Real-time extended-reach monitoring and optimization method for coiled tubing operations
View Patent ↗A method of monitoring a coiled tubing operation includes positioning a bottom hole assembly (BHA) connected to a coiled tubing string within a horizontal wellbore. The method includes monitoring a plurality of sensors connected to the BHA via a communication line positioned within the coiled tubing string and determining an optimal injection speed of the coiled tubing string by monitoring the sensors in real-time. The injection speed of the coiled tubing may be changed based on the real-time determination of the optimal injection speed. The sensors may be monitored in real-time to determine an optimal amount of lubricant to be injected into a wellbore or whether the coiled tubing string is forming a helix. The BHA may include a tractor or a vibratory tool to aid in the movement of the BHA along a horizontal wellbore. The communication line may be used to power the sensors, tractor, and vibratory tool.
1. A method of monitoring a coiled tubing operation comprising:
injecting a coiled tubing string into a horizontal wellbore at an injection speed;
positioning a bottom hole assembly (BHA) within the horizontal wellbore, the BHA being connected to the coiled tubing string;
monitoring a plurality of sensors connected to the BHA via a communication line positioned within the coiled tubing string, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a first tension sensor, a second compression sensor, and a third torque sensor;
determining an optimal injection speed of the coiled tubing string by monitoring the plurality of sensors in real-time; and
determining in real-time an optimal amount of lubricant within the wellbore to permit the advancement of the BHA along the horizontal wellbore by monitoring the plurality of sensors in real-time.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising changing the injection speed of the coiled tubing string in real-time based on the real-time determination of the optimal injection speed.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein a vibratory tool is connected to the BHA.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising powering the vibratory tool via the communication line.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of sensors are connected to the vibratory tool.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein a tractor is connected to the BHA.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising powering the tractor via the communication line.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of sensors are connected to the tractor.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising injecting in real-time the optimal amount of lubricant into the wellbore.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising powering the sensors via the communication line.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining in real-time whether the coiled tubing string is forming a helix within the wellbore by monitoring the plurality of sensors in real-time.