Coiled tubing (CT) has transformed the oil and gas industry by allowing for more efficient drilling, well intervention, and maintenance operations. Since its introduction in the 1960s, CT technology has enabled rapid deployment and continuous circulation, making it a preferred choice for tasks such as horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, well cleanouts, acid stimulation, and rigless completions. Coiled tubing’s flexible design allows it to navigate curves and reach areas that traditional, rigid pipes cannot, especially in high-angle or horizontal wells.
Despite these benefits, coiled tubing has some shortcomings, particularly in corrosion-related areas. Corrosion occurs when the metal tubing is exposed to harsh environments, such as high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) conditions, or corrosive fluids, leading to gradual metal deterioration. The welded areas of coiled tubing, where pieces of metal are joined together, are especially vulnerable to corrosion and can weaken much faster than other sections, increasing the risk of cracks, breakages, and costly downtime.
Understanding Corrosion in Coiled Tubing
Corrosion is a major cause of coiled tubing failures, accounting for over 30% of reported incidents. In extreme environments, like deep-sea oil fields, the tubing is exposed to factors such as saltwater, high temperatures, and pressure, which accelerate corrosion. Welded joints on the tubing tend to corrode up to twice as fast as the base metal. As corrosion progresses, the tubing’s strength decreases, making it more prone to cracks and operational failures.
Studies have shown that when coiled tubing is used under HPHT conditions, the welded areas lose strength faster than other tubing parts. This is concerning because these sections are critical to the tubing’s overall operational durability and safety. Therefore, the industry has focused on effectively preventing or reducing corrosion, especially in vulnerable weld seams.
DragX: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Corrosion Prevention
One of the most promising solutions to combat coiled tubing corrosion is DragX, an advanced surface treatment technology developed by Oceanit. DragX provides a protective barrier on the surface of the coiled tubing, helping to shield the metal from corrosive substances. Here’s how DragX helps to enhance the performance and longevity of coiled tubing in oil and gas operations:
- Superior Corrosion Resistance: DragX creates a robust protective layer that significantly slows down corrosion, especially in harsh environments such as HPHT conditions. This layer is particularly beneficial for protecting the welded joints prone to faster corrosion.
- Maintaining Structural Integrity: By reducing corrosion, DragX helps maintain the strength of the coiled tubing over time. This is crucial for ensuring that the tubing can withstand the pressures and stresses associated with tasks like drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and acid stimulation without the risk of failure.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: With its anti-corrosion properties, DragX not only helps to prevent costly downtime caused by tubing failures but also extends the overall lifespan of the coiled tubing. This means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
- Versatility Across Applications: The DragX surface treatment is suitable for a variety of coiled tubing uses, including well cleanouts, rigless completions, and horizontal drilling. It can handle different environmental conditions, making it ideal for offshore operations where corrosion risks are higher.
The Role of Coiled Tubing in Modern Oil and Gas Operations
Coiled tubing technology has grown significantly, evolving beyond basic well cleanout and acid stimulation applications to encompass a range of essential tasks throughout the lifecycle of a well. Operators now use CT for drilling, completion, and maintenance, making it indispensable in modern oil and gas exploitation. Its ability to continuously circulate fluids and deploy tools downhole without requiring connections between pipe sections provides a significant advantage in maintaining well integrity.
While the technology has made significant strides, fatigue, safety considerations, and equipment limitations persist. These challenges underscore the need for reliable surface treatments like DragX, which offer additional protection to ensure that coiled tubing can perform safely and efficiently.
Why Choose DragX for Coiled Tubing?
The deployment of coiled tubing in challenging environments, especially in offshore operations, demands robust corrosion protection strategies. DragX stands out as a cutting-edge solution, offering the following advantages:
- Enhanced corrosion protection that directly addresses the faster degradation of welded areas.
- Cost savings due to reduced maintenance needs and extended equipment life.
- Compatibility with various CT applications, providing a flexible solution for different oil and gas operations.
As the industry continues to push the limits of what is possible with coiled tubing, surface treatments like DragX will play a vital role in ensuring safe and cost-effective operations, helping companies overcome the persistent challenge of corrosion.
Coiled tubing has revolutionized the oil and gas industry by making well intervention and maintenance more efficient. However, corrosion, especially in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, remains a critical issue that can impact the safety and performance of the tubing. The innovative DragX surface treatment offers a practical solution, providing a protective barrier that helps prevent corrosion, maintain the strength of the tubing, and extend its lifespan.
For oil and gas operators looking to protect their investments and improve the longevity of their equipment, DragX is an invaluable tool in the fight against corrosion, ensuring that coiled tubing continues to perform reliably across various applications.
Protect your coiled tubing and enhance your operations with DragX – the advanced solution for corrosion prevention in the toughest environments. Learn more about DragX with our experts.