Society of Petroleum Engineers

SPE 37062
Underbalanced-Directional

Drilling with Coiled Tubing - Challenges and Solutions

S.R. Scherschel, and D.G. Graves, Nowsco Well Service Ltd. (A BJ Sewices Company)

QwW

lSW

*W

ofPetifeum Engineers,
Inc.

l?vs paper was prepared far presentabon at Me 1S96 SPE Intamabonal

Hatiomal Well Tachnohagy hold in Calgary Albeti, 1520 November 199s.

Confmencs

an

Introduction
TM paper was selectnd for presantabcm by an SPE Prcgram Commlltea Mowing rawew G4
MxrrWion
contained in an abstract submtted by the wlhor(s). Contents of UIe PaPer, as
presantcd, have not been rewe+wd by tha SOCmty of Petroleum Engineers and am subjecf !m
corfucbon by ttm uUmr(s). l%e mat.rial, s presented. does not necessarily reffed any
Of the Sociq
of Petroleum Engmews, @ officmm, or membem, papars pmaenwd at
SPE meetings am subject to pubbcatmn rwww by Editorial CommKtws of me Sxety
of
Pe&aleum Engmears Pwrmsmon m copy IS rcsmctad to an absbacf of not mcaw than SUJ
wards, Illustrations may not be wpmd
The abstract ahculd contain cOnspIcuOus
cknowledgment of where nd by wlIom tie paper was presented Wnta Ljbmnan, SPE, PO.
sax 833836, R,chacdson, TX 75CSMS.3S, U.S A., fax 01.214-9!S2.S43S

Abstract
The inherent advantages and limitations of drilling with
coiled tubing have been the subject of marry presentations in
the last several years. The potential benefits that coiIed tubing
drilling ~stems offer have prompted development of several
competing systems that are now being brought to the market.
Although each of these approaches share some similarities,
unique features have been introduced that enhance the value
of the available systems.
Full exploitation of coiled tubing drilling systems dictate
that a practical approach be taken. Specifically, the most
attractive approach is the one most highly leveraged to
deriving the benefits offered by using coiled tubing. Because
the coiled tubing drilling system is subject to limitations with
respect to force delivery and the inability to rotate, the
application of this emerging technology needs to be directed
to a niche where it provides the operator best value.
Coincident with the developments in coiled tubing
drilling, industrys acceptance of underbalanced drilling
techniques has been growing. [t is now widely understood
that the advantages of coiled tubing drilling are most flident
in underbalanced operations. These advantages of technology
will be applied to a wide range of well-finishing and re-entry
operations to increase both the productivity and recovery of
hydrocarbons from existing fields.
This paper presents the latest technology being applied in
underbalanced coiled tubing drilling operations and
highlights the additional advantages of using a pressure
deployment system. Operations conducted in the first ten
months of 1996 using these tools are reviewed.

Over the last few years, the signiilcant growth of

underbalarrced drilling in horizontal wells in Western Canada
has created a significant opportunity for the use of coiled
tubing. Development of directional drilling assemblies for
coiled tubing has now opened up the market for coiled tubing
drilling systems to be used for the drilling of horizontal wells
while underbalanced.
Coiled tubing drilling market segments in Canada ha~e
focused on niche applications, The specific market has been
underbakurced drilling through the reservoir. The reason coil
has been chosen to focus in on this particular market is coils
proven record of successfully operating in a live well
environment and the operational and technical advantages
coil offers while functioning in this these conditions.
Coiled tubing is an excellent candidate for drilling if the
well is to be drilled under-balanced. This is especially
significant when drilling sour gas wells.
The scope of this discussion will be focused on the
Western Camdian market where coil is being used for
underbalanced drilling. The paper will review the latest
teehrrology being used in coiled tubing directional drilling
applications. Challenges that are inherent with this emerging
technology and the unique solutions which have been
employed 10 address and overcome these challenges will be
discussed. In addition, a brief ovewiew of the horizontal
drilling jobs performed to date will be discussed.

Underbalanced

Drilling

Underbalanced drilling (UBD) is generally considered to

involve two phase fluid circulation (nitiled fluid) during
drilling to lower the bottom hole pressure to below the
reservoir pressure. UBD has become a widely recognized and
viable ahemative technique to conventional overbalanced
drillingi 234567
, which is especially advantageous in
horizontal well drilling due to the increased time of formation
exposure.
Although
UBD has several operational advantages
(combating IOSIcirculation, preventing differential sticking.
increased ROPs etc.) the main reason it is performed is to

S.R. Schersehel, and D.G. Graves

minimize or eliminate formation damage. The cause of this

damage has been well cited in literature. A properly planned
and executed UBD operation has the potential for a damage
free wellbore.

[37062]

Equipment

Ilownhole Equipment

Bottom Hole Assembly

Advantages
Drilling

of Coiled

Tubing

For Underbalanced

Drilling using coiled tubing fills a niche market in

Western Canada and that market is UBD.
Coiled tubing is ideally suited for drilling underbalanced.
The continuous nature (no comections) of the coiled tubing
string and the exclusive use of a mud motor for drilling
provides several advantages over conventional jointed pipe
drilling for underbalanced applications.
Drilling with a mud motor prevents the formation of
keyseats }v.hicheliminates this cause of sticking. The coiled
tubing string can not be rotated and therefore the mechanical
darnage caused by pipe rotation (pasting of cuttings against
the borehole wall) is avoided.
Pressure surging of the reservoir is avoided when drilling
underbalanced using coiled tubing. When connections are
made during conventional jointed pipe operations, the
pumping must be stopped. At this time the gas and liquid
phases separate with the gas rising and the liquids falling out.
Mer the connection has been made the pumping of the two
phase system is resumed. This continual cycling results in
pressure surging of the wellbore and can lead to overbalanced
surging of the reservoir. Additionally, when the pumping is
halted a cuttings bed is formed. When operations are resumed
after the comection and pipe rotation started, the cuttings bed
can be gradually ground up into the well bore face. As there
are no comections with coil the bottom hole pressure can be
kept consistent with no forced surging of the resemoir and if
the wellbore hydraulics are properly designed a cuttings bed
can be avoided.
Additionally, the continuous pipe provides constant well
control, improved worker safety with minimal pipe handling
and faster trip times, The coiled tubing has a high resistance
to sufide stress cracking (max HRC 22) and can be left in the
hole as a production string at the completion of the drilling.
The electric cabIe inside the coil provides real time
monitoring of down hole information such as annulus
pressure, directional data, logging while drilling etc.
As with any system that offers advantages over another,
coil also has its own limitations. IfweI1bore stability problems
develop coiled tubing can not be rotated nor can it withstand
the physical abuse that conventional drill collars and drill
pipe can. Therefore, in formations prone to sloughing or
washing out, coiled tubing should not be the automatic first
choice, Due in part to logistical concerns and also due to the
current size and weight of coiled tubing, generally, horizontal
lengths and hole sizes are smaller than those achieved with
larger conventional equipment.

When the market conditions were created which presented

an opportunity for coiled tubing drilling, there were no
suitable BHAs which could be purchased off the shelf. The
biggest challenge was to be able to develop a tool which could
be controlled from surface and rotated down hole to orient the
bit face for directional control. Nothing of this type previously
existed so, a set of guidelines were established and a design
team formed to build the device. The resulting tool was the
presently deployed orienting tool.
Other major components which make up the BHA such as
the steering tool for inclination and azimuth readings did
exist but had to be incorporated in a string for use with coiled
tubing.
The complete bottom hole assembly was designed to be
modular allowing for quick and easy change out of any
component. The entire tool is electrically operated using a
standard seven conductor cable. This wireline is utilized to
not only control the functions of the tool downhole but is also
used to transmit real time data back to surface. Electric
continuity between the modules of the BHA components is
maintained by using wet comectors.
The system has eliminated the need for additioml
umbilical lines (such as hydraulic lines) to be run inside the
coiled tubing allowing for a lighter string with greater flow
rates. With only electrical continuity to be concerned with,
deployment and retrieval of the BHA under live conditions is
simplified maximizing safety.
Another advantage of the wireline is the transmission of
steering tool data to surface which has eliminated the need for
mud pulse MWD allowing uninterrupted underba.lanced
drilling conditions. In addition, the wireline transmission is
not subject to either formation or depth limitations as is some
times the case with elec~omagnetic transmission.
Other considerations for the design of the BHA was
having the ability to remain on bottom drilling while
surveying and orienting. This feature would enable the BHA
to compensate for the tendency of the coiled tubing to wind
up as a result of the torque of the mud motor. Reactive torque
considerations would be eliminated if the bit face could be
kept on bottom. This also mzmhnizes drilling time rather than
spending idle time sumeying and orienting.
Selection of a suitable steering tool for underbalanced
drilling using coiled tubing was also necessary. The readings
from some steering tools are quite susceptible to the vibration
caused during drilling. With many systems when surveys are
taken, drilling as well as circulation must sometimes be
halted before an accurate, reliable reading can be taken.
Stopping circulation was viewed as a large detriment to
effective underbalanced drilling as this would set up pressure

[37062]

Underbalanced-Directional Drilling with Coiled Tubing - Challenges and Solutions

surging of the well bore. The selected steering tool eliminates

these problems.
Additional electrical functionality of the BHA includes
LWD capabilities, acquisition of pressure, temperature and
BHA vibration data all measured in real time.
The components of the BHA from top to bottom are as
follows:
Grapple Module
This module provides attachment to both the coiled tubing

and the wireline inside. This tool is made up at the beginning

of the job and then provides a quick connection for all the tool
configurations run throughout the job.
Instrument Module
The instrument module provides

real time signals

showing down hole amular pressure, down hole internal tool
pressure, downhole temperature and downhole shock.
Having pressure transducers in the BHA which measure
both internal and annuhs pressure is invaluable for
underbalanced drilling operations utilizing a hvo phase flow.
The real time annul us pressure readings take any guess \vork
out of bottomhole circulating pressures. This is key to
ensuring a successtil underbalanced drilling operation.
Drilling performance of the BHA can be monitored
closely through the use of the pressure readings and shock
measuring instrument. The information provided by the
downhole internal and e.xtemal pressure readings now give a
differential pressure across the BHA . The shock measuring
sensor indicates BHA vibration. Drilling performance, mud
motor stall conditions etc. are now easily noted even when
using a two phase flow system.
Without the downhole pressure transducers and shock
measurement, stall conditions could not be quickly
determined by relying on surface pressure gauges as the gas
phase in a two phase flow system dampens the pressure
differential readings obtained by surface equipment.
Release tool

A release tool is positioned between the instrument sub

and non-mag collar and is available for use in the event the
BHA becomes stuck. If it were necessary to activate the
release tool, the non-mag collar, orienting tool, mud motor
and bit would be left down hole.
The device is electrically operated by the same cable that
operates the steering tool. Sharing the cable is done so that at
all times, the integrity of the release tool cable is known. If
the cable fails, input from the steering tool ceases and the tool
can be immediately pulled from the well for repairs. The
firing mechanism is operated by a high electrical current
eliminating the need for radio silence and special handling
precautions. The electrical system was also chosen to
eliminate dif3culties inherent with pull to release systems
which are especially diff]cult to predict in horizontal
applications and the complexities associated with
flow/pressure disconnect tools,
As an additional backup, a mechanical ball drop release

sub has also been incorporated into the tool string.

Two check valves are positioned above the release tool so
that the coil has check valve protection in the event of a down
hole release.
Steering toof module
This module is the non-magnetic collar which houses the

steering tool. The design philosophy was to be able to survey

while on bottom drilling. Several steering tools had to be
experimented with prior to finding one which met the groups
objectives.
Surveys can be taken during drilling operations even with
a two phase flow. Survey information provided includes
azimuth, inclination, toolface orientation and gamma.
Presently the steering tool is located approximately 12 m
behind the bit.
Orienting tool
This tool is certainly the heart of any directional assembly

for use with coiled tubing. The orienting tool enables

manipulation of tool face setting which is key for controlling
the trajectory of the well path.
The orienting tool incorporates an integral hydraulic
actuator and pumps which are controlled electrically from
surface. An output of 1,500 !l-Ibf in either direction is
possible and it is infhitely controllable within a 400 degree
travel range in both directions. The amount of torque
available with this component allows for tool face
manipulation while on bottom drilling.
The orienter is computer controlled from surface through
a mouse so that joystick type drilling has been achieved.
The click of a mouse button begins the orientation process
and the click of a mouse stops the orientation. The directional
driller monitors tool face readings and adjusts tool face as
described above when required. The computer monitors the
integrity of the system, controls tie orienter speed and
provides real time torque generation data.
Circulating Sub

A hydraulically operated circulating valve has also been

incorporated into tie orienter. The valve can be opened or
closed at any time to divert flow to circulate above the drilling
motor.
Experience has shown that cuttings removal is most
Mlcult throughout the build section of a well bore. The
horizontal portion can remain clean but due to either flow
limitations of the mud motor or the size of the build section in
relation to the horizontal hole, it is still possible that a
cuttings bed throughout the build section can form. Increased
flow rates are required to mobilize and transport these
cuttings from the bottom side of the build section. One of the
limiting factors for flow rates within a slim hole, bottom hole
assembly is the volume of fluid that can be pumped through
the mud motor without overspeeding it. The ability to by-pass
the motor and greatly increase the flow rate through a
circulating sub has enhanced hole cleaning capabilities. The
circulating ports can be opened during wiper trips which

S.R. Scherschel, and O,G, Graves

signillcantly increases hole cleaning etllciency.

The circulating sub can also prove valuable in several
other circumstances. Nitrogen gas lifting of the well bore is
now possible without having to pump dry gas through the
mud motor which would eventually result in seizing. The
ports would also enable circulation to be maintained in the
event of plugged bit nozzles or a seized mud motor.
Two flapper check valves are positioned beneath the
orienter for tlrther protection in case of mud motor failure.
Mud Motors

Drill motors used are standard off-the-shelf motors.

Selection of a suitable motor for the application is similar to a
conventional drilling operation. Hole size, hydraulic
performance for adequate hole cleaning, bent housing
adjustment etc. are all considerations.
The two prime differences in motor selection for use with
coiled tubing are the effects and proper design of the two
phase flow system and Iobehpm considerations.
Underbalanced drilling involves circulating a two phase
flow system which is most ofien a nitrified water or nitsified
hydrocarbon (native crude or diesel). Volumetric flow rate
through the motor is a key design consideration. Due to the
compressibility of nitroge~ the volumetric flowrate through
the motor is a variable, which is dependent on bottom hole
circulating pressure. The combined space the fluid and gas
occupy, or the combined flowrate are considerations which
must be taken into account during the design.
Coiled tubing does not have the same weight on bit
capabilities as conventional jointed tubulars. Therefore coiled
tubing can not rely upon high weight on bit for drilling and
must use the rpm as provided through the mud motor.
Appropriate selection is usually a medium speed motor.
The drill motor is attached directly beneath the orienter
and is the only part of the BHA which rotates when orienting.

Surface Equipment
The basic surface

equipment package required for

directional underbalanced drilling using coiled tubing
consists of a drilling support structure, a coiled tubing uniL
coiled tubing and deployment BOPs, pumping equipment
and production testing equipment, Some of these components
axe described below.
Support Structure

The drilling support structure is used to support the

injector head over the centre of the weIIhead, isolate the
wellhead from the loads imposed by the injector and
lubricator and allow access to the tool string. This structure
also provides a working platform for personnel whenever
operations around t-hewellhead are necessary.
Power Reel

A large diameter power reel is used to store, transport and

operate the coiled tubing string. The size of these reels
necessitate their own transporl trader and special logistical

[37062]

concerns become an issue when deep wells requiring long

strings of pipe are to be drilled.
Control Unit
The self+ontained

control unit houses all necessary

functions for the coiled tubing operator/driller, the directional
driller and engineer(s). The coiled tubing driller sits at the
end of the trailer nearest the wellhead. From his wrap around
console he is able to control all coiled tubing and dritling
functions, BOP controls, fluid pump control and can monitor
via terminals all surface and downhole recorded data.
On the other end of this unit is located the BOP
accumulator, remotes for BOP operation and a generator set.
BOPs

True underbalanced drilling dictates that the well never be

killed during the drilling or completion stage. As the well is
to be drilled underbalanced it also becomes necessary to
retrieve and depIoy the entire BHA under live conditions. The
current tool string is approximately 22 m in length (which
considers a 95.3 mm mud motor and bit). A unique
deployment system was developed to safely enable this length
of tool to be deployed and retrieved from the wellbore.
Safety is of paramount concern when drilling
underbalanced. This is especially critical when drilling in a
sour gas environment. The main challenge when developing
this system was not to have to rely on either internal check
valves within a BHA or pipe rams for sealing against the
wellbore. This meant that the system would have to operate
remotely with no need for human contact and the BHA
would always be internally cordhed. In this fashion neither
the workers or environment would ever have to be exposed to
the risks of a live well deployment.
The key to being able to operate the system remotely was
the development of the universal comectidiscomect (UCD)
tool. In a simpltied explanation, this tool is a snap latch type
connector used to join the ditTerent modules of the BHA
together. A wet comect is integraI with each UCD and allows
passage of the electrical signal.
All the different modules which make up the entire BHA
are connected together via the UCD tool. There are no
threaded connections which have to be made up during a
deployment or retrieval of the drilling BHA. Irr this manrrer,
the modules of the assembly nwer have to be physically
touched when deploying or retrieving.
The stack as designed consists of three main components.
The coiled tubing BOPs, the deploymentketrieval BOPs and
orI top of the stack a master valve for positive isolation.
BHA Deployment
The following is a generalized description for deploying

the BHA into the well.

Initially, both the master valve above the casing bowl and
the master valve which is positioned on the very top of the
stack are closed.
The BHA which is made up and lying on the matting is
pulled inside the running lubricator via a wireline assembly.

[37062]

Underbalanced-Directional Drilling with Coiled Tubing - Challenges and Solutions

This wireline assembly and grease head is integral to the

lubricator (which eliminates the need for a separate wireline
unit). The lubricator is then picked up off the matting with a
crane and placed over the deployment stack, secured and
pressure tested.
At this time the top and bottom master valves are opened
and the BHA is run into the weIlhead using the wireline and
grease head assembly. The appropriate deployment stack
rams are closed on the BHA (slips and seals), the UCD tool is
activated and the running tool is pulled back inside the
lubricator. The top master valve is again closed. The
deployment lubricator is discomected and laid down with the
well positively secured by the use of the top master valve
The portion of the structure which supports the injector
head is now slid over the centre of the well head. The
working lubricator which is attached to the injector is
positioned over the wellhead, made up and then pressure
tested.
The top master valve is then opened and the coiled tubing
is run down and latched into the BHA waiting in the
wellhead. The tubing is pull tested and electric continuity
checked. The BHA is then run into the well to begin drilling.
This process is reversed when retrieving the BHA from
the well.
Hybrid Equipment

When re-entry drilling requires the handling of tubulars

such as the retrieval of completion strings prior to re-entry or
the running of jointed pipe as a casing or liner, a requirement
presents itself for a hybrid unit which can carry out pipe
handling as well as coiled tubing operations. There have been
a few units with these capabilities built in the world to date.
Although operations to date in Western Canada have
focused on drilling laterals after well preparation by a service
rig, hybrid units are expected to come into increased demand
as coiled tubing drilling technology gains further market
acceptance.

The size of hole to be drilled will also intluence the coil

size necessary. Hole sizes which are considered relatively
large for horizontal coiled tubing drilling will be in the 158.9
mm range. To be able to achieve the flow rates necessary for
mud motor performance and hole cleaning in this size of hole
will require larger diameter pipe.
An important difference between directional drilling using
coiled tubing and directional drilling using jointed tubulars
(conventional drilling rig) is that coiled tubing is always slide
drilling. As a result, the hole is continuously steered. This
results in a constantly curving, continuously corrected
wellbore trajectory. The severity of curvature is dependent
upon bent housing settings, hardness of the formation, set
down weights etc. Consideration must be given to limiting the
severity of wellbore directional changes as they will irdluence
the total horizontal distances drillable. Larger O.D. pipe will
be able to drill fhrther when these conditions exist.
The larger O.D. pipe has many technieal advantages as
described but has both a logistical and economic impact. The
larger pipe requires bigger reels for both transportation and to
work from. With the land transportation restrictions which
exis~ these will pose logistical concerns for wells requiring
long, large O.D. pipe.
The economics involved with the large O.D. pipe are also
less favorable. The larger pipe is more expensive per meter
and fatigues more rapidly than smaller pipe. The combination
of higher priced pipe which wears out more rapidly results in
operating costs which increase exponentially.
As a result of all of these considerations a compromise
becomes necessary. As a general rule of thumb in this market
under the present economic climate, both 60.3 nun and 73.0
mm coiled tubing are good fits for directional drilling.

Capabilities

and Limitations

Window of Operations
Coiled Tubing Size
Choosing the appropriate sized coiled tubing for
directional drilling involves many considerations. Options
available on the market are in excess of 114.3 mm O.D.
However, bigger is not always better.
The diameter of the coiled tubing must be large enough so
that the flow rates necessary for proper hole cleaning and
mud motor operation do not cause excessive pump pressures.
Coiled tubing fatigues each time it is bent over the reel and
gooseneck and this fatigue is accelerated with internal
pressure. Thus consideration must be given to limiting
internal pressures to an acceptable compromise. However,
simply increasing the size of the pipe to reduce pump
pressures is not the total answer. The larger diameter pipe
fatigues more rapidly than smaller O.D. pipe when bending
regardless of pressure considerations.

Experience to date has shown that hoIe sizes up to 156

mm can be drilled horizontally using coiled tubing. The
smallest diameter hole which could be drilled with the current
BHA would be 98mm. The larger diameter hole sizes are
certainly more challenging for coil when it comes to the
issues of hole cleaning and weight transfer to the bit. Hole
sizes larger than 156mrn may be technically achievable but
currently have not been attempted.
When all factors such as logistics, coiled tubing life,
economics, horizontal distance etc. are taken into
consideration, an ideal configuration for current coiled tubing
technology is a 121 mm open hole coming out of 139.7 mm
casing.
Horizontal distances achievable are dependent upon many
factors such as casing and hole size, bottom hole pressures,
coiled tubing size used, the number and severity of doglegs

S.R. Scherschel, snd D.G. Graves

etc. However, the single most influencing factor for distance

drilled will be the drillability of the formation. Soft
formations so long as they do not wash out or slough in will
be drilled to greater distances than harder formations.
Based on the experience to date, horizontal legs between
300-500
m are routinely achievable using coiled tubing.
However, in one particular case reasonable penetration rates
have been achieved in a horizontal leg in excess of 1000 m
using coiled tubing.
Window milling has already been performed successfully
on numerous occasions using coiled tubing. Section milling
should also be possible if deemed more suitable to the
application.

Experience
At the

time of writing this article, the drilling ~stem

described herein has drilled nine horizontal wells. The third
of a four well project is currently being drilled, All of the
wells drilIed thus far have used coiIed tubing for the drilling
of the horizontal leg only. Conventional equipment has been
used to drill the build section down to horizontal.
The area of operations for the drilling has ranged horn
North East B.C. to Southern Alberta. The drilling has
involved both carbonates and sands for both oil and gas
including sour operations.
Some highlights worthy of note for the drilling performed
thus far are as follows:
open hole sizes drilled have been 105rnm and 121mm,
tricone bits have been predominant but have drilled
using a 105mm PDC bi~
have drilled multi-laterals on hvo wells,
most prolific gas producing well has been in the Slave
Point. Flared gas >25 mmscfd while drilling,
rates of penetration using coiled tubing have equaled
offsets drilled conventionally.
Of the directional drilling performed to date within our
operations, no BHAs have been lost and aIl operations have
been completed successfully.

Other

Considerations

[37062]

attention must be paid to the proper design of the hydraulics

and the effects upon cuttings transport. Based upon industry
experience using different types of muds in various hole sizes,
minimum annular velocities are strived for to ensure the drill
cuttings are circulated from the well bore. This enables the
drilling engineer to spec@ pump sizes, pressure ratings etc.
This design philosophy holds true when considering
underbalanced drilling but we are now adding a second phase
(nitrogen gas) to the system which complicates the design.
The circulation system created is referred to as a hvo phase
flow. The fluid phase is still the only portion of the flow
regime which is relied upon for cuttings transport. The
nitrogen gas is added for reducing the combined hydrostatic
and friction gradient to below the reservoir pressure.
When designing a two phase flow system the design must
incorporate the correct ratio of fluid and gas to provide the
appropriate bottom hole circulating pressure (bhcp) which
will achieve an underbalanced condition. The fluid phase of
the hvo phase flow must also meet the minimum
requirements for cuttings transpofl. In addition, the total
volumetric flow rate equivalent of the two phase system must
fall within the flow performance characteristics of the mud
motor used. These are all design considerations for
underbalanced drilling and applicable regardtess of the
drilling equipment used.
When coiled tubing is added to the UBD process, the
design is complicated one additional step. A conventional
drill string as used by drilling rigs is rotated whenever the
directional driller wishes to maintain his course. TM pipe
rotation aids in cuttings transpon by stirring up any cuttings
bed formed. Coiled tubing can not be rotated and therefore
greater attention must be paid to the design of the nvo phase
flow for hole cleaning.
One large factor which influences the ability of the two
phase system to transport cuttings is the ratio of nitrogen gas
to fluid. During the design phase maximum gas volume ratios
are considered to ensure there is sufXcient fluid in the system
to transport cuttings. These ratios have been determined
through experimentation and vetiled by field application. Lf
there is insufficient fluid in the system then the nitrogen gas
breaks out and stratified flow results. The gas phase rides
along the top of the horizontal well bore and the fluid phase
travels along the bottom. When a stratified flow system is
combined with no pipe rotation, hole cleaning will not be
effective.

Candidate Selection
M the reservoir

has been determined to be a UBD

candidate, then coiled tubings strengths and weaknesses
shouId be evaluated and their suitability to the application
determined.

Cuttings Transport
In any conventional

overbalanced drilling system use~

Fluid Selection
Fluid selection

is usually simplified when underbrdanced

drilling. The prime consideration is compatibility with the
formation.
With effective underbalanced drilling, intlow into the
wellbore is promoted and the need for filter cake producing
additives is eliminated. In addition, the design relies

[37062]

Underbalanced-Directional Drilling with Coilad Tubing - Challenges and SolUtiOnS

exclusively on fluid velocities and turbulence for hole

cleaning. This eliminates the need for viscos&ing additives.
Lf these additives were to be used they not only increase
product costs, but also increase pumping pressures which is
detrimental to coiled tubing life.
Therefore the design engineer must decide which type of
fluid will be most compatible with their zone. These are most
often native crudes, diesel fuel or water. Generally a low
viscosity fluid which is formation compatible is recommended
for increased turbulence.
A word of caution when selecting a fluid: hydrocarbon
fluids with low aniline points should not be used even though
they may meet the criteria of formation compatibility and low
viscosity. These fluids are not compatible with many types of
rubber compounds used in mud motors and BOP stacks.

5.

6.

7.

CAIXYCOADC Spring Drilling Conference, Calgary, Atberta,

April 19-21, 1995.
Bennion, D.B. and Thomas, F. B.: Underbalanced Drilling of
Horizontal Wells: Does it Really Eliminate
Formation
Damage?, Paper SPE 27352 presented at the SPE Intl.
Symposium on Formation
Darnage Control,
Lafayette,
Louisiana, February7-10, 1994.
Fa~ K. and McDonald, C.: An Ovemiew of Underbaknced
Drilling Applications in Canada, Paper SPE 30129 presented
at the European Formation Damage Conference, The Hague,
The Netherlands, May 15-16, 1995.
Taylor, J., Fri~ S., McDonald, C.: Underbalanced Drilling
at the Ist
Total Systems Approach, Paper presented
International
Underbalanced
Drilling
Conference
and
Exhibition, The Hague, The Netherlands, October 2-4, 1995.

Conclusions

Advances in directional, underbalanced and coiled tubing

technology combined with test well and commercial drilling
experience, has established directional underbaIanced coiled
tubing drilling as a high quality alternative to conventional
jointed pipe drilling.
All drilling opportunities that present themselves are not
necessarily suited for drilling with coiled tubing.
Identification of opportunities and selection of well
candidates for drilling with coiled tubing should be carried
out in a cautious manner to ensure that these opportunities
most effectively match the competitive advantages of drilling
with coiled tubing.

Acknowledgments
The authors wish

to thank Nowsco Well Service Ltd. for

providing time and support for publication of thk paper.

References

1. Bennion, D.B. et al.: Underbalanced

2.

3.

4.

Drilling, Praises and

at
the
frost International
Paper
presented
Peril%
Underbdmced
Drilling Conference and Exhibition,
The
Hague, Netherlands, Oct. 24, 1995.
Bennion, D. B., Lunsm, B., Saponja, J.: Underbalanced
Drilling and Completion Operations to Minimize Formation
Screening
Criteria
for optimum
Damage - Reservoir
Application, Paper CIM 96-75 presented at the 47Ur CIM
Annual Technical Meeting of the Petroleum Society of CIM,
Calgary, Alberta, June 10-12, 1996.
Yurkiw, F. J., Churcher, A. C., Edmunds, A. C., Wasslen, R. D.:
optimization
of Underbalanced
Drilling Operations
to
Improve Well Productivity, Paper CfM 96-74 presented at the
47th CIM Annual Technical Meeting of the Petroleum Society
of CIM, Calgary, Alberta, June 10-12, 1996.
Falk, K. and Scherschel, S.: An Update on Underbalanced
Paper COADC 95-101 presented
at tie
Techniques,