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