Chapter 1 Functions of Drilling Fluids

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1. Introduction:

A drilling fluid is any fluid which is circulated through a well in order to remove
cuttings from a wellbore. In our project we will discuss fluids which have water or
oil as their continuous phase.
A drilling fluid must full fill many functions in order for a well to be drilled
successfully, safely, and economically.

1.1 Functions of Drilling Fluids:

The rotary method of drilling wells is distinguished by two important factors:

1. The bit is rotated against the bottom of the hole.

2. Fluid is circulated down the drill string, through the bit, and up the annulus.

Here we focus on the role of the circulating fluid; the functions the fluid must
perform; the fluid properties that help achieve these functions; and possible
undesirable side effects that should be minimized.
Unfortunately, fluid properties that are useful for the performance of one function
may be detrimental to another.

The most important functions are:

1. Transport drilled cuttings and cavings to the surface

2. Suspend drilled cuttings and cavings in the annulus when circulation is
stopped
3. Control subsurface pressure
4. Cool and lubricate the bit and drill string
5. Support the walls of the wellbore
6. Help suspend the weight of the drill string and casing

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Chapter 1 Functions of Drilling Fluids
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7. Deliver hydraulic energy upon the formation beneath the bit

8. Provide a suitable medium for running wireline logs.

To achieve these functions, the following side-effects should be minimized:

1. Damage to subsurface formations, especially those that may be productive

2. Corrosion of the drill string and casing
3. Reduction of penetration rate.
4. Surge, swab, and circulating pressure problems
5. Loss of circulation
6. Sticking of the drill string against the walls of the hole
7. Erosion of the wellbore
8. Retention of undesirable solids by the drilling fluid in the pits
9. Wear on pump parts
10. Contamination of cement slurries
11. Contamination of the natural environment

A fluid that appears to supply all the preceding properties may prove defective when
subjected to certain wellbore conditions. In particular, the drilling fluid should:

1. Resist possible contamination from external sources.

2. Remain stable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

1.1.1 Transport of Cuttings and Cavings

Cuttings and cavings are heavier than the drilling fluid. Thus, at the same time they
are being lifted by the fluid flowing in the annulus, they are subjected to the force of
gravity, which tends to cause them to fall toward the bottom of the hole.

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Chapter 1 Functions of Drilling Fluids
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The rate at which these particles fall through the flowing fluid depends mainly on
the density and viscosity of the fluid, and the size, shape, and density of the particles.
Since the fluid in the annulus is circulated upward, the rate at which the particles are
being lifted is the difference between the annular velocity and the falling rate of the
cuttings and carvings. If the hole is not cleaned properly, the solid material will
accumulate in the annulus causing increased torque, drag, fill, and hydrostatic
pressures. Pipe failure, stuck pipe, reduced penetration rates, and loss of circulation
are possible consequences.

1.1.2 Suspension of Particles when Circulation is Stopped

When the fluid is not being circulated, the force of the rising fluid is eliminated. The
cuttings and cavings will fall to the bottom of the hole unless the drilling fluid has
the ability to form a gel-like structure when it is not flowing. The fluid must, of
course, regain its fluidity when circulation is restarted.

1.1.3 Control of Subsurface Pressures

Water, gas, and oil found in the ground are under great pressure. This pressure must
be overbalanced to prevent an uncontrolled flow of these formation fluids into the
wellbore. Control is accomplished by maintaining sufficient hydrostatic pressure in
the annulus. The hydrostatic pressure is directly proportional to the density of the
drilling fluid and the height of the drilling fluid column.

1.1.4 Cooling and Lubrication of the Bit and Drill String

Heat is generated as the bit scrapes the bottom of the hole and the drill string rotates
against the walls of the hole. The drilling fluid must absorb this heat and conduct it
away. Any liquid drilling fluid will perform this function during circulation. The
drilling fluid also acts as a lubricant for the bit, drill string, and casing during drilling.
Some drilling fluid particles cannot, perhaps, properly be described as lubricants;
however, the ease with which they slide past each other and their deposition on the

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Chapter 1 Functions of Drilling Fluids
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walls of the hole lessens friction and abrasion. Special materials are sometimes
added to the drilling fluid to improve its lubricating properties.
Possible benefits include longer bit life, decreased torque and drag, reduced pump
pressure, and reduced frictional wear on the drill string and casing.

1.1.5 Support of the Walls of the Hole

Lateral support of the walls of the hole is removed as the bit drills a subsurface
formation. Unless the support is replaced by the drilling fluid until casing can be set,
the formation will fall into the wellbore.
The mechanism that prevents this from occurring depends on the nature of the
formation. If the formation is very firm (granite is an extreme example), little support
by the drilling fluid is required.
If the formation is fairly firm and consolidated (shale), sufficient support may be
obtained solely from the density of the mud. If the formation is weak and
unconsolidated (sand), the drilling fluid must have sufficient density, plus it must
have the ability to form a thin, tough deposition of particles on the walls of the hole.

1.1.6 Suspension of the Drill String and Casing

The weight of a drill string or a string of casing can exceed 200 tons. The extreme
weight can place a high stress on the rig's surface equipment.
However, these tubulars are partly supported by the buoyant force of the drilling
fluid, much the same way that the ocean supports a steel ship.
The buoyant force is dependent on the pressure exerted by the fluid and the cross-
sectional area on which this pressure acts.

1.1.7 Transmission of Hydraulic Energy

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During circulation the drilling fluid is ejected through the bit nozzles at a very high
velocity. This hydraulic force keeps the surface underneath the bit free of drilled
cuttings. If the cuttings are not removed, the bit regrinds the old cuttings and thus
reduces the rate of penetration.
The successful removal of cuttings from the bit surface depends on the physical
properties of the drilling fluid and its velocity through the nozzles. In special
situations the hydraulic force of the drilling fluid also is used to turn the bit.

The bit is attached to a downhole hydraulic motor; the assembly then is attached to
the bottom of the drill string. This method often is used for directional drilling, and
is gaining acceptance for straight-hole drilling in certain areas.

1.1.8 Medium for Wireline Logs

Although the drilling fluid disturbs the original characteristics of the formations, its
presence is necessary for many of the common wireline logs used for formation
evaluation. Use of these logs requires that the drilling fluid be an electrically
conductive liquid that exhibits electrical properties different from the fluids in the
formation. Proper evaluation of the formation is difficult if the liquid phase of the
drilling fluid penetrates the formation deeply, or if the fluid has physically or
chemically eroded the hole.