateral had been drilled.
Various methods were considered to increase lateral reach, including, running an extended reach tool, using friction reducer, increasing the coiled tubing size and using a drilling Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) that could drill a very straight well path. All of these options were modelled with tubing forces software, and their relative effectiveness was evaluated.
The drilling field results easily exceeded the minimum requirements for success. This project demonstrated record breaking lateral lengths, a record length of liner run on coiled tubing in a single run, and a triple casing exit. The data gained from this project can be used to fine-tune the modelling for future work of a similar nature.
Latest Development in Physics-Based Modeling of Coiled Tubing Plasticity and Fatigue
Authors: Liu Zhanke , Tipton Steven M. , Sukumar Dinesh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Coiled tubing (CT) integrity is critical for well intervention operations in the field. To monitor and manage tubing integrity, the industry has developed a number of computer models over the past decades. Among them, low-cycle fatigue (LCF) modeling plays a paramount role in safeguarding tubing integrity. LCF modeling of CT strings dates back to the 1980s. Recently, novel algorithms have contributed to developments in physics-based modeling of tubing fatigue and plasticity. As CT trips into and out of the well, it goes through bending-straightening cycles under high differential pressure. Such tough conditions lead to low- or ultralow-cycle fatigue, limiting CT useful life. The model proposed in this study is derived from a previous one and based on rigorously derived material parameters to compute the evolution of state variables from a wide range of loading conditions. Through newly formulated plasticity and strain parameters, a physics-based damage model predicts CT fatigue life, along with diametral growth and wall thinning. The revised modeling approach gives results for CT damage accumulation, diametral growth, and wall thinning under realistic field conditions, with experimental validation. For 20 different coiled tubing alloys, it was observed that the model improved in accuracy overall by about 18.8% and consistency by 14.0%, for constant pressure data sets of more than 4,500 data points. The modeling results provide insights into the nonlinear nature of fatigue damage accumulation. This study allowed developing recommendations to guide future analytical modeling and experimental investigations, to summarize theoretical findings in physics-based LCF modeling, and to provide practical guidelines for CT string management in the field. The study provides a fundamental understanding of CT LCF and introduces novel algorithms in plasticity and damage.
Degradable Loss Control System for Coiled Tubing Interventions
Authors: Payne Courtney , Rondon Fajardo Sergio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Coiled tubing (CT) milling and cleanout interventions depend heavily on the circulation of fluids and debris throughout a wellbore. When these interventions are performed on lateral wells which are subhydrostatic or are not able to sustain a stable column of fluid during the operation, they pose unique challenges. This is mostly due to the inability of the well to support a column of fluid, which consequently causes circulation over long distances and along narrow annular spaces to be difficult or impossible, particularly when a thief zone is present. The many consequences of poor to nonexistent fluid circulation can be severe, ranging from poor hole cleaning and formation damage to inducing a stuck pipe scenario.
Over the years, many mechanical and chemical solutions have been employed to improve fluid circulation in subhydrostatic wells, but each comes with its own set of challenges and can be costly to implement. Two methods commonly used today to improve debris removal from a low-pressure wellbore include the use of nitrogen and the creation of an underbalanced condition in the wellbore by flowing formation fluids. The former is expensive, time consuming, and requires advance bottomhole assembly (BHA) planning whereas the latter can lead to significant formation damage or a reduction in fracture conductivity through the removal of proppant from the near-wellbore area.
A fiber- and particulate-laden degradable loss control system (LCS) is proposed as an improvement on the current techniques used to improve circulation in subhydrostatic wells. The LCS temporarily prevents losses to the reservoir and enables the circulation of debris out of the well. The system was applied to low-pressure wells in North America to demonstrate its effectiveness in addressing the reduction or loss of circulation throughout the wellbore and improving debris transport to surface.
Coiled Tubing Vibration and Premature Failure
Authors: Reichert Bruce , Cravero Sebastian , Valdez Martin , Bunge Jorge 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A new coiled tubing (CT) failure mechanism has appeared in the past two to three years. The failures occur in CT strings used for frac plug milling in extend reach horizontal wells. The objective of this paper is to investigate a possible cause for these failures. The primary emphasis is analyzing the dynamic response of the CT to axial vibrations induced by a downhole extended reach tool [1], and the resulting tubing material response leading to failure.
Full Well Corrosion Insight – Case Studies in the Added Value of Electromagnetic Thickness Measurements During Well Interventions
Authors: Imrie Andrew , Kozlowski Maciej , Torky Omar , Wijaya Aditya Arie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Monitoring pipe corrosion is one of the critical aspects in the well intervention. Such analysis is used to evaluate and justify any remedial actions, to prolong the longevity of the well. Typical corrosion evaluation methods of tubulars consist of multifinger caliper tools that provide high-resolution measurements of the internal condition of the pipe. Routinely, this data is then analyzed and interpreted with respect to the manufacture's nominal specification for each tubular. However, this requires assumptions on the outer diameter of the tubular may add uncertainty, and incorrectly calculate the true metal thicknesses. This paper will highlight cases where the integration of such tool and electromagnetic (EM) thickness data adds value in discovering the true condition of both the first tubular and outer casings.
These case studies demonstrate the use of a multireceiver, multitransmitter electromagnetic (EM) metal thickness tool operating at multiple simultaneous frequencies. It is used to measure the individual wall thickness across multiple strings (up to five) and operates continuously, making measurements in the frequency domain. This tool was combined with a multifinger caliper to provide a complete and efficient single-trip diagnosis of the tubing and casing integrity. The combination of multifinger caliper and EM metal thickness tool results gives both internal and external corrosion as well as metal thickness of first and outer tubular strings.
The paper highlights multiple case studies including; i) successfully detecting several areas of metal loss (up to greater than 32%) on the outer string, which correlated to areas of the mobile salt formation, ii) overlapping defects in two tubulars and, iii) cases where a multifinger caliper alone doesn't provide an accurate indication of the true wall thickness. The final case highlights the advantages of integrating multiple tubular integrity tools when determining the condition of the casing wall.
Metal thickness tools operating on EM principles benefit from a slim outer diameter design that allows the tools to pass through restrictions which typically would prevent ultrasonic scanning thickness tools. Additionally, EM tools are unaffected by the type of fluid in the wellbore and not affected by any non-ferrous scale buildup that may present in the inside of the tubular wall. Combinability between complementary multifinger caliper technology and EM thickness results in two independent sensors to provide a complete assessment of the well architecture.
First Worldwide Slim Coiled Tubing Logging Tractor Deployment
Authors: Duthie Laurie S. , Saiood Hussain A. , Al-Anizi Abdulaziz A. , Moore Norman B. , Correia Carol 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Successful reservoir surveillance and production monitoring is a key component for effectively managing any field production strategy. For production logging in openhole horizontal extended reach wells (ERWs), the challenges are formidable and extensive; logging these extreme lengths in a cased hole would be difficult enough, but are considerably exaggerated in the openhole condition. A coiled tubing (CT) logging run in open hole must also contend with increased frictional forces, high dogleg severity, a quicker onset of helical buckling and early lockup. The challenge to effectively log these ERWs is further complicated by constraints in the completion where electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) are installed including a 2.4" bypass section.
Although hydraulically powered coiled tubing tractors already existed, a slim CT tractor with real-time logging capabilities was not available in the market. In partnership with a specialist CT tractor manufacturer, a slim logging CT tractor was designed and built to meet the exceptional demands to pull the CT to target depth. The tractor is 100% hydraulically powered, with no electrical power allowing for uninterrupted logging during tractoring. The tractor is powered by the differential pressure from the bore of the CT to the wellbore, and is operated by a pre-set pump rate from surface.
Developed to improve the low coverage in open hole ERW logging jobs, the tractor underwent extensive factory testing before being deployed to the field. The tractor was rigged up on location with the production logging tool and ran in hole. Once the coil tubing locked up, the tractor was activated and pulled the coil to cover over 90% of the open hole section delivering a pulling force of up to 3,200 lb. Real-time production logging was conducted simultaneously with the tractor activated, flowing and shut-in passes were completed to successfully capture the zonal inflow profile. Real-time logging with the tractor is logistically efficient and allows instantaneous decision making to repeat passes for improved data quality.
The new slim logging tractor is the world's slimmest most compact, and the first of its kind CT tractor that enables production logging operations in horizontal extended reach open hole wells. The ability to successfully log these extended reach wells cannot be understated, reservoir simulations and management decisions can only as good as the quality of data available. Some of the advantages of drilling extended reach wells such as increased reservoir contact, reduced footprint and less wells drilled will be lost if sufficient reservoir surveillance cannot be achieved. To maximize the benefits of ERWs, creative solutions and innovative designs must continually be developed to push the boundaries further.
Analysis of Plug Drilling and Stuck Pipe Performance Metrics
Authors: Brown Paul , Gunby Brian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A large collection of data recorded during coiled tubing (CT) operations has been analyzed using proprietary pattern recognition algorithms to identify downhole events with a high degree of confidence. These events include the drilling of plugs and stuck pipe incidents. Key performance indicator (KPI) metrics derived from this analysis provide insight into industry trends over time and by region, and can provide useful performance benchmarks for service providers and operator companies.
Depth, weight and pressure data from multiple sources has been streamed and stored on a shared platform over a five year period, creating a record of over 39,000 data files. This data was processed to generate KPI-type statistics for over 500,000 detected plugs and 760 possible stuck pipe scenarios, based on analysis of depth and weight signatures. Using surface measurements to quantify downhole events has some limitations, but the method has proven sufficiently robust to allow useful trends to be observed and evaluated. While the analysis is confidential to the parties involved, a contributing company can compare their ‘performance’ statistics (as evaluated by the third party algorithms) against averages representative of the industry at large, arranged by year and geographic region, to identify areas of relative strength or weakness. An operator company can likewise compare metrics for different service providers (derived solely from jobs performed for their company) for those which elect to share data in this fashion.
This paper presents statistics for plug drilling operations and stuck pipe incidents in North America between 2016-2020, a period of significant change in the CT industry. Examples show how average plug drilling times have generally decreased, with less frequent use of short trips and fewer pipe cycles. The data shows that, for some companies, faster operations have come at the expense of more frequent or severe stuck pipe incidents, whereas other companies have experienced fewer such problems. This comparative analysis illustrates how downhole outcomes can be deduced from surface measurements, and resulting performance metrics can vary widely between companies, fields and geographic regions.
Overcoming Extreme Technical and Logistical Challenges to Successfully Cleanout 76,000-LBM Proppant
Authors: Craig Steven , Soodsakorn Patcharapun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A fracture treatment in offshore Tunisia screened out leaving over 76,000-lbm proppant in the wellbore. The well was significantly under-hydrostatic. The platform was small and had limited deck space and low capacity cranes. The completion incorporated chrome tubulars with a history of causing abrasion failure to coiled tubing strings. The challenge was to efficiently and safely clean out the proppant with coiled tubing (CT).
A prior cleanout campaign had been conducted with concentric CT and jet pumps. An initial design focused on repeating this method. The engineering analysis had to account for fluid and nitrogen pumping being conducted from a supply vessel, limited nitrogen volume, low the solids return rate due to surface handling limitations, and no fluid discharge permitted to sea. A combined engineering, logistical study, laboratory testing and risk assessment was undertaken over the course of three months. Engineering utilized advanced cleanout modelling software to review concentric CT cleaning, forward cleaning (with and without optimizing cleaning Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) and with various sizes of CT), and reverse circulating. Logistics analyzed the overall operation time, fluid and nitrogen requirements and the number of boat trips to replenish/change well returns and nitrogen. Three additional challenges were present. First, proppant could have packed off creating difficulties for some of the processes under review. Laboratory testing was conducted and confirmed this would not be a concern. Second, the well was sour and considerations for protecting the CT string and handling hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the return stream were required. Third, CT string optimization was required to reduce potential abrasion failures. Avoiding CT failure was paramount as the string would be boat spooled onto the platform and any failure would severely impact operating time and project finances.
The chosen method was primarily fluid only reverse circulating when cleaning above the formation, changing to forward circulated two phase operation when close to the formation. The downhole pressure gauge in the completion provided early warning of lost returns or of gas kicks. The operation was successfully, efficiently and safely completed in August 2019. The well was handed back to production 8 days ahead of schedule.
The paper will cover the complete concept and detail design, execution and post-job analysis.
Pushing the Boundaries of Plug Milling in Deformed Liners – Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Authors: Hamid Saad , Unnikrishnan Vikram , Aljughayman Abdulrahman 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a systematic workflow/methodology developed to evaluate the milling operations using coiled tubing to remove frac plugs in a well with deformed liner, post hydraulic fracturing. This paper also presents the challenges encountered during intervention and steps on how they were mitigated.
The well was completed by hydraulic fracturing of five stages, each separated by a frac plug. Post stimulation, coiled tubing was mobilized to mill the plugs and provide a full bore to begin production. After spending substantial time while attempting to mill in the initial run, decision was made to POOH and inspect the BHA. It was observed that the mill had significant metal loss on the outer periphery with no damage to the mill face, which thereby concluded the presence of liner damage. A strategy was developed on how to remediate this challenge. Multiple coiled tubing diagnostic runs were performed with real-time coiled tubing capabilities, which included cleanout, camera and caliper runs.
Results of each coiled tubing run performed was carefully evaluated to estimate the extent of liner damage. The caliper and video camera runs were important to determine the new reduced ID of the liner. An initial milling attempt with a 3.33" OD mill was performed, which was the smallest size based on the plug manufacturers recommendation. However due to the specific nature of liner damage it could not pass through the restriction. After further discussions, a calculated risk was taken to run with a 3.125" OD mill, which was significantly smaller than the manufacturer's recommendation, and posed an inherent threat of milling through the core of the plug, while leaving the slips intact. This however did not happen, and all four plugs were successfully milled out from the liner, allowing full bore access and well to be flowed back.
This paper will act as a guideline on how to design and execute an intervention operation in deformed liners.
Mechanistic Modeling of Wellbore Cleanout in Horizontal and Inclined Wells
Authors: Elgaddafi Rida , Ahmed Ramadan , Karami Hamidreza , Nasser Mustafa , Hussein Ibnelwaleed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The accumulation of rock cuttings, proppant, and other solid debris in the wellbore due to inadequate cleanout remarkably impedes field operations. This article presents a new hole cleaning model, which calculates the Critical Transport Velocity (CTV) in conventional and fibrous fluids. The study is aimed to establish an accurate mechanistic model for optimizing wellbore cleanout in horizontal and inclined wells.
The new CTV model is established to predict the initiation of bed particle movement during cleanout operations. The model is formulated considering the impact of fiber using a special drag coefficient (i.e. fiber drag coefficient), which represents the mechanical and hydrodynamic actions of suspended fiber particles and their network. The dominant forces acting on a single bed particle are considered to develop the model. Furthermore, to enhance the precision of the model, recently developed hydraulic correlations are employed to compute the average bed shear stress, which is required to determine the CTV. In horizontal and highly deviated wells, the wellbore geometry is often eccentric, resulting in the formation of flow stagnant zones that are difficult to clean. The bed shear stress in these zones is sensitive to the bed thickness. The existing wellbore cleanout models do not account for the variation in bed shear stress. Thus, their accuracy is limited when stagnant zones are formed. The new model addresses this problem by incorporating hydraulic correlations to account for bed shear stress variation with bed height.
The accuracy of the new model is validated with published measurements and compared with the precision of an existing model. The use of fiber drag and bed shear stress correlations has improved model accuracy and aided in capturing the contribution of fiber in improving wellbore cleanout. As a result, for fibrous and conventional fluids, the predictions of the new model have demonstrated good agreement with experimental measurements and provided better predictions than the existing model. Model predictions show a noticeable reduction in fluid circulation rate due to the addition of a small quantity of fiber (0.04% w/w) in the fluid. In addition, results show that the existing model over predicts the cleaning performance of both conventional and fibrous fluids.