Section 240

Schlum berger COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL

Dow ell Rev A - 98

DOWNHOLE TOOLS

Contents Page

Introduction .................................................................................................... 2
1 DOWNHOLE TOOLS ...................................................................................... 2
2 COILED TUBING CONNECTORS ................................................................... 2
2.1 Grapple Connector ............................................................................... 3
2.2 Setscrew/Dimple Connector ................................................................ 4
2.3 Roll-On Connector ............................................................................... 4
3 COILED TUBING CHECK VALVES ................................................................ 4
3.1 Flapper Check Valves .......................................................................... 4
3.2 Ball and Seat Check Valves ................................................................ 4
4 NOZZLES AND JETTING SUBS .................................................................... 5
4.1 Circulating Subs .................................................................................. 5
4.2 Jetting Subs ........................................................................................ 5
5 RELEASE JOINTS ......................................................................................... 6
5.1 Tension-Activated Release Joints ........................................................ 6
5.2 Pressure-Activated Release Joints ...................................................... 6
6 ACCELERATORS ........................................................................................... 6
7 JARS ........................................................................................................... 7
8 OVERSHOTS ................................................................................................. 8
9 SPEARS ........................................................................................................ 9

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 Section 240
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL
Rev A - 98 DOWNHOLE TOOLS
Introduction
The one thing common to all CT operations is that there will
be something attached to the downhole end of the CT
string, i.e. a bottomhole assembly, toolstring or downhole
tool. The most simple assembly will comprise a connector,
check valve and circulating nozzle. More complex assem-
blies will contain several tool functions, may be powered
through electric conductors or hydraulic conduits installed
in the CT string and may communicate (real-time data) with
surface monitoring equipment and systems.
Regardless of the configuration or complexity of a CT
toolstring, there are several factors which must be consid-
ered during the planning, design and execution phases of
the operation. The two most important factors, shown
below, should be considered fundamental to all CT opera-
tions.
• The dimensions of all tools must be confirmed and noted
on an appropriate fishing diagram.
• Any limitations applicable to the tool function, strength or
pressure integrity must be known.
1 DOWNHOLE TOOLS
Downhole tools of some description are used on almost all
coiled tubing operations. Most tools currently in use can be
categorized as follows:
• Primary tools - coiled tubing connectors and check valves
are included in this category, i.e. tools which may be
considered essential for all operations.
• Support tools - this category includes tools such as a
release joint and jar, i.e. tools which enhance or support
the toolstring function, or provide a contingency release
function.
• Functional tools - these are tools selected on the basis of
their ability to perform the intended operation.
CT services conducted using nonelectric wireline tool
strings may be categorized as follows:
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Schlum berger
Dow ell
• Conveying retrievable flow control tools - a wide variety of
plugs and flow control devices are commonly used to
selectively control production. The plugs, or locks, may
be located in specific landing nipples, tubing joints or on
the tubing wall.
• Operating fixed completion equipment - this principally
involves the operation (opening and closing) of sliding
sleeves, or circulation devices located in the production
tubing or uncemented production liner.
• Conveying gauges or monitoring equipment - gauges and
sampling or monitoring equipment can be conveyed by
wireline or CT, and if necessary secured in a tubing nipple
or similar locating device.
• Wellbore servicing - a variety of well service operations
are commonly performed, generally as preparatory work
before performing other services e.g. tubing drifting,
depth (fill) check, paraffin removal.
• Fishing - coiled tubing fishing operations can provide a
rapid and economic solution to a variety of light- to
medium-weight fishing problems.
The operational features of CT conveyed tools and
techniques offer the following advantages over conventional
wireline methods:
• Coiled tubing is considerably stronger than slickline or
braided line allowing the application of greater forces and
lifting capacity.
• The rigidity of CT allows access to highly deviated or
horizontal wellbores.
• Fluids circulated through the CT can be used to improve
access to the fish or wellbore equipment to be engaged.
• Fluids pumped through the CT can also be used to power
specialized tools.
2 COILED TUBING CONNECTORS
oiled tubing connectors connect various downhole tools to
the end of the CT string. Connectors are commercially
available in a wide range of designs and sizes. However,
three general categories of connectors are typically recom-
mended.
 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 240
Schlum berger
Dow ell DOWNHOLE TOOLS Rev A - 98

Coiled tubing

O-ring

Setscrew Crimped tubing

O-ring

Coiled tubing

Setscrew
Grapple connector Roll-on connector

O-ring

Dimple connector

Figure 1. Coiled tubing connectors

2.1 Grapple Connector

• Grapple connector
Grapple connectors use a wedge or slip collar arrangement
• Setscrew/dimple connector to lock the CT string inside the connector housing. A wide
variety of designs are available including single- and bi-
• Roll-on connector. directional slip assemblies. A double acting bi-directional
design is typically recommended since the CT connector
Selecting the appropriate connector is generally dependent may be exposed to significant compression forces in both
on the application and operator preference. directions, i.e., tension/compression.

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 Section 240
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 DOWNHOLE TOOLS Dow ell

2.2 Setscrew/Dimple Connector

The Setscrew Connector is attached to the CT by set-

screws engaging in preformed dimples. A dimpling tool is
used to place the dimples in the same pattern as formed by Top connection
the screws on the connector. The setscrew connector
attaches to the outside diameter of the CT, and therefore,
interferes less with the internal flow path of the tubing.
Flapper
2.3 Roll-On Connector check valve
assembly
The roll-on connector attaches to the internal diameter of Seat
the CT and is held in place by crimping the CT around a Flapper
connector profile with a special crimping tool. However, the
roll-on connector poses a significant obstruction to fluids,
darts or balls pumped through the CT. In special applications
where an extremely slim bottomhole assembly is required, Bottom connection
and where low torque and tensile strength values are
required, the roll-on connector may be considered a practical
alternative to the grapple and setscrew connector.

3 COILED TUBING CHECK VALVES

The check valve is generally attached to the coiled tubing

connector at the end of the CT string. By preventing the
flow of well fluids into the CT, well security is maintained in Top connection
the event of failure or damage to the tubing at surface.
Check valves should be part of every CT bottomhole
assembly and should only be omitted when the application
precludes its use (e.g. where it is desired to reverse Ball and
circulate through the CT). In most cases it is recommended seat check
that tandem check valves be fitted to provide some valve
redundancy of operation. assembly Seat
Ball
3.1 Flapper Check Valves

Flapper check valves are, by necessity, becoming more

commonly used. The fullbore (or near fullbore) opening
permits the use of more complex CT tools, fluids and Bottom connection
operating techniques by allowing balls, darts and plugs to
pass through to the toolstring from the CT without restriction.
Most flapper check valves are of similar design, although
some may incorporate a cartridge valve assembly for ease
of maintenance.

3.2 Ball and Seat Check Valves

The ball and seat check valve has been predominantly

used on conventional CT applications because of its simple Figure 2. Coiled tubing check valves

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 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 240
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Dow ell DOWNHOLE TOOLS Rev A - 98

construction and ease of maintenance. However, this

design has several limitations including restricted flow area
and bore obstruction. These limitations require using an
alternative when fullbore opening or unrestricted flow area
is required.
Single Large-
Diameter Port
4 NOZZLES AND JETTING SUBS

Nozzles and jetting subs for use on coiled tubing form the
downhole end of the CT bottomhole assembly. These
nozzles and subs are generally of simple design and
construction and are often locally manufactured. The
required jetting action generally determines the position
and size of the nozzle ports. In general, these tools will fall
into two categories.

4.1 Circulating Subs

Nozzles used on operations where fluids are to be circulated

without a jetting action require a large port area. This port Multiple Small-
area may be composed of several small ports to increase Diameter Ports
turbulence, or a few large ports; the criteria being that there
is relatively little pressure drop across the nozzle.

4.2 Jetting Subs

Nozzles used on operations that require jetting action will

have a relatively small port area, usually composed of
several small ports. The efficiency of a jetting nozzle is
largely dependent on the fluid velocity through the port. The
largest constraints on the jetting nozzle design are the
limits of the flow rate and pressure available at the nozzle.
These limits are a result of the relatively large friction
pressure induced within the CT string.

The position, shape and direction of the jet ports affect the
jetting action of the nozzle, and in most cases, are Muleshoe Angled
determined by the intended application. Jet Nozzle

Combination nozzles are often used to perform special

operations. The various functions of combination nozzles
can be accomplished with a ball or sleeve mechanism
within the nozzle assembly, which is activated to block
certain ports. Simple versions are activated by dropping a
ball through the CT work string.

Figure 3. Nozzles and jetting subs

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 Section 240
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 DOWNHOLE TOOLS Dow ell

5.1 Tension-Activated Release Joints

The tension-activated release joint may be regarded as a

Upper sub weak point in the tool string which will part before any
damage is inflicted on the retrieved tool string or the CT.
Most designs use shear pins or screws which, when
sheared, allow the top and bottom assemblies of the
release joint to separate.
Collet
5.2 Pressure-Activated Release Joints

Outer housing Pressure-activated release joints are generally activated

by applying pressure through the CT which in turn exerts a
pressure differential between the inside and outside of the
tool sufficient to activate the mechanism. In many cases,
Ball and seat a ball is circulated through the CT work string to land in a
seat located in the release tool.

This type of release joint is desirable when fishing or jarring,

Disc spring because of its ability to withstand high-impact loads.

6 ACCELERATORS

A coiled tubing accelerator is used in conjunction with CT

jars. Accelerators generally consist of a sliding mandrel
Lower sub
which compresses a spring when forced in its operating
direction (i.e. up, down, or in some cases, either up or
down).

Placed in the tool string above the jar assembly, the primary
function of the accelerator is to store the energy to be
released when the jar fires. Accelerator action also helps
Figure 4. Release joints protect both the tools located above the accelerator, and
the CT work string from the shock load caused by the jar
impact.
5 RELEASE JOINTS
Accelerators used in CT operations operate on one of the
The coiled tubing release joint releases the coiled tubing
following principles:
work string from the CT tool string in a controlled manner
should the need arise. The resulting fishing neck on the tool
• Spring (mechanical)
string in the well allows easy reconnection with an appropriate
fishing tool. Release joints are available with the following
• Compressed fluid (hydraulic)
methods of operation:
Compressed fluid tools are generally called intensifiers and
• Tension-activated release
are less common than spring-operated accelerators in CT
operations.
• Pressure-activated release
Most jar manufacturers offer accelerators or intensifiers to
• A combination of the above
match the jars. Jars and accelerators should be used as a

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 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 240
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Dow ell DOWNHOLE TOOLS Rev A - 98

External fishing neck

Upper mandrel and Splined mandrel

seal assembly
Anvil

Hammer

Spring assembly

Spring assembly

Firing mechanism

Adjusting mechanism

Lower mandrel and Mandrel

bottom connector

Figure 5. Accelerator Figure 6. Jar

matched set, alleviating any problems associated with the

compatibility of the tools. The accelerator must have an
available stroke which is greater than that of the jar at the
time of firing.
7 JARS
A jar may be described as a device which delivers a sudden
shock (up or down) to the tool string. In coiled tubing
applications, jar assemblies generally include a sliding
mandrel arrangement which allows the brief and sudden
acceleration of the tool string above the jar. Travel of the
mandrel is limited by a stop (hammer) which strikes a
corresponding stop on the outer mandrel (anvil).
Most jars release (also called a trip, fire, hit or lick) in one
direction only. However, some designs feature the ability to
jar up and down without resetting the tool.
An accelerator must be included in any CT bottomhole
assembly in which a jar is fitted. The accelerator is placed
in the tool string above the jar assembly in order to store the
energy that will be released when the jar fires.

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 Section 240
COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Schlum berger
Rev A - 98 DOWNHOLE TOOLS Dow ell

Jars commonly used in CT operations operate on one of the

Top connector/fishing neck
following principles:

• Mechanical

• Hydraulic

• Fluid powered (e.g. impact drill)

All three jar types operate on the upstroke; however, only jars Catch spring
operating on the mechanical and fluid-powered principles are
capable of downstroke or dual operation. The ability to jar
down is an important feature which may be required on many
fishing and STIFFLINE* operations. The release of many
overshots, spears and pulling tools often requires a downward
blow at the tool.

8 OVERSHOTS Catch/release mechanism

Overshots are commonly used on a wide variety of coiled

tubing fishing operations. Overshots are designed to engage
over the fish to be retrieved, gripping on the OD surface of the
fishing neck.

Once latched on the fish, the grip exerted by the overshot

grapple increases as the tool string tension is increased. In
the event the fish or tool to be retrieved is immovable, a
release mechanism can be activated to retrieve the CT and Adjustable stop
tool string. This release may be incorporated into the design
of the overshot (releasable overshot) or may require the Grapple
operation of a separate CT release joint (non-releasable
overshot). Bowl

It is recommended that only releasable overshots be used in

CT applications. Non-releasable overshots should be avoided
and only run where the implication of their use is fully
understood. Figure 7. Overshot

The design and operation of releasable overshots vary

slightly among manufacturers. However, the principal features
and components are similar and include the following:
• A catch/release mechanism, usually controlled by a ratchet
mechanism, which cycles each time weight is set on the
tool.
• A bowl/grapple assembly which should be selected only
after consideration of the fishing neck profile, overshot
reach and completion restrictions.
• A circulation facility which enables the circulation of
fluid and offers significant advantage over alternative
fishing methods.

* Service mark of Schlumberger

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 COILED TUBING SERVICES MANUAL Section 240
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9 SPEARS
Top connection/fishing neck
Spears of various designs are commonly used on fishing
operations. Spears are designed to engage the fish by
gripping on the ID surface. Although the preferred method
of engaging a fish is by overshot, the spear provides a
useful alternative when retrieving a fish with a suitable bore.

In the event that the fish or tool to be retrieved is immovable,

a release mechanism can be activated to retrieve the coiled
tubing and tool string. This release mechanism may be
incorporated into the design of the spear (releasable spear) Catch/release mechanism
or, in some cases, may require the operation of a separate
CT release joint (nonreleasable spear). It is recommended
that only releasable spears be used in CT applications.

The design and operation of releasable spears vary slightly

among manufacturers. However, the principal features and
components are similar and include the following:
Catch spring
• A catch/release mechanism, usually controlled by a
ratchet mechanism, which cycles each time weight is
set down on the tool (e.g. set down on the fish to catch,
set down again to release).

• A cone grapple assembly which should be made after

considering the fishing neck profile and the completion
Adjustable stop
restrictions.

• A circulating facility which enables fluid circulation and Grapple

offers a significant advantage over alternative fishing
methods. Nose cone

Figure 8. Spear

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