A model has been developed to calculate the transient (unsteady-state) and steady-state temperatures in the wellbore, completion and formation of a well during drilling, production and shut-in. A finite difference approach, simultaneously solving all the heat transfer equations, is written with a Microsoft Windows based user interface. Predictions of bottom hole and return temperatures from this model are shown to closely agree with the presently available field data. A further publication will:
– provide detailed comparisons with results from more complete measured field data – investigate the sensitivity of wellbore temperatures to variables such as mud rheology, flow rate and rotary table power.
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