SPE 163883

Investigation of Low Frequency Water Hammer for Extended Reach

Applications
R.Macdonald, SPE, B.Jennings, G.Vecseri, TeleDrill Inc.

Copyright 2013, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE/ICoTA Coiled Tubing & Well Intervention Conference & Exhibition held in The Woodlands, Texas, USA, 2627 March 2013.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessar ily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohi bited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
Horizontal wellbores typically encounter inefficiencies due to friction during both drilling and completions operations. In
severe cases, further advancement of the bit or downhole tools is almost impossible due to the inability of existing technology
and methods to overcome downhole friction forces. This problem, seen in drilling, completions, and intervention activities, is
particularly acute in coil tubing deployed bottom hole assemblies (BHA). Fluid hammer tools are often used in an attempt to
mitigate this friction, with varying degrees of success. Current commercially available fluid hammer tools are preset
mechanical systems operating at relatively high frequencies from 12 to over 40 Hz. These tools, which cannot be deactivated
once installed in the BHA, typically exhibit a large pressure drop which can rise even further with increased flow. It is
proposed that a downhole pressure oscillation tool be developed that provides the capability to manage downhole pressure
oscillation amplitude independent of flow rate. It is also proposed that such a tool, operating at low frequencies, could
simultaneously encode downhole measurements within the pressure pulse signal. This paper presents experimental data
collected in the development of such a system and further explores the theory that high amplitude oscillations at lower
frequencies impart significant motive force to the BHA enabling extended reach.
Introduction
Significant innovation has been applied to the challenge of improving weight transfer and delaying the onset of helical
buckling when using coiled tubing in the horizontal section of wellbores. Numerous technical approaches have been tried
with varying degrees of success and economic benefit. Examples of these approaches are lubricants, tractors, friction
reduction tools and larger OD, tapered or hybrid workstrings. (McNeil et al. 2011; Griffin and Nichlos 2012; Schneider et al.
2012)
Recently the industry has shown interest in the performance of downhole friction reduction tools in coiled tubing drill out
operations (Hilling et al. 2012; Rowden et al. 2012). The general operating principle of this class of tools is to create a
pressure oscillation, at a particular frequency, that induces motion in the coiled tubing. This motion reduces the friction force,
allowing for improved weight transfer and extended reach. The greater the pressure oscillation, the greater the induced
motion and friction force reduction.
Due to the mechanical nature of commercially available downhole friction reduction tools, they are preset at surface to
generate a pressure oscillation of predetermined amplitude, in a defined frequency band, at a given flow rate. Flow rate and
pressure amplitude are positively correlated, which leads to an increase in backpressure as flow rate increases and conversely
a reduced backpressure and friction force reduction capability when flow rate decreases.
In plug milling operations, it would be beneficial to manage downhole pressure oscillation amplitude independent of flow
rate. During a short trip for hole cleaning purposes, annular velocity could be increased by turning the friction reduction tool
off, minimizing back pressure. While milling, the pressure oscillation amplitude should be adjusted to the level required for
friction force reduction and adequate weight on bit at the current measured depth. Since pressure oscillation amplitude
required for friction force reduction varies between the heel and the toe of the well, pressure oscillation amplitude should be

SPE 163883

optimized for friction force reduction and weight transfer at a particular measured depth in the well, rather than preset to
mitigate the onset of helical buckling at a modeled measured depth further out in the lateral section. In the case that the
pressure oscillation amplitude is too low to sufficiently reduce the friction force and extend reach at greater measured depths,
it would be advantageous to be able to increase the pressure oscillation amplitude, while maintaining the optimum flow rate
for the downhole motor.
It is proposed that a downhole pressure oscillation tool could be developed that provides the capability to manage downhole
pressure oscillation amplitude independent of flow rate. Downlink commands from surface, in the form of pressure
signatures, would be interpreted by the downhole tool. Changes in pressure oscillation amplitude at a given flow rate or
turning the tool off would be accomplished without coming out of the hole.
The system design for this functionality is comparable to a measurement while drilling (MWD) downhole tool; leading to the
conclusion that a downhole pressure oscillation tool could be developed that simultaneously induces motion in the coiled
tubing for friction force reduction while telemetering data to surface from downhole sensors. Real time downhole
measurements such as weight on bit, torque on bit, annular pressure and differential pressure provides information about
downhole operating conditions, enabling improved decisions and actions with respect to friction force reduction, motor
performance and hole cleaning when compared to decisions based on inference from surface weight and pressure
measurements.
The first phase of this development is to investigate if a flow modulation device (FMD), operating at frequencies of less than
2 Hz and utilizing design concepts typically employed in MWD applications, can produce sufficient pressure oscillation
amplitude to induce motion in the coil tubing and provide sufficient friction force reduction to improve weight transfer and
delay the onset of helical buckling enabling extended reach.
Method
Preliminary analysis was conducted identifying key elements effecting performance and resultant effects of FMD in coil
applications. Equations used in common coil calculations (see Appendix A) were identified and include: piston effect,
ballooning effect, and buckling effect (Guo. 2012) Based on Eqs. A-1 through A-8 pressure pulse amplitude (p) was
selected as the governing variable to be used in experimentation. p is defined as:

V
........( 1 )
cV

where
p = pulse pressure, psi
c = compressibility of fluid upstream the pulser, psi-1
V = change of the inner volume of string, ft3
V = the inner volume of string, ft3

The volume change can be expressed as:

q
t .....( 2 )
(60)(7.48)

where
q = fluid injection rate, gpm
t = time during which the valve is closed in each period, second
Substituting Eq. (2) into eq. (1) yeilds:

p 0.00223

qt
..( 3 )
cV

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According to Eq. 3 flow or fluid injection rate (q) and time (t) are the key variables in controlling p. As a result pump rate
(qp) and valve closure time (tc) were selected as key variables and were incremented during testing. Frequency variation was
also proposed, however, given the low frequencies to be used and based on prior FMD experimentation it was concluded the
effect of frequency on reaction force (Fo) is negligable.
Testing was conducted using proprietary FMD technology and a flow loop test facility designed and built for the purpose of
pulse tool development (see Fig. 1).

Figure 1 - FMD test loop facility

The facility included a positive displacement mud pump outfitted with a five speed transmission capable of flow ranges
between 30 and 600 GPM. The FMD test fixture was designed around a centrally located and axially aligned load cell
isolating the force produced. Rollers were used to further minimize friction losses, however, some losses were observed. The
primary pressure transducer was mounted at the tool inlet, allowing direct measurement of the pressure signal. Variable
boundaries were defined based on real-world coiled tubing operation limits. Pressure and load measurements were collected
for qp from 80 to 160 gallons per minute (GPM) and tc from 200 to 400 milliseconds (ms). Pulse amplitudes (p) were
expected to be between 100 to 1600 psi. All tests were conducted with water.
Results
During experimentation high magnitude force oscillations (Fo) were achieved for all target flow (qp) and pulse width (tc)
ranges. Fig. 3 demonstrates collected Fo response during a stepped increase of p at 80 GPM. During each phase observed Fo
values above 1500 lbf were consistently achieved, demonstrating FMD capability to produce forces consistent with extended
reach application at all flow rates. In order to relate Fo to p it was necessary to gather waveform dimensional data for each
while sweeping through the various qp and tc values. These dimensions were derived from high density recordings taken of
real time pressure transducer and load cell readings. Measurement points were chosen based on characteristic pulse and force
oscillations allowing analogous comparison on a pulse by pulse basis (see Fig. 2).

SPE 163883

Fo

Figure 2 - Characteristic p and Fo pulses and corresponding measurement points recorded for full characterization

This first phase of data analysis resulted in 219 individual data points each with correlating Fo and p values (see Fig. 4).
Initial hypotheses indicated a relationship between p and tc as well as qp which inferred a further relationship between these
parameters and Fo. Analysis was completed plotting Fo vs. p per tc as well as per qp (see Fig. 5 and 6 ). However, no direct
relationship for Fo was observed for either qp or tc to any given p. Further examination of recorded pressure data was
conducted paying special attention to the rise and fall of the pressure wave. A correlation was observed between the falling
edge of the pressure wave and the magnitude of Fo. (see Fig. 7). Decrease in this new parameter, slope (mp), correlates
directly to a decrease in measured Fo (see Fig. 8). Slope (mp) is quantified as:

= | | ...( 4 )

mp values were plotted and a direct correlation was made within similar p ranges. Increased mp corresponds directly to a
rise in measured Fo (see Fig. 9)

Conclusions
It is confirmed that low frequency FMD are capable of producing high magnitude force oscillations consistent with an
application in extended reach operations. Observed pressure pulses were consistent with pulses characteristic of positive
pulse MWD devices verifying further application in both inducing axial motion and simultaneous transmission of encoded
data to the surface. Pulse and force amplitude control was also demonstrated providing further flexibility in any particular
application. In depth analysis of pressure and force signals indicate FMD pressure response time is a key component in
producing high amplitude force oscillations at the device. Further study in a downhole environment is necessary to quantify
combined influence of pressure and force on extended reach capabilities.

SPE 163883

Data

Fo , lbf

Figure 3 - Load and pressure measurements taken at 80 GPM demonstrating dynamic amplitude capabilities of the FMD

p, psi
Figure 4 - Reaction Force (Fo) vs. Pulse Amplitude (p)

SPE 163883

Fo , lbf

p, psi

Fo , lbf

Figure 5 - Reaction Force (Fo) vs. Pulse Amplitude (p) per pulse width (tc)

p, psi

Figure 6 - Reaction Force (Fo) vs. Pulse Amplitude (p) per flow rate (qp)

SPE 163883

Figure 7 - Characteristic pulse shape comparison of similar p pulses with varying Fo responses

Figure 8 - Pulses with similar p demonstrating the effect of slope (mp) on induced force (Fo) amplitude.

SPE 163883

Figure 9 Ascending Fo plot demonstrating resulting increase in slope (mp)

SPE 163883

Appendix A
Piston Effect
Piston effect is the axial force acting in line with the coil axis due to the pressure applied perpendicular to area of the closing
valve. This pressure differential acting on the valve is the difference between the pressure in front of the valve and behind the
valve at the time of closing. Since the design incorporates a full flow valve this area is the inside area of the coil pulser tool. 0

Fp pAi ......( A-1 )

where
Fp = axial internal force due to pulsing pressure, lbf
p = pulse pressure, psi
Ai = inner cross-sectional area of string, in2

The axial elongation of the coil string due to this axial force can be calculated as:

LP

LFp
AE

..( A-2 )

where
Lp = elongation due to piston effect, ft
L = string length, ft
A = string cross-sectional area, in.2
E = Yongs modulus of string material, psi.

Ballooning Effect
The differential pressure between the internal pressure and the external pressure of the coil string. The resultant force caused
by the pulse pressure can be expressed as:

FB 0.6pAi ....( A-3 )

The ballooning force will cause an axial contraction of the string by an amount of

LB

2 L p
........( A-4 )
108 R 2 1

where
LB = shortening due to ballooning effect, ft
R2 = Ao/Ai, area ratio
Ao = external cross-section area of the string, in2
p = differential pressure between the interior and exterior of the coil string, psi

10

SPE 163883

Buckling Effect
The coil string can shorten due to the buckling created by the internal pressure being higher than the external pressure. The
buckling force acting axially on the string can be calculated as:

FBK pAo ......( A-5 )

where

FBK = force due to buckling, lbf

Ao = external cross-section area of the string, in2.
p = differential pressure between the interior and exterior of the coil string, psi
This buckling force will shorten the coil string by:

LBK

2
r 2 FBK
................................( A-6 )
8EIW

where

r
I

d a do
....( A-7 )
2

64

4
o

di4 ......( A-8 )

where

d a = outer diameter of annulus, in.

d i = inner diameter of string, in.
d o = outer diameter of string, in.
W = linear weight of string, lb/ft.

SPE 163883

11

Nomenclature
BHA Bottom hole assembly
MWD Measurement while drilling
FMD Flow Mopdulation Device
GPM Gallons per minute
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