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Well Blueprint TM Drilling Conditions

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SOP Code:
BB
Revision Date: 02/10/97

Bit Balling
Introduction
Balling occurs when clay based drilled solids adhere together and cling to the metal
surfaces of the bit and pipe. Bit balling usually occurs while drilling shale. Clay
adhesion is a function of the electrochemical attraction of clay to clay solids and clay
to metal (surface tension). The reaction begins when clay solids become wet and
hydration/dispersion of the clay occurs. Adhesion magnitude is determined by the
degree of clay hydration, the chemical properties of the clay, chemical composition
of the muds aqueous phase, and the proximity between reactive solids or the solids
concentration. Massive concentrations of reactive solids can overwhelm most mud
systems. Balling will normally slow down the rate of penetration (ROP). ROP will
not respond to rotary RPM increases or weight on the bit, this may result in pulling a
bit before it is due to be replaced.

Causes
Balling can occur with any hydratable clay. Clays particles can adhere to each other
or metal surfaces, given the right water and solids ratio. Therefore, reduction of
adhesion and/or balling can be achieved by controlling hydration and/or solids
concentration. Bit balling is more of a problem when using water based muds. When
invert emulsions are used, bit or bottom hole assembly (BHA) balling normally does
not occur.
For bit and or BHA balling to take place two or more of these conditions must exist:

A reactive clay formation must be present.


Water must be available for the clays to become hydrated.
Cuttings are compressed - causing adhesion.
Sufficient concentrations of electrochemically attractive clays.
Inadequate bit cleaning due to poor hydraulics.
Electrochemical attraction of clay to metal.

Procedures to Prevent Balling


It is important to limit the concentration of cuttings in the annulus. When large
volumes of dispersible solids or cuttings are generated into a specific volume of
drilling mud, an infinite amount of surface area is created. If these cuttings are not
quickly removed from the area of the bit, the electrochemical attraction of the clays
for metal will cause these cuttings to adhere to the bit. The following procedures can
aid in cuttings removal.

Control ROP vs Flow Rate


High concentrations of mud solids and drilled solids lead to bit balling. This is a
function of mud composition and ROP vs flow rate. Excessive penetration rates
relative to flow rates can create a massive concentration of reactive solids in the
annulus. Therefore, when drilling clay type formations, the low gravity solids
concentration in the mud should be maintained as low as possible (5% by volume or
less). In addition, the cuttings concentration in the annulus should be limited to 4%
by volume by coordinating the flow rate and ROP. This may require controlling
instantaneous rates of penetration.

Sweeps
Depending on hole deviation, high viscosity and/or low viscosity sweeps can be used
to effectively remove cuttings from the wellbore. The turbulence of the low viscosity
sweep stirs the cuttings bed and the high viscosity fluid carries the solids to the
surface. Use BARAZAN PLUS and N-VIS (instead of commercial bentonite) to
increase viscosity and avoid increasing the clay content of the mud system.

Bit Type and Hydraulics


Fluid dynamics such as velocity and turbulence are critical for cleaning the bit and
preventing balling. Create high velocity and a high degree of turbulence. Flow rates
alone are not the key. Fluid viscosity and/or turbulence at the bit are functions of
fluid composition and velocity. Solids surface area is the limiting factor for a drilling
fluid to shear thin. Therefore, optimizing solids concentration is critical for effective
fluid dynamics at the bit.
Hydraulic horsepower at the bit must be optimized. Bit design can contribute to bit
balling. Anti-Balling (AB) coated bits are recommended.

Hole Wiping
Frequent short trips in directional wells are very beneficial for reducing the buildup
of cuttings beds. The cuttings bed is disturbed by the bit so it can be removed by
annular flow, after circulation is resumed. This technique will also help reduce packoff and gumbo attacks.

Balling Reduction by Mud Composition


Solids adhesion can be reduced by neutralizing the attractive charges on clays by
ionic satisfaction, i.e., sodium, calcium, potassium, cationic and anionic polymers,
and surface active agents (surfactants).
Balling severity is reduced by limiting the specific surface area of reactive solids
within the fluid. This process is partially accomplished by preventing hydration and
dispersion of drilled solids with inhibitive drilling fluids. Among the basic fluids for
consideration are those that contain chloride, calcium, potassium, cationic additives,
surfactants, oil, esters, formates, silicates, glycols, and the multiple combinations of
these basic ingredients.
Effective mud systems include:

INVERMUL
PETROFREE
CAT-I
EZ-MUD
CLAYSEAL
BARASILC
GEM
POLYNOX

pH control is an important consideration since the hydroxyl ion is dispersive. First,


hydroxyl ions promote hydrogen bonding of water molecules to the steel surfaces.
Second when the hydroxyl ion is hydrated, its large volume of associated water
forces clay platelets and layers apart. This dispersive action increases as the pH is
increased. pH ranges should be adjusted to coincide with the inhibitive nature of the
mud system being used.
Minimizing the clay concentration by solids removal equipment and dilution of
reactive solids also reduces the specific surface area available for adhesion and
balling. Commercial bentonite can aggravate the problem, it should be added very
cautiously. When balling is a potential problem, low gravity solids should be
maintained at 5% or less by volume and the equivalent bentonite concentration
should be 20 lbs/bbl (57 kg/m3) or less, determined by the methylene blue test.

Encapsulate cuttings with EZ MUD to prevent dispersion and mechanical


degradation. Coating solids with EZ MUD will have two beneficial effects. It binds a
solid to prevent dispersion and, it provides lubricious film that allows solids to slide
past one another thus preventing mechanical disintegration.
Adding DRILL-N-SLIDE will reduce electrochemical attraction of clay to metal.

Treatments Associated with Cleaning Balled Bits and


Assemblies
These pills can be spotted or circulated through the bit and annulus, to help eliminate
balling problems. Hydrostatic pressures must be maintained when utilizing these
pills. The appropriate pill will depend on the mud type being used, materials
available on the rig, formation sensitivity, and safety/environmental concerns.

Caustic Pill
A caustic pill can be spotted or circulated through the bit. Caustic can be mixed in
freshwater or seawater to accelerate the hydration and dispersion of a reactive clay.
Greater turbulence and a jetting action is formed in the balled area, when pumping
water.

CONDET Pill (Detergent)


This pill is usually made up of whole (active) mud with 3 - 20% CONDET. This also
can be done with fresh water and circulated through the bit. CONDET performs by
reducing surface tension, increasing lubricity, and reducing the sticking tendency of
the clay. If using whole mud, mud weights can be maintained.
Note: Detergents may effect several aspects of a drilling fluid system i.e., foaming,
environmental concerns.

WALL-NUT Pill
This pill is made up of whole (active) mud. WALL-NUT comes in three available
sizes; fine, medium, and coarse. WALL-NUT can be mixed from 5 to 60 lbs/bbl (14
to 171 kg/m3 ) depending on the mud type and mud weight. This pill is pumped
down and through the bit with high pump rates to physically erode the ball of clay
adhering to the bit or drill string.

SAPP or Q-BROXIN Pill (Dispersant)


A highly concentrated dispersive pill can be mixed in water or whole mud. This pill
is designed to disperse balled up bits and assemblies. High pH ranges can also aid in

dispersing clays. Q-BROXIN may be used up to 20 lbs/bbl (57 kg/m3 ). SAPP may
be added from 1 to 3 lbs/bbl (2.85 to 8.5 kg/m3 ). Do not use SAPP in high Calcium
environments.
Note: These pills are highly dispersive and can cause wellbore washout.

Surfactant Pill
Highly concentrated blends of surface active agents can be added directly to the
suction pit, dumped down the drill pipe on connections or sprayed directly on the
bottom hole assembly. These blends will lower the surface tension of the water and
help neutralize the surface charges of the clays, minimizing hydratable clay
adhesiveness.

EZ-MUD/CLAYSEAL
Slugging the pipe on connections with neat EZ-MUD or CLAYSEAL.

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