Predicting hole enlargement from drilling parameters

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Drilling-DCW; (United States)

OSTI ID:5968150

Bizanti, M S

This article points out that most problems associated with inadequate hole cleaning stem from hole enlargement. Lower annular velocities are required if no enlargement occurs. However, hole enlargement is often significant and can reduce annular velocities below the critical values. A simple approach is performed to predict well bore hole enlargement from drilling parameters. While the equipment and techniques are available to control mud weight going into the hole, the annular mud weight may become excessive. This annular mud weight is utilized to predict hole enlargement. A balance of the mass rate of cuttings generated and the mass rate of mud pumped is performed in order to predict hole enlargement. Data required for this procedure are inlet mud density, outlet mud density, average formation density, average formation porosity, bit size, mud flow rate and the rate of penetration.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana Tech Univ.
• OSTI ID: 5968150
• Journal Information: Drilling-DCW; (United States), Journal Name: Drilling-DCW; (United States) Vol. 48:1; ISSN DRDCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
CALCULATION METHODS
CUTTINGS REMOVAL
DENSITY
DIMENSIONS
DRILL BITS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
DRILLING FLUIDS
EQUIPMENT
FLOW RATE
FLUIDS
FORECASTING
MINERAL WASTES
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLANNING
POROSITY
REMOVAL
RESERVOIR ROCK
SIZE
SOLID WASTES
WASTES
WEIGHT
WELL DRILLING
WELLS