Argus TubeSpec User manual

Argus TubeSpec User Guide
Version 1.2.00

Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES ii
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 - 2012 NOV CTES
All rights reserved.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this documentation, the publisher assumes
no responsibility for errors or omissions. Information in this documentation is subject to change with-
out notice. No liability is assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
Contact Us
United States
NOV Corporate Headquarters
7909 Parkwood Circle Drive
Houston, Texas 77036
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
NOV CTES
3770 Pollok Drive
Conroe, Texas 77303
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
After hours technical support: 1 [phone]
email: [e-mail]
OR
[e-mail]
Website: http://www.nov.com/ctes
United Kingdom
Unit 16
Enterprise Drive
Westhill Industrial Estate
Westhill
Aberdeen
AB326TQ
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

iii NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
Middle East
B-17, Oilfield Supply Center
Jebel Ali
P.O. Box 18633
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Publication Date: July 2012

Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES iv
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Contents
v NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
Copyright ............................................................................................................... ii
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. ii
United States ................................................................................................... ii
United Kingdom ............................................................................................. ii
Middle East .................................................................................................... iii
Chapter 1
Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec.................................................... 1
About the Argus TubeSpec .....................................................................................2
TubeSpec Features ..................................................................................................3
TubeSpec Specifications .........................................................................................3
Tubing Information ..........................................................................................3
System Capabilities ..........................................................................................4
Mechanical Information ...................................................................................4
Measuring head .................................................................................4
Control Box .......................................................................................4
Lube Tank Assembly ........................................................................4
Electrical Information ......................................................................................5
Measuring head .................................................................................5
Control Box .......................................................................................5
Lube Tank Assembly ........................................................................5
System Requirements ......................................................................................6
Chapter 2
Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System........................................... 7
General System Description ...................................................................................8
The TubeSpec Measuring Head ..............................................................................9
The TubeSpec Packer Pressure-control System ...................................................14
Packer Elements and CT Guide Rings ...........................................................16
The TubeSpec Electronics Control Box ...............................................................16
The TubeSpec Mounting System ..........................................................................17
Mounting Bracket ..........................................................................................18
The TubeSpec Lubrication System .......................................................................19
Oiler Assembly ..............................................................................................19
Oiler Assembly Maintenance and Safety Practices................................ 22
Lube Tank Kit ................................................................................................23

Contents, Cont’d.
Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES vi
Lube Tank Features................................................................................ 29
Lube Tank Kit Installation .................................................................... 31
Connecting Hoses to the Lube Tank Kit................................................ 31
Lube Tank Kit Maintenance and Safety Practices ................................. 32
Parts Lists Not Provided Elsewhere .....................................................................33
Argus TubeSpec Zone II/Hazardous-area-certified Parts 
(with External Oiler) ............................................................................................33
Expendable Items and Tools .......................................................................33
Chapter 3
Accommodating Other Tubing Sizes ................................................ 35
Overview ...............................................................................................................36
Altering the TubeSpec to Accommodate an Alternate Tubing Size .....................37
Chapter 4
Argus TubeSpec Setup ...................................................................... 43
Safety and Environmental Information ................................................................44
Acoustic Gel Application .....................................................................................44
Pre-job Setup ........................................................................................................45
Applying Acoustic Gel ..................................................................................45
Connecting Cables .........................................................................................45
Powering Up the TubeSpec ...........................................................................46
Pre-testing on the Ground prior to Mounting ................................................46
Chapter 5
Mounting the TubeSpec on Coiled Tubing ....................................... 47
General Information ..............................................................................................48
Items Required for Mounting ...............................................................................48
Tools Required for Mounting ...............................................................................48
The Mounting Process ..........................................................................................48
Chapter 6
Using OrionNET Software................................................................ 53
Installing OrionNET Software ..............................................................................54
Using the OrionNET Configuration Utility ..........................................................55
Updating the Default Configuration ..............................................................55

vii NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
Contents, Cont’d.
Hiding Channel Data............................................................................. 58
Calibrating the TubeSpec ..................................................................................... 58
Proximity Scaling Calibration Method.................................................. 60
Ultrasonic Sensor-offset Calibration Method........................................ 61
Proximity Offset Calibration Method.................................................... 62
Using TubeSpec Views ........................................................................................ 63
Using the View Designer ..................................................................................... 63
Using the TubeSpec Chart Control ...................................................................... 63
Working with the Chart-plotting Area .......................................................... 64
Setting the Chart Plotting-area Properties............................................. 64
Adjusting Channel-scaling .................................................................... 66
Using the Chart Toolbar........................................................................ 67
Reviewing Data ..................................................................................... 67
Zooming In and Out on the Chart-plotting Area ........................... 67
Reviewing Historical Data ............................................................. 68
Working with the Sensor-array Display ........................................................ 69
Signal Quality and Direction Controls .................................................. 71
Lube Tank Status/Warning.................................................................... 72
Working with Chart-legend Data .................................................................. 73
Monitoring Alarms and Warnings ................................................................ 73
Using the TubeSpec Probe-data View ................................................................. 74
Using the TubeSpec Waveform View ................................................................. 75
Using OrionNET Reporting ................................................................................. 76
Chapter 7
Maintenance and Care of the TubeSpec ............................................ 79
Wear Items ........................................................................................................... 80
Post-job Checklist ................................................................................................ 80
Measuring Head ............................................................................................ 80
Control Box and Cables ................................................................................ 80
Lube Tank, Oiler-assembly Controls, Packer-pressure Controls .................. 80
Transport Cases and Accessories .................................................................. 81
Cleaning the Measuring Head .............................................................................. 81
Oiler Assembly Maintenance and Safety Practices ............................................. 81
Lube Tank Kit Maintenance and Safety Practices ............................................... 82
Acoustic Gel Application ..................................................................................... 82
Appendix A
Control-box Electrical Schematic...................................................... 83

Contents, Cont’d.
Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES viii
Appendix B
Lube Tank Kit: Hydraulic Control Valve Schematic........................ 85
Appendix C
Lube Tank: Ignition Hazard Assessment........................................... 87

Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES 1
Chapter 1
Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec
This chapter describes the features of, and the specifications for, the Argus TubeSpec™coiled tubing
inspection system.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec
2 NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
About the Argus TubeSpec
In today’s complex wellsite environment, coiled tubing failure can occur as a result of mechanical damage
due to erosion, corrosion, tensile overload, and abrasion. These failures are not only costly, but time-con-
suming for both the service provider and the well operator.
The Argus TubeSpec is a unique, patented, ultrasonic method of measuring coiled tubing. As coiled tubing
(CT) passes through the inspection device during field operations, the TubeSpec system provides highly
accurate, frequent, circumferential and wall-thickness CT measurements.
While most Ultrasonic Transducer (UT) methods require clean water to couple the ultrasonic probe to the
material measured, the Argus TubeSpec uses a polyurethane element as a medium between the sensor and
the CT, therefore eliminating the need for water coupling.
The polyurethane element (a solid) exhibits excellent wear characteristics. When compressed, the element
conforms to changes (fills the voids) in the surface contour of the tubing. The polyurethane element is
therefore not contaminated by the environment, and accurate circumferential and wall-thickness measure-
ments can be made.
In the figure Argus TubeSpec Basic Design, the basic TubeSpec design is revealed as being comprised of
12 UT sensors with yellow polyurethane elements between them, and a hole for the tubing to pass through.
The end plates are tied to hydraulic pistons with bolts, and thus the yellow polyurethane elements (packers)
can be compressed to fill the gaps between the sensors and the tubing, making ultrasonic readings of the
tube possible. Lubrication is required to keep drag on the tubing to a minimum, but a directional controlled
lubrication system is provided for this purpose.
Argus TubeSpec Basic Design

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec
Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES 3
TubeSpec Features
The Argus TubeSpec provides the following features and benefits:
• Continuous, accurate, localized wall-thickness measurements using 12 ultrasonic probes.
• Continuous diameter measurements.
• Ovality measurements.
• Tracking of weld-seam location to monitor coiled tubing rotation (within 30 degrees).
• Real-time data and easy-to-read graph availability on a standard PC using the included OrionNET
software.
• Installs on a tube using a “clamshell” method (horizontally split), so that dangerous stabbing-
through of tubing is eliminated.
• Measuring head and control box are ATEX Zone II compliant.
• Operates in a dirty field environment.
• Each unit supports two nominal coiled tubing diameter configurations, and switching between
them is fast and simple.
TubeSpec Specifications
Tubing Information
The TubeSpec is available in two body sizes: small and large.
The small-body unit is used for coiled tubing sizes 1.25" through 2.00". The large-body unit is used for
coiled tubing sizes 2.375" through 2.875".
Table 1-1 Tubing Sizes for Argus TubeSpec Model Numbers
Each Argus TubeSpec model accommodates only the listed tubing sizes. After a TubeSpec is built, it can-
not be altered to accommodate other tubing sizes.
Tubing Size Model Number
1.25" or 1.5" CTES-9000-230
1.5" or 1.75" CTES-9000-231
1.75" or 2.0" CTES-9000-232
2.375"or 2.625" CTES-9000-233
2.625"or 2.875" CTES-9000-234

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec
4 NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
System Capabilities
• DSP internally processes ~1,000 wall-thickness calculations per second.
• Output of twelve “minimum,” twelve “maximum,” and twelve “average” circumferential wall-thick-
ness measurements (in inches) per second.
• Wall thickness accuracy to ± .005"for thicknesses of .090"or greater.
• Diameter accuracy of ± .015"for all tubing sizes.
• Ovality measurements.
• With either a customer-supplied depth measuring tool or the NOV CTES-optionally supplied depth-
measuring encoder, the Argus TubeSpec accurately charts the position of tubing-wall loss.
• Provides 100 percent coverage longitudinally on all tubing at speeds up to 180 ft/min.
• Provides 100 percent coverage circumferentially on tubing sizes 2"or smaller.
Mechanical Information
Measuring head
Weight 40 lbs.
Length 15.8 in.
Height 15.2 in.
Width 17.2 in.
Control Box
Weight 33 lbs.
Length 18 in.
Width 15 in.
Height 10 in.
Cable Length 50 ft.
Lube Tank Assembly
Dry Weight 55 lbs.
Length 39 in.
Width 22 in.
Height 27 in.
Volume 208 liters
Fluid Group 1

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec
Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES 5
Electrical Information
Measuring head
Humidity 98% without condensation
Operating temperature range -40° to 50° C
Storage temperature -40° to 50° C
Control Box
Humidity 98% without condensation
Operating temperature range -40° to 50° C
Storage temperature -40° to 50° C
Voltage input 24VDC
Max Power Requirement 14.4W
Lube Tank Assembly
Humidity 98%
Storage Temperature -40oto 50oC
Operating Temperature -40oto 50oC

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec
6 NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
System Requirements
• Microsoft®Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, or Windows 7®operating system
• Processor requirement: 1.5 GHz Pentium®IV or higher; recommended 2.4 GHz Pentium IV or equiv-
alent
• 512 MB RAM, or more; recommended 1 GB RAM
• 200 MB free disk space
• 1024x768 screen resolution
•OrionNET
TM Internet functionality requires an Internet connection that supports inbound connections;
this is usually provided with a fixed public IP address
• Compressed air supply: 110 PSI
• Hydraulic pressure source: 3,000 PSI @ > 3 GPM
• 24 VDC required
• Tubing depth from an NOV CTES-supplied encoder or Depth Measuring System (DMS).

Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES 7
Chapter 2
Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System
This chapter describes the TubeSpec system components and their inter-relationship.
General System Description..................................................................................8
The TubeSpec Measuring Head............................................................................9
The TubeSpec Packer Pressure-control System.................................................14
The TubeSpec Electronics Control Box...............................................................16
The TubeSpec Mounting System.........................................................................17
The TubeSpec Lubrication System......................................................................19
Parts Lists Not Provided Elsewhere ....................................................................33

Chapter 2: Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System
8 NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
General System Description
Comprised of a measuring head, packer pressure control system, DSP control box, mounting system, lubri-
cation system, and OrionNET software, the Argus TubeSpec provides a complete coiled tubing wall-thick-
ness inspection system. For proper functioning of the system, all system components must be installed and
used according to the specifications described in Introduction to the Argus TubeSpec.
Additional equipment required: 24 VDC power supply (see System Requirements for additional informa-
tion). Equipment-specific operating and connection manuals are provided by the suppliers.

Chapter 2: Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System
Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES 9
The TubeSpec Measuring Head
The Argus TubeSpec measuring head contains one [diameter] pair of eddy-current proximity probes/
sensors for rough diameter measurements and twelve 2.25 MHz composite ultrasonic transducer (UT)
sensors (six diametric sensor pairs) for refined diameter measurements, wall-thickness measurements,
and tubing ovality measurements.
The measuring head, illustrated in the figure Measuring Head, is mounted in front of the level wind. It
has two cable-connections, located on opposing sides of the measuring head, by which it is connected
to the DSP control box. Each cable-connection is sensor-specific, and is color-coded black/red to cor-
respond with the appropriate DSP connection.
For seam location to be constant, the TubeSpec measuring head must continually be mounted in the same
orientation (piston side toward the injector).
Measuring Head
The measuring head is divided into four sections, as indicated by circled numbers in the above dia-
gram. See expanded versions of each section following the section descriptions.

Chapter 2: Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System
10 NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
Table 2-2 Measuring-head Figure Sections
Section 1
Section Description
Section 1 Shows the UT-sensor ring with all components
ejected. At the center of this exploded view is the
packer and the UHMW polyethylene tubing guide-
rings. The packer and the white-polyethylene tub-
ing guides can be switched out if the operator
desires to replace the existing tubing with tubing of
another available size. See Tubing Sizes for Argus
TubeSpec Model Numbers for more information.
Section 2 Shows the piston manifold that drives the end
plates to compress the packers. This creates cou-
pling between the tubing and the UT sensors.
Section 3 Provides the conduit through which all electrical
connectors pass, and a mounting point for the fluid
pressure line.
Section 4 Shows the proximity probe that provides the diam-
eter reading.

Chapter 2: Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System
Argus TubeSpec User Guide NOV CTES 11
Section 2
Section 3

Chapter 2: Overview of the Argus TubeSpec System
12 NOV CTES Argus TubeSpec User Guide
Section 4
Table 2-3 Parts for Measuring Head
Item Quan-
tity Part Number Description
1 2 See “Packer Ele-
ments and CT Guide
Rings” on page 16.
See “Packer Elements and CT Guide
Rings” on page 16.
2 2 
66B-7100-1007-91
66B-7100-1007-92
66B-7100-1007-93
66B-7100-1008-96
66B-7100-1008-97
Energizer
Small Body, Thick (1.25"-1.5")
Small Body, Medium (1.5"-1.75")
Small Body, Thin (1.75"-2")
Large Body, Thick (2 3/8" - 2 5/8")
Large Body, Thin (2 5/8" - 2 7/8")
3 2 
66B-7100-1008-55-A
66B-7100-1008-56-A
66B-7100-1008-57-A
66B-7100-1008-99
66B-7100-1009-00
Packer Keeper
Small Body, Thick (1.25"-1.5") 
Small Body, Medium (1.5"-1.75")
Small Body, Thin (1.75"-2")
Large Body, Thick (2 3/8" - 2 5/8")
Large Body, Thin (2 5/8" - 2 7/8")
4 1 
66B-7100-1008-93
66B-7100-1009-08
66B-7100-1008-94-C
66B-7100-1009-01
66B-7100-1009-02
End Plate Set – Piston Side
Small Body, Thick (1.25"-1.5")
Small Body, Medium (1.5"-1.75")
Small Body, Thin (1.75"-2")
Large Body, Thick (2 3/8"-2 5/8")
Large Body, Thin (2 5/8" - 2 7/8")