Volumetric requirements for foam and mist drilling operations
The present state of the art in foam and mist drilling suggests a need for predictive models for volumetric requirements that properly account for frictional losses due to the solid phase in solidsfoam slurry flow, settling velocities of such solids, and pressure drop across bit nozzles during foam flow. The objective of this paper is to fulfill this need. A model for predicting pressure drop across bit nozzles for foam and mist is presented. It accounts for the compressibility of foam, but assumes negligible pressure losses due to friction and change in elevation. A model has been developed for predicting minimum volumetric requirements for foam and mist drilling operations. It accounts for the frictional losses due to the solid phase, pressure drop across bit nozzles, and particle settling velocity. The technique offers a high degree of flexibility in the selection of wellhead injection pressures and volumetric injection rates. Field application of this work can be accomplished by two methods depending on compressor specifications. These are the ''variable back pressure'' and ''constant back pressure'' schedules. These are primarily graphical. Charts are presented for 7.875 and 9.00-inch hole sizes, and cuttings sizes of 0.500, 0.75, and 1.00 inch. Penetration rates range from 30 to 90 ft/hr.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC19-79BC10079
- OSTI ID:
- 5571352
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-830312-
- Journal Information:
- Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Vol. SPE 11723; Conference: SPE California regional meeting, Ventura, CA, USA, 23 Mar 1983
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Experimental determination of solids friction factors and minimum volumetric requirements in foam and mist drilling and well-cleanout operations. Final report
Minimum volumetric requirements in aerated drilling: a field operations manual
Related Subjects
03 NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
WELL DRILLING
OIL WELLS
DRILLING FLUIDS
DEPTH
DIMENSIONS
DRILL BITS
FIELD TESTS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FOAMS
FRICTION FACTOR
NOZZLES
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
WELLHEADS
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
TESTING
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030300 - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing