Robert H. Davis and Bill Snider,
Western Falcon, Inc.
This paper will present case studies detailing the successful use of thermoplastic lined tubulars including liner products composed of HDPE, a proprietary polyolefin blend, and PPS of 2,400 wells operating in 29 different fields. All of the lined tubulars in these wells are still in services today and some were installed back in 1996. A review of critical limitations of the liners such as temperature and diameter changes will also be discussed in an effort to avoid the misapplication of thermoplastic liners. Improved tubular service life, economic benefits, and enhanced flow characteristics due to the high quality service finish of the liners will be detailed in at least twenty specific case histories and field including both injection and production well environments.
The fundamental technical benefits of various thermoplastic lined tubulars will be covered with an emphasis on the proven extension of tubing service life using thermoplastic liners. One often overlooked advantage of TPPL tubing is that is reduces the friction of sucker rods on the tubing ID. Data from recent testing by ConocoPhillips that quantifies the benefit will be presented. Furthermore, to exhibit the overall economic impact of thermoplastic lined tubulars, a review of field installation and handling procedures will be presented as well.