Modern Rheological Analysis of Drilling Fluids

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Schulz ◽  
Heike Strauß ◽  
Matthias Reich
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Hysteresis Loops ◽  
Hydraulic Calculation ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Rheological Analysis ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Solids Transport ◽  
Drilling Technology ◽  
The Cost

Rheological analysis provides a good comprehension of the deformation and flow of substances under different stress conditions. The complex composition of the drilling fluid and the versatile functions makes rheological studies here indispensable as well as in other scientific fields like the food industry and material science. In spite of adding many high-quality additives to the drilling fluids, problems still occur, such as barite-sag, lost circulation, change of mud properties (particularly at high and very low temperature), solids transport. Others are often mentioned as reasons for increasing the cost of wells. The areas in which rheology plays an important role in drilling technology will be highlighted in this article. The reason, why the characterization with the Fann-viscometer alone is not enough for a detailed view on rheology will be focused on. In addition, measuring methods which are able to provide detailed information about gel strength, consistency, gel destruction, gel build up process and yield point have been investigated. A short overview of the basics of rheology is given. In this article, novel procedures will be shown on the basis of flow curve, hysteresis loops, amplitude sweep and 3-interval-thixotropy-test (3ITT). With these procedures, deeper knowledge about the drilling fluid system can be obtained. Implementing these procedures and considering their results in hydraulic calculation programs or taking them into account by the design of drilling fluids, can reduce costs and lead to safer drilling process in general.

Application of Ultrafine Weighting Materials in High-Density Oil-Based Drilling Fluid Technology

2015 ◽  
Vol 814 ◽  
pp. 338-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Ye ◽  
Wen Hua An ◽  
Da Yin ◽  
Qing Wen Zhang ◽  
Lei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Fine Powder ◽  
High Density ◽  
Suspension Stability ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Powder Particle Size ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Well Drilling ◽  
Base Oil ◽  
Lost Circulation

High-density oil-based drilling fluid already was considered as one of the most effective technologies during the HTHP Ultra-deep well drilling process. The weighting materials sag such as barite sag, however, always occurred because of the density contrast between the base oil and the weighting material, and hence sag can result in excessive torque, lost circulation and many other problems. This study applied three kinds of ultra-fine powder (particle size≤4μm), which are new weighting materials, to replace the common API barite (particle size10~70μm). The different kinds of high-density oil-based drilling fluids, which weighted with micronized barite, micronized ilmenite, manganese tetraoxide and API barite, were prepared and evaluated separately in lab. The performance data showed that compared with conventional weighting materials, the application of ultrafine powder technology could greatly optimize the rheology of high-density oil-based drilling fluids (ρ ≥ 2.3 g/cm3), reduce the amount of emulsifiers about 50% and dramatically enhance the dynamic suspension-stability of the system, Furthermore, OBM drilling fluids weighted with ultrafine weighting materials almost presented lower viscosity, shear force and sedimentation rate, which will meet more severe requirements of ultra-deep complex well drilling.

A Multifunctional Drilling Fluid for Coalbed Methane Drilling

2012 ◽  
Vol 455-456 ◽  
pp. 1317-1323
Author(s):  
Li Hui Zheng ◽  
Ming Wei Zhang ◽  
Yong Lin
Keyword(s):  
Coalbed Methane ◽  
Horizontal Well ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Water Production ◽  
Well Bore ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Air Drilling

With extremely complicated geological conditions, there is abundant coalbed methane in the China's Ordos Basin Area. As a result of coexistence of different pressure systems in the same one naked well section, there are so many problems taking place occasionally during the drilling process, such as the formation lost circulation and collapse, which require the drilling fluid with a perfect rheology behavior and inhibitive to improve the well-bore containment. The coalbed methane well completions are diverse, usually including vertical well, horizontal well, multi-branch well, and other different well types. So the drilling fluid must have cuttings carried effectively and protect formation damaged to ensure that the process of drilling is security and smooth. Lots of drilling methods are used in the coalbed methane drilling, besides normal nearly balanced drilling, the under balance drilling fluids such as the air, fog, foam, etc particularly improved. All this drilling fluids require itself working compatibility with other fluids in the hole. Therefore, the special state-funded science and technology project has developed a novel bionic Fuzzy-Ball drilling fluid to meet the coalbed methane. Without additional equipments, this novel drilling fluids can be made, with non-solid phase and low density, 0.8~1.0 g/cm3. The inert solids can also be used to adjust the property to more than 1.0g/cm3, matching the near/under-balanced drilling. The formation well-bore containment can effectively improve to meet to the more than 1000 meters coalbed methane drilling in the open or low pressure formation, To portable cuttings effectively under low rate, the ratio of yield point and plastic viscosity can be adjusted to 1.0Pa/mPa•s or more. Combined with the air drilling, this novel Fuzzy-Ball material could not be converted to fluid to solve the formation water production, cavings, completion and other operations. 10 wells application of using the Fuzzy-Ball drilling fluid to complete the coal bed methane wells overcoming water production, collapse, lost circulation and air drilling etc, taking five branches well FL-H2-L, "U" horizontal well DFS-02-H2, water production and collapse well J35, air drilling CLY22 for examples, are introduced to indicate the bionic Fuzzy-Ball fluid application on the coalbed methane drilling spot.

scholarly journals Laboratory Study on Core Fracturing Simulations for Wellbore Strengthening

Geofluids ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Ma ◽  
Xiaolin Pu ◽  
Zhengguo Zhao ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Wenxin Dong
Keyword(s):  
Bearing Capacity ◽  
Laboratory Study ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
The Core ◽  
Fracture Pressure ◽  
Fluid Systems ◽  
Fracturing Process ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening

The lost circulation in a formation is one of the most complicated problems that have existed in drilling engineering for a long time. The key to solving the loss of drilling fluid circulation is to improve the pressure-bearing capacity of the formation. The tendency is to improve the formation pressure-bearing capacity with drilling fluid technology for strengthening the wellbore, either to the low fracture pressure of the formation or to that of the naturally fractured formation. Therefore, a laboratory study focused on core fracturing simulations for the strengthening of wellbores was conducted with self-developed fracture experiment equipment. Experiments were performed to determine the effect of the gradation of plugging materials, kinds of plugging materials, and drilling fluid systems. The results showed that fracture pressure in the presence of drilling fluid was significantly higher than that in the presence of water. The kinds and gradation of drilling fluids had obvious effects on the core fracturing process. In addition, different drilling fluid systems had different effects on the core fracture process. In the same case, the core fracture pressure in the presence of oil-based drilling fluid was less than that in the presence of water-based drilling fluid.

scholarly journals Numerical Modeling of Foam Drilling Hydraulics

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozcan Baris ◽  
Luis Ayala ◽  
W. Watson Robert
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Mud ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Pressure Profiles ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Parametric Studies ◽  
Bit Life ◽  
Foam Drilling

The use of foam as a drilling fluid was developed to meet a special set of conditions under which other common drilling fluids had failed. Foam drilling is defined as the process of making boreholes by utilizing foam as the circulating fluid. When compared with conventional drilling, underbalanced or foam drilling has several advantages. These advantages include: avoidance of lost circulation problems, minimizing damage to pay zones, higher penetration rates and bit life. Foams are usually characterized by the quality, the ratio of the volume of gas, and the total foam volume. Obtaining dependable pressure profiles for aerated (gasified) fluids and foam is more difficult than for single phase fluids, since in the former ones the drilling mud contains a gas phase that is entrained within the fluid system. The primary goal of this study is to expand the knowledge-base of the hydrodynamic phenomena that occur in a foam drilling operation. In order to gain a better understanding of foam drilling operations, a hydrodynamic model is developed and run at different operating conditions. For this purpose, the flow of foam through the drilling system is modeled by invoking the basic principles of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics. The model was designed to allow gas and liquid flow at desired volumetric flow rates through the drillstring and annulus. Parametric studies are conducted in order to identify the most influential variables in the hydrodynamic modeling of foam flow. 

Inhibiting Calcium Chloride Heavy Brines to be Used as Drilling Fluids: Hurdles Encountered in Treatment, Application, Corrosion Mitigation, Solubility, and Foaming Tendencies for Drilling Sites in Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thenuka M. Ariyaratna ◽  
Nihal U. Obeyesekere ◽  
Tharindu S. Jayaneththi ◽  
Jonathan J. Wylde
Keyword(s):  
Corrosion Inhibitor ◽  
Corrosion Inhibitors ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Solvent System ◽  
Test Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Drill Cuttings ◽  
Well Completion ◽  
Completion Fluids

Abstract A need for more economic drilling fluids has been addressed by repurposing heavy brines typically used as completion fluids. Heavy brine corrosion inhibitors have been designed for stagnant systems. Drilling fluids are subjected to both heavy agitation and aeration through recirculation systems and atmospheric exposure during the various stages of the drilling process. This paper documents the development of heavy brine corrosion inhibitors to meet these additional drilling fluid requirements. Multiple system scenarios were presented requiring a methodical evaluation of corrosion inhibitor specifications while still maintaining performance. Due to the high density of heavy brine, traditional methods of controlling foaming were not feasible or effective. Additional product characteristics had to be modified to allow for the open mud pits where employees would be working, higher temperatures, contamination from drill cuttings, and product efficacy reduction due to absorption from solids. The product should not have any odor, should have a high flash point, and mitigate corrosion in the presence of drill cuttings, oxygen, and sour gases. Significant laboratory development and testing were done in order to develop corrosion inhibitors for use in heavy brines based on system conditions associated with completion fluids. The application of heavy brine as a drilling fluid posed new challenges involving foam control, solubility, product stability, odor control, and efficacy when mixed with drill cuttings. The key to heavy brine corrosion inhibitor efficacy is solubility in a supersaturated system. The solvent packages developed to be utilized in such environments were highly sensitive and optimized for stagnant and sealed systems. Laboratory testing was conducted utilizing rotating cylinder electrode tests with drill cuttings added to the test fluid. Product components that were found to have strong odors or low flash points were removed or replaced. Extensive foaming evaluations of multiple components helped identify problematic chemistries. Standard defoamers failed to control foaming but the combination of a unique solvent system helped to minimize foaming. The evaluations were able to minimize foaming and yield a low odor product that was suitable for open mud pits and high temperatures without compromising product efficacy. The methodology developed to transition heavy brine corrosion inhibitors from well completion applications to drilling fluid applications proved to be more complex than initially considered. This paper documents the philosophy of this transitioning and the hurdles that were overcome to ensure the final product met the unique system guidelines. The novel use of heavy brines as drilling fluids has created a need for novel chemistries to inhibit corrosion in a new application.

scholarly journals Study on the stability of a shear-thinning suspension used in oil well drilling

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flávia M. Fagundes ◽  
Nara B.C. Santos ◽  
João Jorge R. Damasceno ◽  
Fábio O. Arouca
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Shear Thinning ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Oil Well ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Well Drilling ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Solid Liquid

In order to avoid solid-liquid gravitational separation of particles in the drilling fluid and cuttings generated in this process, the oil industry has been developing drilling fluids with shear-thinning and thixotropic characteristics. In case of operational stops in the drilling process, the intense sedimentation of these particles can damage the equipment used and the well. In this context, this study simulated an operational stop to obtain information about stability of solids in a paraffin-based suspension with time-dependent shear-thinning behavior, which has already been used in current drilling processes. A long-term test using gamma-ray attenuation technique identified the separation dynamics of a set of micrometric particles belonging to and incorporated into the drilling fluid during operation. This test verified the typical regions of gravitational sedimentation and, through constant concentration curves, indicated that the sedimentation process did not occur at a constant rate. This study also proposed a constitutive equation for pressure on solids.

Nano-Enhanced Drilling Fluids: Pioneering Approach to Overcome Uncompromising Drilling Problems

2011 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Abdo ◽  
M. Danish Haneef
Keyword(s):  
Rheological Properties ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Size Distribution Of Particles

The idea of pushing the limits of drilling oil and gas wells by improving drilling fluids for undemanding and cost efficient drilling operations by extracting advantage from the wonders of nanotechnology forms the basis of the work presented here. Foremost, in order to highlight the significance of reducing the size distribution of particles, new clay ATR which has a chain like structure and offers enormous surface area and increased reactivity was tested in different sizes that were chemically and mechanically milled. Bentonite which is a commonly used drilling fluid additive was also tested in different particle size distribution (PSD) and rheological properties were tested. Significant reduction in viscosity with small sized particles was recorded. The tested material called ATR throughout this paper is shown to offer better functionality than bentonite without the requirement of other expensive additives. Experiments were performed with different size distributions and compositions and drastic changes in rheological properties are observed. A detailed investigation of the shear thinning behavior was also carried out with ATR samples in order to confirm its functionality for eliminating the problem of mechanical and differential pipe sticking, while retaining suitable viscosity and density for avoidance of problems like lost circulation, poor hole cleaning and inappropriate operating hydrostatic pressures.

Influence of Rock Chemical Composition in Microwave Heating and Decontamination of Drill Cuttings

2017 ◽  
Vol 899 ◽  
pp. 469-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irineu Petri Jr. ◽  
Jéssika Marina dos Santos ◽  
Arley Silva Rossi ◽  
Marina Seixas Pereira ◽  
Claudio Roberto Duarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microwave Heating ◽  
Electromagnetic Waves ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Microwave Drying ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Heating Unit ◽  
Drill Cuttings ◽  
Gas Drilling

Drill cuttings generated by oil and gas drilling process are incorporated into the drilling fluid to ensure an efficient drilling and solids removal. The drilling rigs have a separation system accountable for separating drill cuttings and drilling fluids. Microwave drying is a new technology of separation that has been studied as an alternative to the currently drill cuttings dryer used. The results obtained in preliminary studies showed that this microwave drying is sensitive to different oxides presents into the rock. Thus, this study aimed to describe the microwave heating kinetics of some rocks in order to verify the interaction of oxides with electromagnetic waves. For this, the oxide contents of the rocks were determined by X-ray Fluorescence and different rocks were heated in a microwave heating unit. The results showed that the relationship between the temperature and heating time is exponential and depends on the rock oxide contents. It was found that the iron oxides may be unstable at microwave and rocks with high levels of magnesium oxides and sulfates tend to be good absorbers of microwave. Rocks containing high levels of calcium, silicon, titanium, barium and chloride (NaCl) are not good absorbers of microwave. It was also noted that faster solid heating, lesser the efficiency of microwave drying.

scholarly journals Research on Overflow Monitoring Mechanism Based on Downhole Microflow Detection

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Ge ◽  
Ze Hu ◽  
Ping Chen ◽  
Lei Shi ◽  
Qing Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Flow Measurement ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Rate Variation ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Bottom Hole ◽  
Managed Pressure Drilling ◽  
Type Flow ◽  
Drilling System ◽  
The Cost

The flow rate variation of the drilling fluid and micro-overflow loss is difficult to analyze. The purpose to prevent the occurrence of kick, lost circulation, and other complex conditions is not easy to be achieved. Therefore, the microflow-induced annulus multiphase flow rate and annulus pressure field model were studied, and a downhole microflow measurement system has been developed. A differential pressure type flow measurement was used in the system, and real-time downhole information was obtained to achieve deep, narrow windows and other safety-density complex formation security. This paper introduced a new bottom-hole flow meter which can measure the annular flux while drilling and monitor overflow and circulation loss. The accuracy and reliability of the MPD (managed pressure drilling) system can be improved obviously by applying the device; as a result, the safety of drilling is enhanced and the cost is reduced.

The Effects of Glass Bubbles, Clay, Xanthan Gum and Starch Concentrations on the Density of Lightweight Biopolymer Drilling Fluid

2014 ◽  
Vol 625 ◽  
pp. 526-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lim Symm Nee ◽  
Badrul Mohamed Jan ◽  
Brahim Si Ali ◽  
Ishenny Mohd Noor
Keyword(s):  
Xanthan Gum ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drilling Process ◽  
Hydrocarbon Production ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Environmentally Safe

It is an open secret that currently oil and gas industry is focusing on increasing hydrocarbon production through underbalanced drilling (UBD) and finding ways to ensure the drilling process is less harmful to the environment. Water-based biopolymer drilling fluids are preferred compared to oil based drilling fluids owing to the fact that it causes less pollution to the environment. This paper investigates the effects of varying concentrations of environmentally safe raw materials, namely glass bubbles, clay, xanthan gum and starch concentrations on the density of the formulated biopolymer drilling fluid to ensure that it is suitable for UBD. As material concentrations were varied, the density for each sample was measured at ambient temperature and pressure. Results showed that the final fluid densities are within acceptable values for UBD (6.78 to 6.86 lb/gal). It is concluded that the formulated water-based biopolymer drilling fluid is suitable to be used in UBD operation.

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