Section 6

Coiled Tubing Related

Calculations
Introduction................................................................................................................................................6-3
Unit A: Formulas .......................................................................................................................................6-4
Terms, Definitions, Symbols, and Formulas ..........................................................................................6-4
Unit A Quiz: Formulas ...........................................................................................................................6-6
Unit B: Pressure Basics..............................................................................................................................6-7
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................6-7
Fluid Pressure.........................................................................................................................................6-7
Conversion Factor and Constants...........................................................................................................6-7
Pressure Gradient ...................................................................................................................................6-8
True Vertical Depth (TVD) and Measured Depth (MD)........................................................................6-8
Hydrostatic Pressure...............................................................................................................................6-9
Unit B Quiz: Pressure Basics ...............................................................................................................6-11
Unit C: Calculating Area, Capacities, Buoyancy, Force and Pressure ....................................................6-12
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................6-12
Calculating Area...................................................................................................................................6-12
Calculating Capacities..........................................................................................................................6-13
Annular Capacity..................................................................................................................................6-14
Calculating Buoyancy Factors..............................................................................................................6-16
Calculating Force and Pressure ............................................................................................................6-19
Unit C Quiz: Calculating Area, Capacities, Buoyancy, Force and Pressure ........................................6-21
Answer Key for Section 6 Example Problems .....................................................................................6-22
Section 6 Self Check Test: Coiled Tubing Related Calculations.............................................................6-23
Unit A Quiz Answer Key: Formulas ....................................................................................................6-25
Unit B Quiz Answer Key: Pressure Basics ..........................................................................................6-26
Unit C Quiz Answer Key: Calculating Area, Capacities, Buoyancy, Force and Pressure ...................6-27
Section 6 Self Check Test Answer Key: Coiled Tubing Related Calculations ....................................6-28

6•1 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Use for Section notes…

6•2 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Introduction
From calculating fluids and pressures to confronted with in the field. Although not every
volumes and distances, applying formulas in situation can be anticipated, the majority of
oilfield applications is a necessity. Coiled these simple examples can give you something
Tubing is no exception. The critical nature of you can work with. After completing this
this Halliburton PSL demands that all section, you should be able to correctly calculate
calculations be precise, simple to understand, areas, volumes, pressures, and other
and above all, correct the first time. Safety and computations necessary to successfully begin
the successful completion of the job depend on and end a Coiled Tubing job.
it.
The goal of this section is to give a good
overview of the types of formulas you will be

6•3 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit A: Formulas
During the course of Coiled Tubing work, you
will be called upon to calculate areas, pressures,
volumes, force, etc. This section will review
some of these basic formulas and how they Diameter
relate to our work. In addition, it is important to
understand the fundamentals relating to fluids
and gases when doing surface work. Radius

It should also be added that while you need to

Circumference
have the ability to calculate these basic formulas
on your own, there are many reference materials Figure 6.1- Factors in calculating the area of
and tables available to help you. Use them a circle.
whenever possible to eliminate errors and to
save time. The most notable of these references
to aid you in your calculations is the Halliburton Area — Number of unit squares (inches, feet,
Cementing Tables, better known as the Red etc) equal in measure to a surface
Book. Become familiar with it and refer back to
it whenever necessary. Pressure — Force per unit area. The force
acting on the area upon which the force is
distributed. Pressure is expressed in pounds per
Terms, Definitions, Symbols, square inch (expressed as psi) Pressure times
and Formulas area equals force.
Area of Circle — Basic formula for area of a
The following are terms, definitions, symbols, circle is:
and formulas you should become familiar with
to complete calculations presented later in this π × r2 = Area
section. where:
π, or pi (“pie”) — Symbol is the equivalent to π = a constant whose value is 3.1416
the numerical value of 3.14159265 (3.1416, (π is the Greek letter pronounced “pi”)
rounded). It also denotes the ratio of the r = radius of the circle (measurement from the
circumference of a circle to its diameter. midpoint to the circumference or half of the
Circumference — External boundary of a circle diameter)
However, because most oilfield tubular goods
Diameter — Length of a straight line through
are measured by the outer diameter (O.D.), the
the center of a circle
following method is used:
Radius — Length of a straight line from the
center of a circle to the circumference (1/2 the Area = D2 × (π ÷ 4) =
diameter) Area = D2 × (3.1416 ÷ 4) =
Area = D2 × 0.7854
Cross Sectional Area — Area between the O.D.
and the I.D., i.e., the area of the steel pipe.

6•4 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

To determine the cross-sectional area, you must Annular Volume - volume between the tubing
calculate the flat surface area between two the and casing (or open hole). Also called annular
circles as shown on the next page. capacity.

Inside Outside
Diameter Diameter
(ID) (OD)

Figure 6.2 - Example of the Cross-Sectional

Area of pipe. Annular
Volume

First, calculate the area of the outside circle

(OD), then calculate the area of the inside circle
(ID), and then subtract the ID area from the OD
area:
OD Area - ID Area = Cross-sectional Area
Open Hole

Figure 6.3 Example of Annular Volume

6•5 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit A Quiz: Formulas

1. Define the term Area:

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is the numerical value of Pi (π)?

_________________________________________________________________________________

3. List the steps involved in calculating the Cross Sectional Area of a pipe.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

4. What is Annular Volume?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

5. How is Pressure defined and how is it expressed?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Refer to Answer Key to check your answers.

6•6 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit B: Pressure Basics

Introduction Conversion Factor and

Constants
Understanding pressure and pressure
relationships is important. By definition, Among the basic formulas you’ll be using in the
pressure is the force that is exerted or placed on field are conversion factors, or “constants.” A
a unit of area, such as pounds per square inch conversion factor used to convert density to
(psi). Among the pressures we as employees pressure gradient is the “constant” 0.05195.
deal with daily include fluid, formation, friction
and mechanical. When certain pressure limits (A constant, in mathematical terms, represents a
are exceeded, disastrous consequences can fixed or absolute value (measurement, weight,
result. speed, etc.) regardless of how other variables
act upon it, i.e., the speed of light remains
This Unit will help you understand these constant even as it passes through a heavy rain.)
relationships and we’ll also do some sample
problems using real coiled tubing related The way 0.05195 is derived is by using a set
situations. standard of one foot cube as a guide when
calculating (i.e., one foot wide by one foot high
by one foot deep). It takes 7.4805 gallons of a
Fluid Pressure fluid to fill a one cubic foot of area. One gallon
of fresh water weighs 8.33 lbs. The weight of
What is a fluid? A fluid is simply something that fresh water distributed over the area of the base
is not solid and can flow. Under extreme of a one square foot cube is 62.31 / 144 sq. in. =
temperatures and/or pressures almost anything .433 psi/ft. That is to say, a one inch square
will become fluid. column 12 inches tall weighs .433 lbs.
Therefore, the gradient of fresh water is .433
Fluids exert pressure. This pressure is the result psi/ft. When we find hydrostatic head we can
of the density of the fluid and the height of the divide the gradient of fresh water (.433 psi/ft) by
fluid column. Density is usually measured in the density of fresh water (8.33 lb/gal) and arrive
pounds per gallon (ppg). at the constant of 0.05195.
The force or pressure that a fluid exerts at any .433/8.33 - .05195
given point is usually measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or using the metric system, the New Formula:
bar. To find out how much pressure a fluid P = Density (ppg) × 0.05195 × Depth (feet)
exerts at each unit of depth, we use what is
called a pressure gradient. Another way to look at it is:

A pressure gradient is normally expressed as the The number of gallons in a cubic foot is 7.4805
force which a fluid exerts pressure (per foot) at a 7.4805 / 144 = .05195 of a gallon in each one
certain depth. It is measured in pounds per square inch column one foot tall
square inch per foot (psi/ft). To get the pressure
gradient we must convert the fluid’s density So there will be .05195 of a gallon in each one
from pounds per gallon to pounds per square square inch column one foot tall. Once we know
inch, per foot. the density of that fluid per gallon we can
determine hydrostatic pressure in psi by

6•7 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

multiplying fluid density in ppg × .05195 × within an area. You can now find the pressure
depth in feet. gradient of an 8.6 ppg fluid by multiplying the
fluid weight by the conversion factor.
Based on a 12 in. by 12 in. cube having 144
square foot inches necessary to fill the 1 foot by 8.6 × 0.05195 = 0.4468 psi/ft
1 foot by 1 foot area, we can now apply the By now it may seem redundant, but go ahead
mathematical constant established earlier to and complete the following example problems
arrive at the pounds per square inch per foot just to be sure.
(psi/ft) of area the fluid takes up.
Example 1

What is the pressure gradient of a fluid with a

density of 11.6 ppg?
11.6 × 0.05195 = 0.6026 psi/ft

Example Problem 6•1

What is the pressure gradient of a fluid that

weighs 10.3 ppg?
__________________________psi/ft

Example Problem 6•2

What is the pressure gradient of fresh water that

weighs 8.33 ppg?
Figure 6.4 - Arriving at the constant of ________________________psi/ft
05915 to do other density calculations.

True Vertical Depth (TVD) and

The weight of one of these square inches, one Measured Depth (MD)
foot in height, can be found by dividing the total
weight of the cube by 144:
Once we know how to find the amount of
62.31 ÷ 144 = .433 lbs. pressure exerted per foot, we can now calculate
the hydrostatic pressure at a given depth. All we
do is multiply the pressure gradient by the
Pressure Gradient number of feet to that vertical depth. However,
first we must understand the differences between
To apply the constant .05195 now calculate the the measured depth (MD) and the true vertical
pressure gradient of a fluid, multiplying the depth (TVD) of a well.
density of the fluid by 0.05195 using the formula As you can see in Figure 6.5, the depth “straight
below. down” for both wells is 10,000 ft. The well on
Fluid Density × Constant = the left has a measured depth of 10,000 ft (the
Pressure Gradient actual length of the hole) and a true vertical
depth of 10,000 ft as well (the measurement
Once you understand how the constant 0.05195 straight down to the end of the hole).
works, it allows you to find the pressure gradient
of just about any fluid that takes up the space The well on the right has a measured depth of
11,650 ft, but its true vertical depth is 10,000 ft.

6•8 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Since gravity pulls straight down and not along hydrostatic pressure from a pressure gradient at
the path of the well, you would have a vertical a given point.
depth of 10,000 ft from the surface “straight
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure created by
down” to where the well ended.
the density and height of a stationary (not
The goal here is to understand that since gravity moving) column of fluid. Hydro means water, or
pulls straight down, the pressures exerted will in our case, fluid, that is exerting the pressure,
be the same regardless of whether the hole is and Static means not moving. This pressure
straight down or if the hole goes down at an exerts a greater force as you travel down deeper
angle. into the well.
Understanding this concept, you can calculate The formula used to arrive at Hydrostatic
the pressure at the bottom of the well on the Pressure can be calculated this way:
right. Just use the TVD of 10,000 ft.
Pressure Gradient × DepthTVD =
Hydrostatic Pressure
Or, it may be simpler to calculate it this way:
Fluid Density × Conversion Factor (0.05195) ×
DepthTVD = Hydrostatic Pressure

Example 2

What is the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of

a well which has fluid density of 8.7 ppg, a MD
of 6825 ft. and a TVD of 6205 ft?
8.7ppg × 0.05195constant × 6205 ft TVD
= 2804.4 psi
Figure 6.5- True Vertical Depth vs. In other words, 2804.4 psi is the hydrostatic
Measured Depth pressure in pounds per square inch exerted by a
fluid at the 6205 ft point of the well. If this is the
depth you needed to run the coiled tubing tool
With an actual Coiled Tubing job, the true to, knowing the amount of pressure the fluid was
vertical depth information will be known to you putting on the well will affect your tool and
to make the necessary calculations for tubing selection, and also prevents damage to
hydrostatic pressures. For now all you need to the formation from adding too much pressure to
know is that the difference between the well’s what’s already there.
distance down and its actual length can vary.
The pressures existing and their effect on tubing,
Example Problem 6•3
tools, fluids, etc, will be the same.
Find the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of a
Hydrostatic Pressure well with a 10.6 ppg fluid in a MD of 6,000 ft
and a TVD of 5650 ft.
We already know how to calculate a pressure ______________________________psi
gradient from a portion of a fluid’s weight. We
also know that pressure created by gravity exerts
the same force regardless of a well’s measured
depth or its true vertical depth. With this
information, we can now calculate a well’s

6•9 Coiled Tubing I

 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Example Problem 6•4 Find the hydrostatic pressure at 8000 ft TVD,

with a density of 14.6 ppg fluid. The well has a
MD of 13,100 ft and a TVD of 11,820 ft.
_____________________________psi

6 • 10 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit B Quiz: Pressure Basics

1. What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Define Pressure Gradient and explain the formula for arriving at the pressure gradient of a fluid:

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. What is the diference between the Measured Depth and True Vertical Depth of a well?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the formula used in arriving at the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a fluid at a given point in a
wellbore?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Refer to Answer Key to check your answers.

6 • 11 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit C: Calculating Area, Capacities, Buoyancy, Force

and Pressure
Most downhole tools are measured by diameter
Introduction rather than radius so we must convert the
formula A = π ×r2
Since Coiled Tubing and the tools run into the Radius (r) is simply Diameter; (D) divided by 2,
hole are usually round, the term area, when (D÷2). Therefore:
talking about oilfield applications, generally
3.14159 (pi) × (D÷2)2.= Area
refers to the area of a circle. In Unit A, we
defined the terms Area of a Circle and Cross- Mathematically we can reduce the formula even
Sectional Area, along with the how each is further:
calculated. Now we’ll actually apply them in
First: Area = π × D2 ÷ 22 =
calculating such factors as pipe capacities, pipe
buoyancies and determining force and pressure. Then: π × D2÷4 =
Next: π ÷ 4 × D2 =
Calculating Area Finally:
2
0.7854 × D =
For some oilfield calculations you must first The convenience of this formula is that
determine the area of a circle to be able to use regardless of what unit of measure is used for
that number in more complicated equations. The the diameter, the output, or area, is in those
area of a circle equals pi (π), which is units, squared, as well. Example, a diameter in
3.14159265359, times the radius squared (r2) inches gives an area in per the square inch, a
which is the measurement from the midpoint of diameter in meters gives an area in square
a circle to the circumference (half of the meters, and so on.
diameter radius). Note: The formula above creates another
pi (3.14159265359) × r × r = Area constant (0.7854) you can use to simplify
computations that involve such factors as how
or pressure acts upon an area presented later in
this Unit.
π × r2 = Area of a circle
Example 3

If you had a rod that was 4 ½ in. outside

Diameter Mid Point diameter (OD) what would the area of the rod
of the Circumference be?

Radius

Circumference

Figure 6.6 Factors involved for determining

the Area of a Circle.

6 • 12 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Solution:

101 × 101 × 0.7854 = 8011.87 sq. ft.

or
2
101 × 0.7854 = 8011.87 sq. ft.

Example Problem 6•5

4.5 × 4.5 × 0.7854 = 15.9 sq. in. = Area You are on a Coiled Tubing job using 1 ½ in.
Pipe and you are planning to run a 2 in. diameter
or
wash nozzle on the end of Coiled Tubing. What
2
(4.5) × 0.7854 = 15.9 sq. in. = Area is the area of the Nozzle?
_________________________sq. in.
Example 4
Example Problem 6•6
What is the area of the circle that has an outside
diameter of 1 ¾ in.?
After finishing the previous job with the 2 in.
nozzle, you decide to run a bigger tool. This
time you will be going into the well with a tool
string. Located at the bottom is a pulling tool
with a diameter of 2.313 in. What is the area of
this tool?
___________________________ sq. in.

Calculating Capacities
Solution
When doing Coiled Tubing work, you need to
1.75 × 1.75 × 0.7854 = 2.41 sq. in. = Area know how to determine the capacities (volume)
or of a well and piping, along with the space
2 (annulus) in between the tubing and casing. You
(1.75) × 0.7854 = 2.41 sq. in. = Area usually figure capacity in either gallons or
barrels. Pay particular attention to the
Example 5 relationship between coiled tubing, tubing,
casing, and annulus. Later in this section you
Your Supervisor needs to calculate how much will be called upon to calculate such factors as:
fluid a tank will hold in cubic feet, gallons and
• How many barrels can fill a length of
barrels. But before he can do this, you know that
coiled tubing on a reel?
he will need to find out the tank’s area, along
with its height, before he can calculate its • How many barrels can fill the annulus
capacity. You volunteer to measure the tank and between the tubing and casing?
find out that its diameter is 8 ft, 5 in. You now
• How many barrels will you need to fill
return to the supervisor and tell him that the
the annulus of the tubing, casing and the
tank’s area is what number?
coiled tubing at a certain depth?
To determine how much of one barrel (42
gallons) it would take to fill one foot of any

6 • 13 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

given pipe size, you can use the following find such factors as pipe I.D., O.D., Wall
formula: Thicknesses and so on. But you will also need a
formula to calculate this factor for any size pipe.
Capacity (bbl/ft) =
(Inside Diameter)2 × 0.0009714 To begin, we know the area of a circle is 0.7854
× diameter × 2 (D2) and that the volume for a
0.0009714 is another conversion factor
cylinder is the area × height.
(constant) and represents the amount fluid it
would take from one barrel to fill a 1 in. by 1 in. To determine the capacity for a 1 inch I.D.
by 12 in. tall volume. The computations involved coiled tubing that is 12 inches long, we must
to arrive at this factor is much like converting first do the following math:
density to pressure gradient, only your result
0.7854 × D2 × H = Volume or
will reflect barrels per foot (bbl/ft) instead of
pounds per square inch per foot (psi/ft). 0.7854 × 12 × 12 in. = 9.4248 cu.in.
As an example, you are doing a coiled tubing Next we need to convert the 9.4248 cubic inches
job with a 1 ¼ in. O.D. and an I.D. of 1.032 in. to Barrels to arrive at the factor for the volume
with 16,000 ft of coiled tubing on a reel, and are in barrels per foot of pipe (bbl/ft). By referring
going in a well that has 10,000 ft of 2 3/8 in. to the Red Book, you will find that one barrel
tubing within the casing. You need to know how contains 9,702 cubic inches. Knowing this, you
many barrels are needed to fill the entire length can rewrite the previous formula as:
of the coiled tubing, reel and all. 9.4248 cu. in. ÷ 9702 cu. in.
= 0.0009714 bbl/ft.
Solution:
0.0009714 × 12 = 0.0009714 bbl/ft
First, after converting fractions to decimals, you Now, let’s some extra math by calculating how
determine the cross-sectional area of the inside many barrels are needed to fill 16,000 feet of the
of the coiled tubing: pipe:
1.032 × 1.032 = 1.065024 sq. in. 0.0009714 bbl/ft × 16,000 ft = 15.54 bbl
Next you then multiply this answer by What we’ve done here is to take your ability to
0.0009714 to determine the capacity per foot calculate areas and gone a little further by
area of the coiled tubing: determining the volumes and quantities you’ll be
working with in the field. Whether you use the
1.065024× 0.0009714 = 0.001035 bbl/ft Red Book or not, performing these calculations
So, in order to calculate the capacity for a full will become second nature and will help you
length of coiled tubing (Capacity Volume) in keep your results easy to understand and above
barrels, you simply multiply the Capacity by the all, accurate.
length (depth):
Capacity (bbl/ft) × Depth (ft) = Annular Capacity
0.001035 bbl/ft × 16,000 ft = 16.552 bbl
(While we included the outer diameter of coiled To calculate the Annular Capacity of a given
the tubing, all we really needed was the inner space requires that you do a series of steps in
diameter for this example. You will develop the these calculations. A typical C/T job involves
ability to exclude such incidental factors the well casing, tubing, the coiled tubing itself along
more you become familiar with doing the with any tools attached, all running down to a
calculations.) specified depth. All of these components will
have spaces around them. One of your duties is
You could make it easy on yourself when to determine how much fluid will be needed to
calculating pipe capacity by using the Red Book fill this space while taking into account such
for predetermined sizes of pipe. There you’ll factors as their area, the tubing and coiled tubing

6 • 14 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

wall thicknesses, as well as the height (length) of 1.032 × 1.032 = 1.065 sq. in.
each.
Then multiply this number by the constant
Finding the Annular Capacity of a space 0009714.
(calculating the capacity between two surfaces),
1.065 sq. in. × 0009714 = .0010345 bbl/ft
requires you to begin by calculating the area of
the tubing annulus and then multiplying that by And finally, for this step, all we need to do is
the constant 0.0009714. determine the total volume in barrels of the
coiled tubing with a height of 10,000 feet.
Example 6 .0010345 × 10,000 ft = 10.345 bbl
To arrive at the total volume of the tubing/coiled
We have a well that has tubing measuring 2.375 tubing annulus along with the volume it will
in. I.D. and runs to a depth of 10,000 ft. We also take to fill the coiled tubing itself, you simply
have coiled tubing that measures 1 1/4 in. O.D.
add both volumes together:
by 1.032 in. I.D. and has a wall thickness of
0.109 in. When we run the coiled tubing to the 39.61 + 10.345 = 49.96 barrels
same depth as the tubing, we need to calculate Congratulations! Since we used the I.D. of the
how many barrels we’ll need to fill the annulus tubing and the O.D. of the coiled tubing to figure
between the tubing and the coiled tubing down the tubing/coiled tubing annulus and used the
the entire height of 10,000 ft. I.D. of the coiled tubing to figure its volume as
First, we’ll begin by defining the annulus well, we automatically omitted the wall
measurement between the tubing and the coiled thickness of the coiled tubing to calculate the
tubing by finding the area. (Tubing I.D.2 minus overall volume.
Coiled Tubing O.D.2). But what if the inner diameter of the coiled
Then you’ll multiply the area by the constant tubing was unknown or all you had to go by was
0.0009714 to arrive at the barrels per foot outer diameter and wall thickness dimensions
number. but no inner diameter? Here, the Red Book is
the best source to help you with these types of
2.3752 – 1.252 = 4.0781 sq. in. Area calculations.
4.0781 sq. in. × 0.0009714 = 0.00396 bbl/ft
Now we’ll calculate the Annular Volume (in Example 7
barrels) by multiplying the capacity of the
Tubing/Coiled Tubing Annulus by its length You are going to do a job using 1 ½ in. O.D.
(depth in feet): coiled tubing with a wall thickness of 0.095 in.
Your supervisor wants you to calculate how
Annular Capacity × Depth = bbl or much fluid you will need to have on location to
0.00396 bbl/ft × 10,000 ft = 39.61 bbl fill the coiled tubing with 15,820 ft of pipe on
the reel. You realize that in order to calculate the
So, 39.60 barrels will fill the 10,000 foot complete volume of the coiled tubing, you’ll
Tubing/Coiled Tubing Annulus (the space in need the I.D. of the tubing as well.
between the tubing and the coiled tubing
running down to a depth of 10,000 feet). Solution:
Next we need to figure in the amount in barrels
that will actually fill the Coiled Tubing. We Using the Red Book, look up the coiled tubing to
know that the Coiled Tubing is 1.25 in O.D. by see what the I.D. is for the 1 ½ in. with a wall
1.032 in I.D. Take the I.D. in2 of the Coiled
1.50 – (0.95 × 2) = 1.31
Tubing and first multiply the two to get the first
number we need to calculate the Coiled Tubing thickness of 0.095. The I.D. is 1.310 in. You can
area. now complete your calculations:

6 • 15 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

1.310 ×1.310 × 0.0009714 = .001667 bbl/ft

0.001667 × 15,820 ft = 26.37 bbl

Example Problem 6•7

Reinforce what you have learned so far by

working through the next problems. Don’t worry
about getting the right answer. What we want
here is to make sure you are familiar with
determining the combinations of calculations
you will need to perform in arriving at the final
answers. Try to complete these on your own but
if you have trouble, refer to the answer key on to
see the steps involved.
Use these well guidelines:
• 4.60 lb Tubing — 2 3/8 in O.D. ×
1.995 I.D.
• The above 2 3/8 in. O.D. Tubing stops at
10,210 ft
• 15.0 lb Casing — 5 1/2 in. O.D. ×
4.97 in. I.D. Figure 6.7 - This illustration restates the well
• The above 5 1/2 in. O.D. Casing stops at parameters above.
11,190 ft
• Coiled Tubing — 1.1/4 in. O.D. × 0.156 Now calculate the total annular volume (in
wall thickness barrels) for the above well with the coiled tubing
• Total Coiled Tubing on Reel: 16,534 ft run into the hole to 11,000 ft.
______________________________ bbl

Example Problem 6•8

Using the same well information, what is the

total volume of fluid needed to fill the coiled
tubing and the annulus if the coiled tubing is run
into the hole to 11,190 ft?
_____________________________ bbl

Calculating Buoyancy Factors

Buoyancy

When an object is said to be buoyant, this means

that when an object is submersed in fluid it
floats (or is buoyed up) due to the force created

6 • 16 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

when the object replaces (this “replacing” is 65.447 lb/gal and the weight of the steel will be
known as displacement) an amount of fluid that affected by the buoyant tendencies of the liquid.
is equal to the object’s weight. The object floats
NOTE: This table will NOT work for material
as a result of the force of the fluid pushing up on
other than normal steel.
the object while the force of the object’s weight
pushes down on the fluid. This force can be
measured as pressure. Example 8

This example illustrates how you would use

your Red Book to identify the buoyancy factor
of a liquid on 1 gal of steel (we say 1 gallon of
steel instead of 1 pound because we are dealing
with liquid and our answer must reflect this).
The steel pipe we are using will be submerged in
2 % KCL water, which weighs 8.43 lb/gal.
By looking up 8.43 lb/gal on Table 132 (See
right) of your Red Book, you will find that the
pipe is expected to be “buoyed,” resulting in a
factor of 0.8716.
Thus, 1 lb steel, submerged in an 8.43 lb/gal
Figure 6.8 Buoyancy results when the force fluid, will weigh 0.8716 lb, 1 gallon of steel =
of a fluid pushes against the weight of an 65.447 lbs × .8716 = 57.04 lbs in 8.43 lb/gal
object. fluid.
You could then use this information to calculate
the weight of an entire string of pipe submerged
While the weight of the object may be too heavy in a fluid.
to float, its weight will always be lighter in fluid.
Successfully calculating this resulting weight
difference, utilizing a liquid’s buoyancy factor,
is an important step in selecting the right tubing
for the coiled tubing job.

Calculating Buoyancy Factor

Calculating the weight of steel tubular goods in

a liquid is as simple as using your Red Book.
Figure 6.9 shows the appropriate table used in
identifying the buoyancy factor of a given fluid.
It supplies you with the first critical piece of
information you need to know in finding the
weight of tubular goods in a liquid.
Buoyancy factor can be calculated if the density
and weight per unit volume of the fluid and pipe
are known.
We use pounds per gallon (ppg or lb/gal) as the
weight per unit volume to arrive at the buoyancy
factor of a liquid because we are using a
standard that says 1 gal of steel will weigh

6 • 17 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

liquid and what a pound of steel weighs, you

would use the following formula:
(Ds - Df) ÷ Ds = BF
Where: Ds = Density of steel
Df = Density of the fluid
BF = Buoyancy factor of the liquid
To use the above formula, let’s say that we are
running into a hole using 1 ¾ in. O.D. Coiled
Tubing that weighs 2.169 lb/ft., The hole is full
of 8.6 lb/gal fluid and the tubing will be run to a
depth of 9,500 ft. How much will the tubing
string weigh, top to bottom, when it is run to this
depth?
First you need to calculate what the weight of
the string would be in air:
2.169 lb/ft × 9,500 ft = 20,605 lb
Now, using the previous formula, you would
calculate the buoyancy factor of the 8.6 lb/gal
fluid:
(Density of Steel – Fluid Weight)
÷ Density of Steel = Buoyancy Factor
(65.447 lb/gal – 8.6 lb/gal) ÷ 65.447 lb/gal
= 0.8686 (rounded)
You can double check this answer by looking up
buoyancy factor of the 8.6 lb/gal fluid in your
Red Book.
So, with a tubing weight of 2.169 lb/ft, times
9,500 ft, the pipe would weigh 20,605 lb in air.
To calculate the weight of the string in the 8.6
lb/gal fluid, you would calculate the additional
Figure 6.9 Section 130, Table 132, Page 3 factor of the effect of the liquid’s buoyancy
of the Halliburton Cementing Tables would have on the string:
(RedBook) shows you the Buoyancy Factor
connected with a fluid’s density expressed 20,605 lb × 0.8686 (BF) = 17,897 lb
in lb/gal.
Example Problem 6•9

Using Coiled Tubing that weighs 1.523 lb/ft,

Example 9 measures 1 ½ in. O.D., has a wall thickness of
0.102 and is 14,000 ft long, determine the
But what if your Red Book is not available? You weight of the string in:
would then be expected to calculate the
buoyancy factor of a liquid on your own. 1.) Air
Knowing that you need to know the weight of 2.) A 11.6 ppg fluid
3.) A 18.0 ppg fluid

6 • 18 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

1.) ______________________________ A force may be created when pressure acts

across an area, such as in a hydraulic cylinder or
2.) ______________________________
a hydraulic jack. The amount of force created by
3.) ______________________________ a hydraulic cylinder is equal to the pressure
multiplied by the area of the piston.

Calculating Force and Pressure Pressure and area must be expressed in

comparable units for calculations to be accurate.
For the next example, pressure is expressed in
As with all of the types of calculations presented pounds per square inch (psi), and area is
so far, calculating force and pressure is expressed in square inches (in.2).
relatively simple if you follow the formula and
have enough information available to perform Area (in2) × Pressure (psi) = Force (lb)
them.
3,000
Measurements such as well diameter, casing size psi
and well depth will be known to you when doing
the necessary calculations for appropriate tubing
size and tool selection. Other information such
as fluid densities and pressure gradients will
need to be calculated in order to be factored into 3 in. Diameter
the job.
Along with the factors associated with downhole
conditions, others such as the amount of force it
would take to insert the coiled tubing down the
wellbore and how these forces will affect the
tubing as well as how pressure effects the
tubing, is equally important.

Definition of Force

Force is defined as that which stops, causes, or Figure 6.10 Use the above diagram to refer
changes the motion of a body. This means that example 10.
an item, such as the piston within a hydraulic
cylinder, will move because sufficient force is
created to overcome the resistance applied.
Usually, force is expressed in pounds (lb), and Example 10
its upward or downward direction on the
equipment is specified as lb↑ or lb↓. We want to find how much force is being
created on the cylinder when we apply 3,000 psi
Definition of Pressure on a 3 in. piston.
1.) First we will find the area of the piston.
A liquid or gas exerts a force against any surface Remember, earlier in the text we found
it contacts; the force per unit area is defined as out how to calculate an area by taking
pressure. Pressure is expressed in pounds per the O.D.2 × 0.7854
square inch (psi). Pascal’s Law states that
pressure acts equally in all directions, in other 2.) 3 × 3 × 0.7854 = 7.0686 sq. in.
words, the pressure within a hydraulic cylinder 3.) Next, take the area in step 2, which is
is acting (or exerting a force) equally on each 7.0686 and multiply that by 3,000 psi
square inch of the piston, cylinder cap, and which equals 21,205 lb force.
cylinder walls, etc.

6 • 19 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Example Problem 6•10 2.441 in. I.D., 6.5 lb/ft tubing. What possible
force will we encounter on our coiled tubing to
While going into the wellbore with our coiled push through the obstruction?
tubing, we ran into an obstruction before we ______________________________ psi
reached our target depth. After doing some
calculating, we found that we have 7,500 psi
below the obstruction that we ran into. We are
using 1 ½ in. coiled tubing inside 2 7/8 in. O.D.,

6 • 20 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit C Quiz: Calculating Area, Capacities, Buoyancy, Force and

Pressure

1. You need to know the area of 6 ft, 7 in. tank before you are able to know how much fluid it will hold.
What is the area figure you need to begin calculating the tanks capacity?
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Write the formula needed to calculate the capacity of a full length of coiled tubing?
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. What is the formula for calculating a buoyancy factor?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

4. In determining how much force is being created on an object, what is the necessary formula you
would use?
_________________________________________________________________________________

Refer to Answer Key to check your answers.

6 • 21 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Answer Key for Section 6 Example Problems

Step 3: (4.972 – 1.252) × 0.0009714 × 790

Example Problem 6•1 = 17.8 bbl
Step 4: 23.98 bbl (Step 1)
10.3 × 0.05195 = 0.5330 psi/ft
+17.8 bbl (Step 3)
= 41.78 bbl

Example Problem 6•2

8.33 × 0.05195 = 0.4327 psi/ft Example Problem 6•8

Step 1: 1.25 – (2 × 0.156) = 0.938 in.

Example Problem 6•3 Step 2: 0.938 × 0.0009714 × 16,534 = 14.0 bbl

Step 3: (1.9952 – 1.252) × 0.0009714 × 10,210
10.6 × 0.05195 × 5650 = 3111.3 psi = 24.0 bbl
Step 4: 11,190 – 10,210 = 980 ft
Step 5: (4.972 – 1.252) × 0.0009714 × 980
Example Problem 6•4 = 22.0 bbl
Step 6: 14.0 bbl (Step 2)
14.6 × 0.05195 × 8,000 = 6067.76 psi
24.0 bbl (Step 3)
+22.0 bbl (Step 5)
= 60.0 bbl
Example Problem 6•5

2 × 2 × 0.7854 = 3.1416 sq. in.

Example Problem 6•9

1.) 1.523 × 14,000 = 21,322 lb

Example Problem 6•6
2.) (65.447 – 11.6) / 65.447 = .8228 × 21.322 =
17,544 lb
2.313 × 2.313 × 0.7854 = 4.20 sq. in.
3.) (65.447 – 18.0) / 65.447 = .7250 × 21.322 =
15,458 lb
Example Problem 6•7

Step 1: (1.9952 – 1.252) × 0.0009714 × 10,210 Example Problem 6•10

= 23.98 bbl
Step 2: 11,000 – 10,210 = 790 ft 2.875 × 2.875 × 0.7854 × 7,500
= 48,688 lb/force

6 • 22 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Section 6 Self Check Test: Coiled Tubing Related

Calculations
Section 6 introduces you to the various concepts, terms, and formulas used daily on any coiled job. It also
explains pressure related calculations and how they affect the selection of coiled tubing and the tools run
into the well. Try to answer each question on your own but refer to the page numbers listed at the end of
each question if you need help.

1. Define Diameter.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Give the basic formula for calculating the area of a circle:

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. How do you arrive at the cross sectional area of a pipe?

_________________________________________________________________________________

4. What is conversion factor?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

5. The force or pressure that a fluid exerts at any given point is usually measured in:

6. What do we mean when we talk about the pressure gradient of an area?

_________________________________________________________________________________

7. Give the formula to determine hydrostatic pressure?

_________________________________________________________________________________

6 • 23 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

8. You are on a job using coiled tubing that has a diameter of 1 1/4 in. O.D. × 1.032 in. I.D. having
17,000 ft of coiled tubing on a reel, how many barrels will you need to fill the entire length?
_________________________________________________________________________________

9. We have a well that has tubing measuring 3.275 in. I.D. that runs to a depth pf 12,000 ft. We also
have coiled tubing that measures 1.75 in. O.D. by 1.344 in. I.D. The coiled tubing will be run to a
depth of 12,000 ft as well. What is the annular volume (in barrels) between the tubing and the coiled
tubing running the entire 12,000 ft height?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

10. The coiled tubing you are using weighs 1.955 lb/ft and measures 1.50 in. O.D. with a wall thickness
of 0.134. What is the buoyant weight of the string that you will run to 16,000 ft in a 16.8 ppg fluid?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

11. How much force is being created on a cylinder when we apply 6,000 psi on a 4.25 in. piston?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Refer to answer key to check your answers.

6 • 24 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit A Quiz Answer Key: Formulas

1. Define the term Area:

The number of unit squares, (inch, feet, etc.) equal in measure to a surface.

2. What is the numerical value of Pi (π)?

3.14159265

3. List the steps involved in calculating the Cross Sectional Area of a pipe.
4. Outer Diameter2 × .7854 – Inner Diameter2 × .7854 = Cross Sectional Area
Or (OD2 – ID2) × .7854 = Cross Sectional Area.

5. What is Annular Volume?

The volume, or space, between the tubing and the casing or tubing and coiled tubing.

6. How is Pressure defined and how is it expressed?

The force acting on the area upon which the force is distributed. Pressure is expressed in
pounds per square inch or psi.

6 • 25 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit B Quiz Answer Key: Pressure Basics

1. What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

The pressure created by the density and height of a stationary column of fluid.

2. Define Pressure Gradient and explain the formula for arriving at the pressure gradient of a fluid:
The force which a fluid exerts pressure at a certain depth. The formula for calculating pressure
gradient is: fluid density (weight) × constant (0.05195) = pressure gradient.

3. What is the difference between the Measured Depth and True Vertical Depth of a well?
Measured Depth is the actual length — True Vertical Depth is the length “straight down.”

4. What is the formula used in arriving at the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a fluid at a given point in a
wellbore?
fluid density × 0.05195 × TVD = hydrostatic pressure

6 • 26 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Unit C Quiz Answer Key: Calculating Area, Capacities, Buoyancy,

Force and Pressure

1. You need to know the area of 6 ft, 7 in. tank before you are able to know how much fluid it will hold.
What is the area figure you need to begin calculating the tanks capacity?
79 × 79 × 0.7854 = 6241 sq. in. area

2. Write the formula needed to calculate the capacity of a full length of coiled tubing?
I.D.2 × 0.0009714 × length = capacity bbl

3. What is the formula for calculating a buoyancy factor?

(tubing weight (lb/gal) – fluid weight (ppg)) ÷ tubing weight = buoyancy factor

4. In determining how much force is being created on an object, what is the necessary formula you
would use?
area × pressure = force

6 • 27 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

Section 6 Self Check Test Answer Key: Coiled Tubing Related

Calculations

1. Define Diameter.
The length of a straight line through the center of a circle.

2. Give the basic formula for calculating the area of a circle:

π (pi) × r (radius)2 = Area

3. How do you arrive at the cross sectional area of a pipe?

Outer Diameter (O.D.)2 × .7854 – Inner Diameter (I.D.)2 × .7854 = Cross Sectional Area

4. What is conversion factor?

A conversion factor represents a fixed or absolute value regardless of how other variables act
upon it. Also known as a constant.

5. The force or pressure that a fluid exerts at any given point is usually measured in:
Pounds per square inch expressed as psi.

6. What do we mean when we talk about the pressure gradient of an area?

The density or weight of a fluid within a one square inch by one foot are that is inside a one
cubic foot area.

7. Give the formula to determine hydrostatic pressure?

fluid density (ppg) × 0.05195 Constant) × TVD (depth) = hydrostatic pressure (psi)

8. You are on a job using coiled tubing that has a diameter of 1 1/4 in. O.D. × 1.032 in. I.D. having
17,000 ft of coiled tubing on a reel, how many barrels will you need to fill the entire length?
1.032 × 1.032 = 1.065
1.065 × 0.0009714 = 0.0010345× 17,000 = 17.59 bbl

6 • 28 Coiled Tubing I
 Coiled Tubing Related Calculations

9. We have a well that has tubing measuring 3.275 in. I.D. that runs to a depth pf 12,000 ft. We also
have coiled tubing that measures 1.75 in. O.D. by 1.315 in. I.D. The coiled tubing will be run to a
depth of 12,000 ft as well. What is the annular volume (in barrels) between the tubing and the coiled
tubing running the entire 12,000 ft height?
3.2752 – 1.752 = 7.663 sq. in. area
7.663 × 0.0009714 = 0.007444 bbl/ft
0.00744 × 12,000 = 89.3 bbl

10. The coiled tubing you are using weighs 1.955 lb/ft and measures 1.50 in. O.D. with a wall thickness
of 0.134. What is the buoyant weight of the string that you will run to 16,000 ft in a 16.8 ppg fluid?
1.955 × 16,000 = 31,280 (65.447 – 16.8) / 65.447 = .743 × 31,280 = 23,241

11. How much force is being created on a cylinder when we apply 6,000 psi on a 4.25 in. piston?
4.25 × 4.25 × 0.7854 × 6,000 = 85,117 lb force

6 • 29 Coiled Tubing I