TOKO TECH is a professional manufacturer of precision coiled heat exchanger tubes and a global supplier of high-performance metal pipeline systems. Based in Shanghai, China—with advanced manufacturing facilities in the Yangtze River Delta—TOKO TECH specializes in nickel alloy tubes, seamless pipes, coiled tubing, and stainless steel fittings for demanding industries such as petrochemicals, power generation, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and environmental engineering.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Coiled Tubing
• What Is a Coiled Tubing Unit (CTU)?
• Main Components of a Coiled Tubing Unit
• Coiled Tubing Unit Sizes Explained
• Applications of Coiled Tubing Systems
• Material Selection for Coiled Tubing
• TOKO TECH’s Coiled Tubing Manufacturing Capabilities
• How to Choose the Right Coiled Tubing Unit Size
• Advantages of Using Coiled Tubing Systems
• Summary Table: Coiled Tubing Unit Sizes & Applications
• FAQs
• References

Introduction to Coiled Tubing

Coiled tubing is a continuous length of steel or alloy tubing wound onto a spool and used in the oil, gas, and industrial sectors for a wide range of applications such as well intervention, chemical injection, and pressure control. Unlike conventional jointed tubing, coiled tubing offers the advantage of continuous deployment, minimizing downtime and operational risks.

As technology advances, the size and performance of coiled tubing units have become increasingly diverse to accommodate different field conditions, operational depths, and flow requirements. Understanding the various coiled tubing unit sizes is essential for engineers and project managers involved in energy, chemical, and industrial system design.

What Is a Coiled Tubing Unit (CTU)?

A Coiled Tubing Unit (CTU) is a mobile system designed to deploy and retrieve coiled tubing into and out of wells or process systems without interrupting ongoing operations. It typically consists of a reel holding the tubing, an injector head, and a control cabin for monitoring and operation.

Functions of a Coiled Tubing Unit

• Wellbore cleanout and maintenance
• Acidizing and stimulation
• Cementing and perforation
• Fluid and gas injection
• Pipeline and heat exchanger servicing

Main Components of a Coiled Tubing Unit

Each coiled tubing unit is made up of several key components that ensure safe and efficient operations:

• Coiled Tubing Reel: Stores and deploys the tubing onto or off the spool.
• Injector Head: Feeds the tubing into the wellbore or process system using hydraulic rollers.
• Control Cabin: Monitors real-time data including tubing depth, pressure, and flow rate.
• Power Pack: Supplies hydraulic and pneumatic power to drive the injector and reel.
• Pressure Control Equipment (PCE): Maintains safe operational pressure to prevent blowouts.

Coiled Tubing Unit Sizes Explained

Coiled tubing unit sizes vary based on tubing diameter, reel capacity, and operational depth. The size of a coiled tubing unit determines its performance range, weight, and mobility. Below are the most common coiled tubing diameters and unit configurations used in modern industrial and energy applications.

Common Coiled Tubing Sizes (Outer Diameter)

• 1.0 inch (25.4 mm)
• 1.25 inch (31.8 mm)
• 1.50 inch (38.1 mm)
• 1.75 inch (44.5 mm)
• 2.00 inch (50.8 mm)
• 2.375 inch (60.3 mm)

These sizes are typically used depending on application requirements such as flow rate, operating pressure, and wellbore diameter.

Typical Unit Size Classifications

• Small Units: Lightweight and suitable for shallow interventions and smaller wells. Reel capacity up to 5,000 meters.
• Medium Units: Standard choice for most well operations, with tubing lengths up to 10,000 meters.
• Large Units: Designed for deep wells and heavy-duty operations, capable of supporting tubing lengths exceeding 15,000 meters.

Factors Influencing Unit Size Selection

• Well depth and operational pressure
• Fluid density and type (oil, gas, or water)
• Transport limitations for field mobility
• Material strength and fatigue resistance of tubing

Applications of Coiled Tubing Systems

Coiled tubing systems are integral to multiple industrial and energy processes due to their flexibility and high-pressure capabilities. Some major applications include:

• Oil and Gas Well Intervention: Used for cleanouts, acidizing, and nitrogen lift operations.
• Heat Exchangers: For precise control of temperature and pressure in process industries.
• Pipeline Maintenance: Internal cleaning and descaling operations.
• Chemical Injection: Continuous injection systems in refineries and offshore platforms.

Material Selection for Coiled Tubing

The performance and longevity of coiled tubing depend significantly on the material used. TOKO TECH specializes in the production of high-performance tubing from materials optimized for durability and resistance to corrosion, fatigue, and temperature extremes.

Common Materials for Coiled Tubing

• Stainless Steel: Excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
• Nickel Alloys: High resistance to acid, chloride, and hydrogen sulfide environments.
• Carbon Steel: Cost-effective option for low-corrosion environments.
• Duplex and Super Duplex Stainless Steel: Enhanced mechanical and anti-corrosive properties for offshore use.

TOKO TECH’s Coiled Tubing Manufacturing Capabilities

As a leading coiled tubing manufacturer, TOKO TECH provides precision-engineered tubing solutions tailored to global industrial standards. With an emphasis on R&D and innovation, the company ensures every product meets international performance and safety benchmarks.

Core Advantages

• High-Precision Manufacturing: Advanced forming and welding technology ensures tight dimensional tolerances.
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Nickel alloy and stainless steel options withstand harsh environments.
• Custom Solutions: Tailored tubing diameters, wall thicknesses, and coil lengths based on client requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Full traceability and testing from raw material to finished coil.
• Global Reach: Exporting products to petrochemical, energy, and power sectors worldwide.

How to Choose the Right Coiled Tubing Unit Size

Step 1: Define Operational Requirements

Assess depth, pressure, and application type. Deep wells require larger units with higher-strength tubing.

Step 2: Consider Material Compatibility

Choose materials that resist corrosion or chemical damage depending on the working environment.

Step 3: Review Transport and Installation Constraints

For offshore or remote sites, compact units offer better mobility and ease of installation.

Step 4: Evaluate Manufacturer Capabilities

Select a supplier like TOKO TECH that offers technical support, global logistics, and quality control certifications.

Advantages of Using Coiled Tubing Systems

• Continuous Operation: Reduces downtime compared to jointed tubing systems.
• Operational Efficiency: Faster deployment and retrieval times.
• Cost Savings: Minimizes the need for workover rigs.
• Enhanced Safety: Controlled deployment under high pressure.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industrial and energy applications.

Summary Table: Coiled Tubing Unit Sizes & Applications

FAQs

1. What determines the size of a coiled tubing unit?

The size depends on tubing diameter, wall thickness, reel capacity, and operational depth.

2. What materials does TOKO TECH use for coiled tubing?

TOKO TECH manufactures tubing from stainless steel, nickel alloys, duplex steel, and carbon steel for superior durability.

3. How long can a coiled tubing reel be?

Lengths typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 meters depending on unit capacity.

4. Are coiled tubing systems used outside the oil industry?

Yes, they are used in heat exchangers, chemical injection systems, and energy plants.

5. Does TOKO TECH provide customized tubing solutions?

Absolutely. TOKO TECH specializes in custom diameters, alloys, and coil configurations to meet specific project needs.

References

• TOKO TECH Official Website
• Society of Petroleum Engineers
• American Petroleum Institute Standards