Typically coiled tubing engineers run simulations for each proposed operation, prepare detailed programs, monitor the operation, and provide technical support.
Common examples of these operations are milling, cleanouts, TCP, fishing, and confirmation runs.
Coiled Tubing Programs and Simulations
Before a coiled tubing engineer starts working on a new coiled tubing program, he usually first talks to the client to get background information on the problem client is trying to fix.
While creating a program coiled tubing engineers work closely with technical sales that often interact with the client and are responsible for pricing aspects of the operation.
After getting the well info from the client, the coiled tubing engineer runs fluid and force simulations to see if the job can be completed safely and to find out what equipment should be sent to the location.
There are various coiled tubing simulation software packages such as Cerberus from CTES, IDEX from Stimline, or CIRCA from Baker Hughes.
The next step is putting together a program that has information on the proposed operation, wellbore details, treatment schedule, list of required equipment, procedures, cost estimates, and safety guidelines.
Even though technical procedures are very important when preparing a coiled tubing program, cost estimates play a huge role as well and often are deciding factors when the client agrees to do the job.
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Example of a Typical Coiled Tubing Program
Job scope and well information
This section covers the goals of the coiled tubing operation and contains detailed well information, such as the depth of the well, casing information, reservoir pressures, temperatures, etc.
Casing information – sizes of the casing, grade, burst/collapse info, the strength of the materials used.
Wellbore information – downhole casing/liner/tubular sizes, restrictions, tight zones, etc.
Summary of the well profile – kick off point, the total vertical depth of the well (TVD), total measured depth (TMD)
Downhole conditions – bottom hole pressure, temperature, H2S info, formation type, etc.
Treatment schedule
This section outlines detailed step-by-step procedures regarding the operation after the rig-up of the coiled tubing and supporting equipment is completed and the coil is ready to run in the hole.
It specifies the amounts of chemicals that should be pumped, speed of coiled tubing, pumping rates, volumes of fluid, and duration of treatment for every significant section of the well.
Coiled tubing procedures
This section describes all the steps that need to be taken from entering the lease to leaving the location.
The procedures section usually includes safety information, the objective of the job, rigging in and rig out information, equipment testing guidelines, and general coiled tubing procedures for running this particular job.
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Pricing
The cost estimate section provides the approximate cost for the proposed coiled tubing operation.
It usually has the breakdown of all the services being provided and the hourly or daily rate for each of them.
Terms and conditions may also be included in this section.
Safety guidelines
Some companies also have a safety section that outlines all the potential hazards and safety equipment that needs to be present on location during the operation.
This section is particularly important for any coiled tubing jobs on sour wells.
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Technical Support During the Job
During the operation coiled engineer is usually available to provide technical support such as giving max pulls/pushes, safe cycling pressures, suggestions on types of chemicals and downhole tools that should be used, and instructions on how to deal with damaged coiled tubing string and etc.
In most cases, there is at least one coiled tubing engineer on-call 24/7 to address any issues that may arise during the job.
After the job is finished, coiled engineers often create post-jobs and do an in-depth analysis of the operation to determine if anything can be improved in the future.
Later this post-job usually goes to the client.
Other Common Tasks That Coiled Tubing Engineers Do
In addition to running simulations and preparing programs, coiled tubing engineers are also involved in tracking string fatigue, purchasing new strings, creating technical presentations, training field personnel, and working with various other service providers to improve operational efficiencies and trial new technologies.
How Much Money Coiled Tubing Engineers Make?
Compensation for coiled tubing engineers is usually pretty reasonable and in addition to the base salary, they often get an on-call bonus, yearly bonus, and sometimes companies also provide performance shares.
Read next: 4 Types of Petroleum Engineers
What is the Difference Between Coiled Tubing Engineers and Technical Specialists?
There is not much difference when it comes to the work they do on a daily basis.
Usually, to have an engineering title you need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and also you should be a member of a professional engineering organization like for example Apega here in Alberta.
The engineering title is legally protected in many places so you can’t just use it whenever you want the same way you can’t say you are a doctor if you are not.
Because many people who work in coiled tubing don’t have an engineering degree, most service companies use technical specialist titles instead to avoid any issues with the regulatory organizations.
What Do You Need to Become a Coiled Tubing Engineer?
To start working as a coiled tubing engineer you will usually be required to have a bachelor’s degree or diploma in petroleum or mechanical engineering.
Most coiled tubing engineers start their careers by working a couple of years in the field before moving into the office.
This ensures that the coiled tubing engineer is familiar with field operations and can make operational decisions from the office if needed.
However as with any other operational role in the oil and gas industry, they often still have to do field visits even if they are based in the office.
Because of frequent field visits, coiled tubing engineers are also required to have First Aid and H2S training.
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