PR-1036 – Coiled Tubing Operations Procedure – PDO

Coiled tubing (CT) is a method of introducing into a well an uninterrupted length of tubing that is generally employed to execute tasks necessitating the circulation of fluids within the well conduit and the spotting of fluids/cement.

It is also used to access highly deviated/horizontal well sections that cannot be easily achieved by wireline methods or as cost-effectively by snubbing or the use of a workover hoist.
Coiled tubing was originally used to pump chemical treatment downhole or clean-up/initiate production from low-pressure wells or following completion operations. However, advances in coiled tubing manufacturing techniques, fatigue prediction methods, and the availability of larger diameter tubing have triggered an increase in coiled tubing applications/utilization and a correspondingly reduced risk of coiled tubing failure.
Coiled Tubing operations are generally performed on live wells and are potentially hazardous activities due to:

• the handling of dangerous chemicals and/or cryogenic gases;
• high wellhead and injection pressures;
• the complexity of operations requiring coordination between various PDO departments and contractors.

This Procedure sets out the standards by which Coiled Tubing operations are to be conducted on PDO-operated wells.
It forms the framework from which detailed work practice procedures can be developed and maintained by contractor companies who perform Coiled Tubing operations on behalf of PDO.
It shall also be used as a reference document when preparing programs for specific Coiled Tubing operations.