Although coiled tubing has been in use for over 50 years in oil and gas well operations, it is still a relatively new type of well servicing unit. As with any new technology, the early days had their share of failures as well as successes. Many times, fishing tools and prayer were required to get the tubing out of the well.
However, times and coiled tubing are changing. When we look at the equipment previously used and the way the tubing was handled and spooled, it became obvious that changes were necessary.
The industry is now focusing its attention on tubing strength and tubing life. With injectors that can handle 100,000 pounds, surface equipment is changing too, and steel coiled tubing itself may one day be replaced with tubing made from fiber composites.