An experimental study of cuttings transport in directional wells

Conference · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5251836

Tomren, P H; Azar, J J; Iyoho, A W

This paper contains a comprehensive discussion of a large-scale study of cuttings transport in directional wells. Previous investigators used unrealistically high fluid velocities and/or short test sections where steady-state conditions had not been established. For this study, a 40-ft test section was used. Pipe rotation and eccentricity as well as several types of drilling muds and flow regimes were studied. Annulus angles varied from zero to 90 degrees and actual drilled cuttings were used. Results indicate that the major factors affecting cuttings transport are drilling fluid velocity, hole inclination and fluid rheological properties. Much higher annular velocities are required for effective hole cleaning in directional wells than in vertical wells. An increase in hole angle and/or drilling rate reduces the transport performance of drilling fluids. Hole angles of 40 to 50 degrees are critical due to a combination of cuttings buildup and downward sliding of the bed of cuttings. High-viscosity muds were observed to provide better transport than low-viscosity muds.

• Research Organization: Dowell Schlumberger
• OSTI ID: 5251836
• Report Number(s): CONF-8310121-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE 12123
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300 -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300* -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
BOREHOLES
CAVITIES
CUTTINGS REMOVAL
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
DRILL PIPES
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLING FLUIDS
EQUIPMENT
FIELD TESTS
FLOW RATE
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
HYDRAULIC TRANSPORT
HYDRAULICS
INCLINATION
MECHANICS
PIPES
REMOVAL
RHEOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TESTING
TRANSPORT
WELL DRILLING
WELLS