SPE 162970

Hydraulics Optimization For Efficient Hole Cleaning in Deviated and

Horizontal Wells
Ogunrinde J.O, SPE and Dosunmu A. SPE; Department of Petroleum & Gas Engineering, University of
Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2012 SPE Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition held in Abuja, Nigeria, 6-8 August 2012.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper
have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of
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conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Finally, the developed model is validated using field

Abstract data and graphs showing how the penetration rate
Efficient cuttings transport and hole cleaning is a increases as cuttings concentration in the annulus
very important factor that must be considered during reduces thereby optimizing drilling operations.
drilling operations. In inclined and horizontal
drilling, hole cleaning is a common issue since there Introduction
is high tendency for formation of cuttings bed in the The world’s energy demand continues to increase,
hole which can lead to several complex problems.
more extended reach wells, ultra deep and highly
The optimization of cuttings transport depends on so
many factors like hole angle, cutting size, drill string deviated wells are being drilled to meet this energy
rotation, drill pipe eccentricity, bit hydraulics etc. demand. However, one of the biggest challenges in

This paper is designed to examine critical factors
that affect the efficient cleaning/transport of cuttings
and bit hydraulics in inclined wells with a view to
understanding how to minimize drilling difficulties
thereby reducing non producing time (NPT) during
drilling operations.
The developed model ensures proper hole cleaning in
the critical hole angle (between 45o and 60o) as well
as horizontal wells and determining the optimum
flowrate and rate of penetration (ROP) that will
ensure successful drilling. The model also helps to
save time wasted when we encounter problems of
high concentrations of cuttings which causes high
Equivalent circulation density (ECD) that can result
in lost circulation problem amongst others.
highly deviated and extended reach wells is the
problem of hole cleaning during drilling. Poor hole
cleaning can result to a number of drilling problems
including: stuck pipe, possible hole pack-off,
excessive ECD, formation break down and cuttings
accumulation.
The key to a successful hole cleaning relies upon
integrating optimum drilling fluid properties with
best drilling practices. In the fields, charts have been
developed which can be used to predict hole cleaning
in wells with deviation greater than 25 degrees.
Previously, hole cleaning in vertical and near vertical
2 SPE 162970
wells have been predicted by calculating the carrying
capacity index (CCI) but this work proposes new
means of predicting hole cleaning in highly deviated
wells using a proposed model.
In rotary drilling operations, both the fluid and the
rock fragments are moving and the situation is
complicated further by the fact that the fluid velocity
varies from zero at the wall to a maximum at the
center of the pipe. In addition, the rotation of the drill
string impacts centrifugal force on the rock
fragments, which affect their relative location in the
annulus. Because of the extreme complexity of this
flow behaviour, drilling personnel have relied
primarily on observation and experience for
determining the lifting ability of the drilling fluid. In
practice, either the flow rate or effective viscosity of
the fluid is increased if problems related to inefficient
cuttings removal are encountered. Therefore
increasing the mud viscosity or flow rate can be
detrimental to the cleaning action beneath the bit and
cause a reduction in the penetration rate. Thus, there
may be a considerable economic penalty associated
with the use of a higher flow rate or mud viscosity
than necessary.
Stuck pipe problems are one of the major causes of
lost time during drilling operations and it cost over
hundred million dollars worldwide. The possible
reasons for stuck pipe problems include; formation
related problems (such as unconsolidated, fractured,
reactive, mobile and geopressured formations),
mechanical problems (due to wellbore geometry,
undergauge hole, poor hole cleaning, key seating,
collapsed casing, junk, or cement related) and
differential sticking. This poor hole cleaning problem
has led to over 70% lost time in oil and gas drilling
operation.
A large percentage of stuck pipe issues are caused by
insufficient cuttings transport which lead to
premature bit wear, slow drilling rate, formation
fracture, high torque and drag, and well bore steering
problems. Non-conventional drilling practices, such
as directional, horizontal and extended reach drilling,
have also made cuttings transport become an
increasing problem. If the situation is not handled
properly, the problem can lead to sidetracking or loss
of the well. Several field studies have documented
that hole cleaning is a frequently occurring problem
that has to be watched carefully. Persisting cuttings
transport difficulties in the field and many studies
with large-scale wellbore simulators have proven that
cuttings transport in highly inclined wellbores is a
complex problem. The occurrence of these problems
can be reduced by a combination of training, better
guidelines and better predictive tools.
SCOPE OF STUDY
The scope of this study will include;
i. Use correct mathematical correlations to
develop a model that could be used for
efficient hole cleaning optimization study.
ii. Data collection and application for the
effective study.
iii. Evaluation of the drilling performance as a
result of effective cuttings removal.
iv. Determine the best wellbore cleaning
operational parameters for improving
future drilling performance.
 SPE 162970
STATEMENTS OF PROBLEM
This study is carried out in order to proffer
solution to the problems itemize below. They
include;
i. Inaccurate predictions and
interpretation of existing cuttings transport
models.
ii. Predictions when modeling a wide range of
wellbore hole conditions lead to inefficient
hole cleaning.
iii. Persisting complexity of cuttings transport
difficulties in highly inclined wells.
iv. Under designed well hydraulics has
led to numerous poor bottom hole cleaning
in drilling operations.
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
The objective of this research study is to create a
methodology which would achieve the following:
 Improve the prediction and
characterization of cuttings transport of
drilling fluids in deviated and horizontal
wells by using accurate
mathematical correlations.
 Develop a predictive tool for better
and more efficient cuttings transport
and hole cleaning.
 Looking at the various variables that
affect the efficiency of cuttings transport
and how they can be used to optimize wellbore
cleaning operations.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Poor hole cleaning can lead to pipe sticking, higher
drag and torque, slower rate of penetration as well as
formation fractures problems and an estimate of over
one-third of stuck pipe problems are due to
3
inadequate hole cleaning. Azar and Sanchez (1997)
presented a comprehensive review of the factors that
affect cuttings transport and listed drilling fluid
rheology, flow rate, annular eccentricity, drill string
rotation and drilling rate as the most important ones.
Large-scale cuttings transport studies in inclined
wellbores were initiated at the Tulsa University
Drilling Research Projects (TUDRP) about two
decades ago with the support of a few major oil and
service companies. The factors on which cuttings
transport depend on include; (1) angles of inclination
between vertical and horizontal, (2) mud pumping
flow rate, (3) drilling rate, and (4) drill-pipe rotation
and eccentricity. Past results have revealed the
marked difference between the cuttings transport in
inclined wellbores and that of vertical wellbores. A
cuttings bed was observed to form at inclination
angles of more than 35° from vertical, and this bed
could slide back down for angles up to 50°.
Also, Mud velocities in the range of 3 to 4 ft/s were
found necessary for high angles with no pipe rotation
compared with the 1 to 2 ft/s normally used for
vertical drilling. Eccentricity, created by the drill pipe
lying on the low side of the annulus, was found to
worsen the situation. Analysis of annular fluid flow
showed that eccentricity diverts most of the mud flow
away from the low side of the annulus, where the
cuttings tend to settle to the more open area above
the drill pipe.
Drilling for Oil and Gas has reached the stage where
it is more economical to drill a horizontal well to
exploit reservoirs on the periphery of existing
developments. The initial response to this need for
horizontal drilling was to install top drives, upgrade
the mechanical integrity of the drill string, and
4 SPE 162970
introduce larger outside diameter drill pipe with
better materials and stronger connections. These
improvements have been integrated into well design
and now the limits are the amount of rotary torque
and hydraulic power available to rotate the drill
string and circulate sufficient drilling fluid to clean
the well.
Williams and Bruce (1951); recognized the need for
establishing the minimum annular velocity required
to lift the cuttings and reported the results of
extensive laboratory and field measurements on mud
carrying capacity. Before they carried out the study,
the minimum annular velocity generally used in
practice was about 200ft/min but as a result of their
work, a value of about 100ft/min gradually was
accepted.
Lummus (1969); in his study mentioned that mud and
hydraulics are two of the most important factors
affecting the optimization of drilling operations.
Application of drilling optimization could be possible
when the capability of the rig is enough to provide
adequate hydraulics. Rig is capable to provide
necessary string rotation and with the bottom hole
assembly, enough weight to the bit. Also the mud
handling equipment should have enough power to
respond to the requirements.
Iyoho (1981); presented some extensive experimental
results on the cuttings transport performances in
directional wells and he found that the major factors
affecting cuttings transport are drilling fluid velocity,
inclination angle, drilling fluid viscosity and drilling
rate. Specifically, it was observed that the increase of
hole angle or drilling rate had negative effect on
cuttings transport, while higher drilling fluid
viscosity was more favourable than the lower drilling
fluid viscosity for cuttings transport within the same
flow regime. Annular eccentricity had moderate
effect hole cleaning, although the concentric annulus
provided the best transport performance. Larsen
(1997) confirmed Iyoho’s results by concluding that
the angle of inclination and drilling fluid flow rate
had the most significant effect on hole cleaning.
Dosunmu (1990) carried out an experiment on the
analysis of drilling particle dynamics and
determination of minimum annular requirements in
direction wells. His work shows that feed
concentration, angle of inclination, drilled-pipe
rotation as well as yield value were found to have
strong effects on the efficiency of particle transport
and therefore hole cleaning. He also derived
equations for the annular velocity required for
particle segregation and the onset of bed formation.
The semi-empirical relationships therefore give
useful predictive models for the analysis of the
transport of drilled particles in the inclined well bore
and an early warning about potential hole problems.
It was found that the mud rheology was critical in the
drilling of directional wells as well as drill pipe
rotation having significant effect on the efficiency of
particle transport in inclined well bore.
Ford et al. (1990) carried out an experimental study
of drilled cuttings transport in inclined boreholes and
found that cuttings were removed by two distinct
mechanisms including rolling/sliding and transport in
suspension. Seven slurry flow patterns were observed
including homogeneous suspension, heterogeneous
suspension, suspension/saltation, sand cluster,
separated moving bed (dunes), continuous moving
bed and stationary bed. Experimental results showed
that the minimum transport velocities (MTV)
SPE 162970
corresponding to the two transport mechanisms were
influenced by a variety of variables such as hole
angle, fluid viscosity, inner pipe rotation and cuttings
size. Ford et al. (1990) also developed
mathematical model to predict the minimum transport
velocity (MTV).
Cho et al. (2002) proposed a three-layer model for
predicting the cuttings transportability when drilling
a deviated well with coiled tubing. The three layers
considered in the model included stationary bed at
the bottom, a moving bed in the middle, and a
heterogeneous suspension layer at the top. Cho et al
(2002) recommended that drilling fluid velocity of
1.0 ft/s to 1.2 ft/s should be maintained to drill a well
having a long horizontal section.
Most of the existing models did not consider the slip
velocity between solids and drilling fluids. In some
cases, they simply neglected the slip velocity and
treated the flow of liquid-solids mixture
homogeneous flow while others simply assumed the
slip velocity is equal to the solids terminal settling
velocity. Steady state transport of cuttings is the
major assumption inherent in all of the previous
cuttings transport models. Therefore, transient nature
of the cuttings transport cannot be studied adequately
by using previous models. As the drilling goes on,
cuttings are continuously deposited along the
horizontal wellbore. There is a critical limit for
cuttings bed height above which drilling operation
exhibits high risk of operational integrity, such as
risk of lost circulation due to high ECD, increased
probability of pipe sticking, high drag and torque.
The common practice is to stop drilling occasionally,
clean the borehole by using viscous pills, pipe
rotation and drilling fluid circulation. It is very
5
critical to be able to predict after how many hours of
operation, therefore drilling should be stopped and
remedial wellbore cleaning actions be resumed. A
a transient cuttings transport model is therefore needed
for better design of drilling hydraulics, in particular
for drilling long horizontal sections of the wellbore
and extended reach (ERD) wells.
In this study a 1-D, transient, mechanistic model of
cuttings transport with conventional (incompressible)
drilling fluids in horizontal wells has been developed.
The model is numerically solved for prediction of
cuttings bed as a function of various drilling
operational parameters.
Ozbayoglu et al (2003); proposed a work on cuttings
transport with foam in horizontal and highly-inclined
wells. The work was analyzed using the principles of
mass and momentum conservation, a model
consisting of three layers was presented. A computer
simulator was developed to solve simultaneously the
as system of equations for flow velocities, cuttings bed
height, slip velocity, the in-situ concentration of
cuttings and pressure drop. A broad range of annular
velocities and cuttings injection rates was
investigated using foam qualities of 70% to 90%.
Results from the experiments are presented in the
form of graphs showing the cuttings bed cross-
sectional area and pressure losses vs. Foam flow rate.
In all experiments, the foam behaved as a pseudo-
plastic fluid; foam qualities of 80% and 90%
exhibited noticeable wall slip. At a given flow rate
and rate of penetration, bed thickness increases with
an increase in foam quality.
Zhou (2006); carried out a work on the use of aerated
non-Newtonian fluid in an inclined wellbore section
to study hole cleaning problem while drilling
6 SPE 162970
underbalanced well. The new mechanistic model for
cuttings transport was developed by combining two-
phase hydraulics equation, turbulent boundary layer
theory and particle transport mechanism. It was
shown that the model is useful for predicting
minimum annular velocity and cuttings bed thickness
in horizontal and inclined wellbore geometry. Effects
of temperature, bottom hole pressure, liquid flow
rate, gas injection rate, cuttings size and density,
inclination angle and rheological properties of
drilling mud on hole cleaning are analyzed using this
mechanistic model and it is validated using
experimental data. However, during underbalanced
drilling, increase of liquid phase fraction may not
always be feasible while trying to keep low ECD.
Meanwhile, Injection of gas has positive effects on
cuttings transportation depending on the flow
patterns and drilling viscosity. Elevated temperature
causes a significant increase of bed thickness, and it
is important to recognize this negative effect,
especially when drilling HTHP wells. The effect of
pressure on cuttings concentration is negative. Larger
size and heavier cuttings make hole cleaning more
difficult and require higher pump rate for low
viscosity fluids. Increases of liquid phase density
results in better hole cleaning. The range of hole
o o
angles from about 35 – 60 (from vertical) is the
most difficult for cuttings transport. Frictional
pressure losses in a deviated wellbore highly depend
on cuttings bed thickness.
Wang et al (2010); carried out a work based on solid-
liquid flow mechanics, considering actions between
the layers, slip between solid and liquid phase,
rotation of drill pipe, and a three layer dynamic
cutting transport model was developed. Staggered
mesh and stability enhancing two step methods were
adopted for the simulation. The influence factors of
the thickness of cuttings bed were analyzed; ECD
with variable cutting bed can be accurately predicted,
by comparing the measured ECD with the theoretical
value. The thickness of cuttings bed can be
monitored, and the technique has been successfully
used in the oil field of South China Sea. The research
results show that high angle hole segment is the most
difficult segment for cutting transport. The pump
cannot reach the minimum flow rate for keeping the
hole cleaning. Low viscosity drilling fluid, high flow
rate and drill pipe rotation should be adopted, and
when the thickness of cutting bed exceeds 10%,
flushing method must be used to remove the cuttings;
the recommended flushing period is 150m. By this
model, the dynamic process of cutting transport
during drilling and flushing can be simulated.
Mohammadsalem et al (2011); presented a paper on
the combination of Larsen’s model and Moore’s
correlation to predict and calculate the minimum
flow rate for cuttings removal for all range of
inclinations namely from 0o to 90o. The resultant
flow rate is compared with flow rate for cuttings
removal that maximizes the bit horsepower or bit jet
impact force. If the flow rate for cuttings removal is
less than the optimized flow rate, then drilling fluid
rheological properties should be changed until the
optimized flow rate becomes higher than the flow
rate for cuttings removal.
METHODOLOGY
Optimal hole cleaning refers to the efficient removal
of drill cuttings during drilling operations. An
important term controlling the wellbore cleaning is
the cuttings transport in the annulus with the right
drilling fluid. An extensive sensitivity analysis,
SPE 162970 7

conducted on cuttings transport for the effects of

major drilling parameters in horizontal and highly
inclined wells, shows that average annular fluid
velocity is a dominating parameter on cuttings
transport, and the higher the flow rate the less the
cuttings bed development.
Drilling penetration rate and wellbore inclinations
beyond 70° did not have any effect on the thickness
of the cuttings bed development. Drilling fluid
density did have moderate effects on cuttings bed
development with a reduction in bed removal with
Figure 1: Key variables controlling cuttings transport
increased viscosities while increased eccentricity
(Rishi B, et al)
positively affected cuttings bed removal. The smaller
the cuttings, the difficult it is to remove the cuttings
The main characteristics of rotary drilling penetration
bed and it is therefore clear that turbulent flow is
performance is not only the fracture of the rock at the
better for bed development prevention.
bottom, but also the removal of the fractured cuttings
The most important considerations in order to have
from the rock face in an instant and efficient manner
an efficiently cuttings transported hole is to take into
to provide further fracturing and drilling progress.
account the factors listed below. They include:
1. Hole angle
It is reportedly known that time spent for the drilling
2. Fluid Velocity
of wells is composed by up to 30% “rotating time” of
3. Fluid Properties (rheological properties and
the total well construction time which can be reduced
density)
if there is proper hole cleaning.
4. Cuttings Size, shape, and concentration
5. Cutting transport ratio
DESIGN FOR EFFECTIVE HOLE CLEANIING
6. Rate of penetration (ROP)
The flow of cuttings in the annulus is a dynamic
9. Fluid flow regime (laminar or turbulent)
process subject to gravity force, buoyancy force,
These parameters all affect the removal of cuttings
drag, inertia and inter-particle contact. Drilling fluid
from the hole. Studies have been done to rank these
ensures the transport of cuttings from the bottom of
parameters in order of importance to hole cleaning
the hole through the annulus to the surface. When
during drilling.
drilling an inclined or horizontal well, there is
minimum flow rate required to transport cuttings to
the surface and keep the hole clean which is called
the critical flow-rate. If the flow rate used is
inadequate, cuttings will settle on the low side of the
hole and form a large stationary cutting bed which
8 SPE 162970

will give rise to a number of drilling problems such

as higher drag and torque, stuck pipe, differential
sticking and re-grinding of the cuttings which will all
lead to a reduced rate of penetration. Thus it is
crucial to determine the Critical Flow Rate (CFR)
when drilling an inclined well for determination of
optimum parameters. For angles less than 35° from
the vertical, minimal flow rates correspond to the
pump output at which the cuttings accumulation is Fig 2.0 Effect of Drill pipe movement on cuttings
5% or less by volume. For angles greater than 35°,
the critical flow rate is defined as the minimum
velocity required to maintain continuously upward
movement of the cuttings.
During hole cleaning operation in an inclined well,
the movement of cuttings could be divide into three
different sections based on experimental works
carried out by different researchers; this include;
 Vertical to near vertical section – 0o
– 30o Fig 3.0 Effect of drill string rotation on cuttings
transport in a wellbore
 Critical Section – 30o – 60o
When the rotational speed of the drill pipe is low or it
has stopped, the cuttings move to the low side of the
 Near horizontal to horizontal section
hole under the influence of gravity. Because of this,
– 60o – 90o
cuttings beds will build faster when drill pipe rotation
The region that is most problematic in terms of hole is not used. This shows why drill pipe rotation is an
o o
cleaning is the critical region (30 – 60 from the essential aid to hole cleaning.
vertical) the cuttings bed is unstable and sometimes
slide down toward the bottom hole. MODELLING CUTTINGS TRANSPORT
In order to lift drilling cuttings to the surface, the
DRILLPIPE ROTATIONAL MOVEMENT fluid must have an annular velocity Va greater than
The rotary action of the drillpipe agitates the mud in the slip velocity Vs of the cuttings. The cuttings have
such a way that it moves up the well in a spiraling a tendency to fall through the medium at a velocity
manner. called cuttings slip velocity. The average cuttings
transport velocity Vt is the difference between the
fluid annular velocity and the cutting slip velocity.
V t = Va – V s
(1.0)
SPE 162970 9

Vt V Evaluating pressure drop across bit nozzles

 1  s = 1 – Rt
Va Va From continuity equation, the flow rate through the
nozzle is;
(2.0)
Where Rt is the cuttings Transport ratio q  Va Aa  Vb Ab  Constan t
The slip velocity for an inclined well has two Where a = drill pipe, b = bit nozzles,
components namely the axial and the radial From conservation of energy principle, pressure drop
components. across the bit nozzle can be determined as;
Vsa = VsCosϴ V a2 Pa Vb2 Pb
  
(3.0) 2g  2g 
Vsr = Vs Sinϴ  V 2  Va2 
Pa  Pb   b  
(4.0)
 2g 
With the angle of inclination increasing, the axial
Assumption made for the equation above is that the
component of the slip velocity decreases reaching a
fluid is incompressible.
value of zero at the horizontal position while the
 = Fluid density, g = gravitational constant
radial component reaches its maximum value. With
P2  Pa  Pb 
 Vb2  Va2 
an increase in the angle of inclination, we can see 2g
that improving cuttings transport by a reduction in
Simplications introduced to the above equation
the slip velocity will have a diminishing effect. The
include;
annular fluid velocity has to be sufficient to avoid
i) Velocity inside the drillstring is
cutting settling and to transport cuttings to the
negligible compared to the nozzle
surface in reasonable time. In an inclined well, the
velocity.
radial component of the slip velocity increases with
inclination pushing the components towards the wall ii) Experimental measurement shows flow is
of the cuttings forming a cutting bed. Thus the not ideal, so we introduced a discharge
annular fluid velocity has to be sufficient to prevent coefficient Cd = 0.95
the formation of the cuttings bed.
Introducing the above elements and the
continuity relation, above equation for
HYDRAULICS OPTIMIZATION MODEL
pressure drop becomes;
DEVELOPMENT
2 gP2
Basis of the model is determining the optimal V n  0 .95

pressure drop across the bit, optimum jet impact
Since q = VA therefore, V = q/A
force at the bit that will optimize the flow rate for
2 gP
V 2
 2
hole cleaning. 
q2
 2 gP 2
A2  * 0 . 95 2
10 SPE 162970

 * q2 n = 1 (Bit hydraulics horsepower)

P2  2 2
2 gA * 0 . 95 n = 2 (Bit Jet impact force)

Also considering the jet impact force that will n = 4 (Optimum performance index for hole cleaning

produce for optimum fluid flow rate for efficient hole operation for this study)

cleaning in highly inclined wells;

RESULTS AND MODELS VALIDATION
Define a non-physical variable (n) so as to determine
In order to illustrate the application of the model
the jet impact force;
n
developed for the hole cleaning operation, data
F2  q 2
P2 (Defining equation criterion for obtained from a Niger Delta field is used for the
optimal flow rate for hole cleaning) analysis done below. The methods of application to
Where; n = Performance index field data are as follows:
Recall that P2 = P1 – P3 = P1 - Cqm i Use the data to obtain the optimum flow rate
Differentiating this function above and setting equal for effective hole cleaning in
to zero to get the optima; deviated and horizontal wells.
ii Using the data in table A1, Calculations of
d q 2 P2 
n

  the efficiency of transportation in the

 0
dq
inclined well bore and the minimum
Substitute P2 = P1 - Cqm
velocity at which the particles must be transported to
m
 nP1 avoid a build up can be computed.
C m  n 
q

substitute P3 = Cqm
EFFECT OF FLOW RATE ON HOLE
P1 n
P3 
m  n CLEANING BASED ON PROPOSED MODEL

P3 n To investigate the effect of flow rate on the cuttings


P1 m  n concentration in the well bore, a software program

 n  was developed to determine flow rate that will

P3  P1  
mn effectively remove the cuttings from the hole. The

Therefore for efficient hole cleaning in inclined and results are generated from data in table A1 as shown

horizontal wells (from case study); the proposed below:

optimum fluid flow rate will be determined with the Table 1: Comparism of Model Results with Field

equation shown below; Values

Drilling Actual Field Model
q m  4 P1
C m  4  Parameter Values Predicted
Where n = 4, m = 1.84 and C = (4.86 + Value
-5
0.00172D)*10 Flow rate 433gpm 600gpm
These values were determined from Niger field data Cutting 0.080 0.0019
used in the work. Concentration
Defining the various performance indexes (n):
SPE 162970 11

When the hole is cleaned at a flow rate of 433gpm, P3 4 4

= = = 0.685
we have cutting concentration of 8% which can cause P1 4m 4  1.84
problem in the hole. But at the model predicted flow
P3 = 0.52* P1 = 0.685 * 300 = 205.5 bar
rate of 600gpm we have cuttings concentration of
The graph shown below illustrates the curves of
0.19% which is quite good since we need some
parasitic pressure losses in a horizontal/long
cuttings in the hole to prevent hole erosion.
extended reach well of 4000m depth.
Table 2: Simulated Values of a horizontal well for
CASE STUDY I: SIMULATED DATA TO
analysis
VALIDATE MODEL
From simulation of a horizontal well at a depth of Parasitic Pressure loss
4000m, the total parasitic pressure loss in the well is (bar) Flow rate(L/min)
300 bars. 140 2000
The table of Parasitic pressure loss (bar) against Flow 150 2250
rate (L/min) is shown below. 170 2500
185 2720
CURRENTLY USED HYDRAULICS CRITERIA 218 3000
METHODS
230 3260
The total pressure in the well is 300 bars
240 3520
P1 is the total pressure in the well, P2 is the bit
pressure loss, and P3 is the parasitic pressure loss
i) For maximum hydraulics horsepower; the
parasitic pressure drop in the well is given
by;
P3 1 1
= = = 0.35
P1 1  m 1  1.84
P3 = 0.35*P1 = 0.35 * 300 = 105 bar
ii) For maximum jet impact force; the parasitic
pressure drop in the well is given by;
P3 2 2
= = = 0.52
P1 2m 2  1.84
P3 = 0.52* P1 = 0.52 * 300 = 156 bar
PROPOSED MODEL FOR HYDRAULICS
OPTIMIZATION Figure 4: Case study showing cutting carrying
The parasitic pressure loss in the well determined capacity determined by different hydraulic criteria
using the proposed model is given by;
12 SPE 162970

The graph above shows three pressure levels defining

the optimum conditions for the three hydraulic Drilling Actual Field Model
criteria. It can be observed that the maximum jet Parameter Values Predicted
impact force has an optimal flow rate of 2320 l/min Value
while the maximum hydraulic horse power has an Flow rate 533gpm 765gpm
optimal flow rate value of 1700 l/min. Also, shown
on the plot is a line at 2720 l/min which is the From the information above, the proposed model
minimum flow rate to ensure hole cleaning in this should be used to determine the flow rate required to
well. In this case, the flow rate given by the two achieve good hole cleaning at the depth (690m) at an
classical criteria will be insufficient to clean the well. inclined angle of 58o.
However, the proposed model has an optimal flow
rate of 3098 l/min which is sufficient in removing the EFFECTS OF FLOW RATE ON THE
cuttings from the hole to the surface. CUTTINGS CONCENTRATION
Table 3: Well A data for analysis Analysis carried out on an inclined well drilled to a
depth of about 10000ft (3000m) shows how the
Parameters Field Values cuttings concentration reduces as the flow rate
690m TVD (750m increases
Depth MD)
Inclination 58o
Surface pressure 3000 psi (207 bars)
ROP 30ft/hr
Drillpipe
diameter 5 in
Hole size 12.25 in
Drilling fluid
density 11 ppg
Cuttings Size 0.175 in
Cuttings Figure 5: Effect of Flow rate on the cuttings bed
Density 21.68 ppg height (cuttings conc.)

CASE STUDY II Figure 5 above shows that as the circulation rate

In order to achieve a good hole cleaning in Well A at
a depth of 690m, we consider the following values
shown below:
At this depth, the flow rate used for to clean the hole
was less than the required as shown below.
(Cuttings transport rate) increases, the concentration
of the cuttings in the wellbore decreases thereby
mimimizing problems in the wellbore. If there is
cuttings build up in the hole without a corresponding
 SPE 162970 13

increased mud flow rate to remove them as reduced. Also, turbulent flow is better for
experienced in preventing bed development in
inclined/horizontal wells.
the simulated well analyzed above, it could lead to ii. An increase in the performance index (n)
hole pipe sticking, drop in rate of penetration (ROP) increases fluid flow rate thereby decreasing
as well as increased Equivalent Circulating density the cuttings deposition in the hole.
(ECD) which could lead to lost circulation. iii. The Effect of high circulation rate on
cuttings removal in inclined/horizontal
EXPERIMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS TO wellbore is essential in ensuring optimum
VALIDATE MODEL hole cleaning which has been established.
At the flow rate of 40 ft/hr, the values generated from iv. The model developed will help to control
the experiment carried out shows consistency with the difficulty encountered in transporting
model predicts as shown below. cuttings in inclined and horizontal wells as a
Experimental Data: result of cuttings settlement due to gravity
and cuttings tendency to roll down to the
Cuttings Concentration (%) Flow rate (gpm)
bottom of the hole (Avalanching).
76 150 v. The developed model results were compared
with simulated and available experimental
58 250
data results and they show good
39 350 consistency.
vi. The determination of minimum annular
requirements will help to predict the flow
Model Predicted Data: rate (annular velocity) that will be needed to
ensure proper hole cleaning.
Cuttings Concentration (%) Flow rate (gpm)
vii. The higher values of annular velocity
74 150 required to keep all particles in suspension
70 175 call for higher pump pressures.
60 240
40 325 RECOMMENDATIONS
35 350
The purpose of this work was to mathematically
model the flow rate that will effectively remove
CONCLUSIONS
cuttings in inclined/horizontal wells to the surface.
Based on the analysis carried out using the developed
The following recommendations are made based on
model, the following conclusion can be drawn:
the finds in this work.
i. Fluid flow rate is the dominating parameter
i. The pumping pressure and surface facilities
on cutting bed development. As the flow
pressure rating must be considered to
rate is increased, bed development is
14 SPE 162970

achieve the optimized flow rate for hole A: Area between the annulus and the drill
pipe
cleaning in inclined and horizontal wells.
P a: Drill pipe Pressure
ii. Proper drill string design should be carried Pb: Bit pressure
P1: Pump Pressure
out in order to have the flow rate required to
P2: Pressure drop across the bit
clean inclined and horizontal wells since P3: Parasitic system pressure losses
they pose more difficulty than vertical wells.
iii. Competent and qualified personnel must be
Acknowledgments
on ground to monitor the hole cleaning
The authors wish to thank Department of Petroleum
operation.
& Gas Engineering, University of PortHarcourt for
iv. The bit and BHA assembly combination in
for granting the permission to publish this paper.
use must be properly selected for the
formation to be drilled. BIBLIOGRAPHY
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presented at the Fifth Latin American and Caribbean
correct mud with the right rheological
Petroleum Engineering Conference and Exhibition,
properties is used in the hole cleaning
Rio de Janeiro.
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Cho, H., Shah, S.N. and Osisanya, S.O. (June, 2002):
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“A Three Segment Hydraulic Model for Cuttings

Nomenclature Transport in Coiled Tubing Horizontal and Deviated

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Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
SPE 162970 15

Mohammadsalehi, M., Malekzadeh N. (September

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Table A1: Hydraulics Well parameters

Parameter Value
Measured 10,009ft
Depth/TVD
Drilled Interval 261ft
Inclination 58.95°
ROP 16.3ft/hr
ϴ600 52
Figure A2: Model Validation with experimental
ϴ300 34
Values
Plastic 16cp
Viscosity
Yield Point 18lbs/100ft2
Mud Density 10.10ppg
Jet Impact 204.7lbs
Force
Bit Size 8.5inches
Drill Pipe 5inches
Circulation rate 433gpm
Drilling Time 16hrs
Total Flow 1.534in2
Area
Jets 5*20
Bit HHSI 0.46hp/in2
Circulation 0.3hrs
Time
Lithology Shale