Application of Finite Element Method in Coiled Tubing Services

Abstract

Abstract The recent development in commercialization and simplification of advanced simulating software provides a unique tool for analysis of different challenges in the oil and gas industry. These commercial packages are designed to be user-friendly and yet be able to perform complex simulations. For a very long time, working with such simulating software required a unique skill set. The enhanced user-interface and different visual aid improved the quality of simulator programs and reduced the level of difficulty of using those programs. Applying such simulating capabilities makes it possible for a better understanding of a vast array of challenges and problems in Coiled Tubing (CT) Services. Building a three-dimensional (3D) model for stress and vibration analysis to simulate the real operational problem is among the advantages of using such a program. The finite element method (FEM) is the mathematical tool that is used in the commercial simulating software. The FEM provides a linear and nonlinear analysis option to solve different types of mechanical problems. The common outputs for such analysis are stress, displacement, and vibration modes. A real-life example of a failed dimple connector due to excessive force was simulated to find the stress and displacement of a specific grade of pipe. In the other case, the impact of vibration of the CT stack on wellhead was simulated and analyzed. The structural analysis of two main components of Coiled Tubing surface equipment such as Gooseneck and CT Reel subjected to actual loads were modeled using FEM. The simulation of each case provides critical information that could not be achieved by any other means due to the complex geometry of the problem in some cases. In each case, the FEM simulation program provides essential information such as stress, vibration mode, and displacement. This information can be used to optimize the design and enhancement of the operating envelope of each case in the well intervention operation. Using the FEM/3D modeling package provides a tool to evaluate and explore the different impacts of loads on CT surface equipment. Utilizing such programs in different applications such as CT, intervention, and completions can be a reliable tool during design, execution, and failure analysis process. Using analytical simulators could replace costly physical testing. On the occasion that the physical testing is required, using the simulated results could optimize the better planning of utilization of sensors for a different position. There are more types of simulations available within these packages, such as fatigue modeling, nonlinear analysis, transient, and impact analysis.