1. n. []

A long, continuous length of pipe wound on a spool. The pipe is straightened prior to pushing into a wellbore and rewound to coil the pipe back onto the transport and storage spool. Depending on the pipe diameter (1 in. to 4-1/2 in.) and the spool size, coiled tubing can range from 2,000 ft to 15,000 ft [610 to 4,570 m] or greater length.

For more details, The Defining Series: Introduction to Coiled Tubing.

Synonyms: endless tubing,  reeled tubing

Alternate Form: CT

See related terms: coiled tubing drilling,  packer

2. n. []

A generic term relating to the use of a coiled tubing string and associated equipment. As a well-intervention method, coiled tubing techniques offer several key benefits over alternative well-intervention technologies. The ability to work safely under live well conditions, with a continuous string, enables fluids to be pumped at any time regardless of the position or direction of travel. This is a significant advantage in many applications. Installing an electrical conductor or hydraulic conduit further enhances the capability of a coiled tubing string and enables relatively complex intervention techniques to be applied safely.

For more details, see The Defining Series: Introduction to Coiled Tubing.

Synonyms: endless tubing,  reeled tubing

Alternate Form: CT