COILED TUBE: WHAT IS IT, TYPES & USES

Coiled Tube: What Is It, Types & Uses

Coiled Tube: What Is It, Types & Uses

Blog Article

Coiled tubing (CT) is a length of pipe of small diameter that is wound on a large reel in a continuous length. In the oil and gas industry, chemical processing in general and medical applications are used very often. Because coiled tubes can be run out, whereas straight tubing has to be broken, and because they can be injected without the complex and heavy rigging that is associated with conventional tubing, coiled tubes offer a unique advantage in their mobility and rapid deployment, thereby minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

This blog will cover what coiled tubing is as explained by a Coiled Tube Manufacturer, the types of coiled tubing, and the applications of coiled tubing.

What is coiled tubing?


Coiled tubing is a long, flexible tube that is kept in big reels (coils) and can be taken out without needing additional connections. However, traditional tubing comprises links of several pipes connected to each other, whereas coiled tubing is a continuous pipeline, which allows treatment to be operationally more efficient and reduces leakage risk.

Coiled tubing was first introduced in the 1960s and primarily used in oil and gas, but it has since developed to serve several industries with multiple applications. It consists mainly of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials: stainless steel, nickel alloys, and carbon steel.

Types of Coiled Tubing


There is a variety of coiled tubing, with each designed for specific applications. Here are the most common types:

Stainless Steel Coiled Tubing


They are mostly used in industries requiring high corrosion resistance, like the chemical processing, food and beverage, and medical industries. It has very good durability, heat resistance, and chemical stability.

Common Grades:

  • 304 Stainless Steel

  • 316 Stainless Steel

  • 321 Stainless Steel


Carbon Steel Coiled Tubing


Carbon steel coiled tubing is primarily utilized for those applications that require strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Common Applications: A broad range of applications, especially in industrial applications: This article is intended for those with knowledge from the oil and gas industry.

Advantages:

  • High tensile strength

  • Cost-effective

  • Adapted for high-pressure conditions


Nickel Alloy Coiled Tubing


Nickel alloy coiled tubing is used in applications where superior heat and corrosion resistance is needed. This type of tubing is often used in aerospace, marine and high-temperature industrial processes.

Popular Nickel Alloys:

  • Inconel 625

  • Monel 400

  • Hastelloy C276


Copper Coiled Tubing


Due to copper's remarkable thermal and electrical conductivity, copper coiled tubing has broad applications in HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing. It is adaptable, simple to set up, and corrosion-resistant, making it excellent for liquid and gas transfer applications.

Key Features:

  • High thermal conductivity

  • Malleable and easy to shape

  • The natural antimicrobial properties of natural antimicrobials


Titanium Coiled Tubing


Titanium-coiled tubing has been used in industries with strict conditions in the areas of weight, strength and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, marine, and chemical processing applications.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight yet strong

  • Highly corrosion-resistant

  • The material is biocompatible (meaning applicable in medical uses)


Uses of Coiled Tubing


Coiled tubing is used in numerous applications in different industries. Some of the more common uses are listed below:

Oil and Gas Industry


The largest application of coiled tubing across industries is in the oil and gas sector, where coiled tubing is used for well intervention, drilling, and completion services. With each section of tubing connected to the next, it is much easier to circulate, clean, and stimulate wells.

Key Applications:

  • Well cleaning and maintenance

  • Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

  • Nitrogen lifting

  • Sand control


Chemicals and Petrochemicals Sector


In this stage, coiled tubing is employed to deliver chemicals in processing plants where corrosion resistance is optimal. Various material options are available for tubing, although stainless steel and nickel alloy tubing are the most common types used in gas system constructions due to their chemical stability and robustness.

Common Uses:

  • Chemical injection

  • Heat exchangers

  • Steam tracing


Medical Industry


In the healthcare industry, coiled tubing is used in several medical devices, including catheter systems, endoscopes, and surgical tools. Most often, biocompatible and strong materials, such as stainless steel and titanium, are used in the manufacturing of orthopedic implants.

Medical Applications:

  • Catheters

  • Endoscopy instruments

  • Surgical tubing


HVAC and Refrigeration


Copper coiled tubing is widely used in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) hardware. This property of efficient heat transfer makes it perfect for refrigerant lines and heat exchanger systems.

Uses in HVAC:

  • Air conditioning systems

  • Refrigeration coils

  • Heat pumps


Aerospace Industry


It also provides a scenario where lightweight, high strength and corrosion-resistant performance materials of coiled tubing are used in other aerospace engines. Hydraulic and fuel systems in aircraft commonly utilize titanium and nickel alloys.

Aerospace Applications:

  • Hydraulic fluid transfer

  • Fuel lines

  • Oxygen distribution systems


Automotive Industry


Coiled Tubing in the Automotive Industry—The automotive segment uses coiled tubing in fuel and brake lines, ensuring durability and improved functioning of vehicles. These applications commonly use stainless steel and copper tubing.

Automotive Uses:

  • Brake lines

  • Fuel injection systems

  • In exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems


Advantages of Coiled Tubing


The use of coiled tubing has many advantages over traditional tubing systems. Here are some of the main advantages:

  • Continuous Length: Fewer connections, joints and the risk of leaks.

  • Versatile: Can be easily positioned in tight corners.

  • Cost Efficient: Minimizes operational downtime and maintenance costs.

  • Resistant to High Strength: Appropriate in applications under high pressure.

  • Corrosion options: These can come in materials that are more resistant to extreme environments.


Conclusion


The coiled tubing is used in many industries that need a process that is efficient, powerful, and reliable. Its versatility makes it indispensable, from oil and gas extraction to medical applications. By understanding the various types of coiled tubing and their uses, industries can choose the right material for the right application.

As material science and manufacturing technology progress, the evolution of coiled tubing will develop further, opening up even more applications for potential industrial innovation and efficiency. Be it in deep-sea drilling, aerospace engineering, or medical technology, coiled tubing continues to be a crucial instrument in modern engineering solutions.

Also Read: Reasons Why Aluminium Armoured Cable is Preferred for Long-Distance Transmission

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