DRILLING WITH COILED TUBING IN NORTH AMERICA - A CASE STUDY
Drilling with coiled tubing had its beginnings in the late 1970s, but did not become economical until the mid 1990s. Three distinct areas of operations, each with different technologies evolved in North America. In Alaska, operators have drilled over 600 multi-lateral, highly deviated holes in the existing vertical wells, through the 4 _ inch tubing. Each year the schedule has accelerated and results are significant in volume and economics. In Alberta Province the use of coiled tubing to drill shallow gas has evolved from a curiosity to a 25% market share. There are currently over 50 "built for purpose" coiled tubing rigs in Canada drilling over 3,000 wells/year and continuing to grow. Only recently has the lower 48 states begun to apply technologies proven in Alaska and Canada, drilling new shallow gas wells and reentry for horizontal laterals. Currently active R&D programs are developing the tools to drill in smaller sizes.