Openhole Drilling Using Coiled Tubing and a Positive Displacement Mud Motor

Abstract

SPE Members Abstract An investigation into the feasibility of drilling openhole with coiled tubing indicates that such operations are feasible using currently-available technology. The study covers aspects of the drilling operation, including bottomhole equipment, surface equipment, coiled tubing unit,, drilling logistics and cost. The conclusion is made that coiled tubing drilling operations can provide benefits in terms of safety, provide benefits in terms of safety, formation damage and economics. Introduction The first coiled tubing unit was developed by Bowen Tools in 1965. The unit was used on Navy submarines to deploy a mile long, 1/2 inch diameter tubular antenna. The technology was rapidly adapted for oilfield use. The early units utilized the 1/2 inch diameter tubing from the original design. As popularity of the units increased, larger tubing capable of higher flow rates and deeper operation was developed. The largest coiled tubing unit commercially available to date is 1–3/4 inch and an operating depth of 24,600 feet has been recorded. Drilling with coiled tubing is not a new concept. Workover operations using small diameter positive-displacement motors have been positive-displacement motors have been performed since the early 1970's. The performed since the early 1970's. The recent development of more reliable, more powerful slimhole drilling motors and associated drilling equipment has greatly increased the success rate of such operations. The results of this study indicate that drilling openhole with coiled tubing can provide substantial long-term benefits with minimum development costs. Coiled tubing drilling will probably be the next major advance in probably be the next major advance in new drilling technology. P. 551

Drilling for Coalbed Methane in the San Juan Basin With Coiled Tubing: Results, Learnings, and a World First

“…hole size with CT, something that was considered unfathomable in the 1990's. 17 Furthermore, a RSS was successfully run on CT for the first time anywhere in the world.…”