Inside the injector

Explore the drive, tubing guidance, gripping systems and hydraulic functions of a four-motor coiled tubing injector.

Equipment configuration

Two-section gooseneck with a flared folding dovetail section. Folded / upright folds the front arch toward its support while the injector remains vertical. This view is before tilting; the platforms and slings are stowed and CT is removed.

Explore a component

Select an assembly or click the model

Reveal internal parts Remove mesh guards for inspection

Complete injector motion

Animation speed

Loading geometry

Show hydraulic flow paths

Opening a retaining gate pauses the drive. Supply is orange; return is blue.

How the complete system works

Working-line flow passes through the counterbalance block to four radial-piston motors. Synchronized upper sprockets drive the opposed gripper chains. Both contacting runs travel in the same tubing direction.

Three traction pairs press the flat skates against chain back rollers. The separate tension circuit pushes the return-run tensioner sprockets outward, following the 400-series arrangement. Accumulators damp disturbances. Spring-applied brakes hold the drive when release pressure is removed.

The gooseneck rollers guide the tubing bend into the chain throat. The local chain-oil reservoir supplies lubrication; the main hydraulic reservoir remains at the power pack.

Show / hide assemblies

Display settings

Surface wear

The blue frame, machined components and existing stripper finish are retained.

Weight-indicator load sense

Neutral: no net axial load direction selected.

Pipe heavy: the net tubing force tends down into the well. Pipe light: it tends upward, commonly when wellhead pressure thrust exceeds effective hanging weight. This is a load condition, not a direction command. RIH or POOH determines whether the motor must overcome the load or control an overrunning load.

Stripper & linked mechanisms

The side-door stripper stays attached beneath the injector. The separate entry guide centers CT into the stripper. Reveal internal parts to follow the piston, bushings and interlocking packing element.

Traction

Chain tension

Traction controls grip. Tension controls chain slack.

Traction pushes grippers against the CT to transmit axial load without slipping. Higher load requires adequate grip, but excessive force can damage the tubing. Chain tension keeps the return runs tight and is especially important during high-force snubbing. Tension does not create motor torque or replace traction.

Stripper detail inspection

Flat service-joint faces clamp the recessed metal ring gasket. Bolts secure the joint and mounting plate. The support plates between cylinder rods are structural members, not pressure-sealing flange joints. Side gates provide access to the packing cartridge.

Component animations explain how the systems work. Field operation and lifting require the applicable equipment procedures.