.

SPE/lADC
SPEIIADC 18635
Oil Mb Js in Large-Diameter, Highly Deviated Wells: Solving the
Cuttings Removal Problem
by M,H. Seeberger,

R.W. h4atlock, and P.M. Hanson, * M-1 Drilling Fluids Co.

SPE Member

Copyright 1989, SPE/lADC Drilling Conference

This paper was prepared for presanration at the 1989 SPE/lADC Drilling Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 28-March 3, 1989,
This pspe- waa selectad for preaentafion by a SPE/lADC Program Committee following raview of information contained Irr an abstract submitted by the author(e). Contents of the paper,
as presented, have not been rekiewed by the International Asaoclation of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Pstroleum Engineers and are subjeti to correction by the author(e).
The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any poaitlon of SPE or the IADC, ifs officere, or members. Papera presented at SPE/lADC meetings are subiact to publication
review by Editorial Committees of SPE and the IADC. Permiaaion to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illuatrationa may not be copied. The Sbatract should
contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper ia presented. Write Publications Manager, SPE, P.O. Sox 833336, Richardson, TX 750334W6. Telex, 730969 SPEDAL.

ABSTRACT
An investigation of hole cleaning in large
diameter, high angle holes by oil-base muds
is summarized. The theological requirements
which must be met tc, achieve efficient
discussed.
cuttings
removal
will
be
Laboratory and field results using an
additive which helps oil-base muds meet
these requirements are described.
INTRODU:-ION
This paper presents the results of a study
of the ability of oil-base muds to clean
large diameter, high angle holes. The study
showed conclusively that conventional oilbase muds are deficient in this respect.
result
of
their
This
failing
is
a
theological profile, and is independent of
their calculated yield point and plastic
viscosity.
A material that modifies this
profile
tested
successfully
in
the
laboratory and has been used on more than
Improved hole cleaning
forty wells.
resulted in each czse where this rheology
modifier was used.
The study arose out of a series of problems
encountered while drilling off the Texas
A development well was lost
Gulf Coast.
after drilling 3000 ft (914 m) of 12.25 in
hole at an inclination of 60 . The diesel
oil-base mud being3used in this well was an
11.0 ppg (1318 kg/m ), 80/20 oil-water ratio
fluid. The initial interpretation of the
References ar.dillustration
end of paper

problem was one of formation instability .lue

to borehole stresses.
A second well was
star ed with a mud weight of 12.5 ppg (1498
kg/m 5 ). A system to monitor the volume of
cuttings collected at the flow line was used
on this well.
After 500 ft (152 m), this monitoring system
confirmed that the volume of cuttings being
returned was less than the volume of hole
drilled. During the next 250 ft (76 m) the
yield point of the mud was raised and
improvement
in hole
with
no
lowered
Before hole problems became
cleaning.
severe, a decision to displace with polymer
Within two
water-base mud was made.
circulations the bulk of the missing oilbase cuttings had been recovered. The well
was then drilled to casing point with no
further problems.
The problems encountered in this area
prompted a review of experiences in other
wells having similar design in which oilThis review showed
base muds were used.
that despite the use of annular velocities
as high as 220 ft/min (1.12
points as highas 45 lb/100ftP:;2 g: #y:;:
cleaning problems were still encountered.
Following this review, an investigation to
identify the theological properties which
to efficient hole
are truly critical
At the same time, the
cleaning was made.
transport capability of water-base polymer
muds was compared to that of conventional
Product research lead to
oil-base muds.
development of the additive which provides
improved hole cleaning characteristics in
Laboratory evaluation of
oil-base muds.

at

161

Oil Muds in Large Diamete

this material under simulated downhole
conditions was verified by its subsequent
field performance.
BACKGROUND
Problems with oil base muds in large
have
been
wells
diameter,
deviated
In 1985 Nance
recognized for some time.
made the statement that toilmuds should not
be used in 12 inch or larger holes with 30
degree or more a gle unless no other options
T In a second paper Nance
are availablell.
and co-workers describe the results of using
oil-base mud in two deviated wells and
compare its performance to that of a waterbase mud us d to drill a similar well in the
same field.5 The first well was a 28 degree
offset in which symptoms of insufficient
hole cleaning were experienced, but were not
bafi enough to prevent the successful
In another 57
completion of the well.
degree well the same problems occurred to a
much greater extent.. In this case the
amount of cuttings returned at the shakers
was markedly lower than that observed in the
previous well.
The cuttings which were
small, sand size
being returned were
particles
indicating
significant
destruction and redrilling downhole.
As a comparison, the r,esultsof drilling an
adjacent 50 degree well with a lignosulfonate water base mud were discussed.
The lack of problems encountered in this
well prompted Nance to suggest that an oil
base mud having a given set of rheclogical
properties will be less able to transport
cuttings than a water base mud having
identical properties.
There are essentially two characteristics
of oil-base fluids whict. limit their
cuttings transport efficiency. First is the
significant thinning these systems undergo
with
temperature.
Second
is
their
inherently poor thixotropic properties.
These effects were documented as long ago
High temperature and
as 1963 .by Hiller.
pressure testing of diesel base muds showed
significant thinning at all shear rates with
increased temperature.
His test also
demonstrated
that
the
magnitude
of
temperature thinning was greater than that
viscosification
of
due
to
increasing
pressure. The introduction of low aromatic
mineral oils has aggravated this problem in
that the yield of most forms of organophilic
clay is significantly reduced in these base
fluids.

Highly Deviated Wells

SPE/IADC 18635

This is particularly important in terms of

dynamic hole cleaning since annular shear
rates in large diameter holes are relatively
low.
True low shear rate viscosities can
vary greatly from those predicted by the
yield point that is calculated from the 600
and 300 rpm V-G meter readings.
The
potential error introduced by using this
extrapolated yield point has been known for
some time. Politte warned against it in a
paper on the theological behavior of oil
base fluids as a function of temperature and
pressure.
When the VG meter was first introduced,
Savins and Roper noted that the yield point
value was meaningful only with fluids
showing Bingham plastic behavior.
Despite
the inaccuracy of using the extrapolated
yield point as an indicator of efficient
hole cleaning ability, many continue to do
In his paper Nance recommends the use
%yield points of 25 to 35 lb/100 ft2 (1217 Pa) to ensure proper hole cleaning. In
a 1986 paper Wilson and Willis report the
successful drilling of deviated wells in the
North Sea by preventing hole collapse due to
borehole stresses. While maintaining that
hole cleaning was not a problem in these
wells they did recommend the use of ~llll:s
having yield points of 20-30 lb/100 ft
14 Pa). It should be noted that raising the
yield point can have the effect of raising
the entire theological profile of the fluid.
The muds described in Wilsonts paper are
representative of this. While maintaining
yie14 points of 20-30 in his fluids, he also
reports V-G meter 3 rpm dial readings of
greater than 15. In this case raising the
yield poin+.had tt.eeffect.c]fimproving the
low shear rate properties as well. Indeed ,
our stutiiesindicated it is these low ~hear
which
are
rate
properties
more
represent.ativeof fluid behavior at annular
velocities.
cuttings
suspension
is
also
Static
important. The poor thixotropic properties
mentioned
were
invert
emulsions
of
previously.
The importance of thixotropy
becomes even greater in devizted well bores.
Here, geometry dictates that a cutting which
j.s not
suspended by
the
immediately
transporting medium will settle to the low
side of the annulus. The resulting cuttings
bed is symptomatic of insufficient hole
cl?aning.
~XPERIMENTAL
.- INVESTIGATI~S
FLOW LOOP STUDIRS

In addition to the temperature dependence

of the viscosity of these fluids, a
dependence on shear rate has been observed
Examination of many oil-base
as well.
fluids at constant tempe~ature and pressure
shows that they do not maintain Bingham
plastic behavior as shear late decreases.

The ability of fluids having elevated shear

stresses at I.OW shear rates to clean large
diameter wells has been demonstrated by the
performance of many water base polymer
systems. Such a case was mentioned in the
The question
introduction of this paper.

162

.
ml

IDc

18635

M.H. Seeberger. R.W.

atlock. P.M. Hanson

then is whether an oil-base fluid exhibiting

similar properties will in fact be able to
efficiently transport cuttings. This goes
back to the assertionby Nance that oil base
and water base fluids having equivalent
theologies will be dissimilar in this
respect.

moved as a unified mass rather than as

individual, fluidized particles.
Both
experimental and field observations indicate
that bed problems are likely to be most
severe at inclinations from 35 to 55
degrees. The measured angles of reQose for
the simulated cuttifigs used in this study
lie well within this range in both oil and
water-base fluids.
Bed formation may
account for the problems encountered while
tripping through this section of the wells
described by Wilson.

To test this, a comparison of two muds

having similar theological profiles was made
using a flow loop designed to study cuttings
transport under a variety of flow and
geometrical conditions.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

A description of the flow loop and the test

procedures used are given in the appendix.
The rheograms in Figure 1 show that at 100F
(38C) the theological profiles of the two
muds are very similar.
Note that the
viscosity of t-heoil-base fluid is slightly
lower than the water-base mud below 100 rpm.
Figure 2 is a plot of the moving cuttings
concentration in both fluids as function of
decreasing flow rate. Equivalent transport
efficiencies .,were observed at annular
velocities greater than 150 ft/min (0.76
Ill/s)
. Below this the performance of the
water base mud is slightly better than that
of the oil base. Conversion of this annular
velocity to an equivalent V-G metez rpm
gives a value of approximately 100 rpm.
Therefore,
this relative reduction in
cuttings carrying capability is predictedby
the rheogram of both fluids.

The discussion above has demonstrated the

need for developing oil-base muds which have
elevated viscosity at annular shear rates.
Additionally, such systems need to nossess
rapidly fo;rning gel- structures wh;ch can
prevent the rapid deposition of cuttings on
the
1Ow
side
of
inclined wellbores.
Ideally, the material which imparts these
properties to a fluid should do so without
affecting its high shear rate behavior. It
should also be able to maintain these
properties
at
conditions
of
downhole
temperature and pressure.
A particular
oligomeric fatty acid has been shown to be
such a material.
Laboratory studies showed that systems
treated with this material exhibit the kind
behavior
of
theological
desired
for
cleaning.
efficient
hole
Plastic
viscosities are unaffected by oligomer
additions. An example of such a system is
an 11.0 p~g mud ffirmulated with a low
aromatic mineral oil as a base. The fluid
had an oil/water ratio of 80/20 and was
bai.ltusing a standard commercial emulsifier
and wetting agent package.
The oligomer
treatment level was 4.0 ppb (11.4 kg/m3).
Table
2 lists the initial stabilized
properties of this mud and those found after
hot rolling the sample 18 hours at 300F
(149%),
The properties of the same fluid
conditicmed with organophilic clay to a
similar level are listed.

Figure 3 is a plot of the cuttings

concentration in both fluids as flow rate
is increased after a two hour settling time.
The same convergence of values at 150 ft/min
(0.76 m/s) is observed here as well. This
data strongly suggest that oil-base fluids
and
fluids
having
similar
water-base
theological properties will in fact have
similar cuttings transport abilities. The
data also demonstrates the dependence of
cuttings transport on fluid viscosity at
annular velocities. Since conventional oilbase fluids do not exhibit Bingham Plastic
behavior, the 600 and 300 rpm calculated
yield point is very limited in its ability
to predict these viscosities.
For fluids
measurement
of E muds
such as this, actual
low shear rate rheology is required before
accurate predictions can be made.

These results demonstrate the ability of the

o]igomer to provide low shear rate viscosity
and thixotropy. The heat aging results are
indicative of the temperature stability
found in these systems. The gel strengths
observed in muds treated with the oli~omer,
while rapid and high, are found to be flat
beyond
This
is
1.0 minute
(60 S).
demonstrated by the 30-minuke gel strength
recorded for the hot rolled oligomer treated
sample. Aftez this value was ~ecorded the
fluid was sheared for 30 seconds at 300 rpm
and the plastic viscosity anclyield point
rechecked.
Identical properties to those
observed befo~ e beginning gel strength
measurement were obtained.

CUTTINGS BED STABILITY

Studies of cuttjngs bed behavior using a
special
indicated
apparatus
that bed
stability
diffezepces may account for SCIIW
of the hole-cleaning problems experienced
with oil-base muds.
This device is
described in Appendjx I. Bed slide angles
and angles of repose were con~pa~ed for
several oij. and wate~-base fluids.
Data
listed in Tab1e 1 indicate that beds
deposited in an oil-base environmer,ttended
Also, they
to. slide at gentler angles.

163

a,.

. . . ..

.-

Y----

l-i

<.--A--

HIGH TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE TESTING

While the ability of a system to withstand
exposure
to
temperatures
is
elevated
important, the actual behavior of a fluid
equally
under
downhole
conditions
is
critical. To further study the stabilityof
oligomer treated systems under extreme
conditions, many tests on a Huxley-Bertram
high temperature and pressure viscometer
have been done. This rotational viscometer,
with operating ranges UP to 570F (299C)
and 15,000 psi (103 MPa), is invaluable in
the study of drilling fluids under actual
downhole conditions. A thorough description
of the instrument can be found & a 1984
paper by Bailey, Bern and McEwan.
Figure 4 is representative of the data
This ~ligomer
obtained on this device.
treated mud is a 10.2 ppg (1222 kg/m ) fluid
with an oil/water ratio of 50/50 and built
with a low aromatic mineral oil. The sample
was prepared by dilution of a field mud
foil wed by treatment with 2.0 ppb (5.7
kg/m9 ) of the oligomer. The field mud was
a conventionally viscosified organophilic
clay
treated
system.
This
figure
illustrates the ability of the oligomer to
improve the carryinG capacity of even these
inherently viscous fluids.
Of particular
importance is the ability of such muds to
retain these properties
at bottomhole
temperatures. This is in direct contrast
to the performance of the original field
mud, shown in Figure 5. comparison of the
figures also shows that increases in low
shear rate viscosity were achieved while
actually lowering the high shear rate
properties.
Extensive testing has shown
these muds to be extremely stable to
contamination with sea water and drill
sol ids.
WELLSITE MONITORING
The success of polymer water-base muds in
cleaning large diameter high angle holes is
due to their elevated low shear rate
theologies. An oil-base mud having similar
properties downhole will have this same
cuttings removal ability. Better indicators
than the calculated yield point for this
behavior are the V-G meter 3, 6 and 100 rpm
dial readings.
These values are more
indicative of the fluids actual viscosity at
annular velocities. The 3 rpm value is also
a good approximation of the instantaneous
static gel strength, and is therefore
representative of the fluids ability to
prevent cuttings deposition in the wellbore.
FIELD PERFORMANCE
Since its introduction to the field, the
oligomer has been used in over forty wells
world wide.
Both diesel and mineral oil-

,,

:-L-i..

m-

.-i-~-=

,i,

--l.-

C!.

base muds have been used with oil-water

ratios ranging from 50/50 to 90/10. In all
cases improved hole cleaning was achieved.
Alleviation of the problems caused by
improper hole cleaning has resulted in
reduced mud cost and drilling days in many
of these wells.
The results from three
specific cases are presented here.
CASE HISTORY I
Gulf of Mexico (Ship Shoal Area) :
Because of sticking tendencies and hole
packing off while drilling the exploratory
well
some
three
years
the
earlier,
development program was set up to drill a
10.625 in hole, with angles of 30 - 50,
out of 11.75 in casing set at 6,500 ft (1981
If the aforementioned problems were
m) .
encountered before the total depth of 14,500
ft (4420 m) MD was reached, a 7.625 in
contingency string would be run and a 6.5 in
hole drilled to total depth.
The first well, using a conventional oilbase mud system (organophilic clay for
viscosity) experienced both tight hole and
packing
tendencies
were
off
which
interpreted as a normal pressured sand
aggravated by a pressured shale requiring
mud weight to stabilize. The mud weight was
raised and the HTHP fluid loss was lowered
to less than 2.0 cc, yet the problems
With less than 1,000 ft (305 m)
persisted.
to total depth, drilling practices were
closely monitored, allowing the remaining
footage to be drilled and casing run.
The second well of the development program
retained the 10.625 in hole and the 7.625 in
contingency casing. The oligomer was added
to the system to increase low shear rate
values to insure proper hole cleaning and to
Positive results
increase injtial gels.
were seen immediately, eliminating virtually
all previous hole problems. An increase in
both cutting size and volume confirmed the
existence of cuttings bed and transport
Due to
problems on the previous well.
insufficie~t transport capacity and gel
strength, these larger cuttings had been
forming a bed. Bed instability on trips was
the
were
cxeating
problems
that
pressured
a
misinterpreted
as
shale/overbalance situation previously.
Table 3 illustrates the modifications made
to the theological profile of the system by
using the oligomer. Oil/water ratios were
maintained between 80/20 and 82/18.
The successful modification of the system on
well #2 was marked enough to redesign wells
#3 and #4. This included the elimination of
casing
and
7,625
in contingency
the
replacing the 10.625 in w!tb a 9.875 in open
hole. Mud cost were reduced by 20% (Fig. 6)
and days were reduced by 50% (Fig. 7).

,,
.-.

Matlock. P.M. Hanson

CASE HISTORY 11
North Sea:
Environmental considerations in the North
Sea have prompted the use of invert
emulsions having much higher water contents
than those Senerally used elsewhere. The
first North Sea trial of the oligomer was in
a system having an oil/water ratio of 50/50.
The trial was conducted on a two rig
development platform in the U.K. Sector of
The general program for
the North Sea.
wells in the project begins with the
drilling of a 17.5 in hole to approximately
5,000 ft (1524 m) MD using sea water. The
13.375 in casing is set and $he well
displaced with 9.7 ppg (1162 kg/m ), 50/50
oil/water ratio, mineral oil base mud. The
12.25 in hole is drilled to casing point
with
~1222the
kg,.l~ weight staying below 10.2 ppg
At this point 9.625 in casing
is s t, the mud weighted to 11.3 ppg (1354
kg/m 9
) and the well drilled to TD in an 8.5
in hole. After 7 in casing is cemented.,the
fluid
is
displaced
with
sea
~ater,
centrifuged back to 9.7 ppg (1162 kg/m ) and
reconditioned prior to use in the next well.
Well A
In the field trial, the operatoz opted to
substitute the oligomer for organophil.ic
clay normally used in the reconditioning
step. The well was a 39 offset with the
majority of the directional work having been
done in the 17.5 in interval.
Standard
fluid monitoring procedures on the project
called for recording of all six VG meter
readings at bcth 115F (46C) and 180F
(82C). To insure proper hole cleaning, the
operator required a minimum 6 rpm value of
15 at 115F (46C). Properties of the fluid
prior to ~econditioni
with .75 ppb (~. 3 kg/mW) %? t%;~$~??n~
.
ppb (2.9 kg/m ) lime are given in Table 4.
After two days of drilling a decision was
made to raise the minimum 6 rprl at l~5F
(46 ) to 20. An additiona10.5 ppb (1,4
kg/m $ ) of the oligomer and 0.5 ppb (1.4
kg/m3) lime were added to the system. Fluid
properties after this supplemental treatment
are given in Table 4, column 30
of
particular interest in these zesults is the
ability of the oligomer to raise the low
shear rate viscosity of the mud without
raising its plastic viscosity. No problems
were encountered in the drilling of this
well and total depth of 13,321 ft (4060 m)
MD was reached in 22 days.
Well B
Concurrent with the drilling of the trial
well (A) a 16,500 ft (5029 m) well (B) was
drilled by the second rig on the platform.
This was a 59 well. At 13,100 ft (3993 m)
MD a turbine run was begun for directional
reasons. Drilling 1,500 ft (457 m) with the

FL

turbine resulted in an extreme build up of

fine drilled solids causing a substantial
increase in the muds plastic viscosity. The
resulting elevated drill string pressure
losses
zeduced
the
maximum
possble
circulating rate to 550 gpm (35 dm 3/s)
thereby
creating
the
possibility
for
significant cuttings removal problems. With
the success of the oligomer in its trial on
Well A, it was decided to use the material
in this well. The plan called for adjusting
the oil/water ratio to a point at which a
mi imum circulating rate of 750 gpm (47
dm3 /s) could be maintained.
The oligomer
would then be added to re-establish adequate
low shear rate rheology. Due to the time
spent drilling at a reduced flow rate a
mir~imum 6 rpm value of 26 was decided on.
The thin fluid gen~rated by adjusting the
oil/water ratio to 57/43 was circulated at
a high enough flow rate to break up any
cuttings bed which may have been present.
The yud was then treated with 3.5 ppb (9.9
kg/m ) of the oligomer and the viscosified
fluid used to remove these cuttings from the
wel1.
Mud properties before the dilution
and after the final treatment are given in
Table 5. The procedure was successful and
the well was drilled to a total depth of
16,499 ft (5029 m) with no further problems.
The ability of the oligomer to raise the low
shear rate rheology of the mud without
raising its plastic viscosity was considered
by the operator to be a key in the
successful drilling of the well.
CASE HISTORY 111
Mobile Bay Area:
While cuttings transport and bed formation
were of minor concerns in this 30, 23,000
ft (7010 M) well, mud economics and optimum
hydraulics were.
Delamination of
the
organophilic clay began as temperatures
exceeded 350F (177C). This necessitated
daily treatments to maintain the desired
yield points, gel strengths and 3 rpm
values.
Treatments of organophilic clay
coupled with drill solids, and CaC12, flows
high
began to yield a fluid with extremely
plastic viscosities. The organophilic clay
was replaced with the oligomer to eliminate
the $..ntroductionof unneeded low gravity
solids . The increasing plastic viscosity
and decreasing low shear rate theologies
were stabilized and the well was drilled to
total depth with no problem at a bottom hole
temperature of 430F (221C).
Of primary interest was the muds ability to
shear
1Ow
rate
maintain
or
increase
viscosity under extreme temperature and
pressure without dramatically affecting the
high shear rate properties.

UIJ.MUU3

LI1

hdlt?~

CONCLUSIONS
1)

2)

The
theological
character
of
conventional ,
clay
organophilic
viscosified oil-base muds can limit
their cuttings transport efficiency
in large diameter, deviated wells.

Oil-base and water-base polymer fluids

having similar downhole theologies
will be equally efficient at cuttings
transport and removal.

4)

A particular oligomeric fatty acid

derivative has been shown to xaise the
low shear zate rheology and initial
gel strength of invert emulsions with
minimal increase in the high shear
rate rheology.
Field results obtained by using
oligomer treated fluids confirm the
performance observed in the lab. Over
forty wells have been successfully
drilled using the material in hole
sizes up to 12.25 in and angles up to
65 degrees. Bottomhole temperatures
of 430F (221C) at 23,000 ft (7010
m) have been encountered with no
indications of thermal instability.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Authors wish to thank the following for
the outstanding work they contributed to
this project. Mr. Larry Kocurek, who ran
all of the Huxley-Bertram HT-HP analyses on
these muds. Dr. Steven Rines, who did the
laboratory evaluation of the oligomer in
50/50 oil-base muds.
Finally, we would
especially like to thank the mud engineers
who have been maintaining these systems in
the field. It is their ability to apply new
concepts and materials which gives purpose
to work such as this.

Nance, W.B.: How to Select Oil Mud

Applications , Pet. Eng. Int. (Jan.
1984) 56, no.1, 30-38.

2.

Nance, W.B. et al:

A Comparative
Analysis of D=ng
Results Obtained
With Oil Mud vs. Water-Base Mud at
High Island Block A-270, paper
IADC/SPE 11357 presented at the 1983
Drilling Conference, New Orleans,
February 20-23.

wells

BYl$llALJG

.
l?3bA3

Hiller, K.H.: Theological Measurements

on Clay Suspensions and Drilling Fluids
at High Temperatures and Pressures, J.
Pet. Tech. (July 1963) 779-789.

4.

Politte, M.D.: Invert Oil Mud Rheology

as a Function of Temperature
and
Pressure,
paper
SPE/IADC
13458
presented
at
the
1985
Drilling
Conference, New Orleans, March 6-8.

5.

Savins, J.G. and Roper, w.F.:

A
Direct-indicating
Viscometer
for
Drilling Fluids,
Drill. and Prod.
Prac., ApI, (1954) 7-22.
-.

6.

Wilson,
R.oc. and
Willis,
D.N.:
IISuccessfulHigh Angle Drillin9 in the
Statfjord field,
paper SPE 15465
pres~nted at the 1986 Annual Conference
and Exhibition, New Orleans, October 58.

7.

Simpson, J.P. and Weintritt, D.J.: The

Prediction
and
Control
of
Mud
Performance in Deep Hot Wells. Drill.
and Prod. Prac., API, (1965) 98-107.

8.

Bailey, T.J., Bern, P.A. and McEwan, F.:

Downhole Theological Behaviour of LowToxicity Oil Muds, paper SPE 13001
presented at the 1984 European Petroleum
Conference, London, October 25-28.

APPENDIX
ERD FLOW LOOP FACILITY
Flow Loop Description:
The ERD F1OW Loop facility consists of two
separate test loops, as shown in Fig. A-1.
The first is a 15-foot (4.57 m) long,
straight annular section used for parametric
studies. The second is a flexible, variable
geometry flow loop used to compare hole
cleaning in different intervals of the same
directional well.
The two share the
following equipment:
Clear, cast acrylic tubing for
visual
measurements
and
observations.
Rugged centrifugal pump th t can
handle over 100 gpm (6.31 dm f/s) of
solids-laden drilling
fluid.
Turbulent flow is possible for
lower viscosity, unweighed fluids.
Magnetic (for water-base muds) and
mass
(for oil-base muds ) flow
meters for accurate flow rate
measurements.

REFERENCES
1.

wevlzicea

3.

The viscosity of a fluid at low shear

rates and its initial gel strength are
critical parameters indetermi~ing its
ability to clean a well. Monitoring
of low speed VG meter readings is
essential in predicting efficient
transport and suitable gel structure
formation.

3)

5)

llJJJ-I1l V

lJ12i111t!L~K.

Computer data acquisition system

and remote display.
Sensors are
available for rotary speed, flow
rate, pressure and torque.

166

PEfIADC 18635

M.H. Seeberger, R.V

Complete video data acquisition

system.
Electronically
controlled
match
cuttings
feeder
to
drilling conditions.
High-agitation, jet mixing pit.
Three-barrel mud pit.
The inner pipe (drill pipe) of the straight
flow loop can be rotated up to 110 rpm and
can be centered or placed eccentrically
inside the 4-inch outer tube (wellbore).
Simulated tool joints can be added as
desired. An electric winch is used to vary
the inclination from 35 to 90 degrees from
vertical.
The
flow
loop
is
variable
geometry
constructed with modular sections connected
by large diameter, flexible tubing. This
allows insertion of washouts, constricted
intervals, different wellbore diameters,
etc. Additionally, the individual sections
can be placed at angles from horizontal to
vertical in order to simulate almost any
directional-well profile. It is possible,
for example, to have in the flow loop at
the same time a vertical casing section,
build interval, washout, dogleg, 45-degree
interval and a horizontal interval. Drill
string rotation is not yet available on
this loop.

Matlock, P.M. Hanson

the next successive value and
sampling procedure is repeated.

This device consists of a 2-inch (5.08 cm.)

cast acrylic tube capped at both enGs and
mounted
on
a
attached
pivot.
An
inclinometer indicates the angle to which
the tube is inclined.
To measure slide angles in a given mud
sample, the tube is filled with mud
containing
the
desired
cuttings
concentration (usually 5% by volume). The
tube is agitated and then rotated to the
horizontal position to evenly distribute the
cuttings on the bottom of the tube. After
a predetermined settling period, the tube is
rotated until the bed slides.
The slide
angle is recorded when this occurs.
To measure angles of repose, the tube is
rotated to the vertical position. Plhen an
even distribution of cuttings is achieved
the tube is rotated to horizontal.
The
angle formed by the bed and the horizontal
plane is recorded as the angle of repose.

Flow Loop Study Test Procedure:

2.

3.

4*
5.

6.
7.

8.
9.

the

BED STABILITY / ANGLE OF REPOSE TESTER

The video system includes four color

cameras wth complete mixing and editing
capabilities on VI-ISand Super-VIiSformats.
Special techniques have been developed to
produce video tapes that are effective for
detailed analysis, and training/demonstration applications.

1.

Mud is circulated at an ZiIIrJUl?Jr

velocity of 200 ft/min (1.0 rf/s)
until the system reaches the desired
temperature of 100F (38C).
Cuttings are added at a rate of 60
lb/hr (27 kg/hr) until a total system
concentration of 5% by volume is
achieved.
When equilibrium is reached, a flow
line sample of approximately 2 liters
is
collected
to
determine
the
volumetric cuttings concentration.
The annular velocity is decreased.
When
a
new
equilibrium
is
established, the sampling procedure
is repeated for each successive flow
rate.
The pump is shut off.
hours
After
two
static
time,
circulation is started at the l,west
annular velocity tested, 100 fpm (0.5
m/s) .
A sample is collected as descrjbed in
step 3.
The annular velocity is increased to

167

TABLE 1
SLIDE AND REPOSE ANGLES
FIuld

TASLS 4

SIkte

Water
Gel Slurry
Diesel Oil
S5/15 Invert Emulalon
.

MUD PROPERTIES

FROM BED TESTS

INITIAL

Repcae
35
30-45
35
30-40

59
61
65
72

Farm rpm
600
300
200
100
6
3
Pv
YP
10.aec Gel
10-mln Gel

TABLE 2
PROPERTIES

OF 11.0 p~,

60/20 OUJWATER RATIO LABORATORY

4 ppb OLIGOMER
initial
HR @ 300 F
Farm rpm
600
300
200
100
6
3
:
Gels
Zero
1O-aec
1O-mln
30-min

66
40
30
22
12
11
;
11
16
18

ON NORTH SEA TRIAL WELL A

MUD

5@l ORGw@Hw
CtJw
Initial
HR @ 300 F

56
34
25
17
10
9
22
12

54

46

36
27
21
11
10
22
14

26
19
12
5
4
20
8

9
17
22
24

10
12
17

5
7
12

1s2
105
77
46
10
7
77
2s
11
20

OLIQOMER ADDED
0.75 ppb
1.25 ppb

175
107
so
6?

166
11s
93
64
21
16
6S
50
77
28

at6
10
611
39
12
22

Abova mud properties taken at 115F.

Pv
YP
10.sec Gel
10.mln Gel

39
21
s
14

44
17
7
12

;
9
15

Above mud properties taken at 180+.

TABLE 5

Mud propeflies taken a: 15@F.

MUD PROPERTIES

ON NORTH SSA TRtAL B

PRIOR TO DILUTION
Oil/Water Ratio
Clrculatlng Rata (gpm)

TABLE 3
SHIP SHOAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
OIL-BASE MUD PROPERTES I
Well Number
Mud Weight (ppg)
Pv
YP
3 rpm Reading
10.sec Gel
10-mln Gel

14.1
22
8
4
6
19

13.6
27
6
7
74
42

13.8
24
8
7
13
42

AFTER DILUTION

52/48

57143

542

770

>300
215
156
90
13
9

245
146
112
74
27
19
99
47

Farm rpm

4
13.6
27
16
10
16
42

600
300
200
100
6
3
Pv
YP

Mud propeiiies taken at 115%

o
0

ml

o
0
.
L-9

(Ubs001

/q]) lMJIPSeMuue~

169

,-

s?~ 1863-5

t
Conventional

300

Pressure

OBM

= 8000

Mud Weight

PSI

~ 10.2 ppg

100 :

30
.,..

10 :

.::

.-J

.,,...(J

200
- ...

..2....

.._ i....

250F
.....
.....
.
r

10

30

Vlacometer

100

Speed

300

Fig. 5-Effect of temperature on a 1o.2-PF9 conventlorml

Ship Shoal Development

No Oligomer
I

20

50

In Well

I
100

oll.bme

mud.

Ship Shosl Development

Program

Well

Program

Well 4

No Oiigomer in Well 1
I

150

I
200

250

1
10

Program: OffOct of ollgomer ties on mud oost.

,1,1,1

20

30

40

Daya

Mud Cost ($ 1000)

Fig. 6-Ship Shoal Development

1000

(rpm)

Fig, 7-Ship

Shoal Development

Program

effect of ollgomor use on drilllrrg days.