sOCIETY OF PETROLEUMENGINEERSOF AIME PAPER

6200 North Central Expressway NUMBER SPE 3530

Dallas, Texas 75206

THIS IS A PREPRINT --- SUBJECT TO CORRECTION

A New Practical Approach to Rotary Drilling

Hydraulics

BY

Kenneth F. Scott, Member AIME, Chevron Oil Co.

@ Copyright 1971
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

This paper was prepared for the 46th Annual Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers
of AIME, to be held in New Orleans, La., Oct. 3-6, 1971. Permissionto copy is restrictedto an
abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrationsmay not be copied. The abstract should contain
conspicuousacknowledgmentof where and by whom the paper is presented. Publicationelsewhereafter
publicationin the JOURNAL OF PETROLEUMTECHNOLOGYor the SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERSJOURNAL is
..-.-.namo=+
te 6~.~
usually granted upon request to t-heEditor of t’neappropriatejo-urmlprovided ae~..lll.... rfi rra

proper credit is made.

Discussionof this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussionshould be sent to the ‘
Society of Petroleum Engineersoffice. Such discussionmay be presented at the above meeting and,
with the paper, may be consideredfor publicationin one of the two SPE magazines.

ABSTRACT The derivation of the maximum horsepower,

impact force, and jet velocity equations are
This paper presents a simple, practical and presented in an excellent paper by Kendall and
accurate method of selecting jet bit nozzle Goins.
sizes. Rather than calculatingfriction losses
in the drilling system, a measure of total Conditions that are necessary for maximiz-
friction loss is taken from the standpipe and a ing any of these three parameters are listed
graphical.solution of pressure loss across the without derivations in Table 1.
bit is subtracted from the standpipe reading,
resulting in the actual measurement of system Graphs are presented for obtaining circula-
pressure losses. Drilling hydraulics are based tion rates for various pump liners, stroke
on maximum bit horsepower, hydraulic impact, or length, and strokes per minute (Graphs lA and
jet velocity and are all dependent on a lB).
predeterminedfriction loss in the system.
This method may be used to mtize any one of A nomograph of annular velocities-vs-
the three. circulationrates for various hole and dril.l-
pipe size combinationsis presented (Graph 2).
Because mud properties and hole conditions
change, nozzle size selection is made from data The method for constructingthe work graph
obtained prior to pulling a dull bit out of the from which nozzle sizes are selected is
hole. A work graph is presented, and typical presented. Field examples are solved in the
field data are used in working example problems. discussion.

INTRODUCTION DISCUSSION

The subject of rotary drilling hydraulics
has received a great deal of attention in the
literature. Excellent papers have been written
by Bobo, Kendall and Goins, and Kelly. Recent
trends have been to maximize bit hydraulic
impact. Examples will be worked in this paper
which will maximize hydraulic impact and bit
hc?rw?pmx’e
References and illustrationsat end of paper.
The coordinate system upon which the work
graph is constructedis log-log. The left-hand
section of the work graph is used to calculate
the bit pressure loss. The right-hand section
of the work graph provides a scale for plotting
system pressure loss as a function of circula-
tion rate. The equation for pressure loss in a
pipe for Bingham plastics in turbulent flow is
2 A NEW PRACTICAL APPROACH TO ROTARY DRILLING HYDRAULICS SPE 3530

of the form p = aqb, which is a log-log equatior in parallel, multiply this number by 2 (i.e.,
(P= pressure 10SS and q= circdation rate). 2x410 = 820 GFll).
It follows that the summation of pressure losses
will also yield a log-log equation. Therefore Step 2. Draw a horizontal line on the q
a plot of p vs q should be a straight lfne on scale of the work raph at a value of 820 GPM
log-log paper. On this assumption,the work and label it ~m ?Graph 3).
graph was initially prepared, tilu
‘-2 LieLu
““-’A GACWpJ.GZ
‘-””--’””
were solved. The results were remarkably accu-
rate. The following is an outline of the pro-
cedure for constructingthe basic work graph ark
~~~~ f~~~~ ~r@@~~e Step 4. Draw a line on Gr~h reconnecting
the values of Vmti= 120 and (d{- d$ipe) = 77
The work graph establishesthe limits of a and obtain ~ = 3$0.
hydraulics program: mainly, circulationrate,
system pressure 10SS, and bit pressure loss. Step 5. Draw a horizontal lfne on the q
There are only two limitationsthat must be scale of the work raph at a value of 380 GPM
placed on the circulationrate in any hydraulic and label it ~ ?Graph 3).
program. These are (1) the maximum circulation
rate that the mud pumps will produce at a given Step 6. Obtti values of the p~ys and pbil
pressure and (2) the circulationrate that will. lties from Table 1.
produce a predeterminedminimum annular veloc-
%ys
= 0.52 x3000 = 1,560 psi
ity. The only pressure limitation in any hy- = 0.48 x3oOO = 1,440 psi
draulic program is the maximum operating stand- pbit
pipe pressure, which is usually governed by the
Step ?. Construct a vertical he on the
drilling contractor and depends primarily on th(
%ys scale at a vslue of 1,560 psi snd label it
size liners in the mud pumps.
%ys (Graph 3).
Preparation of the work graph involves the
Step 8. Construct a horizontal line on thl
constructionof fom lines. l%ese lines are a
Pbit scsle at a value of l,MO psi and label it
%lSxlin% a %in lfief a Psys line and a pbit (Graph 3).
line. The value of the MU lfie is obtained ‘bit
from Graph LA or lB. The value of the ~ lin~
Step 9. Using Graph lB, obtain the circu-
is obtained from Graph 2. The values of the
lation rate at each SPM reading (Table 2, Columr
Psys m ~it lines are obtained from Table 1.
2).
The constructionand use of this simplified
work graph is best illustratedby the following Step 10. Enter the left-hand side of Grapt
3 at each of these circulationrates (Table 2,
examples using field data.
Column 2), move horizontallyto the 10.3-ppg mui
ltie, vertically up to the nozzle combinationof
Example 1
the bit in the hole (3-11/32)and horizontally
to the left to the ~it scale. Record the
Given: TWO D-1650 pLMlpSwith 6-3/4-in.
liners and 18-in. stroke operation in parallel. values (Table 2, Column 4).
Step 11. Obtain the vakes Of pst - Pbit
Qnax = 3,000 psi
mud weight = 10.3 p g at each circulationrate and record these (Tabl~
nozzles in bit in the hole = 3-1132
7 2, column 5).
hole size = 9-7/8 in.
drill-pipe size = L& in. Step 12. Plot circulationrate vs psys
-.
v. 120 ft/mti for each SM reading on Graph 3.
maximum SPM = 45 s@PmP
Step 13. From the intersectionof this
Problem: Select nozzle sizes to provide plotted ltie with the psy line, move horizon-
for maximum impact force. tally to the left to the $0.3-ppg mud weight
line, then vertically Up tO the pbit line _
Solution: Before slugging the pipe, circu- read >1~/32 and l-15~32 on the nozzle size
late at three different strokes per minute and, scale.
after the stsndpipe gauge has stabilized,re-
cord the standpipe readings at each rate. The next bit to be run would require
(Table 2). 2-14/32 and l-lIj/32nozzles.

Step 1. Enter Graph lB at 45 SW, move Example 2

horizontallyto the right to the 6-3/4-in. line
and vertically down to 4.10GPM. For two pumps Given: TWO D-1650 PUMPS with 6-3/4-iL
cum QK’2n KENNETH
liners and 18-in strokes operating in parallel.
Pmu = 3,500 psi
mud weight = 10.3 p g
nozzles in bit in hole = 3-11 32 in.
hole size = 9-7 r 8 in.
drill pipe size = ,,#J~:7 ~
Vmti . Uu Lu/lllu.
mtium SFM = 45 m’!
Problem: Select nozzle combinationfor
maximum hydraulic horsepower.
Solution: Obtain pst at three different
SPM (Table 2).
Step 1. Enter Graph lB at 45 SFM, move
horizontallyto the right to the 6-3/4-in. line
and vertically down to 410 GPM and multiply x 2
for 2 pumps (2 x 4.10= 820 GFM).
Step 2. Draw a horizontal.line on the q
scale of the work raph at a value of 820 GPM
and label it ~a ?Graph 4).
Obtain the value of d? - d~ipe
(9.8’%X52) =77.
Step 4. Draw a line on Gr h 2 connecting
the values of v~ = 110 and (d?- d~ipe) = 77
and read ~ = 345 GFTL
Step 5. Draw a horizontal line on the q
scale of the work raph at a value of 345 GPM
and label it WM ?Graph 4)o
Step 6. Obtain vslues of the p~ys and Phi,
lines from Table 1.
= 0.33 x3500 = 1,155 psi
p Sys
.pb~~= 0.67 x3500 = 2,345 psi
Step 7. Construct a vertical line on the
%ys scale at a value of 1,155 psi and label it
%ys (Graph 4).
Step 8. Construct a horizontal line on th
‘bit scale at a value of 2t345 psi and label it
%it (Graph 4).
Step 9. Using Graph lB obtain the circu-
lation rate at each SFM reading (Table 2,
column 2)0
Step 100 Enter the left-hand side of Grap
4 at each of these circulationrakes (Table ~,
Column 2), move horizontallyto the 10.3 ppg mu
line, vertically up to the nozzle combinationo.
the bit in the hole (3-11/32)and horizontally
to the left to the hi scale. Record these
values of hit (Table ~, column 4).
Step 11. Obtain the VdUeS of p~t - pb”t
at each circulationrate and record these value (Graph 6).
(Table 2, Column 5).
F. SCOTT 3
Step 12. Plot circulationrate vs psys
for each SPM reading on Graph 4.
Step 13. ‘Fromthe intersectionof this
plotted line with the pays line move horizon-
tally to the left to the 10.3 ppg mud line, ther
vertically up to the ~it’ line and read 2-11/32
and 1-12,/32on the nozzle size scale.
The next bit to be run would require 2-
11/32 and 1-12/32 nozzles.
Example 3
Given: Same data and problem as in Examplf
1, except the standpipe pressure readings at thf
same strokes per minute are as listed in Table
3.
We find in this case that the plotted line
does not intersect the p~ s ltie (Graph 5). l%t
following is the procedur$ for obtaining the
nozzle combinationfor the next bit run.
Steps 1 through 12 are the same as in
Example 1 with the plotted data recorded in
Table 3.
Step 13. Starting from the titersectiono~
the plotted line with the mu line, move
vertically down to the p~ys scsle. Psys = 1,04(
psi (Graph 5).
Step 15. Starting from ~m, move hori-
zontally to the 10.3-ppg mud weight line, then
move vertically up to the . line = 1,960 PSi
? %
and read the nozzle combina (2-16/32, 1-
15/32) (Graph 5).
Thenexb bit would require 2-16/32, 1-15/3;
nozzles.
Example4
Given: Same data and problem as in Examplf
1 except the standpipe pressure readings at the
same circulationrates are as listed in Table 4,
The following is the procedure for obtsin-
ing the nozzle combinationsfor the next bit
run. This procedure is similar to that used in
Example 3.
Steps 1 through 12 are the same as in Exam-
ple 1 with the plotted data recorded in Table 4,
Step 13. Starttig from the intersectiono~
the plotted line with the ~ti line, move verti.
tally down to the psy~ scale. Psys = 1,675 psi
 A
-- NEW PRACTICAL APPROACH TO ROTARY DRILLING HYDRAULICS
Step 14. Subtract this value of p~ ~ from
Pm (3000 - 1675 = 1,325 psi). This vd ue will
be%e new hit value.
Step 15. Starting from ~, move hori-
zontally to the 10.3-ppg mud weight line, then
move vertically up to the value of ~“ = 1,325 Psys = system pressure loss (i.e., total Of
psi, and read the nozzle combination&12/32)
(Graph 6).
The next bit would require 3-12/32-in.
nozzles.
CONCLUSION
Because mud properties vary with tempera-
ture and pressure, we have no accurate method
of obtaining values of plastic viscosity and
jdidd pGLit. at bd’hfi=kh CCXditAXE.
Readings from a rheometer approximatedown-hole
mud properties at best. Because these param-
eters are necessary for calculationof friction- AcKNOWLEDGMENT
al losses in the drillstem, we often find that
our jet designs are unsatisfactory. This
approach elimhates the error in friction-loss
calculationsdue to poor vslues of mud param-
eters. The vslues of friction losses are actual
measurements snd provide exbremely good bit
hydraulics.
Optimum bit hydraulics are essential for
maximum penetration rates under all circum-
stances. A simple, practical, yet accurate
method which involves a minimum of calculations
is necessary in order that all drilling super-
visors may design bit hydraulics in a minimum
amount of time. It is with this intent that
this paper is presented.
SPE 3530
NOMENCLATURE
Pm= = maximum operating standpipepressure
Pst = standpipe pressure (as read from the
standpipepressure-gauge)
~it . pressure loss across the bit
pressure losses through the drill
pipe, drill collars, drill collar
annulus, drill pipe annulus, and sur-
face equipment)(doesnot include Pbit)
popt = value of psys for maximum hydraulic
horsepower, impact, or jet velocity
v~ = minimum annular velocity for cuttings
removal
~= = maximum circulationrate that the pumps
will produce at ~
*. circulationrate tha~will produce V~
dh = hoie diameter, in.
‘pipe = drill pipe OD, in.
The author expresses his thanks to the
management of Chevron Oil Co. for permission to
write this paper. Also, he wishes to thank his
immediate supervisors,close personal friends,
and family for their encouragement.
FWFERENCES
1. Bobo, Roy A.: l!~e Application of Hydrau-
lics to Rot Drilling Rigs”, API Paper
926-$-H (1963
7 .
2. Kendall, H. A. and Goins, W. C., Jr.:
‘T)esignand Operation of Jet-Bit Progrsms
for Maximum Hydraulic Horsepower, Impact
Force or Jet Velocity”, Tra&., A~- (1960)
s ~~ 23*2500 —
. Kelly, J. L., Jr.: “New Chart - Worksheet
SimplifiesDrilling Hydraulics”,Oil and
Gas J. (JulY 2, 1962).
 TABLE 1 - PRESSURE VALUES FOR MAXIMIZING BIT HORSEPOWER, IMPACT FORCE AND
JET VELOCITY

~ JmDact Force Jet velocity (Circ. at q

P opt = Psys = .33 Pma~ Popt = PSYS = .52 Pmx Popt = Psys = Psys at qmin

pbit = .67 pmx ‘bit = .48 p-x pbit = Pmx - Psys

TABLE 2

SEE SLu?a Pst pbit @I&

25 230 1100 620 480

31 283 1600 960 640

41 375 2600 1700 900

TABLE 3

a (GPM) &
h 2UZ
25 230 950 650 300

31 283 1350 980 370

41 375 2200 1700 500

TABLE 4
~ &f!WQ. ~
EiLuL h
25 23o 1480 640 840

31 283 2080 980 1100

41 375 3300 1700 1600

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--8
 I 000
900
800
700
600

500

400 q
z
300 $
u

200

100
.. —
PSYS(Psi)
Graph 3

I 000
900
eoo
700
600

500

400

300

200

100

Graph b
 700
600

500

400 ~
n
300 s
w

200

100

Psys (Psi)
Graph 5

ii)
L
.=
n
n

I 000
900
800
700
600

500

400 ~
n.
300 g
v

200

I 00

PSYS (PSI)

Graph 6