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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Bore hole cleaning with gas cut mud

Journal Article · · Well Serv; (United States)
OSTI ID:6227948
One of the most important functions of a good drilling fluid is to clean the well bore. Under dynamic conditions, several factors including but not limited to hole geometry, particle dimensions, fluid properties, and surface equipment govern the effectiveness of hole cleaning. The effect of gas cutting on annular flow properties is discussed. Gas cutting can be considered a serious problem depending on the condition of the well bore during its occurrence. A gas cut annulus often serves as a warning of further and perhaps more serious problems if allowed to continue. Severe and continuous gas cutting most often is a clear warning of a kick. Entrained drilled solids increase the mud density and thus hydrostatic pressure on the borehole. As the gas rises to the surface, it expands and increases in volume thereby decreasing the mud weight and the mud column pressure. This often causes a serious concern to the driller and in practice may create a tendency to increase either the mud weight or the pump pressure unnecessarily.
OSTI ID:
6227948
Journal Information:
Well Serv; (United States), Journal Name: Well Serv; (United States) Vol. 21:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English