This technology was initially developed for working on live, producing wells. Operators now use it for other workover and drilling applications, like cleaning out sand in wells, for instance. In 2017, coil tubing also plays a key role in fracking. The trend toward long, horizontal wells (or “extended-reach wells”) favors coiled tubing because it can drill or “convey” tools and equipment in high-angle wellbores. (A wellbore is the hole that forms the well. A high-angle wellbore is when the well is drilled at a 45- to 90-degree angle.) The strength and rigidity of coiled tubing as well as its capability to circulate treatment fluids offers distinct advantages in restoring production to damaged wells. In addition to drilling and completion operations, oil and gas companies use coiled tubing to help “fish” for (recover) lost equipment in the wellbore and to convey well-logging tools that evaluate the rocks and oil.
Current technology requires joining pipes with screw connections like this…
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