Optimization of Hole Cleaning Using Dynamic Real-Time Cuttings Monitoring Tools

Abstract

Optimization of hole cleaning remains a vital challenge when planning and drilling deviated, high angle and extended reach wells. Hole cleaning depends on a number of factors and as to date most existing models have been deployed in solving hole cleaning problems. However, the flow rate predicted by these models may not be feasible to apply practically in field operations because it gives a pressure exceeding allowable limits of the pop-up valves on the mud pump. This is the major cause of downtime during drilling operations. This research is aimed at adding value to the existing models in achieving better hole cleaning and reduced down time. This was made possible through the use of cutting monitoring model which is a real time and quantitative tool. A case study on a well being drilled in the Niger Delta was conducted whose from which it was observed that within 5800ft to 11500ft, the hole was not properly clean as less cuttings were recovered. This information was used to initiate hole cleaning procedure. From the validation, the results shows Non-Productive Time associated with hole cleaning has a significant drop of 2-5 days when the cutting monitoring model is used in conjunction with the existing models.

Evaluating the rheological property of Irvingia gabonensis and Abelmoschus esculentus as a substitute to conventional Pac-R on cutting carrying capacity and hole cleaning

“…The cutting carrying capacity of a drilling fluid is its ability to transport the cuttings up the casing-pipe annulus to the surface (Ogunrinde and Dosunmu 2012). Moreover, poor wellbore cleaning can result to operational challenges which may lead to reduction in revenue derived because of non-productive time and higher operating costs (Dosunmu et al 2012). Mozaffari et al (2015) observed that asphaltenes and viscosity of heptol (80:20) and heptanes diluted bitumen was importance for improving heavy oil extraction of Athabasca bitumen.…”

“…In addition, Zhang et al (2012) reported that adequate hole cleaning is important in the drilling industry to eschew the operational problems that arise if sufficient wellbore cleaning is not achieved. Poor hole cleaning challenges include excessive pull on trips, hole pack-off, excessive equivalent circulating density (ECD), formation break down, slow rate of penetration and difficulty in removing casing (Dosunmu et al 2012). The difficulty in removing cuttings is caused by the interaction of the drilling mud with the cuttings bed to form cutting bed gel (Noah 2013).…”