Society of Petroleum Engineers

SPE 29259
An Innovative Model For Drilling Fluid Hydraulics
Antonino Merlo, Roberto Maglione*, and Cesare Piatti*, AGIP SpA

*SPE Members

Copyright 1995, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Asia Pacific 011 & Gas Conference held In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 20-22 March 1995.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of lnfc;>rmation contained In an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper,
as presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engln!lers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect
any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Its offlcE!rS, or members. Papers presented at SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Society
of Petroleum Engineers. Permission to copy Is restricted to an abstract of not mc;>re than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment
of where and by whom the paper Is presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.~.A. Telex 163245 SPEUT.

ABSTRACT It will be also considered case histories with

comparison of calculated and field data coming from
The hydraulic system plays an active role during Agip ultradeep wells experience.
drilling operations. Its proper design can accelerate
the drilling effort and lower the overall well cost.
It is very important to predict the exact pressure INTRODUCTION
distribution along the well and the circulating
temperature distribution in the fluid.
The most important effects of hydraulic system on the
This paper describes ari innovative hydraulic
well are:
computer program developed in Agip.
• control subsurface pressures;
The program calculates the rheological parameters of
• evaluate pressure increases in the wellbore during
drilling fluid based on the viscometer readings.
mud circulation;
The rheological models of Newton, Bingham, Pmver
• remove cuttings from the well;
law and Herschel-Bulkley are considered.
The program calculates also the temperature profile of • minimise hole erosion due to the mud washing
action during circulation;
drillin~ fluid and takes into account the temperature
effect on the rheological parameters, when available • increase penetration rate;
viscometer readings at different temperatures. • size surface equipment such as pumps;
The use of Herschel-Bulkley model and the • provide a buoyant effect to the drillstring and
temperature effect estimation improve the flow casing;
modelling capability during drilling fluid circulation • control surge pressures created by lowering pipe
and permits to better study and quantify the influence into the well;
of hydraulic parameters, thus allowing better • minimise wellbore pressure reductions from
planning. swabbing when pulling out of hole the pipe.

References and illustrations at end of paper

77
SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS
So it. is very important to carefully predict the
pressure distribution along the well (in particular the
total pressure drop) and the temperature distribution
in the fluid (in particular the circulating maximum
mud t~mperature ). The ~cope of this work is to show a
new computer program developed in AGIP to
improve our calculation capability in this field.
This computer program performs hydraulic
calculations for the flow in well during drilling
operation.
Circulation of fluid during drilling operation follows
three distinct phases:
1. fluid enters the drill pipe at the surface and
passes down the drill pipe:
2. fluid exits the drill pipe through the bit and
enters the annulus;
3. fluid passes up the annulus and reaches the
surface.
This process of circulatjon is represented
schematically in figure 1.
For each location the computer program performs
rheological, pressure drop and optimisation
calculations.
RHEOLOGICAL ASPECT
Every one involved in drilling operations knows muds
behave with non-Newtonian fluid flow properties, as
their viscosity is not only influenced by temperature
and pressure but it is also strongly related to the
velocity at which the mud runs inside the hydraulic
circuit. The drilling fluid velocity, and the resulting
rate of shear at the walls of the conducts, plays an
important role on the visc0sity of the fluid pumped
while drilling and, for this reas0n, it is necessary to
know it in the full range of shear rate usually
considered for hydraulic calculations.
To obtain the necessary mud viscosity data, it is usual
to make a compromise between perfection and reality
and sets of measures are performed at different shear
rates covering the range of velocities reached both in
the annulus and inside the drill string.
Although most of the viscometers nowadays used
allows to perform six measures at different shear rates
it is accustomed to use only a couple of them to obtain
the coefficients necessary to describe the mud flow
profile according to the API Recommended Practice.
78
2
This traditional way to underutilize the laboratory
data gets possibilities to misunderstand the mud flow
behaviour and, consequently, to make unrealistic
hydraulics predictions. Furthermore, it is well
documented tl\e inadequacy of Bingham and Power
law models to represent the flow profiles of
conventional and innovative mud formulations and
many authors reported the improvements offered by
the Herschel& Bulkley (Yield Power law) model.
The three coefficients Herschel & Bulkley equation
allows to represent the rheological behaviour of fluids
both with and without yield and, just for this reason,
it allows the user not to spend time in selecting
between Bingham or Power law models according to
the particular mud formulation considered.
To improve the capability of the procedures
recommended by API and to allow to perform
hydraulics simulations with the innovative flow
model it was decided to furnish the AGIP hydraulics
program with a rheological modulus able to process
the laboratory data both in conventional and new
ways to allow better hydraulic simulations and useful
comparisons.
The AGIP simulator considers temperature and
pressure influences on the drilling fluid hydraulics
and these capabilities will be documented in a next
paper.
Herebelow are described the eight selected way to
process the viscometer readings:
1. Newton model, by using one reading;
2. Bingham model, by using 600 and 300 RPM dial
readings (API 13 RP);
3. Bingham model high shear, by using the 4
readings at 100, 200, 300 and 600 RPM with a
linear regression equation;
4. Power law model high shear, by using 600 and
300 RPM dial readings (API 13 RP);
5. Power law model low shear, by using 300 and 3
RPM dial readings (API 13 RP);
6. Power law model, full range, by using the 6
available dial readings;
7. Herschel & Bulkley model high shear, by using
the 4 .dial readings at 100, 200, 300 and 600
RPM;
8. Herschel & Bulkley model, full range, by using
the 6 available dial readings with a non-linear
regression equation.
For every set of coefficients the program furnishes a
Best Index Value, obtained by comparing
SPJ;: 29259 A. MERLO - R. MAGLIONE - C. PIATTI 3

experimental apd calculated viscosity values, to

identify the more convenient model to represent the
flow properties of th~ mud. The user can decide to
utiliz~. in the subsequent hydraulics simulations, the
where k and n have the same meaning that in the
pest model singled out by the rheological modulus of
Herschel & Bulkley equation.
the program or any else model and respective
coefficients.
By comparing the real well data recorded in the field
HYDRAULICS MODEL
wtth the data furnished by the hydraulic program
accordiqg to the conventional and new techniques it
The hydraulics program calculates the total pressure
is possible to estimate the more convenient way to
drop along the well for different measured depth
utilize the viscometer readings for the simulations
while drilling a section.
necessary for planning and monitoring the drilling
By solving conservation laws for mass and
activities.
momentum, the pressure ~stribution along the well is
Table 1 through 4 summarise examples of the
calculated.
experimental data processed by the rheological
This program is based upon the assumptions of one
program:
dimensional flow, steady state flow and
• Tables 1 and l report a typical situation with only
incompressible fluid.
one allowable set of measurement T
.
Laminar and turbulent flow in pipe and annulus is
• Tables 3 and 4 show the complete possibilities of
considered for Newton, Bingham, Power law and
the program to process five sets of measurements
Herschel & Bulkley rheological models.
performed with a HPHT rheometer at different
The annulus is treated as a rectangular slot with a
temperature and pressure conditions.
width ''w" and gap "e" as follows:
Herebelow the considered Herschel & Btdklcy flow
model equation is reported;

the other rheological models considered in the

The introduced error with this approxin1ation
computer program are particular case of the above
(compared to full analytical solution) is minimal for
equation.
the geometries usually encountered in drilling
So we have:
operation.
For example the error in friction presS\lfe drop
• Newton eq~tion, for T0 = 0 and n= 1:
estimation is less than 2.5% for annulus diameters
ratios as low as 0.3.
r;:; kr The input data are the following:
• well direction
where the Newtonian viscosity has been set p = k . • well geometry
• drill string geometry
• Bingham equation, for n:::; 1: • geometry of hydraulic circuit at surface
• riser geometry (if any)
r =r 0 + ky • nozzles size
• mud rheological parameters
where the Yield Point and the Plastic Visco~ity have • mud flow rate
been se~ YP = T0 and PV = k . The most important component parts of total pressure
drop along the well are:
• Power law equation, for T0 =0 : • pressure drop inside the pipe

79
SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS 4

• pressure drop inside the annulus · HERSCHEL & BULKLEY MODEL

• pressure drop along hydraulic circuit at the surface
• bit pressure drop As said, the Herschel & Bulkley model usually gives
Other output data of the hydraulics model for each the best fit of the viscometer data in comparison with
selected depth are: the other rheological· models.
• total hydraulic horse power The most important equations of Herschel & Bulkley
model for friction pressure drop calculations, both in
• bit hydraulic horse power
laminar and turbulent flow in circular. and annular
• bit hydraulic horse power per square inch (HSI)
conduits are shown below.
• jet velocity
• impact force
• annular minimum velocity
HERSCHEL & BULKLEY MODEL IN PIPE
• annular maximum velocity
• equivalent circulating density (ECD) • Evaluation Criterion for Laminar or Turbulent
It is possible to take into account the local pressure Flow.
drops in some points of the circuit, due to tool joint,
MWD, downhole motor etc. The equivalent Reynolds number is given by the
The computer program calculates also the following equation:
temperature profile of the drilling mud during
circulation.
Reeq =Cc•Re
The necessary input data are:
• geometry of well and drill string
where has been set:
• formation temperature profile
• inlet flow temperature
• circulation flow rate
• plastic viscosity and yield point of fluid ·
• density, specific heat and thermal conductivity for
drilling fluid, steel, cement and formation.
The output data are:
• mud temperature profile inside the pipe
• mud temperature profile inside the annulus 2
Re = {£}.
As a consequence of the calculated temperature ptd{
profile, the ·program selects opportunely the
rheological parameters at five different set of
temperature for the pressure drop calculation along
the wellbore.
The computer program calculates also the hydraulic
optimisation of the circuit at each time while drilling.
The user can select the flow rate which gives the best
value for the bit hydraulic horse power per square
inch (HSI), the bit hydraulic horse power (BHHP), the
jet velocity and the impact force.

Substituting the above relations in the expression of

the equivalent Reynolds number we obtain:

80
SPE 29259 A. MERLO - R. MAGLIONE - C. PIATT! 5

where Cc is the correction coefficient for the circular

section seen above.

• Friction Pressure Drop for Turbulent Flow.

The pressure drop is calculated using the following

while the critical equivalent Reynolds number is:
Fanning equation:

Reeqcr = (Cc* Re) cr =[

4(3n+ 1) [] _ Ll
1-z
Ap=fp ?
~rR
2

5
L
ny

while the Fanning friction factor is determined by

where has been set: using the relation of Schuh:

y-
_ log(n) + 3.93
50
f = y( Cc * Re rz
where y and z are the coefficients seen in the above
_ 1.75 -log( n) section.
Z- .
7

HERSCHEL & BULKLEY MODEL IN

For Reeq<Reeqcr the flow is considered laminar while
ANNULUS
for Reeq>Reeqcr the flow becomes turbulent.
• Evaluation Criterion for Laminar or Turbulent
• Friction Pressure Drop for Laminar Flow. Flow.

The pressure drop is calculated using the following The equivalent Reynolds number for this section is
Fanning expression: given by the following expression:

Reeq = Ca*Re

where has been set:

while the friction factor is determined by the

following:

f=-4-(3n+ 1)
Reeq n

substituting the above and equivalent Reynolds

number expressions in the Fanning equation we
obtain the relation valid for the pressure drop:

81
SPE 292~9 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS 6

while the friction factor is determined by the

following:

f = ..--8~( 2n + 1)
Re~Jq n

substituting the above and eqqivalent Reynolds

number expressions in the Fanning equation we
obtain the relation valid for the pressure drop:

Substituting the above relations in the expression of

the equivalent Reynolds number we obtain:

where the correction coefficient for the annular

section Ca is the same seen before.

while the critical equivalent Reynolds number is • Friction Pressure DrQp for Turbulent Flow.
given by:
The pressure drop is calculated by qsing the Fanning
equatjon:

where has been set:

while the Fa~ning friction factor is determinated by
log( n) + 3.93 using the following relation of Schuh:
y:::: . 50

r::;: y(ca * Rer~

1.75 -log( n)
z=~-........:..~
7 where the coefficients y and l. are the same seen in the
section above.
For Reeq<Reeqcr the flow i& considered la01inar while
for Reeq>Reeqcr the flow becomes turbulent.
FIELD DATA ~OLLECTION AND
COMPARISON
• Frktion Pressure Drop for Laminar Flow.
A series of circulation test has been monitored in the
The pressure drop is calculated usi~g the following Well A, an ultradeep vertical well located in the Po
Fanning expression: Valley, in Northern Italy.
The test was carried out at different depths in the 17
1/2" and 12 1/4" sections.
The operational conditions were the following:
• In all the tests the circulation was performed, at
each given depth, with the bit off bottom or

82
SPE 29259 A. MERLO .. R. MAGLIONE - C. PIATTl
while making a POOH trip and without rotating
the drill string.
• The pump pressure readings (Stand Pipe
Pressure) were taken at the manometer located
on the rig floor.
• The rheological measurements were performed
on a mud sample taken from the shale shaker
outlet while the test was going on.
• Circulation Test in 17 1/2" Section.
Three circulation tests have been performed at 2008,
799 and 555 m. All the geometrical hole data and the
Fann VG 35 viscometer readings are reported in the
tables 5 and 6.
The mud density was in the 1150-1200 Kg/m3 range.
Figure 2 shows a scheme of· the Well A, while
performing the test in the 17 112" section.
Figure 3 shows all the geometrical data of the drill
string.
A comparison with field and calculated data using the
Bingham, Power law and Herschel & Bulkley
rheology models is shown in table 9.
• Circulation Test in 12 1/4" Section.
Two circulation tests have been carried out at 5006
and 3870 m. All the geometrical hole data and the
Fann VG 35 viscometer readings are reported in
tables 7 and 8.
The mud density was 1920 Kg/m3.
Figure 4 shows a scheme of the Well A, while
performing the test in the 12 114" section.
Figure 5 shows all the geometrical data of the drill
string.
A comparison with field and calculated data using the
Bingham, Power law and Herschel & Bulkley
rheology models is shown in table 10.
CONCLUSIONS
• Rheological and hydraulic aspects of an hydraulic
computer program, developed in AGIP, have been
shown.
• The hydraulics program calculates models
coefficients and mud hydraulics with conventional
rotational viscometer dial readings.
83
7
• Bingham and Power law models are quickly
solved either by traditional 2 readings methods or
more precise methods using 4 and 6 readings.
• Herschel & Bulkley model accurately describes
both the rheological behaviour of pseudoplastic
fluids, for which an infinitesimal shear stress will
initiate motion, and Bingham fluids, for which a
finite shearing stress is required to initiate motion.
• Analytical solution for pressure drop calculations
in pipe and annulus using Herschel & Bulkley
rheological model has been described.
• The laminar friction factor relation is different
from the classical expression due to a fraction
depending from the Herschel & Bulkley flow
behaviour index of the mud. Matching versus the
equivalent Reynolds number, in the well-known
Moody diagram, the friction factors increase with
decreasing values of n and its behaviour can be
drawn with parallel lines for changing values of n.
• Hydraulics and optimisation for pipe and annular
flow are considered and solved using one set of
measurements or 5 set performed at different P
and T conditions if HPHT rheometer is available.
• Pressure drop field measurements, carried out in a
deep well, at different depths in 17 112" and 12
114" sections have been shown.
• The pressure drops, calculated by using the
hydraulics computer program, are accurate
compared to the field data, almost by using the
Herschel & Bulkley rheological model, where very
small differences have been found.
NOMENCLATURE
r =shear rate
T = shear stress
J.1 =Newtonian viscosity
ro =yield point
f.io = plastic viscosity
n = flow behaviour index
K = consistency index
p = fluid density
f = Fanning friction factor
Re = Reynolds number
= equivalent Reynolds number
Reeq
= critical equivalent Reynolds number
Reeqcr
SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS 8

L = measured length 9. Hanks R. W. :11 The Laminar-Turbulent

log = decimal logarithm Transition for Fluids with a Yield Stress 11 ,
11p AIChEJ (May 1963) 9, 3, 306-309.
= pressure drop
10. Schuh S. C.: .. Computer Makes Surge Pressure
Q =flow rate Calculations Useful 11 , Oil & Gas Journal
R = inside drill pipe radius (August 3, 1964), 96-104.
R1 = inner radius of annulus II. Metzer A. B. and Park M. G.: 11 Turbulent Flow
R2 = outer radius of annulus Characteristic of Viscoelastic Fluid .. , Journal of
Vp = fluid velocity in pipe Fluid Mechanics (1964),20, 291.
Va = fluid velocity in annulus 12. Vaugh R. D.: 11 Axial Laminar Flow of Non-
Newtonian Fluids Flow in Narrow Eccentric
Annuli 11 , SPE Journal (May 1965), 277-280.
13. Hanks R. W. and Pratt D. R.: 11 0n the Flow of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Bingham Plastic Slurries in Pipes and Between
Parallel Plates 11 , SPEJ (December 1967) 342-
The authors wish to thank SAIPEM rig crew and 346.
Mud Logging Unit who helped in collecting all the 14. Shulman Z. P.: .. One ·Phenomenological
field data needed to make this work. We also would Generalisation of Viscoplastic Rheostable
like to thank AGIP for permission to publish the Disperse System Flow Curves .. , Teplo-
results of this effort. Massoperenos, Minsk (1968), v. 10, 3-10.
15. Baldini G .. and Masino A.: 11Determinazione
delle Perdite di Carico nel Circuito di Pozzo
nelle Perforazioni Petrolifere 11 , Bulletin of
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84
SPE 29259 A. MERLO - R. MA(JLIONE - C. PIATTl
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SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLlNG FLUID HYDRAULICS 10

Pressure Losses" paper SPE 24598 presented at 53. Barton N. A., Archer G. L. and Seymour D.
the 67th Annual Technical Conference and A.:"Computational Fluid Dynamics Improves
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the 1993 Production Operations Symposium, ft X 3.048* E-01 = m
Oklahoma City, March 21-23, 39-52. g/IOOsqcrn x 9.576 E-0 1 = N/m2 (Pa)
51. Hemphill T., Campos W. and Pilehvari in. x 2.54* E+OO=cm
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1bp'in2 (psi) x 6.894757 E+OO = kPa
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lbplOOsqft x 4. 788026 E-0 1 = N/m2 (Pa)
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Rheology to Determine Pump Rates", Oil &
Gas Journal (May 9, 1994) 69-72. * Conversion factor is exact

Rotor Speed Fann Dial Sample: High density WBM

Reading Viscometer: Fann VG 35
[rpm] Rotor-Bob Configuration:Rl-B 1
600 52 Torsion Spring: F1
300 38
200 33
100 26
6 11
3 7

Table 1: Mud Rheology Measurements at Standard Condition.

86
 SPE 29259 A MERLO - R. MAGLIONE - C. PIATTl 11

Model Newton Bingham Bingham Power law Power law P6wer law Herschel & Bulkley Herschel & Bulkley
APt 13 Regression API 13 API 13 Regression 4 Readings Regression
High Shear Low Shear
n 1 1 1 0.452512 0.367343 0.328866 0.662965 0.435224
T0 [Pa] 0 11.4913 11.260246 0 0 0 6.703243 1.701993

k [Pa•sn] 0.038 0.014 0.015224 1.155393 1.965091 2.551788 0.191039 1.206338

Index - 0.9679 0.9702103 0.9970475 0.9989122 0.9987105 0.99342251 0.99965352
Best Approximation Modt!l: Ht!rschel & Bulkley with Regression

Tatble 2: Calculated Rheological Parameters.

Temperature 20 30 45 85 too
[oC)
Pressure (MPa] 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.5 1
Rotor Speed Equivalent Fann Dial Reading
[rpm]
600 52 43 40 32 28
300 38 33 31 24 21
200 33 29 27 20 18
100 26 23 22 16 14
6 11 9 8 5 4
3 1 6 5 4 3

Table 3: Mud Rheology HPHt Measurements using Huxley-Bertram

Viscometer.

87
SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS 12

Tempetature zo 30 45 85 100
[OC]
Pressure [MPa] 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.5 1
Modell: Newton
n 1 1 1 1 1
T0 [Pa] 0 0 0 0 0

k [Pa.sn] . 0.038 0.033 0.031 0.024 0.021

Model 2: Bingham (API 13)
n 1 1 1 1 1
T0 (Pal 11.491272 11.012469 10.533667 7.660848 6.703242

k [Pa•sn] 0.014 0.01 0.009 0.008 0.007

Modell: Bingham (Regression)
n 1 1 1 1 1
T0 [Pa] 11.260246 10.43899 9.964502 6.935003 6.186749

k [Pa•sn] 0.015224 0.011579 0.010506 0.009434 0.008148

Model 4: Power law, High Shear (API 13)
n 0.452512 0.38187 0.367732 0.415038 0.415038
T0 (Pa] 0 0 0 0 0

k [Pa.sn] 1.155393 1.558724 1.599217 0.921818 0.806591

Model 5: Power law, Low Shear (API 13)
n 0.367343 0.370181 0.396196 0.389076 0.422549
T0 [Pa] 0 0 0 0 0

k [Pa.sn] 1.965091 1.676585 1.339128 1.083813 0.769681

Model 6: Power law (Regression)
n 0.328866 0.336759 0.347814 0.400967 0.423111
T0 [Pa] 0 0 0 0 0

k [Pa.sn] 2.551788 2.092397 1.833286 1.011402 0.777517

Model 7: Herschel & Bulkley (4 Readings)
n 0.662965 0.485427 0.530515 0.584962 0.514573
T0 [Pa] 6.703243 3.830424 5.147132 3.830424 2.234414

k [Pa.sn] 0.191039 0.597647 0.365700 0.206429 0.326201

Model 8: Herschel & Bulkley (Regression)
n 0.435224 0.348427 0.313520 0.408875 0.376687
T0 [Pa] 1.701993 -0.120170 -1.275884 0.173850 -0.498048

k [Pa.sn] 1.206338 1.963175 2.454415 0.947845 1.084074

Best Approx.
Model 8 8 8 8 8

Table 4: Calculated Rheological Parameters.

88
SPE 29259 A. MERLO - R. MAGLIONE - C. PIATTl 13

Casing Size Depth [m] Casing Open Hole

Weight
[in] trom to [lb/ft] [in]
30 0 52 - -
20 0 598 106.0 26
- 598 2008 - 17 112

Table 5: Well A - Circulation Test 17 1/2" Section. Casing String.

Test Depth [m]

RPM 2008 799 555
Fann Reading
600 53 51 51
300 34 34 34
200 29 27 27
100 20 19 19
6 8 11 II
3 6 8 8
Dcnsity.[Kgtm.i] 1200 1200 1200

Table 6: Well A- Circulation Test 17 1/2" Section. Rheology Measurements Outlet

Mud.

Casing Size Depth [m) Casing Open Hole

Weight
[in] rrom to [lb/ft] [in]
30 0 52 - .
20 0 598 106.0 26
14 0 243 80.5 17 1/2
13 3/8 243 1898 68.0 17 112
13 112 1898 2055 80.4 17 1/2
13 3/8 2055 3717 68.0 17 112
- 3717 5006 - 12 114

Table 7: Well A- Circulation Test 12 1/4" Section. Casing String.

89
 SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS I4

Test Depth [m]

RPM 5006 3870
Fann Reading
600 130 130
300 84 84
200 60 60
IOO 42 42
6 11 II
3 8 8
Density [Kglm3] 1920 1920

Tab. 8: Well A- Circulation Test 12 1/4" Stction. Rheology

Measurements Outlet Mud.

Rheological Model
Test Depth Puinp Rate SPP

Chlciilatcd Calculated Error CaiCiilatea

[m] [L/min] [MPa] [MPa] [%] [MPa] '[%] [MPa] [%]

555 3202 12.1 12.3 +1.2 12.0 -1.2 12.4 +2.0
799 3202 15.9 16.9 +6.0 15.1 -5.0 15.8 ·0.6
2008 3202 21.2 21.5 +1.6 22.0 +3.7 21.9 +3.4

Table 9: Well A- Circulation Test 17 1/2" Section. Measured and Calculated Data Comparison.

I I Rheological Model
I
Test Depth
I PumpRate I SPP mg am
APJ13 RP API 13RP
u ey
Full Range
Error
I I Calculafea Error 1. Calculafed 1 1 Calcwafoo 1 Error

[m]
I [L/min]
I [MPa] [MPa] [%]
I tMPa] I [%] I [MPa]
I [%]
3870 I 1968 I 24.0 22.7 -5.5
I 22.2
I -7.4 I 25.4 I +5.5
5006 I 1968 I 28.0 25.8 -8.0 I 25.5 I -9.0 I 29.3 I +4.5

Table 10: Well A- Circulation Test 12 1/4" Section. Measured and Calculated Data Comparison.

90
SPE 29259 A. MERLO - R MAGLIONE - C. PIATTl 15

rrudout rrudin rrudout

anrUUS

botel'"de
wall

bit

Fig. 1: Schematic of Hydraulic Circuit.

Circulation Test Well A

17 1/2" Section
Well Configuration

J l CP30"x 1"
@52m

!II' clrculatlo,h teet to 555 rn

Casing 20" 106.S.

~ @598m

ll'clrculatlon ttst to 789 m

17 112" Section

..........
1/ ~ l"clrcUiatlon teSt to 2bOB m

Fig. 2: CircuJation Test Well A- Well

Configuration 17 1/2" Section.

91
SPE 29259 AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS 16

eae' 8111'
(·)" 51 It'
(·)"' 271'" 138.11 28.1 10.1 13.4 18.2 38.1 2.8 14.2 2.4 8.6 2.4 2.4 6.1 .4

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
5'0PS18.51
oo-s·
10=49132'
00,,•8518'
10.~•2314'

&'DP E 18.61
00=6'
10=41¥32'
00,~=81/2'
IO,tj•3112'

1712.132' STAB+
151c5'HWDP 1712132'NEAR Bit
oo-s· 00•1712/32'
10*3' 10•3'

X0+3x8"0C XG+1~a·oc 8112'Jir+8112'Bulnl*r :ZXS'DC X0+4x111/4'0C b11114'DC+11114'ShockEze 11114'Manel 11114'ShortDC 1712132'STA8

00"8" oo,.112' oo=&112" oo-e· 00=11114' 00 .1 11 14· OD=11114" oo=11114" 00"1712132'
10=213/18' 10•3' 10"3" 10•3' 10=3' 10•3' 10=3' 10=3' 10•3"

' I' clrcuhotian lilt to 2008 m

II' clrcullllan tell to 788 m
cr 111' clrcullllon test 1D 556 m

Fig. 3: Circulation Test Well A .. Bottom Hole Assembly 17 1/2" Section.

Circulation Test Well A

12 1/4" Section
Well Configuration

J l CP30'x 1'
052m

Casing 20' 108.51

.. C 598m

Caeing:
14" 80.~ (0.243 m)
13 318" 681 (243•1898 m)
13 112" 80.41 (18911-2055 n'l)
13 3/8' 881(2055-3717 m)
" @3717m

II" circulation tes1 to 3870 m

12 114" Section

~- ' I" circulation tes1 to 5008 m

Fig. 4: Circulation Test Well A- Well

Configuration 12 1/4" Section.

92
SPE 29259 A. MERLO - R. MAGLIONE - C. PIATTl 17

3814.8.
(2678.8)' 918.0 136.9 28.5 10 13 55.8 1.6 13.3 1.4 9.4 1.4 2.1 1.5 .3

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
I
I
401(287)x5"0P S 19.51
00=5"
10=4 9/32"
OO,tj=6518"
IO,tj=23/4"

I ~
96x5"0P E 19.51 ,....-----..J
00=5"
10=4 9/32" 121/4'BIT
90,tj=61/2" 3x16132' Nozzles
IO,tj=31/2'

I
1213/16'N~R BIT
15x5"HWDP
00=1213/16"

~~~-,
I I I I
!,=
9 1/2' Monel 9' Short DC
10=2718'

1213/ 6" STAB

00=91/2' 00=8' 00=1213/16"
10=3' 10=3' 10..:11/8'

I' circulation test to 5006 m

II' circulation tesl to 3870 m

Fig. 5: Circulation Test Well A- Bottom Hole Assembly 12 1/4" Section.

93