Buckling Analysis in Deviated Wells: A Practical Method

Current helical buckling models are valid for vertical wells, but provide only approximate solutions for horizontal wells. Solutions of the nonlinear buckling equations for arbitrary well deviation have been developed, but are too complex for practical use. This paper presents a set of correlations that match the exact solutions extremely well, but are simple to use. These correlations show the effects of well deviation on buckling shape, tubing length change, contact force and bending stress.