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REFERENCE

REFERENCE DESCRIPTION

This document contains proprietary and confidential information
which belongs to National-Oilwell Varco, L.P., its affiliates or
subsidiaries (all collectively referred to hereinafter as "NOV"). It is
loaned for limited purposes only and remains the property of NOV.
Reproduction, in whole or in part, or use of this design or
distribution of this information to others is not permitted without the
express written consent of NOV. This document is to be returned to
NOV upon request and in any event upon completion of the use for
which it was loaned. This document and the information contained
and represented herein is the copyrighted property of NOV.
National Oilwell Varco

National-Oilwell Varco, L.P.
10303 Sheldon Rd
Houston, Texas 77049
USA
Phone 281-456-0751
Toll Free 1-800-486-0751
Fax 281-456-7549

DOCUMENT NUMBER

D931000030-MAN-001
REV

03























Quality Tubing
Technical Resource Manual


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REVISION HISTORY




03 28.05.2008 Reissued CH CH JM
02 14.01.2008 Issued for Implementation CH CH JM
01 11.12.2007 Issued for Implementation CH CH JM
Rev Date (dd.mm.yyyy) Reason for issue Prepared Checked Approved


CHANGE DESCRIPTION

Revision Change Description
01 First issue
02 Revised information in the document
03 Fixed errors in the table of contents numbering

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 COILED TUBING WELDING TECHNOLOGY .................................................................. 5
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Qualified Welding Procedure .................................................................................. 6
1.3 Qualified and Competent Welder ............................................................................ 7
1.4 Tubing Condition at Time of Welding and Welding Preparation ............................. 8
1.5 Welding Environment .............................................................................................. 9
1.6 Weld Finishing and Inspection ................................................................................ 9
1.7 Welding Technology: Appendix A ......................................................................... 10
2 COLLAPSE PRESSURE ................................................................................................ 14
2.1 Disclaimer ............................................................................................................. 14
2.2 Collapse Pressure for New Coiled Tubing ............................................................ 14
2.3 The Effect of Ovality on New Coiled Tubing ......................................................... 14
2.4 The Effect of Load and Torque ............................................................................. 15
2.5 Calculate the Allowable External Pressure ........................................................... 16
2.6 Some Variables that may Effect Collapse ............................................................. 18
2.7 Comparison with Values in API RP 5C7 ............................................................... 18
2.8 Comparison with Other Collapse Pressure Values ............................................... 19
2.9 Calculation Example ............................................................................................. 19
2.10 Collapse Data (70,000 to 90,000 PSI) .................................................................. 22
2.11 Collapse Data (100,000 to 120,000 PSI) .............................................................. 25
3 FRICTION PRESSURE DROP ....................................................................................... 28
3.1 Disclaimer ............................................................................................................. 28
3.2 Hydrostatic Head .................................................................................................. 28
3.3 Reynolds Number ................................................................................................. 29
3.4 Friction Factor ....................................................................................................... 30
3.5 Determining Pressure Drop .................................................................................. 31
4 WORKING WITH TRUE-TAPER

STRINGS .................................................................. 33
4.1 Manufacture of True-Taper

Strips ....................................................................... 33
4.2 Determining the Wall Thickness of True-Taper

Sections of Coiled Tubing Strings34

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4.3 Wall Tolerances for True-Taper

Strings .............................................................. 34
4.4 True-Taper

Weight & Volume Capacity .............................................................. 34

4.5 Lengths of True-Taper Sections (from Nominal 40,000 lb coils) ........................... 35
4.6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 36

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1 COILED TUBING WELDING TECHNOLOGY
1.1 Introduction

Coiled tubing is a unique product because it is designed to retain pressure during and after
undergoing fatigue cycling. It often becomes necessary to place butt welds into sections of
coiled tubing which also must be capable of withstanding fatigue cycling while providing
continued pressure containment.

In order to assure that the weld will provide the desired result in the field, a systematic
approach to making good welds repeatedly must be adhered to. This systematic approach
must consider each individual phase to the system.

Qualified Welding Procedure
Qualified and Competent Welder
Tubing Condition at Time of Welding and Welding Preparation
Welding Environment Conditions
Welding Techniques
Weld Finishing and Inspection

This Technical bulletin will review the considerations for each individual phase of a well-
planned coiled tubing welding system. Because every location and situation is different, not
all of the comments included here will necessarily be applicable all the time or at every
location.

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1.2 Qualified Welding Procedure

A welding procedure is a written document containing welding specifications (WPS), which
provide the work instructions to the welder on how to make a weld. To assure the
procedure is capable of making a sound weld, it is tested to verify that welds made will
adhere to specific mechanical property and inspection quality requirements. Separate
WPSs are required for each distinct grade of coiled tubing and they may be limited in
application by code requirements. Procedures are unique to the specific company or
location performing the welding. The practices used and consumables employed are
dependent on many factors, so "one size fits all" welding procedures are impractical, if not
impossible. Therefore it is difficult to determine if a procedure is correct just by reading it.
Typical procedures reported in the literature or WPSs for specific grades from various
material suppliers may provide guides when preparing procedures.

The decisions leading to selection of welding variables which have produced acceptable
results in WPSs are reviewed in the Welding Technology section of this document.

New or revised welding procedures are tested, both mechanically and non destructively, to
prove they can result in a sound weld. The results of these tests are recorded on a
document supporting the procedure, called the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR).
Coiled tubing undergoes physical distortion in the plastic regime while retaining pressure
during normal operations. Most industry design and welding specifications or standards do
not encounter this level of deformation in welded joints. Consequently, the level of
qualification and inspection of each weld made in coiled tubing must be, of necessity, in
excess of most accepted national standards organizations, like ASME and API
requirements and acceptance criteria. Liquid penetrant, radiography and/or ultrasonic
inspection are imposed on the as welded joint to identify any potential problems before
mechanical testing is started. Non-destructive acceptance criteria are established at the
limit of detection for the method being employed due to the limited critical flaw size for
plastically deforming coiled tubing. Transverse tensile testing requires failure in the parent
material in addition to the strength requirement to assure a weak point will not be
introduced to the tubing. To assure the procedure does not create detrimental phases to
achieve the strength requirement, the weld is sectioned, metalographically inspected, and
the hardness in the weld's heat affected zone and base metal are verified.

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1.3 Qualified and Competent Welder

Welders must demonstrate competency by passing a performance qualification test before
they can perform production welds. This test verifies they are capable of following the
written WPS procedure and producing the same results obtained while testing the WPS.
Before taking the qualification test, welders are trained in the specific skills required to weld
coiled tubing. Experience has shown many welders qualified in other welding disciplines,
including pipe fitters, may not make good coiled tubing welders. A welder qualification
record defined by a specification like ASME Section IX is used to document the welding
and testing. Welders qualifying to weld coiled tubing are tested more stringently than code
requirements. Both non-destructive examination and mechanical testing are employed. The
weld, the heat affected zone and hardness of the base metal are verified.

Once qualified, a welder must maintain proficiency. Because of the unique skills and
techniques required to weld coiled tubing, continuous practice of these specialized skills is
generally necessary to assure acceptable performance. Most coiled tubing welders
maintain proficiency by regularly making welds on coiled tubing and logging their activity.
When activity is slow, proficiency may be maintained by making practice welds on tubing
ends, scrap tubing or samples procured from the manufacturer. When a welder does not
make welds for an extended period, or there is reason to question his proficiency, he
should be re-qualified. Welders making welds routinely inspected by radiography need not
re-qualify on periodic timetables. All these welds are non-destructively tested to
requirements in excess of code qualification requirements. This combined with monitoring
field performance can assure welder proficiency is maintained.

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1.4 Tubing Condition at Time of Welding and Welding Preparation

Coiled tubing is new on the day it is made. From that point on it undergoes physical,
dimensional and mechanical property changes each time it is spooled. Coiled tubing strings
undergo strain softening due to repeated application of stress in the plastic region during
coiling operations. Used tubing exhibits strength properties lower than those of new tubing.
Studies have shown that welding procedures developed for new tubing can also supply
adequate mechanical properties on used tubing.

Welds in used tubing lead to additional challenges. Tubing can become deformed, typically
oval in cross section, as a result of spooling. This presents alignment problems during fit
up. If mismatch is allowed it could generate potential stress risers while in service. Used
tubing can contain residues of produced well fluids, injected fluids, inclusive of acids or
water trapped in surface oxides or pits. Tubing which contained wireline or other galvanized
coated material may be zinc coated. Any of these could contaminate the weld if not
properly removed before welding. Used tubing can be magnetized, requiring demagnetizing
or magnetic countermeasures to be employed to prevent magnetic arc deflection during
welding. Trained and proficient welders recognize these potential problems and take
preventive action to preclude their becoming a cause for a weld imperfection.

Preparation for welding is vital to good finished welds and coiled tubing performance. The
tubing must be aligned so the weld will pass through injectors and over guide arches
without imparting unnecessary stress to the tubing. The internal and external surfaces must
be clean to prevent contamination of the weld. The tubing seam weld internal flash must be
removed to prevent it acting as a localized heat sink during welding and prevent
entrainment of the gas or oxides in the weld. Both the internal cleaning and flash removal
must be done without leaving circumferential grinding marks that could result in stress
risers. External chill blocks must be applied to the tube before welding to remove heat from
the base metal. If the excess heat were not removed properly the heat-affected zone could
experience excessive grain growth and loss of mechanical properties.
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1.5 Welding Environment

Welds can be made at the factory or at service centers in nearly ideal environments. Welds
made at service companys district yards, at field camps, outside operations and on site
operations, can present far less than ideal welding environments. Welds made in non-ideal
environments may necessitate having a safety factor or mechanical property derating
applied to the tubing. This derating should be considered independently from fatigue
derating (if any) and only to the section as defined by coiled tubing management program
containing the butt weld. The magnitude of any derating is the responsibility of the coiled
tubing user. An example might be to treat QT-800 and QT-1000 butt weld mechanical
properties as equivalent to QT-700 properties. The butt welds made in less than ideal
environments, should be removed at the earliest opportunity and replaced by a butt weld
made in a near ideal environment. The replacement weld should be capable of carrying all
intended loads of the parent tubing.

1.6 Weld Finishing and Inspection

After welding, the weld crown required to prevent weld bead cracking must be removed to
allow the tubing to pass through the injector blocks. Removal is done carefully with tools,
which do not leave circumferential scars to a diameter several thousandths of an inch
above the tubing wall. This is adequate to pass through the injectors while not risking
material loss in the surrounding tubing wall.

After cooling to ambient temperature, the weld is dimensionally inspected to assure it
meets all tubing requirements for diameter and ovality. The weld is liquid penetrant
inspected, with special attention to the weld centerline and fusion lines where defects
detectable by this method are likely to occur. The weld, heat affected zone and base metal
are hardness checked to assure no hard or excessively soft areas are present. In shops
using multiple filler metal grades this can provide a check that the correct one was used.
Radiography is then used to volumetrically inspect the weld and surrounding area. The
acceptance criteria are established at the limit of detection for the smallest visible hole or
wire listed in the ASME code for the thickness being radiographed. Welds passing the
inspection acceptance criteria are released for use, and their location in the coiled tubing
string documented in the string management records, allowing monitoring of the weld
during coiled tubing operations.

CTES, L. C., Slimhole and Coiled Tubing Standards Phase 1 Weld Technology, Gas Research Institute
Drilling and Completion Group Final Report GRI-95.0500.1

Van Arnam, W. D. & Smith, D. Good Tubing Welds, Properly Managed, Do Not Break, SPE Paper 60694




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1.7 Welding Technology: Appendix A

Review of Welding Parameters for Coiled Tubing

There are a number of manual GTAW welding procedures, documented in the literature, as
being successful in welding coiled tubing. The following is a discussion of the individual
welding variables considered important to preparation of a welding procedure.

Welding Joint

Several joint designs have been used on coiled tubing. They include double "V" grooves,
with and without a land, "J" and "U" bevels and occasionally the square butt joint.

"V" grooves employ bevel angles to allow introduction of filler metals and distribute welding
stresses developed due to thermal contraction of the weld bead. Included angles in the
bevel can vary from 30 to as much as 90, dependent on local needs. Studies on piping
components have shown that 37 2 per side or 75 included angles distribute these
stresses and minimize distortion in tubing welds effectively. "V" grooves may have
featheredges of 1/16" to 1/8" root faces or lands on the root of the bevel. Featheredges are
easier to prepare by hand grinding, which may be the only option in some locations.
Consistent lands are best prepared by weld bevelling tools, but can be made by
experienced hand grinding operators.

"J" and "U" bevels must be prepared by weld bevelling machines. They are used to reduce
the amount of filler metal required in a weld groove. In coiled tubing welding of thicker and
higher strength materials the dilution of too much filler metal can have an adverse influence
on the mechanical properties of the welded joint.

Square bevels have been used for relatively thin wall coiled tubing and are normally welded
autogenously (without filler metal additions). These joints are no longer recommended for
welding coiled tubing. These close fit joints have no root spacing and the base metal
provides the metal for the weldment. Weld penetration to fuse the inner root must be
carefully controlled and may be limited by the maximum welding amperage. Without filler
metal the bead can be concave, which can in turn, lead to weld cracking.

Weld joint preparation requires removal of internal flash, if present, from the weld area. If
left in place the flash could crate an artificial heat sink or source for weld contamination,
effecting welding characteristics and quality. Joint preparation must leave the weld joint
within tubing tolerances while not creating any local stress risers, such as visible to the
naked eye, circumferential grinding marks, which could affect finished fatigue and
mechanical properties.
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Base Metals

Coiled tubing grades are predominately made from high strength low alloy strip, like coiling
operations. This can significantly increase the tendency for coiled tubing to ASTM A606
Gr4 (Mod.). The tubing manufacture process forms the tubing, seam anneals, stress
relieves and spools this material, making each grade of coiled tubing a unique base
material. This generally leads to the requirement that each separate grade of coiled tubing
requires separate procedure and qualification.

Much welding is performed on tubing that has been used. Provisions must be made to
handle residual bending, ovality, diameter and wall thickness differences in fitting up the
tubing for welding. Contingency plans for handling contaminated, corroded or magnetized
tubing should be in place as well.

Filler Metals

There are no known filler metals with chemistry and welded mechanical property results
matching coiled tubing grades. Filler metals must be selected from the available
commercial grades primarily designed for welding carbon and low alloy steels. Generally,
AWS A5.18 ER70S-2 or ER70S-6 filler metals are used for grades up to and including QT-
900. Though listed as having comparable mechanical properties to coiled tubing grades,
many ER80X-X and ER90X-X grades contain chromium or other elements not
recommended. These filler metals are hardenable during air-cooling from welding
temperatures and require preheat and or post weld heat treatment to control hardness and
cracking. These thermal treatments are capable of severely reducing the strength of the
surrounding coiled tubing base metal. AWS A5.28 ER120-S-1 is normally used for joining
QT-1000.

In most cases the filler metal is "under matched to the base metal. That means it either
contains fewer alloying elements, which will not develop the same welded strength as the
material being welded. To compensate for the under match, dilution of the base metal
chemistry and reproduction of the grain size are important to the finished weldment
properties. Precautions must be taken to assure the filler metal does not create a deposit of
under matched filler metal large enough to create a weak zone in an other wise uniform,
strong coiled tubing string.

Filler metal sizes or GTAW rods are normally 1/32" to 3/32", based on the thickness of the
bead and welder control required. 1/16" diameter filler metal is most often used.
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Positions

Most procedures are developed in the ASME Section IX defined 5G position with the tubing
horizontal. This requires the weld bead to start at the bottom of the weld joint and progress
upward. Welds made in the factory, service center base camps and even field locations are
made in this position. Occasionally there are requirements for welds to be made in the 2G
position with the pipe vertical. In ASME Section IX qualifications, both welding procedures
and welders qualified to weld tubing in the horizontal (5G) position qualify to weld with the
tubing in the vertical (2G) position, but not vice versa. Field experience has indicated the
same is true for coiled tubing qualifications.

Normally, coiled tubing can be set up in either the horizontal or vertical position and the
ASME qualifications allow the set up to be as much as 15 degrees off true horizontal or
vertical using the same procedure. In the unlikely event the tubing must be welded with the
tubing between 15 to 75 degrees of true horizontal or vertical; ASME Section IX requires
separate qualifications be performed with the tubing oriented at 45 degrees from the
horizontal or vertical (6G position). If performed, the qualification in 45 degree
(6G) position, then qualifies the procedure or welder for the horizontal 5G and vertical 2G
positions also.

Preheat

Coiled tubing is made from high strength, low alloy steels designed to be welded without
preheat to prevent thermal cracking. Experience has shown preheating existing coiled
tubing grades can reduce the mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone. In fact, the
use of chill blocks to remove heat and preserve properties is well established in welding all
grades of coiled tubing. To assure mechanical properties in thicker walls, requiring multi-
pass welds, it may be necessary to provide auxiliary cooling to the chill blocks between
passes. There have been no reported incidences of weld cracking due to lack of preheat.

Heat may be applied to drive off absorbed surface moisture from sources including over
night condensation or contaminates carried by used tubing. When this is done, it is
advisable to cool the joint to approach ambient temperature before making the weld.

Historically carbon equivalent equations have been used to predict the need for preheat in
carbon and low alloy weldments. The chemistries of the higher strength grades of coiled
tubing suggest preheat should be employed. The carbon equivalent equations were
developed to include much thicker welds and highly restrained weld joints. Todays coiled
tubing wall thickness and weld fixturing allow more latitude. Coiled tubing grades, primarily
due to their high strength, low alloy and fine grain structure appear more tolerant to welding
without preheat than their low alloy counterparts with comparable carbon equivalents.



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Post Weld Heat Treatment

Existing procedures do not utilize post weld heat treatment. Welding procedures developed
have shown the mechanical properties and base material hardness requirements can be
met without thermal treatment after welding.

Gas

The shielding gas will usually be welding grade Argon or 75% Helium, 25% Argon. It is
important that the gas be welding grade or better to assure it is not contaminated with
elements such as oxygen. Since the shielding gas protects the tungsten electrode and weld
puddle from high temperature oxidation, the purity is important.

The selection of welding gas may first be dictated by availability, particularly in remote
locations. Argon tends to have a cooler welding arc with less penetrating power than
helium. Mixed gases of argon and helium will tend to have hotter arcs and more penetrating
power as the concentration of helium increases. A second benefit is helium, being lighter
than air, tends to rise from the torch flow, while argon, being heavier than air, tends to fall.
Mixed gases entering the inside diameter of the tubing are believed to provide better overall
protection of the root when backing gases are not used.

Gas flow rates are important to provide continuous shielding of the weld pool. The minimum
flow rate must protect the weld pool, while overcoming disruptive influences of arc heating
or cross drafts. If the flow rate is too high, the gas flow can become turbulent and inspire air
with its oxygen to the weld pool. To allow higher flow rates, gas lenses are used in the torch
nozzle to keep flow laminar at higher flow rates. Flow rates should be measured with a flow
meter calibrated for the molecular weight of the shielding gas. The difference in molecular
weight between helium and argon means the flow rates required to provide equivalent
protection for helium are normally higher than for argon.

An important step in assuring the effectiveness of shielding gas is the protection of the
welding area form strong cross drafts. When welding in exposed areas, it is often
necessary to employ barriers to wind flow. Area or cooling fans should be turned off during
the time actual welding is performed. The welding shielding cannot compromise the safety
of the welder and the quality of his breathable air.

Electrical Characteristics
The GTAW process uses direct current, straight polarity in the welding arc. This makes the
tungsten electrode negative in the circuit.

The tungsten electrode is normally 3/32" diameter 2% Throated Tungsten. The electrode is
ground to a point with a controlled included angle, typically 60 degrees. The tip is then
truncated, with a small flat place on the end of the point to prevent the tip melting off into
the weld puddle.
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2 COLLAPSE PRESSURE
2.1 Disclaimer
The following section of this document is based on theoretical studies and
experimental data and is only presented by Quality Tubing as a possible benefit to
the customer. Quality Tubing NOV is not responsible for incidents that may occur
when the following information is used. The collapsed pressure should be
determined on a job-by-job basis. For more data, software programs, such as
Cerberus can be used.

2.2 Collapse Pressure for New Coiled Tubing
The collapse pressure (Pc) for new, as-manufactured, perfectly round coiled tubing, in the
absence of axial stress, is calculated using the appropriate formula which is given in API
Bulletin 5C3. A new version of this is under consideration at API and ISO.

These formulas have been developed for tubular collapse in the Yield Strength, Plastic or
Transition collapse regimes. For QTs downhole coiled tubing grades QT-700

, QT-800

,
QT-900
TM
, and QT-1000

, the collapse pressure can be located in the tables at the back of

this section in the columns that correspond to the L=0 and P
c
located under each Yield
Strength division. These values are based on the minimum allowable wall thickness, t
min
,
which is equal to t - .005in.

The values located in the tables were determined from experimental data that was
collected on round oilfield tubing and casing, of the same specified minimum yield strength,
and represent a 95% confidence level of the material surviving the pressure without
collapse. Where no API grade was available, the necessary constants (see API 5C3) were
interpolated between the two adjacent grades.

2.3 The Effect of Ovality on New Coiled Tubing
For all coiled tubing that is in service, the condition of the tube cannot always be
considered to be perfectly round. Coiled Tubing should always be considered to be
somewhat ovaled. For QT-1000

, the minimum ovality should be considered to be 1%,

and for all lower grades, it should be 2% (NOTE: This is a minimum value that is caused
from the spooling process, actual ovality could be greater). The Ovality of the coiled tubing
can drastically reduce the Collapse Pressure of the tubing. The Ovality of the tubing, for
the purpose of these calculations can be determined by the following equation:

D
D D ) (
* 100
min max

= (Eq. 1)

Where,
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= Ovality of a Single Cross-Sectional Area of Tubing
D
max
= The Maximum Measured Diameter of the Cross-Sectional Area of Tubing
D
min
= The Minimum Measured Diameter of the Cross-Sectional Area of Tubing
D = The Specified Diameter of the Tubing

To find the Collapse Pressure of coiled tubing that is not perfectly round, the following
equations that were developed by Timonshenko should be considered.

f g g Pco =
2
(Eq. 2)

) * * 3 2 ( *
4 1 ) / (
min
min max
min
t
D
D
D D P
t D
SMYS
g
c

+ +

=
(Eq. 3)

1 ) / (
* * 2
min

=
t D
P SMYS
f
c
(Eq. 4)

Where,

P
c
= The Collapse Pressure for Perfectly
Round Tubing at Zero Load
P
co
= The Collapse Pressure for the Oval
Tubing at Zero Load
SMYS = Specified Minimum Yield Strength of
Tubing
t
min
= Minimum Wall Thickness of Tubing

These equations will give a theoretical collapse pressure for tubing with no load. There are
multiple variables that are not taken into account in these equations that may affect the
actual collapse pressure of the tubing. This should be considered when using the
calculated values in an actual scenario.

2.4 The Effect of Load and Torque

When a tensile load or a torque acts on coil tubing, the Collapse Pressure will decrease.
Because of this decrease, a Safety Factor should be calculated by the customer to help
assist in examining the risk of tubing collapse. The Safety Factor (greater than or equal to
1) should be based on the Utilization of the coiled tubing (from zero to 100%). The
Utilization of the tubing is based on the age and usage of the string and should be
determined by the customer based on field experience, derating programs for theoretical
fatigue life consumed and/or other methods. Quality Tubing NOV cannot provide the
Utilization number, but will assist with calculations upon request.
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To calculate the theoretical Collapse Pressure with a load or torque on the tubing and a
Safety Factor incorporated, the following equations can be used.

3
4
3
4
3
4
. .
1

y co
L
L
P
P
F S
(Eq. 5)

3
4
3
4
3
4
. .
1

y co
P
P
F S

(Eq. 6)

Where,

S.F. = Safety Factor Chosen by the Customer
P = External Operating Pressure
L = Operating Tensile Load
L
y
= Pipe Body Yield Load
= Operating Torque

y
= Torsional Yield Strength

As seen by Eq. 5 and Eq. 6, the Load Factor and Torque Factor are equal.

y y
L
L

=

Because of this relationship, torque will be ignored for the rest of this section. The reader
should keep in mind that whenever the Load Factor of a string is shown, it can be replaced
by its Torque Factor.

The above equations can be rearranged to calculate different variables. Using minimal
allowable safety factors (which are determined by the user), these equations can be solved
for allowable external pressure, allowable tensile load, required collapse capacity, or
required load capacity.

2.5 Calculate the Allowable External Pressure
In calculating the allowable external pressure for a string of tubing, we will use the Collapse
Pressure Correction Factor, K. This factor is a substitution that will simplify Eq. 5 and Eq. 6
when the user is determining the allowable external pressure. The substitution is shown
below:

co
P K P * = (Eq. 7)

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and rearrange to make,

co
P
P
K = (Eq. 8)

Therefore,

( )
3
4
3
4
3
4
. .
1

+ =

y
L
L
K
F S
(Eq. 9)

This Equation can then be rearranged as follows:

4
3
3
4
3
4
. .
1

=
y
L
L
F S
K (Eq. 10)

The correction factor, K, takes into account the Safety Factor and the Load Factor which is
shown in Eq. 10. The Safety Factor must be selected by the customer, and the Load
Factor is set by the tubing dimensions and the actual load on the tube (depth in hole,
attached tools, etc.). Because these values are set by the circumstances of the situation,
selecting the correction factor, K, can be done on the chart below:

<
20%
20-
30%
30-
40%
40-
50%
50-
60%
60-
70%
70-
80%
80-
100%
1.25 1.30 1.40 1.50 1.60 1.70 1.80 2.00
0.00 0.80 0.77 0.71 0.67 0.63 0.59 0.56 0.50
0.05 0.79 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.61 0.57 0.54 0.48
0.10 0.76 0.73 0.67 0.63 0.58 0.55 0.51 0.46
0.15 0.73 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.52 0.48 0.42
0.20 0.70 0.67 0.61 0.56 0.52 0.48 0.45 0.38
0.25 0.67 0.64 0.58 0.53 0.48 0.44 0.40 0.34
0.30 0.63 0.60 0.54 0.49 0.44 0.40 0.36 0.29
0.35 0.59 0.56 0.50 0.44 0.39 0.35 0.31 0.24
0.40 0.55 0.51 0.45 0.39 0.34 0.30 0.26 0.18
0.45 0.50 0.46 0.40 0.34 0.29 0.24 0.19 0.11
0.50 0.45 0.41 0.34 0.28 0.23 0.17 0.12 0.00
0.55 0.40 0.36 0.29 0.12 0.16 0.09 0.02
0.60 0.34 0.30 0.22 0.15 0.07
0.65 0.28 0.23 0.14 0.05
0.70 0.21 0.16 0.05
0.75 0.12 0.06
Safety Factor (S.F)
Coiled Tubing Utilization (U)
L/Ly

Table 1
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To use this table, select the desired Safety Factor or Utilization range (i.e. U = 35% is the
same column as S.F. =1.40), and then select the correct Load Factor, L/L
y
, that represents
the downhole load (the operating tensile load) verses the Pipe Body Yield Load (based on
the dimensions of the string) that is acting on the string. After the two factors are found,
trace them to the point that the respective row and column intersect on the table. This will
be the corresponding correction factor that should be used when finding the Allowable
External Operating Pressure, P. Since the Collapse Pressure, P
co
, is set by the tubing
dimensions, multiplying it by K will give a new pressure that accounts for the Safety Factor
and the Downhole Load acting on the string. With this new value of P, the user can adjust
the internal pressure of the string to compensate for the external pressure so the string will
not be at risk of collapsing.

2.6 Some Variables that may Effect Collapse
1. Active Load at Surface:
a. Tubing and Associated Downhole Tools
b. Buoyancy Effect
c. Pump Friction Force
d. Friction Force between the Tubing and the Well Wall
e. Accuracy of Weight Indicator
f. Deviation of Well
g. Axial Load Added from Tubing being Stuck Downhole
2. Pressure
a. Internal Tube Pressure
b. External Tube Pressure
3. Tubing Specifications
a. Grade of Tubing
b. Wall Thickness
c. Ovality of Tubing
4. Tubing Utilization
a. Safety Factor
b. Tubing Fatigue Life

2.7 Comparison with Values in API RP 5C7
The values calculated for QTs downhole workstring product are based on a minimum wall
of t
min
= t - .005 in. for the entire range of wall thicknesses, since this is the QT wall
thickness tolerance for all sizes. For wall thicknesses above 0.109 in., the collapse
pressures shown in QTs tables exceed those of API Recommended Practice RP5C7
because in the latter document, the collapse pressures are based on a minimum wall
thickness of t 0.008 in.


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2.8 Comparison with Other Collapse Pressure Values
The values given here are conservative since the original perfectly round tubing values
are conservative (because of the manner in which the data submitted for the API study
were evaluated). Individual tests on tubing samples obviously represent the performance
of that sample, while the values given here represent those for which there is a 95%
confidence level that a measured value will exceed the tabulated value.

Note
If the collapse pressure is required for a wall thickness not given in the tables below, please
call Quality Tubing NOV. This may occur with in-service coiled tubing, where the wall has
been eroded away during tubing operations.

2.9 Calculation Example
Tubing Specifications:
SMYS = 70,000 PSI
Outside Diameter = 1.25 inches
Wall Thickness = 0.087 inches
User Measured Specifications:
Max. Outside Diameter = 1.27 inches
Min. Outside Diameter = 1.23 inches
Safety Factor = 1.30
Operating Tensile Load = 7,800 PSI

Step 1
Find the Collapse Pressure, P
c
, for perfectly round tubing with the given dimensions and
no load in the attached tables. To do this, locate the row that contains specified outside
diameter, 1.25 in., and wall thickness, 0.087 in. Follow this row to the major column under
the Specified Minimum Yield Strength, SMYS, and then go to its sub-column for zero
ovality and zero tensile load. The value located where the row and column intersect should
be the value for P
c
. In this case, it is 7970 PSI.

Step 2
Determine the ovality of the tubing using Eq. 2. If the ovality cannot be determined a
default value of 2% should be used:

D
D D ) (
* 100
min max

=
% 2 . 3
25 . 1
) 23 . 1 27 . 1 (
* 100 =

=
Therefore, the ovality of the tubing is 3.2%.



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Step 3
Find the Collapse Pressure, P
co
, for tubing that is ovaled, but has no load acting upon it
using Equations 2 through 4.

First the minimum wall thickness must be calculated using QTs specs as follows:

in in in in t t 082 . 0 005 . 0 087 . 0 005 .
min
= = =

Next calculate g using Eq. 6-3:

) * * 3 2 ( *
4 1 ) / (
min
min max
min
t
D
D
D D P
t D
SMYS
g
c

+ +

=

24 . 815 , 11
)
082 . 0
25 . 1
*
25 . 1
23 . 1 27 . 1
* 3 2 ( *
4
7970
1 ) 082 . 0 / 25 . 1 (
000 , 70
=

+ +

=
g
g


Then calculate f using Eq. 4:

1 ) / (
* * 2
min

=
t D
P SMYS
f
c

274 , 335 , 78
1 ) 082 . 0 / 25 . 1 (
7970 * 000 , 70 * 2
=

= f

Finally calculate P
co
using Eq. 2:

f g g Pco =
2

3988
274 , 335 , 78 24 . 815 , 11 24 . 815 , 11
2
=
=
co
co
P
P


Rounding this to the nearest 10
th
gives P
co
= 3990 PSI. This will be the new collapse
pressure for the tubing which includes a percentage of ovality.

Step 4
Incorporate the user determined Safety Factor and Operating Tensile Load that are
relevant to the string. The Operating Tensile Load should include axial loads acting upon
the string caused by the weight of the downhole portion of the string, the weight of any
tools attached to the string, etc.





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First calculate the Pipe Body Yield Load using the following equation:

250 , 22
000 , 70 * 087 . 0 * ) 087 . 0 25 . 1 ( *
* * ) ( *
=
=
=
y
y
y
L
L
SMYS t t D L

L
y
is then used to divide the Operating Tensile Load to determine the Load Factor as
follows:

35 . 0
250 , 22
800 , 7
= = =
y
L
L
LoadFactor

Using the chosen Safety Factor and the calculated Load Factor, Table 1 can be used to
locate the corresponding correction factor, K. On the table, locate the column that
corresponds to the selected Safety Factor of 1.30 (this is also the column that corresponds
to the tubing utilization, U, of 20 to 30%). Also locate the row that corresponds to the
calculated Load Factor of 0.35. Trace the respective row and column until they intersect.
In this case, the value at this intersection is 0.56. This should be used as the Collapse
Pressure Correction Factor.

Step 5
Incorporate the Collapse Pressure Correction Factor into the Allowable External Pressure
by using Eq. 7 as follows:

PSI P K P
co
2230 3960 * 56 . 0 * = = =

The previous calculations estimate that, in order to keep the tubing from collapsing, the
external pressure acting on the tubing must remain below 2230 PSI. This means that the
differential pressure, the well pressure minus the annulus pressure, must remain below
2230 PSI.











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2.10 Collapse Data (70,000 to 90,000 PSI)

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Specified Minimum Yield Strength
70,000 psi 80,000 psi 90,000 psi
Ovality (D
max
-D
min
)/D
0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05
Tensile Load
L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2

D
(in)
t
(in)
t
min

(in)
D/t
min
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co

0.750
0.750
0.750
0.750
0.750
0.087
0.095
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.082
0.090
0.097
0.104
0.113
9.146
8.333
7.732
7.212
6.637
13630
14780
15760
16720
17920
9260
10380
11360
12340
13600
6340
7100
7770
8450
9310
7080
8050
8910
9780
10920
4850
5510
6100
6690
7470
15580
16900
18020
19110
20470
10580
11860
12990
14110
15540
7240
8120
8890
9660
10640
8090
9200
10180
11180
12480
5540
6300
6970
7650
8540
17530
19010
20270
21500
23030
11910
13350
14610
15870
17480
8150
9140
10000
10860
11960
9100
10350
11460
12580
14040
6230
7080
7840
8610
9610
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.087
0.095
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.082
0.090
0.097
0.104
0.113
0.120
12.195
11.111
10.309
9.615
8.850
8.333
10540
11470
12260
13050
14030
14780
6440
7260
7980
8710
9640
10380
4410
4970
5460
5960
6600
7100
4710
5390
5990
6610
7410
8050
3220
3690
4100
4520
5070
5510
12040
13100
14010
14910
16040
16900
7360
8290
9120
9950
11020
11860
5040
5670
6240
6810
7540
8120
5380
6150
6840
7550
8470
9200
3680
4210
4680
5170
5800
6300
13550
14740
15770
16770
18040
19010
8280
9330
10260
11190
12400
13350
5670
6390
7020
7660
8490
9140
6060
>6920
7700
8490
9530
10350
4150
4740
5270
5810
6520
7080
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
0.087
0.095
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.082
0.090
0.097
0.104
0.113
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
15.244
13.889
12.887
12.019
11.062
10.417
9.690
8.929
8.278
7.353
7970
9330
10020
10680
11510
12150
12960
13920
14870
16450
4670
5440
6000
6560
7300
7870
8620
9540
10460
12060
3200
3720
4110
4490
5000
5390
5900
6530
7160
8250
3320
3900
4350
4810
5420
5900
6530
7320
8120
9530
2270
2670
2980
3290
3710
4040
4470
5010
5560
6520
8830
10400
11450
12200
13160
13890
14810
15910
16990
18800
5270
6150
6860
7500
8340
9000
9850
10900
11960
13790
3610
4210
4700
5130
5710
6160
6740
7460
8190
9440
3760
4420
4970
5500
6190
6750
7470
8370
9280
10900
2570
3030
3400
3760
4240
4620
5110
5730
6350
7460
9620
11410
12880
13730
14800
15620
16660
17900
19120
21150
5840
6840
7710
8440
9380
10120
11080
12270
13450
15510
4000
4680
5280
5780
6420
6930
7580
8400
9210
10620
4180
4930
5590
6190
6970
7590
8400
9410
10440
12260
2860
3370
3830
4240
4770
5190
5750
6440
7150
8390










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Specified Minimum Yield Strength
70,000 psi 80,000 psi 90,000 psi
Ovality (D
max
-D
min
)/D
0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05
Tensile Load
L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2

D
(in)
t
(in)
t
min

(in)
D/t
min
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co

1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
0.095
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.090
0.097
0.104
0.113
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
16.667
15.464
14.423
13.274
12.500
11.628
10.714
9.934
8.824
8.197
7.576
6780
7770
8760
9750
10300
11000
11850
12670
14070
15000
16040
4010
4560
5110
5770
6240
6850
7600
8360
9680
10590
11640
2740
3120
3500
3950
4270
4690
5200
5720
6630
7250
7970
2840
3240
3650
4170
4550
5050
5670
6310
7440
8230
9160
1940
2220
2500
2850
3110
3460
3880
4320
5090
5630
6270
7450
8600
9740
11150
11780
12580
13540
14490
16080
17140
18330
4510
5140
5780
6600
7130
7830
8690
9550
11060
12100
13300
3090
3520
3960
4520
4880
5360
5950
6540
7570
8280
9100
3200
3660
4140
4760
5200
5770
6480
7210
8500
9410
10470
2190
2500
2830
3260
3560
3950
4440
4930
5820
6440
7170
8060
9360
10670
12340
13250
14150
15230
16300
18090
19280
20620
4980
5700
6420
7370
8020
8810
9770
10750
12450
13620
14970
3410
3900
4390
5040
5490
6030
6690
7360
8520
9320
10250
3550
4070
4610
5330
5850
6490
7290
8110
9570
10580
11780
2430
2790
3160
3650
4000
4440
4990
5550
6550
7240
8060
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.104
0.113
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
16.827
15.487
14.583
13.566
12.500
11.589
10.294
9.563
8.838
6660
7750
8600
9700
10300
11040
12280
13110
14050
3950
4550
5020
5650
6240
6880
7990
8760
9660
2700
3110
3440
3870
4270
4710
5470
6000
6610
2790
3230
3580
4050
4550
5070
6000
6660
7420
1910
2210
2450
2770
3110
3470
4110
4560
5080
7310
8570
9560
10820
11780
12610
14030
14980
16050
4430
5120
5670
6390
7130
7860
9130
10020
11040
3030
3500
3880
4370
4880
5380
6250
6860
7560
3140
3650
4060
4600
5200
5790
6860
7610
8480
2150
2500
2780
3150
3560
3960
4700
5210
5800
7900
9330
10450
11890
13250
14190
15790
16850
18060
4890
5680
6300
7110
8020
8840
10280
11270
12420
3350
3890
4310
4870
5490
6050
7040
7710
8500
3490
4060
4520
5130
5850
6520
7720
8560
9540
2390
2780
3090
3510
4000
4460
5280
5860
6530
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
16.667
15.504
14.286
13.245
11.765
10.929
10.101
6780
7740
8910
9770
10890
11640
12490
4010
4540
5200
5790
6750
7410
8190
2740
3110
3560
3960
4620
5070
5610
2840
3220
3710
4180
4960
5510
6160
1940
2200
2540
2860
3390
3770
4220
7450
8560
9910
11260
12440
13300
14270
4510
5120
5870
6640
7710
8470
9350
3090
3500
4020
4540
5280
5800
6400
3200
3650
4210
4790
5670
6300
7040
2190
2500
2880
3280
3880
4310
4820
8060
9310
10850
12390
14000
14960
16060
4980
5670
6530
7400
8670
9530
10520
3410
3880
4470
5060
5930
6520
7200
3550
4060
4690
5350
6380
7090
7930
2430
2780
3210
3660
4370
4850
5430

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Specified Minimum Yield Strength
70,000 psi 80,000 psi 90,000 psi
Ovality (D
max
-D
min
)/D
0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05
Tensile Load
L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2

D
(in)
t
(in)
t
min

(in)
D/t
min
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co

2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
19.792
18.411
16.964
15.728
13.971
12.978
11.995
4770
5570
6560
7540
9240
9960
10700
2930
3360
3890
4430
5380
5950
6580
2010
2300
2660
3030
3680
4070
4500
2060
2370
2750
3140
3860
4310
4830
1410
1620
1880
2150
2640
2950
3310
5120
6050
7190
8330
10290
11380
12230
3250
3750
4370
4990
6090
6790
7520
2220
2570
2990
3420
4170
4650
5150
2300
2660
3100
3550
4370
4920
5520
1570
1820
2120
2430
2990
3370
3780
5410
6470
7760
9060
11290
12820
13760
3530
4110
4820
5530
6780
7650
8460
2420
2810
3300
3780
4640
5240
5790
2530
2930
3430
3950
4880
5540
6200
1730
2010
2350
2700
3340
3790
4240
2.625
2.625
2.625
2.625
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
17.384
15.441
14.344
13.258
6250
7790
9080
9760
3730
4570
5220
5780
2550
3130
3570
3960
2630
3250
3720
4170
1800
2220
2550
2850
6840
8620
10380
11160
4180
5150
5960
6610
2860
3520
4080
4520
2960
3670
4250
4770
2030
2510
2910
3260
7360
9390
10770
12550
4600
5710
6480
7430
3150
3910
4440
5090
3280
4090
4660
5370
2240
2800
3190
3680
2.875
2.875
2.875
2.875
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
19.040
16.912
15.710
14.520
5190
6600
7560
8670
3160
3920
4440
5060
2160
2680
3040
3460
2220
2760
3150
3610
1520
1890
2160
2470
5610
7240
8350
9630
3510
4390
5000
5710
2400
3000
3420
3910
2490
3120
3560
4090
1700
2140
2440
2800
5970
7810
9080
10540
3840
4840
5540
6350
2630
3310
3790
4350
2740
3450
3960
4560
1880
2360
2710
3120
3.500
3.500
3.500
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.170
0.183
0.198
20.588
19.126
17.677
4350
5140
6050
2710
3130
3620
1850
2140
2480
1910
2200
2550
1310
1510
1750
4640
5550
6610
2990
3480
4050
2050
2380
2770
2120
2470
2870
1450
1690
1960
4860
5900
7100
3230
3800
4450
2210
2600
3050
2320
2720
3180
1590
1860
2180


Note:
Although collapse pressures are given for all sizes, the sizes may not be available in
certain grades.










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2.11 Collapse Data (100,000 to 120,000 PSI)

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Specified Minimum Yield Strength
100,000 psi 120,000 psi
Ovality (D
max
-D
min
)/D
0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05
Tensile Load
L=0 L=0
L=L
y
/
2
L=0
L=L
y
/
2
L=0 L=0
L=L
y
/
2
L=0
L=L
y
/
2

D (in)
t
(in)
t
min

(in)
D/t
min
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co

1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
0.095
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.090
0.097
0.104
0.113
0.120
11.111
10.309
9.615
8.850
8.333
16380
17520
18640
20050
21120
10370
11400
12440
13780
14830
7100
7800
8510
9430
10150
7690
8560
9430
10590
11500
5260
5860
6450
7250
7870
19660
21020
22360
24060
25340
12440
13680
14920
16530
17790
8510
9360
10210
11310
12180
9700
10820
11970
13480
14680
6640
7410
8190
9230
10050
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.097
0.104
0.113
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
12.887
12.019
11.062
10.417
9.690
8.929
8.278
7.353
14160
15260
16450
17360
18510
19890
21240
23500
8530
9380
10430
11250
12320
13630
14950
17230
5840
6420
7140
7700
8430
9330
10230
11790
6190
6870
7740
8430
9330
10460
11600
13620
4240
4700
5300
5770
6390
7160
7940
9320
16380
18310
19730
20830
22210
23870
25490
28200
10080
11250
12510
13500
14780
16350
17940
20680
6900
7700
8560
9240
10120
11190
12280
14150
7690
8640
9760
10660
11830
13310
14820
17500
5260
5910
6680
7300
8100
9110
10140
11980
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
1.500
0.095
0.102
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.090
0.097
0.104
0.113
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
16.667
15.464
14.423
13.274
12.500
11.628
10.714
9.934
8.824
8.197
7.576
8630
10090
11560
13440
14720
15720
16920
18110
20100
21420
22920
5430
6240
7060
8120
8910
9780
10860
11940
13830
15130
16630
3720
4270
4830
5560
6100
6690
7430
8170
9470
10360
11380
3890
4480
5080
5880
6490
7210
8100
9010
10630
11760
13080
2660
3070
3480
4020
4440
4930
5540
6170
7280
8050
8950
9590
11390
13190
15510
17310
18860
20310
21730
24120
25710
27500
6270
7270
8270
9580
10600
11740
13030
14330
16590
18150
19960
4290
4980
5660
6560
7250
8040
8920
9810
11350
12420
13660
4760
5510
6280
7290
8110
9080
10230
11420
13530
15030
16780
3260
3770
4300
4990
5550
6210
7000
7820
9260
10290
11480


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Specified Minimum Yield Strength
100,000 psi 120,000 psi
Ovality (D
max
-D
min
)/D
0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05
Tensile Load
L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=0 L=L
y
/2 L=0 L=L
y
/2

D (in)
t
(in)
t
min

(in)
D/t
min
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co

1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
1.750
0.109
0.118
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.104
0.113
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
16.827
15.487
14.583
13.566
12.500
11.589
10.294
9.563
8.838
8450
10060
11320
12940
14910
15770
17540
18730
20070
5330
6220
6920
7830
8960
9820
11420
12520
13800
3650
4260
4740
5360
6130
6720
7820
8570
9440
3820
4470
4980
5660
6520
7240
8570
9510
10610
2610
3060
3410
3870
4460
4960
5870
6510
7260
9370
11350
12900
14880
17310
18920
21050
22470
24080
6140
7250
8110
9220
10600
11790
13700
15020
16560
4200
4960
5550
6310
7250
8070
9380
10280
11330
4670
5490
6150
7020
8110
9120
10840
12060
13500
3200
3760
4210
4800
5550
6240
7420
8250
9240
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
2.000
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
16.667
15.504
14.286
13.245
11.765
10.929
10.101
8630
10040
11770
13500
15560
16630
17840
5430
6210
7180
8150
9640
10590
11690
3720
4250
4910
5580
6600
7250
8000
3890
4460
5170
5900
7090
7880
8800
2660
3050
3540
4040
4850
5390
6020
9590
11320
13450
15570
18670
19950
21410
6270
7230
8420
9610
11570
12700
14030
4290
4950
5760
6580
7920
8690
9600
4760
5480
6390
7320
8920
9940
11140
3260
3750
4370
5010
6100
6800
7620
2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
2.375
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
18.411
16.964
15.728
13.971
12.978
11.995
6840
8290
9750
12260
13980
15280
4450
5250
6050
7450
8430
9400
3050
3590
4140
5100
5770
6430
3200
3760
4340
5380
6120
6890
2190
2570
2970
3680
4190
4720
7390
9180
10970
14060
16170
18340
5040
6040
7040
8760
9960
11280
3450
4130
4820
6000
6820
7720
3860
4590
5330
6650
7590
8670
2640
3140
3650
4550
5190
5930
2.625
2.625
2.625
2.625
2.625
2.625
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
20.349
18.750
17.384
15.441
14.344
13.258
5210
6530
7850
10120
11680
13950
3550
4280
5000
6260
7120
8260
2430
2930
3420
4280
4870
5650
2570
3080
3590
4490
5130
5960
1760
2110
2460
3070
3510
4080
5390
7010
8630
11430
13340
16740
3890
4820
5730
7290
8360
9910
2660
3300
3920
4990
5720
6780
3050
3710
4370
5530
6340
7470
2090
2540
2990
3780
4340
5110

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Specified Minimum Yield Strength
100,000 psi 120,000 psi
Ovality (D
max
-D
min
)/D
0 0.02 0.05 0 0.02 0.05
Tensile Load
L=0 L=0
L=L
y
/
2
L=0
L=L
y
/
2
L=0 L=0
L=L
y
/
2
L=0
L=L
y
/
2

D (in)
t
(in)
t
min

(in)
D/t
min
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
c
P
co
P
co
P
co
P
co

2.875
2.875
2.875
2.875
2.875
2.875
2.875
0.125
0.134
0.145
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.120
0.129
0.140
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
23.958
22.287
20.536
19.040
16.912
15.710
14.520
3520
4160
5070
6270
8350
9770
11410
2500
2910
3470
4140
5280
6060
6980
1710
1990
2370
2830
3610
4150
4780
1830
2130
2520
2980
3790
4350
5020
1250
1460
1720
2040
2590
2980
3440
3700
4480
5440
6700
9250
11000
13010
2750
3260
3890
4650
6080
7050
8170
1880
2230
2660
3180
4160
4830
5590
2180
2560
3030
3580
4620
5350
6200
1490
1750
2070
2450
3160
3660
4240
3.500
3.500
3.500
3.500
0.156
0.175
0.188
0.203
0.151
0.170
0.183
0.198
23.179
20.588
19.126
17.677
3810
5030
6200
7550
2690
3450
4100
4840
1840
2360
2810
3310
1970
2510
2950
3470
1350
1720
2020
2370
4050
5410
6610
8260
2980
3870
4590
5530
2040
2650
3140
3780
2350
3020
3540
4220
1610
2070
2420
2890


Note:
Although collapse pressures are given for all sizes, the sizes may not be available in
certain grades.
Document number
Revision 03
Page 28





3 FRICTION PRESSURE DROP

The principle purpose of coiled tubing is to convey fluids downhole against the wellbore
pressure. While its own weight helps push the fluid against the well pressure, pump
pressure must be added to move the fluid through the tubing on the reel. Friction of the fluid
against the tubing's inner surface creates additional resistance pumping must overcome in
addition to the desired discharge pressure at the end of the tubing string downhole. This
additional resistance is called the friction pressure drop.

This pressure drop increases in greater amounts than the corresponding increase in the
pump rate. The amount of pressure drop is based upon certain fluid and tubing
characteristics: the fluid's density and viscosity, the fluid's flowing rate, and the roughness
of the tubing wall.

Fluid flow is categorized as either laminar (smooth flowing) or turbulent (rough flowing). As
reason indicates, laminar flow takes less energy to move the fluid. The amount of energy to
move a fluid is directly related to the pumping rate. Whether a fluid is flowing in a laminar or
turbulent pattern can be predicted by determining its Reynolds Number, a dimensionless
number.

2.12 3.1 Disclaimer
The following section of this document is based on theoretical studies and experimental
data and is only presented by Quality Tubing as a possible benefit to the customer. Quality
Tubing NOV is not responsible for incidents that may occur when the following information
is used. The Friction Pressure Drop should be determined on a job-by-job basis. For more
data, software programs, such as Cerberus can be used.
2.13 3.2 Hydrostatic Head

Hydrostatic head is the weight of the fluid in the vertical length of the tubing in the well bore.
This "head" helps push the fluid ahead of itself against the friction pressure drop. In effect,
the head reduces the friction pressure drop, or combines with the pumping pressure.

H
1000
= 6.944 x

Where:

H = pressure differential assisting the pumping pressure, in psi per 1,000 ft.
r = fluid density in lb/ft
3
.
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Document number
Revision 03
Page 29





2.14 3.3 Reynolds Number
www.nov.com
Re =
*
* * 7 . 2125
d
Q

Where:

Re = the Reynold's Number
Q = the flow rate in barrels per minute (bpm)
r = the density of the flowing fluid in lb/ft
3

d = the inner diameter of the tubing in inches (in.)
v = the viscosity of the fluid in centipoises (cp)

Note: for density and viscosity values of commonly pumped fluids, refer to the table at the
end of this section.

For Reynold's Number less than 4000, fluid flow is said to be Laminar. Reynold's Numbers
greater than 4000, for practical purposes, fluid flow is considered turbulent. (A transition
region that falls within a narrow band of Reynold's Numbers, is often ignored.)

Document number
Revision 03
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2.15 3.4 Friction Factor
The amount of friction a fluid develops is dynamic depending on its flow rate for a given
size tubing.

For Laminar Flow conditions:
4
1
Re
16 . 3

f =
For Turbulent Flow conditions:

www.nov.com
f =
12
1
12
1 8
* 8

2
3
) (
Re

+

B A

Where:

A =
16
9 . 0
/ 27 . 0 Re) / 7 (
1

+ D
ln * 457 . 2

and

B =
16
Re
37530

2.16
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2.17 3.5 Determining Pressure Drop

The amount of pressure drop per 1000 ft. is:
www.nov.com
P
1000
=
5
2
* * * 9 . 380
d
Q
f ; in psi

For example:
Determine the pressure drop for fresh water at 1.0 bpm in 1.25"OD x .125" wall tubing:


(1) Determine the Reynold's Number:

Using the Fluid Properties Chart for fresh water on the next page:
Re =
cP in
ft lbs bpm
9784 . 0 * 00 . 1
/ 31 . 62 * 0 . 1 * 7 . 2125
3
Re = 135,376; (note that fluid flow is turbulent)

(2) Determine the Friction Factor:

As fluid flow is turbulent (Re > 4000), use the second friction factor equation to
determine f:

First the factors, A and B, must be determined. Using an effective surface
roughness of 0.0018 inches:
A =
16


9 . 0
1
0018 . 0 * 27 . 0
376 , 135
7
1
ln * 457 . 2

in
in

A = 1.36 x 10
20



B =
16
376 , 135
37530

B = 1.22 x 10
-9

Document number
Revision
Page 32
03






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f =
( )
12
1
2
3
9 20
12
10 22 . 1 10 36 . 1
1
376 , 135
8
* 8

+
+

f = 0.02434



(3) Calculate the Pressure Drop:
P
1000
=
5
2
1
1
* 02434 . 0 * 31 . 62 * 9 . 380
P
1000
= 578 psi per 1000 ft.


To determine the total pressure drop for the length of the string, multiply the P
1000
by the
total string length in thousands of feet.

For example:

For fresh water pumped in the string from the above example that is 12,000 ft in
length with 8,000 ft downhole:

P = 12 x 578 psi = 6936 psi

The Hydrostatic head is:

H = 6.944 x 62.31 = 433 psi per 1000 ft

The Total Hydrostatic head is:

H = 433 psi * 8 = 3461 psi

Therefore, the total pressure drop at 1.0 bpm is 3,472 psi (= 6,933 - 3,461)


Fluid Properties of Common Oilfield Fluids
Fluid Density (), lbs./ft
3
Viscosity (), centipoise
Fresh Water 62.31 0.9784
10 ppg Brine 74.81 2.30
15% HCl 66.97 1.95
Diesel 51.72 1.62

Document number
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4 WORKING WITH TRUE-TAPER

STRINGS

Users of True-Taper

often need to know the actual properties of the coiled tubing string at
any point along the True-Taper section. Some of the questions users pose may include:

What is the wall thickness of the True-Taper section at any point of its
length?
What is the tolerance of that dimension?
How much do True-Taper sections weigh?
What is the volume of fluid contained in a True-Taper section?

4.5 4.1 Manufacture of True-Taper

Strips

Quality Tubing NOV holds United States patent number 4,863,091 for the manufacture of
True-Taper coiled tubing. This patent covers the capability of the mill to change the
thickness of the finished strip while the mill is running a single slab. The strip used to make
True-Taper sections is produced on a computer controlled hot strip mill with real time roll
shifting and bending capability. Based on actual measured slab weights, the computer
calculates the length of the finished tapered strip and controls changes in rolling
parameters during each slab's pass through the mill. The result is a strip which is at a
consistent starting gauge for 10% of the finished rolling length, and then tapers linearly to
the calculated distance equal to 10% of the rolling length from the end and runs on the
finish gauge for that remaining distance. The graph shows the typical wall thickness of a
True-Taper

string section made from a nominal 40,000 lb. starting slab. Because there is
some variation in the weight of starting slabs, the finished length and length of the tapered
section can have slight variations.

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4.6 4.2 Determining the Wall Thickness of True-Taper

Sections of Coiled Tubing

Strings

The length between bias welds is recorded on the "Weld Location Record" provided for
each string. The thickness of the wall at any point between those two welds can be
determined in the following manner. Twenty percent of the length of each end of the
tapered segment is the stated wall thickness on the Weld Location Record. Because the
taper is uniform, the wall thickness at any point on the tapered section is proportional to the
percentage of the distance along the True-Taper segment. The thickness of the tapered
section is found using the following formula.

+ =
TOT
x
TOT o TT
L
L
t t t *

Where:
t
TT
= Wall thickness of True-Taper.

t
o
= Wall thickness at the start of the True-Taper section

t
TOT
= Change in wall thickness along the tapered section

L
x
= Length of tapered section to intermediate point, less 10% of the distance
between bias welds in the tapered section, accounting for the initial un-tapered
starting flat.

L
TOT
= Length of True-Taper section, less 20% of the distance between bias welds
in the tapered section, accounting for un-tapered start and finish flat sections.
4.7 4.3 Wall Tolerances for True-Taper

Strings

The wall thickness tolerance for True-Taper strings meets or exceeds the minimum
tolerance for wall thickness of normal straight walled coiled tubing. This tolerance limitation
can be applied to any section of a True-Taper string, including the tapered section.

4.8 4.4 True-Taper

Weight & Volume Capacity

For engineering purposes, the weight volumetric capacity of a True-Taper is calculated by
taking the average wall thickness for the tapered section of the True-Taper string in
question. The average may be employed due to the constant, uniform wall thickness
change achieved by the True-Taper process. The following formulae may be used to
calculate the weight and volume contained in True-Taper strings.
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4.9 4.5 Lengths of True-Taper Sections (from Nominal 40,000 lb coils)

The following lengths, based on nominal 40,000 pound coils of strip may be when
designing a string of tubing that will contain True-Taper strips. As stated above, there can
be slight variations in strip length due to the weight of the coil, which could manifest as
slight incremental variation from thickness calculated from nominal weight coils. To quantify
this, Quality Tubing NOV surveyed actual weights of coils used in the True-Taper wall
thickness most subject to variation from nominal dimensions, 0.156" to 0.175". This
investigation indicates the maximum inaccuracy from using thickness calculated from
nominal weight coils is +0.0035" to -0.0020".


True-Taper Wall (in)
True-Taper Section
Length (ft)
True-Taper taper
Length (ft)
0.095 0.109 2930 2350
0.102 0.125 2630 2110
0.109 0.134 2470 1980
0.125 0.156 2140 1710
0.134 0.156 2060 1650
0.156 0.175 1590 1270
0.175 0.203 1410 1130

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Wall Thickness of True Tapered Coiled Tubing Sections
0.090
0.110
0.130
0.150
0.170
0.190
0.210
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Typical True Taper Section Length (ft)
W
a
l
l

T
h
i
c
k
n
e
s
s

(
i
n
)
0.175 - 0.203
0.156 - 0.175
0.134 - 0.156
0.125 - 0.156
0.109 - 0.134
0.102 - 0.125
0.095 - 0.109

4.10 4.6 Conclusion

Using either the length between bias welds on the WELD LOCATION RECORD, or
estimating the length of a True-Taper section based on nominal steel strip weights, easily
allows the actual thickness at any point of the True Taper section to be determined
accurately. Using determined wall thickness, the weight and internal volume of any tapered
section or an entire length of True-Taper string can be determined. Knowing these
relationships allow both manual and computer based modeling to be easily achieved.

Weight per foot, W (lbs/ft)

Internal Volume, V (gals/1000 ft)

avg avg
t t D W * ) ( * 69 . 10 =

2
) 2 ( * 8 . 40
avg
t D W =

Where:
D = Outside Diameter (in.)

t
avg
= Average Wall Thickness of True-Taper section
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