MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

HANOI UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND GEOLOGY

------------***-----------

PHAM DUC THIEN

Research on drilling fluid flow in well

drilling to enhance drilling efficiency

Major: Drilling and completion oil and gas wells

Code : 62.53.50.01

ABSTRACT OF THESIS
OF DOCTORATE IN ENGINEERING

HANOI - 2012

Research finished at Department of Surface Mining

Engineering, Faculty of Mining,
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
Supervisors:
1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Ngoc Lam,
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Xuan Minh,
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology

Examiner 1: Dr. Khieu Huu Bo

Examiner 2: Dr. Nguyen Van Minh
Examiner 3: Dr. Nguyen Van Ngo

This thesis is going to be defended at the council of doctorate thesis

examiners of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
(Dong Ngac commune, Tu Liem district, Hanoi)
On Date

This thesis can be found at Hanoi National Library

or Library of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology

PREFACE
1. Necessary requirement of research
In drilling well, there are many paramerters effect of drilling
efficiency, as kind of drilling rig, application technology, driling
fluid. A mong of them there is a respect which effect on drilling
efficiency is driling fluid circulation to separate and cutting transport
out of the hole.
Research on driling fluid circulation to know clean capable
bottom hole and cutting transport. If the regime of driling fluid flow
are sensible, the cutting are separated and transported efficiency out
of the hole.
For this reason, Research on drilling fluid flow in wellbore to
enhance effective drilling is imperative and have sience and reality
meaning.
2. The research purpose of thesis
The thesis reseach on drilling fluid flow with three respect are:
- Reseach on flow regime of drilling fluids in annulus and
drillingpipe, application of drilling fluids used in Nam Con Son and
Cuu Long basin.
- Reseach on cutting transport capable of drilling fluids flow in
vertical annulus segment and effect of paramaters on cutting
transport efficiency, application for drilling in Nam Con Son and
Cuu Long basin.
3. Objectives and Scope of Research
- Reseach on flowing Newtonian and non Newton fluid flow in
annulus and drillingpipe.
- Reseach on flowing of drilling fluids used to drilling well in
Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basins.
- Reseach on cutting transport in annulus and effecting
parameters, application for drilling well in Nam Con Son and Cuu
Long basins.
- Reseach on cleaning bottom hole base on optimum bit
hydraulic with maximum horsepower and impact force.
4. Content and Mission of Research
- Reseach on flowing of drilling fluid flow in annulus and
drillingpipe, following:

+ Establish friction pressure equtions of drilling fluid in lamilar

flow in annulus and drillingpipe, Newtonian equivalent viscousity of
now Newton fluid and regime flow;
+ Drilling fluid flowing in eccentric annulus;
+ Determine friction pressure of drilling fluids in lamilar and
turbulent flow in annulus and drillingpipe;
+ Collect pratical drilling data to determine flowing of drilling
fluids in annulus and drillingpipe;
- Reseach on cutting transport in vertical annulus segment with
respects:
+ Determine essence of cutting transport in vetical segment
annulus;
+ Simulate determination effect of paramerters, as annulus
velocity, fluid rheology, fluid density, parlical density, cutting size,
rate of penetration on cutting transport and losses of pressure.
- Reseach on cleaning bottom hole of drilling fluid flow,
contents:
+ Establish horsepower hydraulic and impact force optimum
equations of drlling fluid flow through bit nozzoles;
+ Simulate determination horsepower hydraulic and impact
force optimum with change of paramerters as flowrate, fluid
rhealogy, rate of pemetration.
5. Research methods
To perform the reseach contents, the thesis used some method of
reseach:
1- Theorytical of reseach: used some consumes, laws,
mathemathic to reseach on flowing of drilling fluids in annulus and
drillingpipe.
2- Collection and treatment pratical data wich used to drill in
Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basins.
3- Build program and simulate determination by matlab sofware
to perform:
- Reseach on effecting of paramerters as annulus velocity, fluid
rheology, cutting density, fluid density, and rate of pemetration on
cutting transport and friction pressure losses;
- Reseach on optimum cleaning bottom hole base on two
criterion are horsepower and impact force hydraulic of drilling fluid
flow through bit nozzoles.

6. Basic literature of thesis

- The thesis was build base on basic literatures hydraulic,
drilling fluids, drilling hydraulic, cutting transport, multiflow, and jet
flow wich were pushlished in and out counting.
- In building thesis, the author used many literature about
drilling fluid, fluid rheology, cutting transport in vertical, deviate,
horizontal well, bit hydraulic, eg, wich were published on journals in
and out the country.
- Base on knowledge and personal experience of the author in
science reseach and employment history in University of Mining and
Geology
7. Defended points of thesis
1. In drilling wells in Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basin, most
drilling fluid are lamilar flow in annulus and turbulent flow in
drillpipe.
2. The sensible annulus fluid velocity when cutting transport of
wells in Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basins are 0.7 to 1.3 m/s, the
minimum annulus fluid velocity should not lower 0.4 m/s.
3. The optimum horsepower hydraulic criterion are only used for
low and medium deep of drilling, the optimum hydraulic impact
force criterion can use for high deep of drilling.
8. Innovations of thesis
1. Propose logic mathermatic menthod to establish equations
friction pressure loss for Newtonian, non Newtonian fluid flowing
through drillpipe and annulus well in lamilar regime. This from
translate non Newtonian fluid to Newtonian fluid by equivalent
Newtonian viscosity.
2. When reseach on flowing of drilling fluid in annulus and
drillingpipe of drilling wells in Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basins,
the author discovered most drilling fluids are lamilar flow in annulus
and turbulent flow in drillpipe.
3. Propose a model and program simulate determination
efficiently of cutting transport, from that can to easy evaluate
effecting of parameters on cutting transport.
4. When simulate determination pressure gradient in annulus,
the author discovered in cutting transport drilling wells in Nam Con
Son and Cuu Long basin as the annulus velocity is increase up to 1.3
m/s, the pressure gradient decrease and strong decrease at lower 0.4

m/s. The interval annulus velocity have low pressure gradient is 0.7
to 1.3 m/s. The minimum shoud not lower 0.4 m/s.
5. The first time simulate determination optimum bit hydraulic
and propose condition application of optimum criterions, that is the
optimum horsepower hydraulic criterion are only used for low and
medium deep of drilling, the optimum hydraulic impact force
criterion can use for high deep of drilling.
9. Scientific and Practical Significances
1- Scientific significances
- The thesis was reseached logic and full about mathermatical
when establish friction pressure losses equations of drilling fluid in
lamilar regimes flow. From that define flow regime of non
Newtonian fluids base on Newtonian equivelent viscousity.
- Evaluation and illustration effect of annulus velocity, fluid
rheology, fluid density, cutting density, cutting size, and rate of
pemetration cutting transport in vertical segment well.
- Propose optimum hydraulic condition of drilling fluid flow
through bit nozzoles and application range optimum bit hydraulic.
2 - Practical significances
- The thesis is basic for drilling engineer plan drilling program
10. Thesis structure
The thesis are content prefere, four chater, conlusions and
recommendations, and references. All the thesis are performed in
150 page. There are 45 figures, 89 tables and appendix

Chapter 1
Literature review of reseaching on drilling fluid flow
1.1. Introducion
Cutting transport and cleaning well is important in drilling
insustrial. According to history devlopment, there are many scientist
to be interested in reseaching. The reseaching to concentrate on
flowing of fluid, kind of cutting transport, drilling fluid flow through
bit nozzoles.
There are mumerous mathematical and empirical models for the
prediction and interpretation of hydraulics of cutting transport
mechanism. Common problems with most of these cutting transport
models include inaccurate prediction, when compared with the

experimental results or insitu drilling results. Thus, a new

mathematiacl model is necessary to overcom some of the limitation
of the existing hydraulic model.
1.2. Literarure Review
1.2.1. Experimental study
The literatures experimental study care about mud rheology,
flow rate in annulus, cutting size, fluid viscousity, rate of penetration
in cutting transport and bottom hole cleaning.
1.2.2. Theoretical Study
The literatures theoretical study carried out cutting transport
models include two layer, three layer hydraulic model in vertical,
transit and horizontal segment.
1.2.3. Jet bit hydraulic literatures
The jet bit hydraulic literatures care about optimum hydraulic
paramerters and consumption pumb hydraulic horsepower.
1.3. Sumary and evaluate
Base on literature review about drilling fluid flow. There are
some problems need studying:
- General method to define flow regimes of drilling fluid with
dfferent rheology;
- Theoretical and general reproduce effective of paramerters on
cutting transport in annulus.
- Reseach on flowing regimes of drilling fluids in drillingpipe
and annulus.
- Determine pressures gradient of flowing drilling fluids when
cutting transport in annulus.
- Mathermatical development to find optimum bit hydraulic
condition and application condition.
- Determination sensible range of annulus fluid velocity and
pratical application.

Chapter 2
Drillling fluids and flowing of drilling fuids in drillingpipe
and annulus
2.1. Drilling fluids and rheology
2.1.1. Drilling fluids rheology
Rheology is correlation of fluid shear tress and shear rate.
Almost drilling fluids are non Newtonian fluids, general following:

2.1.1.1. Newtonian fluids

The Newtonian fluids are defined by equation:

s
where: - shear tress; s - shear rate; - Newtonian viscousity.
2.1.1.2. Non Newtonian fluids
1- Bingham fluid
The Bingham fluid is defined by equation

y ps
where: y - yield point; s- shear rate; p - plastic viscousity.
2- Power law fuid
The Power law fluid is defined by equation:

ks n
where: k - consistence factor; n - flow index.
3 - Herschel Bulkley fluid (yield Power Law fluid)
The Herschel Bulkley fluid is defined by equation:

y ks n
The API considered the power law fluid is standard fluid use in
oil field.
2.1.2. Paramerters practice rheology of driliing fluids
The result of experimental [44]:
The water based mud has: y = 2.2 Pa, k = 2.15 Pa.sn; n = 0.3858
The oil based mud has: y = 4.35 Pa, k = 4 Pa.sn; n = 0.3561
Mojis [44] studied the water based fluids with two main types
are: water base mud with Bentonite and added, and Brines with
polymer and added. Water based mud with Bentonite base on basic
fluid (CLN). CLN: 15g Bentonite in 350 ml water + caustic soda.
Table 2.1. Rheology of drilling fluids
Drilling fluids
CLN+KCl
CLN+KF
KCl+PHPA
KCl+Xanthan
KF+PHPA
KF+Xanthan

density
(kg/m3)
1290
1171
1200
1166
1166
1172

y (N/m2)

k (Pa.sn)

7.9033
9.74
1.62
12.02
0.91
13.172

0.48
0.3
0.74
0.412
0.763
0.478

1.612
2.71
0.06
2.117
0.03
1.491

The two types of salts used are KCL and KF, two types of

polymers are Xanthan and PHPA, paramerters and drilling fluid

rheology were shown in table 2.1.
In VietNam, acording to data presented drilling fluids has many
kinds and performance in Bingham plastic model.
Table 2.2. Rheology of drilling fluids in Nam Con Son basin
Ordinal

Drilling fluids

Fluid
kg/m3

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

SW/GEL/PAC

1114
1084
1042
1090
1078
1108
1132
1120
1048
1132
1084
1174

SW/GUAR GUM
VISKOPOL
VISKOPOL/PRE.BENTONITE
SW/POLYMER
KCL/PHPA
PAC/CMC
GEL/VISKOPOL/PRE.BENTONIT
GEL/CMC
ANCO 2000
KCL/POLYMER
ULTRADRIL

density,

YP, N/m2

PV,Pa.s

8.1
6.7
4.8
8.1
7.2
8.4
7.2
9.1
5.7
7.4
6.0
11.3

0.0120
0.0210
0.0235
0.0440
0.0120
0.0160
0.0190
0.0475
0.0325
0.0175
0.0185
0.0305

Table 2.3. Rheology of drilling fluids in Cuu Long basin

Ordinal

Drilling fluids

Fluid
kg/m3

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

ULTRADRIL

1210
1042
1282
1174
1078
1234
1234
1318
1150
1150
1108
1019
1108
1150
1090
1090
1078

13
14
15
16
17

SW HIVIS SWEEP
KCL/POLYMER/IDCAP D
KCL/IDCAP/MUD
SPUD MUD
SOBM
OLEFIN SOBM
SBM
NaCl/BRINE
RDIF
KCL/POLYMER
PREHYDRATED/BENTONITE
HIVIS PIL
KCL/POLYMER/LCM
SW/GUA GUM/CMC
SW/GUA GUM/GEL/CMC
GEL/POLYMER
GEL/CMC

density,

YP, N/m2

PV,Pa.s

5.3
1.0
6.2
6.5
5.3
8.1
11.3
14.6
3.4
8.6
6.9
4.6
8.4
10.3
6.7
4.8
5.5

0.0315
0.0030
0.0235
0.0180
0.0080
0.0180
0.0175
0.0200
0.0060
0.0225
0.0235
0.0175
0.0270
0.0380
0.0155
0.0245
0.0155

2.2. Friction pressures losses in drilliingpipe and annulus

2.2.1. Friction pressures losses in drilliingpipe and annulus when
lamilar flow
To define relatively friction pressure with shear tress and pipe
radius, we considered the force active independent on fluids, fluid
flow in drilling pipe and annulus are concentric cylindrical shell.
By force balance equations and develop mathermatical to define
friction pressure equations, the result obtained friction pressures
equations of Newtonian, Bingham, Power Law, Herschel- Bulkley
fluids in lamilar flow in drillingpipe and annulus.
2.2.2. Equivalent viscousity
By balance friction pressures equations of Newtonian and non
Newtonian fluids in lamilar flow, we obtain equivalent viscosity
equations of non Newtonian fluids.
2.2.3. Flow regimes of non Newtonian fluids
The drilling fluid is lamilar flow when the Reynolds number
with equivalent viscousity lower 2320 and turbulent flow higher
2320.
2.2.4. Friction pressure in lamilar flow
The Darcy-weisbach equation to define friction pressure losses
the Newtonian fluids in pipe:
2

p ms

l v
L
D ip 2

where: pms - friction pressure losses; - friction factor; L - fluid

density.
When fluid flow lamilar, the friction factor is define by
equation:

64 / Re
2.2.5. Friction pressure losses when turbulent flow
There are some equations to define the Darcy friction factor, but
two equations used usually are:
Colobrook equation [30]:

2
1
18,7
1,74 2 lg

ip Re

1
21,25
1,14 2 lg
0,9
D

ip Re

Tomita equation [30]:

where: - rough of pipe.

2.2.6. Friction pressure losses in eccentric annulus
2.2.6.1. Hydraulic diamerter
In lamilar flow, the hydraulic eccentric annulus contens two
area: lamilar and turbulent area. Heigh of the lamilar area depend on
eccentricity and radius ratio. In one area the hydraulic diamerters
equations are established.
2.2.6.2. Friction pressure losses
Base on the hydraulic diamerters equations, the Reynolds
numbers and friction factors are determined.
2.3. Flow regimes of drilling fluids in drillingpipe and annulus
2.3.1. Pratical paramerters of drilling in VietNam
By studying the data about drilling paramerters from 2003 to
2010, contents 34 well in Nam Con Son basin, 73 well in Cuu Long
basin, The paramerters are shown in table 2.4
Table 2.4 Drilling paramerters in Viet Nam
Well diameter
inch
mm
26
660.4
17
444.5
12
311.15
8
215.9
6
152.4

Drillingpipe diameter
inch
mm
5
127
5
127
5
127
5
127
3
88.9

Flow rate
gpm
l/s
10001100
63.169.4
6931033
43.765.2
628855
39.653.9
500606
31.538.2
230245
14.515.5

The average velocity in drillingpipe and annulus are determined,

the result are shown in table 2.5.
Table 2.5 The average velocity of drilling fluids flow in
drillingpipe and annulus
Well diameter, mm

660.4
444.5
311.15
215.9
152.4

Drillingpipe diameter,
mm
ouside
inside
127
108.5
127
108.5
127
108.5
127
108.5
88.9
70.2

Fluid velocity, m/s

va

vp

0.19 0.21
0.31 0.46
0.63 0.85
1.32 1.6
1.21 1.29

6.83 7.51
4.73 7.06
4.29 5.83
3.41 4.13
3.75 4.01

2.3.2. Determination of flow regimes of drilling fluids in drillingpipe

and annulus
Base on the average velocity of drilling fluid in table 2.5, fluids
rheology in table 2.1 to 2.3, equivalent viscosity, Reynolds number
of Dodge and Metzner. Determination program is shown in
appendix. The Reynolds number of Dodge and Metzner for non
Newtonian fluids are define by equation [22]:
n

Re

D e v 2 n
n

3n 1 n 1
k
8
4n

2.3.2.1.Drilling fluids with rheology n < 1

- Drilling fluids flow in annulus
Table 2.7: Flow regimes of drilling flluid CLN+KCl in annulus
Drilling
fluid

va

Equivalent
viscousity, Pa.s

Reynolds
number

Dodge and
Metzner
Reynolds
number

Flow
regimes

CLN+KCl

0.19 0.21
0.31 0.46
0.63 0.85
1.32 1.6
1.21 1.29

0.5451-0.5175
0.3566-0.2904
0.2146-0.1837
0.1288-0.1165
0.1139-0.1101

240-279
356-469
697-1100
1175-1575
871-960

125-145
205-372
463-729
1004-1345
748-825

lamilar
lamilar
lamilar
lamilar
lamilar

- Drilling fluids flow in drillingpipe

Table 2.14: Flow regimes of drilling flluid CLN+KCl in drillingpipe
Drilling
fluid

CLN+KCl

vp

Equivalent
viscousity, Pa.s

Reynolds
number

Dodge and
Metzner
Reynolds
number

Flow
regimes

6.83 7.51
4.73 7.06
4.29 5.83
3.41 4.13
3.75 4.01

0.0356-0.0339
0.0431-0.0350
0.0453-0.0386
0.0511-0.0462
0.0388-0.0374

26867-31037
15371-28255
13251-21121
9347-12507
8763-9703

13434-15518
7685-14127
6625-10561
4674-6253
4382-4852

turbulent
turbulent
turbulent
turbulent
turbulent

2.3.2.2. Drilling fluids wich used in Nam Con Son and Cuu Long
basins
- Drilling fluids flow in annulus

Table 2.25: Flow regimes of drilling flluid SW/GEL/PAC in annulus

Drilling fluid

SW/GEL/PAC

va
0.19 0.21
0.31 0.46
0.63 0.85
1.32 1.6
1.21 1.29

Equivalent
viscousity, Pa.s
0.08550.0834
0.20140.0194
0.55020.5452
2.29672.2934
4.49334.4915

Raynolds
numbers
13211497
544839
235319
5769
1921

Flow
regimes
lamilar
lamilar
lamilar
lamilar
lamilar

- Drilling fluids flow in drillingpipe

Table 2.32: Flow regimes of drilling flluid SW/GEL/PAC in
drillingpipe
Drilling fluid

vp

Equivalent
viscousity, Pa.s

Raynolds
numbers

Flow
regimes

SW/GEL/PAC

6.83 7.51
4.73 7.06
4.29 5.83
3.41 4.13
3.75 4.01

0.09780.0900
0.13590.0950
0.14860.1125
0.18380.1539
0.11310.1065

844210084
42088934
34906264
22423244
25932944

turbulent
turbulent
turbulent
turbulent
turbulent

Acording to the simulation results from table 2.4 to 2.19 for

drilling fluids with rheology three parameters, table 2.20 to 2.43 for
drilling fluids used in Nam Con Son, Cuu Long basins with rheology
two parameters, table 2.44 to 2.45 for water show that drilling fluid
lamilar flow in annulus, turbulent flow in drillingpipe. The water and
drilling fluid with viscousity equivalent water turbulent flow in
annulus.

Chapter 3
Reseach enhance efficiency of transport in drillingpipe and
annulus
3.1. Slip velocity and drag coefficient
3.1.1. Slip velocity
Slip velocity is falling of solids in static fluids. The forces on the
solids spheres falling in static fluidds content: Drag force, gravity
force, buoyancy force. By force balance equation, have:
vs

4 gd p
3 CD

s L

where: vs- slip velocity, dp- solid diameter, CD- drag coefficient.
3.1.2. Drag coefficient
3.1.2.1. Newtonian fluid
Drag coefficient is defined by three area with Shahs equations.
3.1.2.2. Non Newtonian fluids
Drag coefficient is defined by three area with Mayers equation.
3.2. Property of cutting transport in vertical segment well
Cutting transport in vertical segment well base on slip velocity
that performance of ratio transport:
Rt

vt
1

1 v s
v a cos
v a cos

Where: vt -transport velocity;va-annulus velocity; -deviation angle.

3.3. Equations development
Balance force acting on flowing in annulus, have:
Gradp

1
ms hd gA a cos
Aa

where: Gradp- pressure gradient; ms -friction shear strees; - wetted

perimeter; hd -effective density; g- gravity;Aa-annulus cross section.
3.4. Simulate determination effecting of paramerters on
efficiency of cutting transport
3.4.1. Algorithm simulate determination
Step 1: Import the parameters: va, L , s , n, dp,
Step 2: Calculate the drag coefficient, solid Reynolds number,
slip velocity by iteration method.
1- Assume the particle Reynolds number in one of three are:
2- Calculate the drag coefficient respect;
3- Calculate the slip velocity;
4- Calculate the particle Reynolds number;
Iterate from 2 to 4 until the particle Reynolds number between
previous and present values are approximate.
Step 3: Calculate the transport velocity
Step 4: Calculate the transport ratio
3.4.2. Simulate determination principle

The simulate determination is performed by matlab sofware and

base on basic data in table 3.1. When run program simulate
determination, the parameters: annulus velocity, rheology fluids,
cutting density, fluid density, cutting size are changed in turn, the
other paramerters following the basic data. The results of running
program was presented under part.
Table 3.1. The parameters of basic data
Paramerters
Value
7,18 N/m2
Yeild tresse y
Flow behavior index n
0,32
Consitancy factor k
1,37 Pa.sn
Hole diameter
311,15 mm
Outside drillingpipe diamerter
127 mm
Cutting density
2600 kg/m3
Drilling fluid density
1100 kg/m3
Average cutting size
5mm
Rate of penetration
0,005556m/s (20 m/h)
3.4.3. Results and discusstion
Table 3.4a: Rheology of drilling fluids
CLCS
7.18
0.32
1.37
1100
0.5327

Fluid A
7.18
0.32
0.5
1100
0.1944

Fluid B
7.18
0.32
1.0
1100
0.3889

Fluid C
7.18
0.32
2.5
1100
0.9721

1
0.9

0.9

0.8

0.8
Tran sp ort ratio Rt

T ran sp o rt ratio R t

Rheology
y (N/m2)
n
k (Pa.sn)
L(kg/m3)
tdN (Ns/m2)

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2

0.1

0.1

0
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

Annulus velocity Va, m/s

Figure 3.3: Cutting transport

efficiency following va in vertical
well

1.6

0
900

1000

1100

1200

1300

1400

Drilling fluid density, kg/m3

Figure 3.3: Cutting transport efficiency

following fluid density in vertical well
with va= 0.7m/s

1
0.9

0.8

0.8

0.7

0.7

Transport ratio Rt

T ran spo rt ratio Rt

1
0.9

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2

0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2

0.1
0
1600

0.6

0.1

1800

2000

2200

2400

2600

Cutting density, kg/m3

2800

3000

3200

0
0

10

Cutting size, mm

Figure 3.8: Cutting transport efficiency Figure 3.10: Cutting transport efficiency
following cutting density in vertical well following cutting size in vertical well with
with va= 0.7m/s
va= 0.7m/s

From the result of simulation cutting transport efficiency when

change of paramerters showed that the increase in annulus velocity,
viscosity, flow behavior index, drilling fluid density leads to increase
cutting transport. The increase in cutting density, cutting size, rate of
penetration leads to decreases cutting transport.

3.5. Simulate determination pressure gradient in annulus

3.5.1. Algorithm simulate determination
Step 1: Import the paramerters;
Step 2: Calculate Newtonian equivalent viscousity in annulus;
Step 3: Calculate cross section annulus;
Step 4: Calculate the total of concentration;
Step 5: Calculate effective density;
Step 6: Calculate wetted perimeter;
Step 7: Calculate the Reynolds number;
Step 8: Calculate friction factor;
Step 9: Calculate friction shear tresse
Step 10: Calculate pressure gradient
3.5.2. Simulate determination principle
The simulate determination is performed by matlab sofeware
and base on basic data in table 3.1. When run program simulate
determination, the paramerters: annulus velocity, rheology fluids,
cutting density, fluid density, cutting size are changed in turn, the
other paramerters following the basic data. The result of running
program was presented under part.

3.5.3. Result and discussion

P r e s s u re g ra d ie n t in a n n u lu s , P a/m

P ressu re gradi ent in ann ulu s, P a/ m

14000
13500
13000
12500
12000
11500

13500
13000
12500
12000
11500
11000
0

11000
0

0.3

0.6

0.9

1.2

1.5

0.2

0.4

CLCS

Figure 3.12: Presssure gradient in

annulus of vertical well following va

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

Fluid A

Fluid B

Fluid C

11600

15000

P re s s u re g ra d ie n t in a n n u lu s ,
P a /m

P re s s u re g ra d ie n t in a n n u lu s ,
P a /m

Figure 3.14: Presssure gradient in

annulus of vertical well following
drilling fluid rheology and va

16000

11400

14000

11200

13000

11000

12000

10800

11000

10600

10000

10400

9000

10200

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

10000
1800

Annulus velocity, m/s

Fluid density 950 kg/m3

Fluid density 1100 kg/m3

13000

12000

11000

10000
0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

Cutting density 2600 kg/m3

2600

2800

3000

3200

1.8

16000
15000
14000
13000
12000
11000
10000
9000
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

Annulus velocity, m/s

Annulus velocity, m/s

Cutting density 2200 kg/m3

2400

Figure 3.19: Presssure gradient in

annulus of vertical well following
cutting density with va= 0.7 m/s
P r e s s u re g r a d i e n t i n a n n u l u s , P a / m

14000

0.4

2200

Fluid density 1300 kg/m3

15000

0.2

2000

Cutting density, kg/m3

Figure 3.17: Presssure gradient in

annulus of vertical well following
drilling fluid density and va
P re ssu re grad ie n t i n an n ul us , P a /m

0.8

Annulus velocity Va, m/s

Annulus velocity Va, m/s

0.6

1.8

Cutting density 3000 kg/m3

Figure 3.20: Presssure gradient in

annulus of vertical well following
cutting density and va

ROP= 0,002778 m/s

ROP= 0,005556 m/s

ROP= 0,008333 m/s

Figure 3.22: Presssure gradient in

annulus of vertical well following rate
of penetration and va

From the result of simulation on figure, we showed that there is

one point similar: In the low range of annulus velocity when increase
in annulus velocity, the pressure gradient decrease. The increase in
annulus velocity to 1,3m/s the pressure gradient to minimum value.
If continuos increase in annulus velocity, the pressure gradient
increase. The range of annulus velocity from 0,7 to 1,3 m/s leads to
sensible low value of pressure gradient and this range are sensible
annulus velocity to cutting transport. The other respect when the
annulus velocity increase reach to 0,4 m/s, the pressure gradient
significant decrease. As the annulus velocity higher 0,4 m/s, the
pressure gradient decrease slowly. This presented that the decrease in
annulus velocity reach to 0,4 m/s, the pressure gradient significant
increase. We can concludation that in drilling should not using the
annulus velocity lower 0,4 m/s.
- Pressure gradient of drilling fluids use in Nam Con Son, Cuu
Long basins
To define rule of changing between pressure gradient and
annulus velocity, the author simulate determination pressure gradient
as changing annulus velocity for some drilling fluids used in Nam
Con Son and Cuu Long basins
Simulate determination principle base on basic data in table 3.1
and rheology of drilling fluid in table 2.2, 2.3.
The results of simulate determination was presented in tables
and figues following.
Table 3.25: Pressure gradient in annulus in vertical well
va,
m/s
0,1
0,3
0,5
0,7
0,9
1,1
1,3
1,5
1,7

Gradp, Pa/m
VISKOPOL/
PRE.BENTONITE

KCL/POLYMER

ULTRADRIL

KCL/POLYMER/
IDCAP D

GEL/POLYMER

13530
12113
11909
11904
11969
12068
12188
12321
12466

13438
11970
11724
11679
11703
11762
11840
11931
12032

14446
13113
12902
12879
12923
13000
13097
13209
13331

15049
13809
13627
13618
13671
13753
13854
13967
14090

13462
11981
11725
11673
11692
11747
11823
11914
12015

The tables and figures showed that rule of changing pressure

gradient drilling fluids with Bingham rheology same the drilling
fluids in part previous. This to asserted rule of changing between
pressure gradient and annulus velocity.
- Pressure gradient in annulus with velocity when drilling fluids
not cutting transport.
To addition clear, the author simulate determination pressure
gradient in annulus velocity when drilling fluids not bring cutting.

10750

P re s s u re g ra d ie n t in a n n u lu s ,
P a /m

P re ssu re g rad ien t in an n u lu s,

P a/m

14000
13500

10500
10250

13000

10000

12500
12000
11500
11000
10500

9750
9500
9250
9000
0

10000
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

Annulus velocity, m/s

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

Annulus velosity, m/s

CLCS

Fluid A

Fluid C

Figure 3.23: Presssure gradient in Figure 3.28: Presssure gradient in

vertical well annulus drilling fluid annulus of vertical well following
VISKOPOL/PRE.BENTONITE
drilling fluid rheology and va when non
bring solid

The result simulate determination showed that the increase in

annulus velocity, the pressure gradient increase.
From this asserted that the equations were established to
determine effecting of paramerters on cutting transport are
confidency and essensibly.

Chapter 4
Reseach enhance bottom hole clean of drilling fluid flow
4.1. Reseach optimum condition to enhance bottom hole clean of
drilling fluids flow
4.1.1. Pressure loss across jet bit
By energy balance equation, we have:
pc

Q 2
2 gA 2t C d2

where: pc- pressure loss across jet bit; Q - flow rate; At - total area of
the bit nozzles;C- Constant.
4.1.2. Optimum drill bit hydraulics
4.1.2.1. Maximum drill bit hydraulic horsepower, optimum velocity
and nozzoles diameter
Horsepower hydraulic of drilling fluid through bit is defined by
equation:
Hc = (pb pdc pms).Q
where: Hc-Horsepower bit hydraulic; pb-pump pressure; pdc- pressure
loss across mud motor; pms- friction pressure losses.
To simple and can define maximum horsepower hydraulic of
drilling fluid through bit, the friction pressure loss is described:

p ms C.Q
where: - flow exponent
yields
H c p b Q p dc Q CQ 1
The horsepower hydraulic is the denpendent variable and is a
function of flow rate Q
Thus, by use of differential caculus, taking the first derivative of
Hc with respect to Q and setting the equal to zezo, we have:
1
p mstu
pb
1

p ctu
pb
1
where:pmstu - optimum friction pressure loss; pctu- optimum pressure
drop across the nozzoles.
The literature had been published [1], if Hc is know, then
optimum pump can be calculated by equation
Pbtu = 3 Pms
According ro previous chapter 2, chapter 3, the total friction
pressure loss is defined by equation:
Pms = Pmsa + Pmsp
where:pmsa - friction pressure loss in annulus; pmsp- friction pressure
loss in drillingpipe.

Following Darcy-Weibach equation, friction pressure loss per

length L of hole well as
2
hd L
v a2
LL vp
p ms a
p
D h D op 2
D ip 2

where

a - friction factor in annulus in lamilar flow

p - friction factor in drillingpipe in turbulent flow

Substituting va; vp by Q, can be derived

8 hd L
8 L L
p ms Q 2 a

p
2

2 D 5ip
2 D 2h D 2op D h D op

When friction pressure is optimum, then flow rate is optimum, thus:

p mstu

Q tu

8 hd L
8 L L

a
p
2 2

2 D 5ip
D h D op
2 D 2h D op

where Qtu; pctu are determined, we have:

A tu

Q 2ctu
2 gC d2 p ctu

where:Atu- optimum total area of nozzoles

If drill bit have n nozzoles, the optimum nozzoles diamerter
d ntu 2

A tu
n .

Optimum velocity of drilling fluid through nozzoles bit is

ctu

Cd

2g
pb
1

4.1.2.2. Maximum jet impact force

Jet impact force of drilling fluid flow through bit nozzoles is
defined by Newtoniansecond law of motion and give by

F B QH b CQ 2

where: B - fator, B C d 2 / g
After differentiating and setting to zero yields

p btu
2
1
p btu

p mstu
p ctu

By the literature had been published [1], if Hc is know, then

optimum pump pressure can be calculate by equation
Pbtu = 2Pms
The optimum flow rate, firiction pressure, nozzoles size, jet
velocity are defined same over part.
4.2.Simulate determination optimum bit hydraulic
4.2.1. Algorithm simulate determination
Step 1: Import parameters
Step 2: Calculate cross section annulus, flow rate, drillingpipe
fluid velocity, annulus fluid velocity
Step 3: Calculate total concentration;
Step 4: Calculate Newtonian equivalent viscousity in annulus
and drillingpipe;
Step 5: Calculate effective density
Step 6: Calculate wetted perimerter
Step 7: Calculate Reynolds number in annulus and drilling pipe
Step 8: Calculate friction factor ;
Step 9: Calculate friction pressure losses;
Step 10: Calculate optimum pump pressure;
Step 11: Calculate optimum friction pressure;
Step 12:Calculate optimum pressure drop across the bit nozzoles
Step 13: Calculate optimum flow rate
Step 14: Calculate total optimum area of the nozzoles;
Step 15: Calculate optimumn nozzoles diamerters;
Step 16: Calculate optimum fluid velocity through the nozzoles;
4.2.2. Simulate determination principle
The simulate determination is performed by matlab sofware and
base on basic data in table 3.1. When run program simulate
determination, the paramerters is changed. Simulate determination

for bit three nozzoles. The result of running program was presented
under part.
4.2.3. Results and discustion
4.2.3.1. Parameters of optimum horsepower hydraulic
60

Pressure, MPa

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

Deep of drilling, m
Friction pressure losses

Optimum pump pressure

Optimum friction pressure losses

Optimum pressure drop bit

Figure 4.7: Optimum parameters horsepower hydraulic following well deep

at va = 1,3 m/s

4.2.3.2. Parameters of optimum jet impact force

45
40
P ressure, MPa

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

Deep of drilling, m
Friction pressure losses

Optimum pump pressure

Optimum friction pressure losses

Optimum pressure drop bit

Figure 4.12: Optimum parameters jet impact force following well deep at va
= 1,3 m/s

4.2.3.3. Discustion
Fllowing the result of simulate determination, have some
comments:
- As the well drilled deeper, the optimum pressure pump,
optimum friction pressure, optimum pressure bit drop, optimum flow
rate increase.
- As the well drilled deeper rate of increasing the optimum pump
pressure are maximum and rate of increasing continuous decrease are
optimum pressure bit drop, optimum friction pressure
- As the well drilled deeper the optimum pressure pump for the
optimum horsepower hydraulic criterion very biger as the impact
force maximum criterion
- The flow rate increase, the optimum pump pressure, optimum
friction pressure losse increase.
- From the upper commentations and data in tables, we show
that the value of optimum pump pressure is very big, special in high
deep of well drill. The questions bring out are what condition to
aplication optimum bit hydraulic.
The Sunnda Corporation [3], the maximum pump pressure is
5000 PSI (350 at).
Compare the maximum pump pressure and optimum pressure,
we show that when optimum horsepower bit hydraulic at va = 1,3m/s
and 2500m deep of drillings (table 4.5, pbtu = 35 MPa), the optimum
pump pressure reach maximum pump pressure. On the other, when
optimum jet impact force at = 1,3m/s and 3500m deep of well (table
4.15, pbtu = 34,8 MPa), the optimum pump pressure reach maximum
pump pressure. Therefore, the optimum horsepower bit hydraulic
criterion were only applied in low deep and medium deep of well,
the optimum jet impact force criterion can apply in high deep of
well.

Conclusions and recommendatons

1. Conclusions
With results of research for drilling fluids flow in well drilling
base on two respect are improve cutting transport efficiency in
vertical segment well and cleaning cutting on bottomhole, the author
have some conclusions:
1. Propose mathermatic menthod to establish equations friction
pressure loss for Newtonian, non Newtonian fluid flowing through
drillpipe and annulus well in lamilar regime. This from translate non
Newtonian fluid to Newtonian fluid by equivalent Newtonian
viscosity.
2. In drilling wells in Nam Con Son and Cuu Long basin, most
drilling fluid are lamilar flow in annulus and turbulent flow in
drillpipe.
3. The cutting transport efficiency increase as the annulus
velocity, fluid density increase. The cutting transport efficiency
decrease as the fluid viscousity, cutting density , cutting size, rate of
penetration increase.
4. Significant parameters effect on cutting transport efficiency
are annulus fluid velocity and drilling fluid rheology. But cutting
transport efficiency are effected by parameters in situ as cutting
density, cutting size, and
5. Losses friction pressure of drilling fluid flow bring and non
bring solid cutting are different. The drilling fluid flow bring solid
cutting as the annulus velocity is increase, the pressure gradient
decrease and then it increase. The drilling fluid flow non bring solid
cutting as the annulus velocity is increase, the pressure gradient
increase.
6. In cutting transport drilling wells in Nam Con Son and Cuu
Long basin as the annulus velocity is increase up to 1.3 m/s, the
pressure gradient decrease and strong decrease at lower 0.4 m/s. The
interval annulus velocity have low pressure gradient is 0.7 to 1.3 m/s.
The minimum shoud not lower 0.4 m/s.
7. With parameters of circulation system was established, kind
of drilling fluid are known, we can find condition bit hydraulic
optimum base on three parameters are maximum horsepower
hydraulic, maximum hydraulic impact force, and velocity, diameter
of jet bit optimum.

8. The optimum pressure pumb following horsepower hydraulic

criterion large biger hydraulic impact force. The optimum
horsepower hydraulic through bit are used for low and medium
depth, The optimum hydraulic impact force through bit are used for
high depth.
2. Recommendatons
Base on the result of reseach, the author recommend:
- Continuos develope and perfect program, Algorithm simulate
determination;
- Build model sofware have interface with user.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Pham Duc Thien (2009). Application studied results

determination of friction factor to calculate pressure losses of drilling
fluid flow though eccentric annulus. Scientific -Technical Journal of
Mining and Geology, No 27/ 7-2009. University of Mining and
Geology, Ha Noi.
2. Pham Duc Thien (2010). Effects of wellbore deviation on
cuttings bed formation in cuttings transport and cuttings bed antisliding velocity. Meeting of Scientific 19th time, date 11/11/2010.
University of Mining and Geology, Ha Noi.
3. Pham Duc Thien (2011). Newtonian equivalent viscosity and
determination regime of non Newtonian fluid flowing through
drillpipe and annulus. Scientific -Technical Journal of Mining and
Geology, No 33/ 01-2011. University of Mining and Geology, Ha
Noi.
4. Pham Duc Thien (2011). Optimum bit hydraulic. Scientific Technical Journal of Mining and Geology, No 34/ 4-2011.
University of Mining and Geology, Ha Noi.
5. Pham Duc Thien (2011). Effects of parameters on cuttings
transport in vertical and near vertical well. Scientific -Technical
Journal of Mining and Geology, vol 5, petroleum, No 34/ 4-2011.
University of Mining and Geology, Ha Noi.