Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT)

Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT)

Thermal barrier solution to save reservoir heat and protect the wellbore

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What is VIT and how it works

Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT) is a ready-to-install double-walled string in which the inner pipe transports reservoir fluid or heating agent, while the outer pipe provides mechanical protection. The space between them is hermetically welded shut and evacuated, forming a thin thermal insulation layer.

Thanks to the deep vacuum and multi-layer insulation (MLI), convection and heat transfer through gas are virtually eliminated. This makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the transported medium along the entire path from the buttonhole to the wellhead.

Fact: Over a length of 1,524 meters (5,000 ft), VIT loses only about 5.6°C, whereas conventional tubing loses 44°C or more over the same distance. A difference of nearly 8 times.

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Why VIT solves real production problems

Heat escaping from the well through the walls of conventional tubing causes a cascade of complications. VIT eliminates the root cause – uncontrolled heat transfer – and therefore its consequences.

Paraffin and asphalted deposition

When oil cools below the crystallization temperature, paraffins precipitate on the pipe walls, narrowing the flow area. VIT keeps the flow temperature above the “cloud point” – costly mechanical and chemical treatments become unnecessary.

Hydrate plugging

In gas and gas-condensate wells, fluid supercooling leads to the formation of methane hydrates. VIT significantly reduces cold start-up time and prevents the risk of hydrate blockage.

Annular pressure buildup (APB)

Heating of fluid in the casing strings by the hot flow inside the tubing causes a dangerous pressure increase. VIT dramatically reduces heat transfer into the annulus, protecting casing integrity and lowering the risk of collapse.

Permafrost thawing

In Arctic fields (such as Yamal, East Siberia), heat transfer from the well into frozen formations leads to thawing and ground subsidence. VIT strictly limits outward heat flow, preventing environmental damage and preserving wellhead stability.

Cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and SAGD

During steam injection, VIT delivers the heating agent to the reservoir with minimal temperature loss. This results in:

-reduced steam and water consumption,

-lower load on steam generators,

-higher oil production rates,

-reduced operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

Viscosity reduction and production increase

Hot fluid flows faster. By maintaining high temperature throughout the entire lift, VIT increases flow velocity and total production without additional energy input.

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VIT pipe design

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VIT technical specifications

The table below shows standard sizes and key parameters. Custom manufacturing to individual specifications is available.

*Note: Pipe lengths – standard R2 (≈9 m) or R3 (≈12 m); other coupling diameters may be applied upon agreement with the customer.

Pipe steel grades: J55, N80, L80, P110 (special alloys available upon request).