Section 420

Schlum berger COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL

Dow ell Rev A - 98

CONTINGENCY PLANNING

Contents Page

Introduction .................................................................................................... 2
1 CONTINGENCY PLANNING........................................................................... 2
1.1 Contingency Guidelines ....................................................................... 3
1.1.1 Workstring Integrity ............................................................................. 3
1.1.2 Stuck Workstring ................................................................................. 3
1.1.3 Mechanically Damaged Workstring ...................................................... 5
1.1.4 Pressure Control Equipment ................................................................ 5
1.1.5 Coiled Tubing Equipment ..................................................................... 6
1.2 Operational .......................................................................................... 6
1.3 Determining the Stuck Point ................................................................ 6
1.4 Cutting the Coiled Tubing at Surface .................................................... 6
1.5 Preparation for Cutting Tubing Downhole .............................................. 6
1.5.1 Explosive Cutters ................................................................................ 9
1.5.2 Chemical Cutters ................................................................................. 9
1.6 Coiled Tubing Retrieval ........................................................................ 9
1.7 Emergency Procedures ..................................................................... 10
1.7.1 BOP Emergency Operation ............................................................... 10
1.7.2 Power Pack Unit Failure ..................................................................... 10
1.7.3 Stripper Leakage ............................................................................... 10
1.7.4 Stuck Coiled Tubing ........................................................................... 11
1.7.5 Collapsed Coiled Tubing ..................................................................... 11
1.7.6 Surface Treating Line Leak ................................................................ 12
1.7.7 Injector Chain Slippage...................................................................... 12
1.7.8 Reel Swivel Leak ............................................................................... 12
1.7.9 Pinhole at Surface ............................................................................. 12
1.7.10 CT Rupture at Surface ....................................................................... 13
1.7.11 Leaking Riser and/or Crossover Between BOPs and Wellhead .......... 14

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 Section 420
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Dowell

Introduction The role of contingency planning in CT services is illus-

The primary objective of contingency planning is to mini-
mize response time, or down-time, in the event unplanned
conditions are encountered. In many cases, delays in
response to unusual conditions results in a worsening of the
circumstances or problem. The potential risk to well secu-
rity and personnel safety can be quickly compounded in
such circumstances. Therefore, contingency planning must
be part of every CT operation.
trated in Figure 1 and defined below:
• Normal Operating Procedures
Procedures prepared to ensure correct execution of the
intended operation in a safe manner. Job procedures or
guidelines must be prepared for every CT operation.
• Contingency Plans

1 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Contingency plans should be prepared for use when

The level of contingency planning will generally reflect the
conditions, potential hazards and/or complexity of the
intended operation. Operations conducted in high potential
hazard conditions require a higher level of contingency
planning. In some circumstances, detailed procedures
may be included in contingency plans to ensure the safety
of personnel and equipment.
unplanned conditions are encountered during an opera-
tion. These may include emergency procedures to main-
tain control of well pressure or surface equipment. CTU
operators must be fully familiar with these procedures.
• Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedures may be defined as an immediate
response to conditions which threaten well security, or

COILED TUBING SERVICES - PROCEDURES AND PLANNING

Normal Operating Procedures

A sequence of actions, checks and controls to ensure

correct execution of the intended operation

Well Security
Personnel Safety
Equipment and Tools

Contingency Plans Emergency Procedures

A reference source to be used as a guide Trained responses to conditions

in the event reasonably unforseeable but which jeopardize the safety of
unplanned conditions are encountered personnel or security of the wellbore
during the operation

Figure 1.

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 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
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Dow ell CONTINGENCY PLANNING
personnel safety. Such responses are enacted as a result
of detailed training, familiarity with equipment and ex-
ecuted with the knowledge and awareness of the wellbore
and operational conditions.
In each of the above, consideration must be given to three
key areas of responsibility:
• Well security
• Personnel safety
• Equipment, tools and the intended operation
As a supplement to any contingency plans, the source and
availability of any special equipment or services should be
noted (e.g. chemical cutting services).
1.1 Contingency Guidelines
The contingency guidelines are categorized as follows.
• Workstring integrity
• Stuck or damaged workstring
• Pressure control equipment
• Coiled tubing equipment
• Operational
1.1.1 Workstring Integrity
Fatigue tracking and reel history recording significantly
reduces the number of workstring failures and leaks.
However, fatigue, corrosion and mechanical damage can
result in tubing leaks of varying severity. Regardless of the
cause, workstring leaks are unacceptable, and must result
in the suspension of the operation pending repair or replace-
ment of the workstring.
Leak at Surface
A leak in the tubing string indicates a significantly weak-
ened area which may fail completely following further
cycling. Action taken to secure the well and recover the
workstring should be made while attempting to minimize
further damage or fatigue to the string at the leak point.
Section 420
Rev A - 98
Parted Tubing at Surface
There are two major concerns associated with the workstring
parting on the surface:
• Well security and the presence of a tube extending
through the wellhead
• The free end(s) of the tubing, which react to the workstring
internal pressure
Parted Tubing in the Wellbore
A workstring which has parted in the wellbore will generally
be indicated by a sudden change in the weight indicator
(weight loss) and/or a variation in circulating pressure.
Attempting to tag a known restriction may confirm that the
tubing has parted, if the apparent depth is greater than
previously noted.
In some cases the first indication that the workstring has
parted will be the release of well fluids as the tubing stub is
pulled through the stripper. In this event, closing the blind
rams will regain control of the well.
Plugged Tubing
Most CT applications require fluids to be circulated, either
as part of the treatment or to maintain well conditions
suitable for continuing the operation (e.g. to prevent tubing
collapse).
1.1.2 Stuck Workstring
There are many ways by which a workstring can become
stuck. Selection of the appropriate action or treatment to
resolve the condition depends on several factors. The
following points should be considered:
• Wellbore geometry
• CT toolstring geometry
• Presence of fines or small solids (circulatable) in wellbore
or treatment fluids
• Presence of junk or large solids
• Characteristics of treatment, produced or wellbore fluids
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 Section 420
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Dowell

• Stuck point assessment • Fill material:

- Produced sand or fines
Working the tubing string in and out of the wellbore in an - Junk
attempt to pass a hang-up point is often effective. However,
this induces localized fatigue as the tubing is cycled around • Reaction products:
the gooseneck and reel, which can rapidly lead to failure of - Scales
the workstring. - Paraffin or asphalt deposits
- Hydrates
The weight indicator response can be used to help deter-
mine whether sticking is due to a downhole or near wellhead Near Wellhead
condition. For example, a rapid loss of weight over a short
interval can indicate a hang-up point at or near the wellhead • Mechanical:
or pressure control equipment. Deeper, downhole hang-up - Incomplete opening of valves - (swab, master, lubricator
points will cause a slower reaction which is dampened by DHSV/SSSV)
the effect of tubing stretch or buckling. - Wellhead or pressure control equipment profile
- Toolstring hang-up (e.g. centralizer or underreamer)
The interval over which the weight loss is observed also can - Distorted tubing hanging-up in stripper
be used to help identify the hang-up mechanism. For
example, a single-point mechanical hang-up can effect a • Hydraulic:
more rapid weight indicator reaction than the penetration, or - Piston effect in non-perforated wellbores
pull through, fill material. - Piston/surge effect of close toolstring OD and produc-
tion tubing ID (packers)
Obstruction Going In-Hole
• Reaction products:
There are a number of conditions which hinder or prevent - Scales
the progress of the CT or toolstring into the wellbore. - Paraffin or asphalt deposits
Determining the cause of such conditions is important, not - Hydrates
only to allow the operation to continue, but to avoid the
potential of worsening conditions which may ultimately lead Stuck Coming Out-of-Hole
to a stuck workstring.
The techniques which can be used to free a stuck workstring
The following conditions can hinder the progress of tubing are significantly hampered if the ability to circulate fluids is
or toolstrings being run into a wellbore: also lost. Consequently, at least a slow circulation rate
should be maintained throughout the operation if the threat
Downhole of annular plugging exists. Pump rates should be mini-
mized while cycling the tubing to reduce the induced
• Mechanical: fatigue.
- Nipple or restriction profile hang-up
- Collapsed or damaged well tubulars In the absence of a release mechanism, the following
- Toolstring hang-up (e.g. centralizer or underreamer) techniques have been frequently used in successful recov-
- Severe dog leg ery of stuck tubing strings. A moderate overpull should be
- Deviation/lock-up applied to the tubing string as these techniques are tried.

• Hydraulic: • If stuck due to drag or fill, circulation of a slick fluid to the

- Piston effect in non-perforated wellbores stuck point should be attempted to “lubricate” the tubing.
- Piston/surge effect of close toolstring OD and produc-
tion tubing ID (packers) • Surging the well by rapidly bleeding pressure from the
- Differential sticking annulus can be effective.

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 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
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Dow ell CONTINGENCY PLANNING
• Circulating a dense fluid into the annulus while displacing
the tubing string to nitrogen increases buoyancy effects.
If the string remains stuck, the well should be killed and the
tubing severed above the stuck point.
1.1.3 Mechanically Damaged Workstring
Mechanical damage to the workstring is of concern for
several reasons:
• The pressure capacity of the workstring may be weakened
to the point of failure.
• The tensile capacity of the workstring almost certainly will
be weakened.
• The efficiency of pressure control equipment can be
compromised (e.g. stripper efficiency).
• If severe, distorted tubing will not pass through pressure
control equipment bushings.
• Even small damaged areas can lead to unpredictable
failures due to the effects of localized stress.
Collapsed Tubing
Tubing collapse typically occurs near the wellhead where
the axial tensile force is greatest, or at the bottomhole end
where the applied pressure is greatest.
A collapsed tubing string can be indicated by an increase
in circulating pressure, severe leakage of wellbore fluids
past the stripper, or an overpull caused by the distorted
tubing being forced through the stripper bushing.
Damaged Tubing at Surface
Kinked or damaged tubing will typically be identified by the
TIM as it is being spooled from the reel. A close inspection
must then be made to determine the extent of damage
before the tubing is run through the injector head. Appropri-
ate action can then be determined following consideration
of the following points:
• Extent of damage
• Location of damage
Section 420
Rev A - 98
• Intended application and anticipated forces
• Availability of a substitute reel
1.1.4 Pressure Control Equipment
Pressure control equipment is typically regulated by local
or national authorities. Should the integrity or efficiency of
the equipment be in doubt, the intended operation must be
suspended and the well secured until all pressure control
equipment requirements are met.
The equipment configuration may allow several options to
be considered in overcoming malfunctions or failures.
However, it is generally required that two barriers against
well fluids and pressure be in place at all times. The priority
in contingency planning or emergency procedures must be
to maintain or regain the required level of protection before
proceeding with the operation.
Stripper Packer Failure
Gross leaks at the stripper packer are easily identifiable
and cause obvious safety and environmental hazards.
Less severe leaks can be more difficult to detect, espe-
cially if the injector head is poorly lit or some distance from
the control cabin. However, such leaks can still pose a
significant hazard and should be rectified as soon as
possible.
Leak in Riser/Lubricator Above BOP
Leaks in the riser or lubricator section above the BOP are
often caused by an unstable equipment rig-up which can
result in high bending moments being exerted on connec-
tions or flanges. In the event of a leak, the stability of the
equipment rig-up must be checked and improved as neces-
sary.
Leak in Riser/Lubricator Below BOP
Leaks in the riser or lubricator below the BOP are of special
concern since they cannot be controlled by the primary or
secondary well control equipment. Where fitted, shear/seal
BOPs can be activated to regain control the well. However,
the workstring and/or toolstring below the shear/seal will be
parted.
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 Section 420
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING
In the absence of shear/seal pressure control equipment,
a rapid assessment of the situation is required.
1.1.5 Coiled Tubing Equipment
Only items of equipment which can directly jeopardize well
security are included in this section. Additional contin-
gency plans should be prepared for special or unusual
equipment configurations, as required.
Loss of Power or Control
Before repairing or replacing the power unit, the following
steps should be taken:
• Close the slip rams and the pipe rams. Close the manual
locks on both sets of rams in case of hydraulic leakage.
• If applicable, apply the reel brake.
• Maintain circulation as required (e.g. to prevent tubing
collapse or the settling of wellbore solids).
Reel Swivel Leak
In the event of a reel swivel leak, a rapid assessment of the
conditions may be necessary. For example, when circulat-
ing fill material from the wellbore, interrupted or reduced
circulation may result in sticking the workstring. In addition,
the nature of the fluid inside the workstring may determine
necessary action (it is undesirable to stop circulation with
cement or acid in the workstring, but it is extremely
hazardous to sustain a high-pressure leak of corrosive or
flammable fluid).
1.2 Operational
The following list of wellbore or treatment conditions can be
considered as foreseeable in certain circumstances.
• Circulating Applications:
- Lost circulation/returns
- Well/formation kick
- Interruption to fluid supply
- Insufficient fluid supply (rate or volume)
- Treatment fluid out of specified limits
- Unable to penetrate/RIH
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Dowell
• Downhole Tool Operations:
- Suspected tool failure/malfunction
- Unable to penetrate/RIH
- Depth correlation appears incorrect
1.3 Determining the Stuck Point
When attempting to free a stuck workstring it is necessary
to determine as accurately as possible the point at which
the workstring is held. The completion, or well geometry,
data are generally good indicators of potential stuck points.
However, if possible, a stretch test/calculation should be
conducted to confirm/determine the stuck point.
The worksheets shown in Figures 2 and 3 are intended to
help record and calculate the data required to determine the
CT stuck point. The accuracy of this technique is greatly
dependent on the accuracy of the information input. There-
fore, it is essential that accurate information is gathered on
tapered string dimensions, etc., before applying the calcu-
lation.
1.4 Cutting the Coiled Tubing at Surface
Before the CT is cut at the surface, the well must be killed.
If possible, this should be conducted by circulating through
the CT. This will maintain a kill-weight column of fluid inside
and outside the CT string.
If circulation is not possible, bullhead the kill fluid down the
annulus. In this event, account must be taken of the
injection pressure limits imposed by the well tubulars and
equipment, and the risk of collapsing the CT.
The pressure control equipment shown in Figure 4 provides
a means of securing and circulating through the CT after the
string has been cut downhole.
1.5 Preparation for Cutting Tubing Downhole
When cutting a CT work string, the well must be killed and
flow checked. To ensure that a complete cut is made, the
cutter (explosive or chemical) should be centralized with
the correct standoff from the tubing to be cut. A complete
tubing string/well schematic must be made available for the
cutting technician.
 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 420
Schlum berger
Dow ell CONTINGENCY PLANNING Rev A - 98

COILED TUBING STRING STUCK-POINT CALCULATION WORKSHEET

Length of CT in the Well.......................(ft)

Measured Stretch.......................(in.) at Applied Load..............................(lb)

NONTAPERED STRING

AE l
Length to Stuck Point L=
12 F

2
Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000 x Stretch......................(in.)
= Length to Stuck Point = .......................(ft)
12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb)

2 2
A – Cross-Sectional Area = (OD - ID ) F – Applied Load (at the time the CT stretch was measured at surface)
4
l – Measured Stretch E – Constant for Young's Modulus of Elasticity (29,000,000)

L – Length to Struck Point

TAPERED STRING

1. Determine the actual tubing string stretch for a given load.

2. Using the calculation form overleaf, determine the taper section in which the stuck point is located. Starting with the top section,
calculate and add the stretch induced in each taper section until the sum is greater or equal to the actual measured stretch.

3. Determine the location of the stuck point in the last taper section by applying the following formula. The value for l (Stretch)
is obtained by subtracting the sum of the free taper sections calculated stretch from the measured stretch.
AE l
Length to Stuck Point L=
12 F

2
Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000 x Stretch......................(in.)
= Length to Stuck Point = .......................(ft)
12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb)

2 2
A – Cross-Sectional Area = (OD - ID ) F – Applied Load (at the time the CT stretch was measured at surface)
4
l – Stretch E – Constant for Young's Modulus of Elasticity (29,000,000)

L – Length to Struck Point

4. Add this length to the lengths of the free taper sections. Taper Section No. 1 Length .......................(ft)

Taper Section No. 2 Length .......................(ft)

Taper Section No. 3 Length .......................(ft)

Taper Section No. 4 Length .......................(ft)

Taper Section No. 5 Length .......................(ft)

Length from Stuck Point to the Last Taper Section .......................(ft)

Total Length to Stuck Point .......................(ft)

Figure 2. Stuck-point calculation work sheet.

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 Section 420
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
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Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Dowell

COILED TUBING STRING STUCK POINT CALCULATION

TAPERED STRING WORKSHEET

Length of CT in the Well.......................(ft)

Measured Stretch.......................(in.) at Applied Load..............................(lb)

Weld Location.................(ft)
12 F L
Tubing Stretch in Taper Section No. 1 l=
AE
Wall Thickness................(in.)

2 12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb) x Taper Section Length .............................(ft)

Cross-Sectional Area (A)...................(in. ) 2
2 2 Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000
A= (OD - ID )
4

Taper Section No. 1 Length .......................(ft) Taper Section Stretch = ........................(in.)

Weld Location.................(ft)
12 F L
Tubing Stretch in Taper Section No. 2 l=
AE
Wall Thickness................(in.)

2 12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb) x Taper Section Length .............................(ft)

Cross-Sectional Area (A)...................(in. ) 2
2 2 Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000
A= (OD - ID )
4

Taper Section No. 2 Length .......................(ft) Taper Section Stretch = ........................(in.)

Weld Location.................(ft) 12 F L
Tubing Stretch in Taper Section No. 3 l=
AE
Wall Thickness................(in.)

2
12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb) x Taper Section Length .............................(ft)
Cross-Sectional Area (A)...................(in. ) 2
2 2
(OD - ID ) Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000
A=
4

Taper Section No. 3 Length .......................(ft) Taper Section Stretch = ........................(in.)

Weld Location.................(ft)
12 F L
Tubing Stretch in Taper Section No. 4 l=
AE
Wall Thickness................(in.)

2 12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb) x Taper Section Length .............................(ft)

Cross-Sectional Area (A)...................(in. ) 2
2 2 Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000
A= (OD - ID )
4

Taper Section No. 4 Length .......................(ft) Taper Section Stretch = ........................(in.)

Weld Location.................(ft)
12 F L
Tubing Stretch in Taper Section No. 5 l=
AE
Wall Thickness................(in.)

2
12 x ( Applied Load)....................(lb) x Taper Section Length .............................(ft)
Cross-Sectional Area (A)...................(in. ) 2
2 2
A= (OD - ID ) Cross-Sectional Area.....................(in. ) x 29,000,000
4

Taper Section No. 5 Length .......................(ft) Taper Section Stretch = ........................(in.)

l – Stretch F – Applied Load (At the time the CT stretch was measured at surface.

L – Length of Taper Section E – Constant for Young's Modulus of Elasticity

A – Cross-sectional Area of the CT Taper Section

Figure 3. Stuck-point calculation – tapered string work sheet.

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Dow ell CONTINGENCY PLANNING
Wireline stuffing box and sheave wheel
Small-diameter wireline lubricator
Figure 4. Pressure control and circulating equipment rigup.
It is recommended that the pressure control equipment in
Figure 4 be used to maintain the well security when the cut
is made. The cutting tool dimensions, before and after
firing, should be considered when making up this equip-
ment.
Note: Explosive and chemical cutting tools must only be
assembled and prepared by experienced and qualified
personnel.
1.5.1 Explosive Cutters
The technician or engineer running the explosive cutter is
responsible for ensuring that the correct procedures and
actions are followed. The normal wireline/explosives han-
dling safety procedures must be applied and enforced.
Section 420
Rev A - 98
Pump-in connection
Weco 2-in. lateral Y
Coiled tubing connector with cross-
over to Weco 2-in. connection
Coiled tubing
1.5.2 Chemical Cutters
The technician or engineer running the chemical cutter will
be responsible for ensuring that the correct procedures and
actions are followed. The normal wireline/explosives han-
dling safety procedures must be applied and enforced.
The chemical cutter head should be sized to allow passage
of the coiled tubing string, but with minimum standoff from
it. Factors to be considered include the presence of weld
bead (if applicable) and the possible ovality of the tubing.
1.6 Coiled Tubing Retrieval
After the CT has been cut and the cutting tool string
retrieved, circulation through the CT may commence. In
cases where the well was not killed by circulating through
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 Section 420
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
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Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Dowell

the CT, at least 1-1/2 wellbore volumes should be circulated • Close the blind rams
to ensure that a continuous column of the required kill-
weight fluid exists. • Rig up to circulate the well with kill fluid through the kill
port.
Prior to rigging down the pressure control equipment, a flow
test should be conducted to verify the well status. 1.7.2 Power Pack Unit Failure

To recover the cut tubing string, the tubing must be joined
temporarily by a double roll-on connector. This will allow the
tubing to be spooled onto the reel. The reel-drive hydraulic
circuit should be operated at a reduced backpressure until
the tubing joint is three to four wraps on the reel.
An accurate track of the tubing recovered must be kept to
avoid withdrawing the end from the injector chains. How-
ever, in most cases, tubing cut by an explosive cutter will
not pass through the stripper.
1.7 Emergency Procedures
In the event of a power pack unit failure, the following
actions should be taken:
• Apply the brake
• Close the slip and pipe rams. Manually lock both rams.
• Depending on well pressure, it may be necessary to
continue circulation, to maintain differential pressure.
• If performing a fill cleanout job, ensure that circulation
continues until returns are clean.

The objective of emergency procedures is to secure • Repair or replace power pack.

existing or potentially hazardous conditions sufficient to
enable a review of possible options (contingency plans) to • Resume operations:
be safely made. The procedures must be executed with
minimal delay or consultation and are typically associated - Activate stripper
with the operation of well pressure control equipment or
devices. Consequently, all CTU operators must be fully - Equalize pressure across rams
familiar with the equipment in use. In addition, operators
should be constantly aware of current and potential well - Unlock rams manually
conditions.
- Open pipe rams and slip rams hydraulically
1.7.1 BOP Emergency Operation
1.7.3 Stripper Leakage
• Stop pipe movement
In the event of stripper leakage, the following actions
• Close slip and pipe rams should be taken:

If time and circumstances permit, review options with • Stop pipe movement
company representative. Where there is immediate and
serious danger to personnel, enact the BOP emergency • Increase pressure in stripper system or activate tandem
procedure. stripper

• Stop pumping • Assess the situation before continuing job

• Close shear rams and cut pipe • Even if the increased stripper pressure stopped the leak,
it may be safer to change the stripper inserts at this time
If time permits apply tension to pipe before cutting
• Close the slip and pipe rams. Manually lock both rams
• Pull pipe above the blind rams

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• Bleed off pressure above the pipe rams
• Release skate tension and jack up the injector
• Split the stripper caps and pack the stripper hydraulically
to remove the inserts
• Reassemble the stripper with new inserts
• Hydraulically pressure up the stripper
• Lower the injector and apply skate pressure
• Pressure test the stripper
• Equalize pressure across the rams
• Open the pipe and slip rams manually
• Open the pipe and slip rams hydraulically
• Resume operations
1.7.4 Stuck Coiled Tubing
If the coiled tubing is stuck and a pull higher than 80% of
the yield strength is required to free it, the following actions
should be taken:
• Determine the possible causes, to select correct action
plan:
- Work the string up and down without exceeding 80% of
the yield strength. Be aware of low cycle fatigue.
- Circulate a slick pill to reduce friction between the CT
and casing/tubing walls.
- Rapidly bleed off annulus (surge) while pulling on the
pipe.
- Increase buoyancy
- Release the BHA by means of the release joint
- RIH with a fishing BHA to retrieve the fish left inside the
hole
Section 420
Rev A - 98
If it is not possible to free the coiled tubing:
• Hang off the coiled tubing in the slip rams
• Kill the well
• Cut the coiled tubing above the injector head and cross-
over the coiled tubing with the wireline lubricator
• Determine the free point using the stretch method or
wireline free point tool
• Run chemical/flash cutter through the wireline and cut the
pipe at the free point
• Retrieve the free coiled tubing
• RIH with a fishing BHA and try to free remaining CT string
1.7.5 Collapsed Coiled Tubing
Indications of collapsed coiled tubing include:
• An increase in pump pressure
• An increase in pull (stripper bushing)
• Injector chain slippage
The actions to be taken are:
• Close the slip and pipe rams on a good section of pipe.
Manually lock both rams
• Kill the well
• Cut the coiled tubing above the injector and remove the
injector head
• Clamp down the coiled tubing and test the clamp
• Remove the section of collapsed coiled tubing using a
crane or travelling block
• Leave 15 feet of good coiled tubing above the BOPs
• Set the slip and pipe rams. Manually lock both rams
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Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Dowell

• Walk the injector head over the 15 ft section of coiled Do not do the following:
tubing
• Stop injector chain rotation
• Connect the injector head to the BOPs. Apply inside skate
pressure • Close the BOP rams

• POOH a few feet of coiled tubing • Apply reel brakes

• Connect the coiled tubing with double roll-on connector • Apply injector brakes

• Carefully spool the coiled tubing back to the reel 1.7.8 Reel Swivel Leak

1.7.6 Surface Treating Line Leak In the event of a reel swivel leak, the following actions
should be taken:
Actions to be taken include:
• Stop any coiled tubing movement
• Stop the pumps
• Close the slip and pipe rams. Manually lock both rams.
• Stop any coiled tubing movement. Depending on well
pressure and depth, it may be advisable to manually lock • Isolate the coiled tubing using the valves on the reel
the slip and pipe rams manifold

• Isolate the coiled tubing using the valves on the reel
manifold
• Bleed pressure from lines
• Monitor differential pressure on the coiled tubing by
regulating the choke if necessary. Collapsing coiled
tubing is a major concern at this point
• Repair the leak and resume operations
1.7.7 Injector Chain Slippage
• Bleed pressure from the reel manifold
• Monitor the differential pressure on the coiled tubing by
regulating the choke if necessary. Coiled tubing collapse
is a major concern at this point
• Repair the leak and resume operations
1.7.9 Pinhole at Surface
The actions to be taken depend on whether the check
valves are holding.

Actions to be taken in the event of injector chain slippage Check Valves Holding
include:
Actions to be taken include:
• Increase the skate tension
• Stop pumping
• In the event of coiled tubing runaway:
• Stop coiled tubing movement
- Apply emergency traction
• Alert people to the potential danger
- Chase coiled tubing with the injector chains
• If possible, flag the position of the pinhole with paint
- Increase stripper pressure

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 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 420
Schlum berger
Dow ell CONTINGENCY PLANNING Rev A - 98

• If pumping corrosive fluid, run pinhole below the stripper
and displace with water. Caution must be exercised due
to the danger of breaking the pipe when running it through
the gooseneck and chains
• If the fluids are not dangerous, carefully POOH coiled
tubing string
• Walk injector head over 15 ft section of coiled tubing and
connect injector head to BOPs. Apply inside skate
pressure
• POOH a few feet of coiled tubing
• Connect coiled tubing with double roll-on connector

• Monitor the differential pressure on the coiled tubing by
regulating the choke or flowing the well if necessary
• Depending on the wellhead pressure, continue to pump to
decrease the chances of collapsing the coiled tubing
string
• Rig up standby reel and resume operations
Check Valves Not Holding
The job must be terminated. Actions to be taken include:
• Stop pumping
• Stop coiled tubing movement
• Alert people to the potential danger
• Carefully spool coiled tubing back to reel
• Rig up standby reel and complete operations
The following is an alternative procedure:
• RIH coiled tubing below stripper. Caution must be exer-
cised due to danger of breaking the pipe when running it
through the gooseneck and chains
• Do one of the following:
- Kill the well and retrieve the coiled tubing string, or
- Depending on the depth, pressure and type of reservoir
fluids in the well, continuously pump fluids or inert gases
through the coiled tubing string while pulling the coiled
tubing string out of the hole

• Apply complete BOP emergency procedure: 1.7.10 CT Rupture at Surface

- Close slip and pipe rams The actions to be taken depend on whether the check
valves are holding.
- Close shear rams
Check Valves Holding
- Pick up CT above blind rams
The following actions should be taken:
- Close blind rams
• Stop coiled tubing movement
- Open shear rams
• Apply reel brake
- Manually lock blind, pipe and slip rams
• Stop pumping
• Kill the well
• Close slip and pipe rams. Manually lock both rams
• Prepare to retrieve the coiled tubing using an overshot or
spear • Monitor differential pressure on coiled tubing by regulating
the choke or flowing the well as necessary. Collapsing the
• Leave 15 feet of coiled tubing above the BOPs coiled tubing is a major concern at this point

• Connect coiled tubing with double roll-on connector

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 Section 420
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 CONTINGENCY PLANNING Dowell

• Carefully spool coiled tubing back to reel 1.7.11 Leaking Riser and/or Crossover Between BOPs
and Wellhead
• Once there are a couple of wraps on the reel, start pumping
to reduce chances of collapse The following actions are to be taken:

• Rig up standby reel and complete operations • Stop pumping

• Depending on the type of well, the complete BOP
emergency procedure may need to be initiated
Check Valves Not Holding
The following actions are to be taken:
• Stop coiled tubing movement
• Alert people to the potential danger
• Apply the BOP emergency procedure without setting the
pipe and slip rams

• Stop coiled tubing movement - Close the shear rams

• Apply reel brake - Pick up the CT above the blind rams

• Stop pumps - Close the blind rams

• Apply the complete BOP emergency procedure - Open the shear rams

- Close slip and pipe rams - Close the wellhead master valve

- Close shear rams • Ensure sufficient coiled tubing is off bottom, so that when
the shear rams are used, the coiled tubing drops below the
- Pick up 1 ft master valve

- Close blind rams • Repair the crossover and/or riser leak

- Manually lock the blind, pipe and slip rams • RIH with a fishing BHA and retrieve the coiled tubing

- Open shear rams The following alternative method can also be used:

• Kill the well
• Retrieve the coiled tubing using an overshot or spear
• Leave around 15 ft of coiled tubing above the BOP
• If available, pump an inert fluid down the coiled tubing
annulus and coiled tubing string
• POOH the coiled tubing string as quickly as possible

• Walk the injector head over the 15 ft of tubing. Connect the

injector head to the BOPs. Apply inside skate pressure

• Connect the coiled tubing with double roll-on connector

• Carefully spool the tubing back onto the reel

• Rig up standby reel and complete operations

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