System Monitor for Coiled
Tubing Units
Overview
The coil unit system monitor is a computer that utilizes
a set of electronic sending units (ESUs) to record a coil
unit's status during operation. The ESUs, monitoring any
combination of systems, send their readings to the computer
where they are processed, time stamped, and stored. The
information can then be recalled after operation is complete
and reviewed if necessary.
The information can be imported into any spreadsheet program,
and graphed for a visual representation of each system.
Each channel is recorded separately so that only the information
relative to the equipment in question is displayed. The
graph below shows the pressure readings of the injector's
In-hole line, reel motor, and chain tension cylinders during
30 minutes of operation.
Benefits
The primary purpose is to decrease unit downtime. Malfunctioning
equipment is much easier to diagnose when there is a record
of the status of each individual component at the time of
failure. Troubleshooting time is dramatically reduced, expediting
the unit's return to service.
A computer based acquisition system benefits from the flexibility
of software to mold the perfect system to match the equipment.
· The software is tailored specifically for each
coil unit.
· Virtual instrumentation provides endless flexibility
of the user interface.
· Upgrades and additions to the system are easy and
cost effective.
System Operation
The system requires very little operator control. Once on
location the computer is powered up and the operator logs
into the machine (name and password). The computer will
automatically load the monitoring software, and the operator
need only to click the start button. When the job is completed,
the operator will click the stop button and shutdown the
computer.
During operation, the computer will display it's recordings
on graphical meters as well as numeric readouts. The operator
is not required to watch or manipulate the system at all
during operation, but the information is available as a
backup to the mechanical gauges in the control panel. Below
is a screen shot of the injector gauges.
Injector gauges.
Capability
The basic system is designed to record the status of up
to 16 different components every second. These could include,
but are not limited to:
| Reel Pressure |
Circulating Pressure |
| Reel Brake |
Injector In and Out |
| Accumulator Pressure |
Top, Middle, & Bottom Traction |
| Weight Indicator |
Chain Tension |
| Well Pressure |
Injector Brake |
Equipment
The computer operates
CPU: Fan-less mini ATX with high-speed multifunction data
acquisition board, 60 GB of storage, wireless controls,
and familiar Windows operating system. Shielded carrier
with all necessary signal-conditioning modules
Uninterrupted Power Supply: In the event of generator failure,
the battery backup provides enough time to appropriately
stop the program and shutdown the system.
Software: A package setup to control the selected transducers
to meet the requirements of the particular coil unit.
Stainless steel high-pressure transducers