Firas Thesis Final PDF

REPUBLIC OF IRAQ
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
UNIVERSITY OF BAGHDAD
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
OPTIMIZATION OF HOLE CLEANING IN

IRAQI HORIZONTAL OIL WELLS
A THESIS
SUBMITTED TO THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF BAGHDAD IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER
OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
BY
FIRAS MOHAMMED HADI
B.Sc.1992
SUPERVISED BY
Dr. AYAD ABD AL-HALEEM ABD AL-RAZZAQ
AND
Dr. ABDUL AALI AL-DABBAJ
2015 A.D 1436 A.H

DEDICATION
To the spirit of dear grandmother who sacrificed

so much for me
To my family members my father , my mother

and my five sisters who always love me and
have always been ready to help
by praying for me.
To my wife for her unfailing encouragement
and love.
To my dear children
(MOHAMMED , AHMED and ZAHRAA)
for their moments of joy .
This work is dedicated to them with love.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Ayad Abd Al-

Haleem Abd-Al-Razzaq who suggested and supervised this work, have taught
and helped me and for his worthy advices at all stages of this work.
I am also extremely grateful to Dr. Abdul Aali Al-Dabbaj(Ministry of Oil )
for his support in all matters related to the difficult challenge imposed by
hole cleaning research.
Special thanks are also due to Miss Nazik Mahmud (Petroleum
Research and Development Center) for her support in providing me with the
references related to optimization hole cleaning.
Special thanks are extended to my friend engineer Haider Alwan (Iraqi
Drilling Company) for his advises.
Thanks for engineers Ali Shalash Mutar , Hamza Mohammed Ali and
Abd Alla Shakir from Iraqi drilling company, Uday Abd Al-razzaq from
South oil company , Yousuf Jabbar Mansur from Meesan oil company and
Mohammed Ali Hussein who support me and provide me with the required
data .
Discussion with them has greatly enriched my knowledge about the
current industrys concerns as well as the state-of-the-art research. Without
this precious help this study would not have been.
Without all of this love, support, encouragement, understanding,
sacrifice, and patience, the completion of this work would not have been
possible.
FIRAS
I
ABSTRACT
Hole cleaning is one of the most important problems to control in

drilling operations. The difficulty in lifting cuttings bed during drilling
occurs because of the drilling fluid and cuttings work together in cuttings
bed to produce a cuttings bed gel. The drilling mud nature can be designed to
reduce the gel formation in the cuttings bed. Also the drilling fluid properties
must be optimized to confirm a sufficient shear stress on the cuttings
fragments to be able to remove the cuttings.
Efficient cuttings transport and hole cleaning are very important factors for
obtaining an effective drilling operation. In an inclined and horizontal drilling,
hole cleaning issue is a common and complex problem.
The scope of this research is to study the drilling parameters which
affect hole cleaning in an Iraqi horizontal well through studying and
analyzing some drilled wells ( vertical , directional (30 degree) , directional
(60 degree) and horizontal).An excel sheet is prepared to calculate carrying
capacity index which represents an indicator for good hole cleaning in
different sections.
Also a proposed plan for horizontal drilling in West Qurna oil field is
suggested. The available information of the drilled wells and analyzing
concerning with all the drilling variables which relates to lifting capacity and
hole cleaning of the studied wells, all aims to select a single arc profile short
radius type to design the suggested horizontal well .
The study indicated that the most effective drilling parameters for
optimum hole cleaning were flow rate, yield point, mud weight, plastic
viscosity , rotation of the drill string, and pH .
II
The hole cleaning in deviated holes can be assisted by the following
issues:
Turbulent flow, low viscosity and high flow rates, maximize flow rates
at all times taken into consideration the problems associated with equivalent
circulating density which require lower rates, low viscosity sweeps followed
by high viscous weighted sweep to remove cuttings, pipe rotation at high
revolution per minute, and reaming and wiper trips to reduce the thickness of
cuttings beds.
Generally, the results of this study with field investigations indicated

that the best values to drill the horizontal section in suggested well plan can
be summarized: 526 gpm as flow rate, 22-30 lb/100ft2 as yield point,10.5-11
as pH,60-80 as rpm, and 10.4 ppg as mud weight.
III
NOMENCLATURES AND ABBREVIATIONS
Symbols Description Unit

ALAP As Low As Possible
API American Petroleum Institute
AT Total Area (in2)
BHA Bottom Hole Assembly
BHP Bottom Hole Pressure (psi)
BUR Build Up Rate (angle/100ft)
CCI Carrying Capacity Index
CMC Carboxy-Methy1-Cellulose
CDV Critical Deposition Velocity
CRV Critical Resuspension Velocity
CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics
CSF Circulating Section Factor
Cconc. Concentration of Cuttings
Cang. Hole inclination angle factor
Cmwt Mud density correction factor
Csize Cutting size correction factor
D50cut Cutting diameter (in)
DP Drill Pipe (in)
DC Drill Collar (in)
Dh Hole Diameter (in)
Dn Nozzle Diameter (in)
ECD Equivalent Circulating Density (ppg)
EHCDP Effective Hydro Clean Drill Pipe
EMW Estimated Mud Weight (ppg)
IV
ERD Extended- Reach Wells
EPET Elevated Temperature Elevated Pressure
FWB Fresh Water Bentonite
GPM Gallon Per Minute
HCR Hole Cleaning Ratio
HWDP Heavy Weight Drill Pipe
HHP Hydraulic Horse Power
HIF Hydraulic Impact Force
IADC International Association Drilling Contractor
KOP Kick Off Point
LCM Lost circulation materials
LPAT Low Pressure Ambient Temperature
LWD Logging While Drilling
MWD Measurements While Drilling
MW Mud Weight (ppg)
MTV Minimum Transport Velocity (ft/min)
MD Measured Depth (ft)
NDC Nonmagnetic Drill Collar
NHWDP Nonmagnetic heavy weight drill pipe
PV (p) Plastic Viscosity (cp)
POOH Pull Out Of The Hole
Ps Pressure Losses In Surface Connections (psi)
ppb Pound per barrel
PP Pore Pressure ( psi )
Q Flow Rate (GPM)
V
ROP Rate Of Penetration (ft/hr)
RPM Rotation Per Minute
RIH Running In The Hole
TFA Total Flow Area in2
TUDRP Tulsa University Drilling Research Projects.
TVD True Vertical Depth (ft)
WQ West Qurna field
WOB Weight On Bit (Ton)
YP Yield Point (lb/100ft2)
Mud Density ( ppg)
VI
LIST OF CONTENTS
Paragraph No. Contents Page

Acknowledgments I
Abstract II
Nomenclatures and Abbreviations IV
List of Contents VII
List of Tables XII
List of Figures XIV
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Introduction 1
1-1 Area of study 1
1-2 The Study Objective 5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature Review 6
CHAPTER THREE
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
3-1 Preface 25
3-2 Hole Cleaning Variables 26
3-3 Circulation Before Trips 34
3-4 Basic and Theory 36
3-4-1 Rheological Models 36
3-4-1-1 Bingham Plastic Model 36
3-4-1-2 Power Law Model 37
VII
3-4-1-3 Herschel-Bulkley Model 39
3-5 Pressure Drop Across Bit 40
3-5-1 Hydraulic Horsepower Method 40
3-5-2 Maximum Impact Force 41
3-6 Slip Velocity 41
3-7 Transport velocity 42
3-8 Cutting Transport Ratio 42
3-9 Cuttings Concentration 42
3-10 Total Flow Area (TFA) and Nozzle Selection 44
3-11 Carrying Capacity Index 47
3-12 Horizontal Drilling Well 52
CHAPTER FOUR
GEOLOGICAL LITH. AND HYDRAULIC

OPTIMIZATION
4-1 Geological Lithology For The 1st Hole 54

4-1-1 Dibdiba Formation 55
4-1-2 Lower Fars Formation 55
4-1-3 Ghar Formation 56
4-1-4 Dammam Formation 56
4-2 Bit Selection 56
4-3 Solids Control Equipment 58
4-4 Geological composition for the 2nd hole 12.25" 58
4-5 Rus Formation 59
4-6 Umm Er Radhuma 59
VIII
4-7 Tayarat Formation 59
4-8 Shiranish Formation 60
4-9 Hartha Formation 60
4-10 Sadi Formation 60
4-11 Solids separator Equipment 60
4-12 Geological Composition for the Third hole 8 1/2" 61
4-13 Tanuma Formation 61
4-14 Khasib Formation 62
4-15 Mishrif Formation 62
4-16 Mud Properties for 2nd hole directional well 65
4-17 Mud Properties for the 3rd hole 8 .5" directional 66
well
4-18 Lithology of Halfaya oil Field 67
4-18-1 The First Hole (26") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-2 The second Hole (17.5") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-3 The Third Hole (12.25") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-4 The Fourth Hole (8.5") in the well (HF-69) 67
4-18-5 Horizontal hole (6") 68
4-19 Hydraulic parameters 70
4-20 Summary 71
CHAPTER FIVE
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5-1 Field Investigations 73

5-2 Concentration of the cuttings 75
IX
5-3 Sample of Calculation 79
5-4 Horizontal Drilling Proposal in West Qurna Oil 83
Field
5-4-1 Preface 83
5-4-2 Selection of the profile 84
5-4-3 Recommended Bits 85
5-4-4 Building up Interval 86
5-4-5 Casing Program 86
5-4-6 Horizontal Interval 87
5-4-7 Horizontal Section 91
5-4-8 Drilling Fluid Program 92
5-4-8-1 Drilling Fluid System For The First and Second 92
Hole
5-4-8-2 Drilling Fluid System For Build-Up and 92
Horizontal Section
5-4-8-3 Lubrication 92
5-4-8-4 Hole Cleaning 93
5-4-8-5 (8.5") Open Hole 93
5-4-8-6 Schedule Plan 93
5-4-8-7 Recommended flow rate with hole size 94
5-5 Summary 97
CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
6-1 Conclusions 100

6-2 Recommendation 103
X
REFERENCES 105
APPENDICES
Appendix A Potential risks in West Qurna oil field
Appendix B Bottom Hole Assembly Details
Appendix C Casing Program and Cementing Operation
Appendix D Drilling Fluid Program
XI
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page

(3-1) Sphericity For Cutting Particle 30
(3-2) Circulation section factor 35
(3-3) IADC Classes of Surface Equipment 39
(3-4) Constant E value 40
(3-5) Minimum values flow rate 46
(3-6) Optimization method 47
(4-1) Geology And Density Changes first section 17.5" 55
(4-2) The mud properties first section 17.5" 57
(4-3) The formation drilled in the section 12.25" 58
(4-4) Formation Drilled And Density Change 3rd hole 61
(4-5) Mud Properties For 3rd hole 63
(4-6) Data obtained for 3rd hole 64
(4-7) Optimum data drilled Second Hole (12 .25") 64
(4-8) Mud properties for the 2nd hole 12.25" 65
(4-9) Obtained data for 3rd hole(directional hole) 66
(4-10) Formation depth in HF-69 in Halfaya field 68
(4-11) Formation and expected problems for well HF-69 69
(4-12) Applied parameters for the horizontal hole( 6") 69
(4-13) Hydraulic optimization for the well 70
(5-1) Excel sheet of CCI calculation for 17.5 hole 80
(5-2) Required data of pressure losses calculation 80
(5-3) Results of different pressure losses 81
( 5-4 ) Calculate CCI for the hole 12.25" 81
(5-5 ) Excel sheet calculation CCI for 8.5" 82
XII
Table No. Title Page
(5-6) Recommended bit kinds for the suggestion 85
horizontal well
(5-7) Mud properties for deviated well 89
( 5-8 ) Values of angle factor at the angles (0-90) degree 91
(5-9) Hole size with recommended flow rate 95
XIII
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Title Page

(1-1) Iraqi oil fields distribution 2
(1-2) Lithology of the West Qurna oil field 4
(2-1) Cross-sectional view of flow in highly deviated 7
wellbores
(2-2) Various cuttings transport mechanisms and problems 9
encountered at different wellbore inclinations
(3-1) Types of horizontal wells 25
(3-2) Key Variables Controlling Cuttings Transport 27
(3-3) Cutting transport mechanism in vertical and deviated 27
wells
(3-4) Region of inclination in the directional well 29
(3-5) Pipe rotation helps fluid flow in the narrow side of an 33
eccentric annulus
(3-6) Rheological models 36
(3-7) Annular velocity vs Hole Angle 44
(3-8) Viscosity Equivalent vs Yield Point 49
(3-9) Hole Cleaning Chart for 17.5",12.25" and 8.5 Hole 50
(3-10) Single arc profile 53
(5-1) Relationship between ROP & Cconc 75
(5-2) Pie chart Time vs Hole size for vertical well(WQ-404) 76
(5-3) Time vs Hole size for directional well (WQ-416) 77
(5-4) Time vs Hole Size For Directional well (WQ-271) 78
(5-5) Pie chart time vs hole size for well (HF-69) 79
(5-6) Casing Program for the Proposal Horizontal well in 88
West Qurna oil field
(5-7) Pie chart Time vs hole size for the proposal horizontal 96
well
(5-8) Pie chart show recommended flow rate for each hole 97
XIV
CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Hole cleaning and the problems due to poor hole cleaning are the most
important issues which occurred especially in directional and horizontal Iraqi
oil wells.
Poor hole cleaning can cause severe drilling problems including:
excessive over pull on trips , high rotary torque , stuck pipe , hole pack off,
excessive equivalent circulating density (ECD) , formation break down , slow
rates of penetration and difficulty running casing and logs. The sticking of the
drill string is very expensive to remedy.
This problem has been aggravated in some fields to the extent that lead
to shutting off the well because of stuck pipe or fishing operation due to
unsuccessful free pipe or catch the fish as well as the cost. A single stuck
pipe incident may be cost over one million dollars .
1-1 Area of Study:

Iraqi West Qurna oil field has been selected to simulate a study for
the possibility of using hole cleaning in directional and horizontal well to
minimize the problems which happen because that .
West Qurna oil field is one of the largest oil fields in Iraq with a reserve
of about 43 billion barrel of crude oil and located on the south-eastern part of
Iraq, about forty five kilometers north-westwards from Basra city and about
twenty eight kilometers from Zubair oil field. This oil field is situated at the
lower part of largest Asian Tigris-Euphrates river system, along the Shatt Al-
Arab waterway formed by confluence of the Tigris and the Euphrates , Figure
(1-1)[1].
1
Figure (1-1): Iraqi oil fields distribution and the location of West Qurna field
in Basra city south of Iraq[1] .
2
The relief of the area is described as a plateau of low-lying coastal sand

plain having an elevation 2 to 50 m. The main objectives of the West Qurna
field are the Upper cretaceous shallower Mishrif reefal limestone. The Mishrif
is mainly composed of greyish white tight algal and detritus porous limestone
that have undergone some degree of dolomitization. Formation is
characterized by quite complex framework.
In the upper most portion of succession there is a layer of tight shale
limestone known as Cap Rock.
The reservoir is partitioned into two units (A and B) by a streak of tight
limestone. Unit A consists of fine-grained chalky reefal and bioclastic
limestone. Unit B is mainly represented by sub-basinal faces (thin-bedding of
permeable and compacted limestone characterized by relatively high shale
content) as well as chalky and skeletal facies . The thickness varies from 154
m in WQ-9, WQ-15 and WQ-109 wells up to 252 m on the western flank in
well WQ-215.
Fig.(1-2) illustrates the estimated depths and thickness of formations
which drilled in the West Qurna oil field .
3
ESTIMATED ESTIMATED
AGE FORMATION
DEPTHS (m) THICKNESS(m)
Middle
Cretaceous
Fig. (1-2) : Formations and estimated depths with estimated thickness

of formations which drilled in the West Qurna oil field[61]
4
1-2 The Study Objective:

The objective of this research is to study the drilling parameters which
affect hole cleaning in an Iraqi horizontal well through studying and analyzing
some drilled wells ( vertical , directional (30 degree) , directional (60 degree)
and horizontal .In details , a vertical well WQ-404 and two directional wells
(WQ-416,WQ-271) which belong to the West Qurna oil field and a horizontal
well in Halfaya oil fields (HF-69) have been selected .
Also a drilling program for horizontal oil well in West Qurna field is
suggested.
The above goals are achieved through implement the following issues:
a-The Knowledge of the lithology of all drilled sections in the studied wells.
b- Determination of the most important drilling parameters which can be used
to calculate the index of optimum hole cleaning.
c- Preparing many relationships between drilling parameters, which influence
in one way or another, on the calculation the best hole cleaning factors.
d- Suggesting a new plan to drill a horizontal well in West Qurna oil field as
the West Qurna field lacks the presence of horizontal wells.
5
CHAPTERE TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTERE TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Williams and Bruce[2](1951)published a paper to address the cuttings-

carrying capacity of drilling fluids . This paper is referred to in many
subsequent papers written on the subject of hole cleaning. The significance of
this early work was the introduction of the "laminar flow profile" and how it
affects cleaning.
It has been known for many years that the removal of the cuttings from
a wellbore during the drilling of horizontal and deviated wells poses special
problems. Insufficient hole cleaning leads to the accumulation of cuttings in
the annulus especially of a deviated wellbore. As the cuttings settle down in
the drilling mud, a cuttings-bed is grew along the bottom of the hole. Forming
cutting bed may cause severe drilling problems including excessive over-pull
on trips, high drag and torque, stuck pipe, hole pack-off, wellbore steering
problems, excessive equivalent circulating density, formation break down,
premature bit wear, slow rate of penetration (ROP) , and difficulty in running
casing and logs.
Sample K.J., Bourgoyne[3] (1978)used two parameters to define the
transport efficiency . Transportation of drilled cuttings to the surface during
drilling operations in horizontal and highly deviated wellbores is more
complex and problematic than in vertical and near vertical wellbores. In
vertical and near vertical wells, the cuttings are transported when the axial
component of fluid velocity exceeds the particle settling velocity. The
difference between the average particle velocity and the average fluid velocity
is called transport velocity and their ratio is called transport ratio.
6
[4]
Tomren et.al (1983) studied the main cuttings transport patterns in
different layers. At further higher mass flow rates, a small portion of sparsely
populated cuttings may be seen to travel away from the bed surface and in the
open flow area this layer is called as the suspension layer. A schematic
illustration of these aforementioned cuttings transport patterns is shown in
Fig. (2-1) .
Figure (2-1):Cross-sectional view of flow in highly deviated wellbores to

show main cuttings transport patterns in different layers [4]
A variety of problems are encountered for efficient cuttings transport

depending on wellbore inclination. Wellbore inclinations are divided into
three categories depending on cuttings transport mechanisms and problems
encountered. The first category is the near vertical inclinations which are
generally between 0 to 45 degrees from the vertical. The only cuttings
transport pattern here is suspension and no particle accumulation in the form
of bed is seen in this category.
The main problem for this case is the downwards particle settling due
to inadequate upwards fluid velocity.
The second category is the critical inclinations which are generally
between 45 to 60 degrees from the vertical. Particles are transported in
7
suspension as well as rolling and sliding action over the low side of the
annulus. These particles tend to settle down and form an unstable, thin
stationary bed on the low side of the annulus.
The main problem in this category is the downwards sliding of the
unstable stationary cuttings bed and formation of very high cuttings
concentrations instantaneously as a result. The third category is the near
horizontal inclinations which are typically 60 to 90 degrees. Majority of these
particles are transported in a moving bed pattern while a small portion of
these particles moves in a suspension pattern. The main problem in this
category is the formation of thick and stable stationary beds by downwards
particle settling that is difficult to remove [4].
Okranji and Azar[5] (1985), found that the yield point /plastic viscosity
(YP/PV) should be as high as possible to better hole cleaning .
Tomren et.al[6](1986) performed an experimental study of lifting

cuttings in the deviated wells. In this research, they used a 40 ft (12.2 m)
pipe. Several types of drilling fluids and different flow regimes were tested.
The annulus angles varied from 0 to 90 degrees and actual drilling cuttings
were used in this experiment.
Also, 242 different tests with varying angles of pipe inclination, pipe
eccentricities, and different fluid flow regimes (laminar and turbulent)were
performed. Several conclusions on cuttings transport in inclined eccentric
annulus were drawn. First, the effective flow area was reduced by a growing
formation cuttings bed at high liquids rates for angles that were greater than
40degrees. The studies indicated that the major factors, such as fluid
velocity, hole inclination, and mud rheology, had to be considered during
directional drilling. This research proved that fluids with higher viscosity
would give better cuttings transport, within a laminar flow regime. It was
8
documented that pipe rotation produced rather slight effect on transport

performance in an inclined wellbore. The experiments showed that hole
eccentricity affected bed thickness and particle concentration in the pipe.
Thus, for angles of inclination less than 35, the negative-eccentricity case
gave the worst cuttings transport for all flow rates. For angles of inclination
greater than 55, the positive-eccentricity case gave the worst transport in
well .
They concluded that angles between 35and 55degrees were critical
angles since they caused bed forming and a bed sliding downwards against
the flow.
The cuttings transport mechanisms and problems encountered at
different inclinations are depicted in Fig. (2-2)
Figure(2-2):Various cuttings transport mechanisms and problems

encountered at different wellbore inclinations [5].
9
Martin et. al[7] (1987) developed a numerical relationship based on the

lifting cuttings data that they had accumulated in the laboratory and in the
field.
Zamora B., M.[8] (1988) showed that major drilling problems such as
poor hole cleaning, excessive torque or drag, wellbore instability, stuck of
drill string, loss of circulation, subsurface pressure control, poor cementing
jobs, difficulties associated with running electric logs and formation damage
can result if the drilling fluid is poorly designed or executed .
Gavignet and Sobey[9] (1989) presented a two - layer cuttings transport

model on slurry transport . They assumed that the cuttings had fallen to the
lower part of the inclined well bore, and had formed a bed that slides up the
annulus, above this bed a second layer exists of pure mud. Eccentricity is
taken into account in the geometrical calculations of wetted perimeters and an
apparent viscosity can be calculated for non-Newtonian mud's using a
rheogram written in polynomial form.
Baker et al.[10](1989) investigated experimentally the effect of viscosity

and gel formation on cutting transport properties in deviated wells for 15
different water based drilling fluid systems viscose field with bentonite and
polymers. They found that the hole cleaning performance correlated to the 3
rpm shear stress measured on a VG meter .
They also observed that the cuttings bed size was reduced if the shear
stress at the actual pump rate was increased.
Brown et al.[11] (1989) performed analysis on hole cleaning in deviated

wells. The study indicated that the most effective drilling fluid for hole
cleaning was water in turbulent flow. However, in low angle wells, with the
viscous HEC fluid, cuttings could be transported with lower annular velocity.
10
From the experimental observations, it was concluded that hole angles

between 50 and 60 degrees presented the most difficult sections for hole
cleaning in an inclined wellbore.
Ford et al.[12](1990) performed an experimental study of drilled cuttings

transport in inclined wellbore. During this research, two different cuttings
transport mechanisms were presented; the first where the cuttings were
transported to surface by a rolling/sliding motion along the lowest side of the
annulus and the second, where the cuttings were moved in suspension in the
circulating fluid. The main difference between these two mechanisms was
that the second mechanism required a higher fluid velocity than the first one.
They identified minimum transport velocity (MTV) , which was the minimum
velocity needed to make sure that the cuttings were moving upward in the
borehole annulus. MTV was dependent on many different parameters, such as
rheology of drilling fluid, hole angle, drill-pipe eccentricity fluid velocity in
annulus, cuttings size etc. The scientists observed that increasing viscosity of
circulating fluid would lead to decreasing of MTV for cuttings both rolling
and in suspension form. The experiments indicated that in turbulent flow,
water was a very effective transport fluid.
Sifferman[13] (1990)showed that insufficient hole cleaning is

responsible for a large portion of all stuck pipe . Some would argue that it is
the number one cause of stuck pipe around the world, especially in high -
angle holes. One study in the North Sea attributed 33% of the stuck pipe
incidents to poor hole cleaning alone.
Becker et al .[14] (1991) showed that the lifting cuttings performance of

the drilling fluids tested correlated best with the little-end-shear-rate viscosity,
especially the 6-rpm Fan V-G viscometer dial readings.
11
Bradely W.B.[66] (1991) showed that the average stuck pipe problem
may be cost per well amounted to (1.5-2) million dollars for every well
drilled between 1985 and 1988. For a long time, a lot of scholars have been
studying hole cleaning problems for complex structural wells, and some
achievements were made.
Zamora et al.[15] (1993)opposed to what happens in conventional wells
(increasing thixotropy improves cutting transport), in highly deviated wells
and even more so in horizontal wells, the drilled cuttings have to come up
through variously inclined, where the optimum parameters required for hole
cleaning may vary greatly from one section to the other. Cutting transport is
not only a problem in horizontal conditions but hole angles of 25 to 65 can
be even more critical when parameters such as mud rheological properties and
velocities are not optimized
[16]
Campos et.al, (1994) developed a model for estimating the critical
velocity with the cuttings-bed thickness for subcritical flow conditions. The
models estimations are good for light weight muds, but this model should be
further refined to account for heavy mud's and pipe rotation.
Clark and Bickham ,[17] (1994) presented a cuttings-transport model

based on fluid mechanics relationships, in which they supposed three
cuttings-transport types: settling, raising, and rolling-each dominant within a
certain range of wellbore angles. Estimates of the model were compared with
critical flow and subcritical flow data they had accumulated with the five- and
eight inch flow loops. Also an estimation of the model was used to test a
number of situations in which poor hole cleaning had been responsible for
drilling problems.
Guild and Hill,[18](1995) presented an example of integration of hole-

cleaning study into field practice. They described trouble-free drilling in two
12
wells (extended-reach wells) after they missed one well for the reason that of
poor hole cleaning. Their schedule was designed to increase the footage
drilled between wiper trips (to remove settling cuttings) and eliminate hole-
cleaning back reaming trips (to ensure lifting cuttings) before reaching the
casing seat depth. They planned a creative way to prevent significant cuttings
growth by carefully monitoring the pickup weight, rotating weight, and slack
off weight as drilling continued. Cuttings accumulation were observed in the
hole caused by the difference between the pickup weight and the slack off
weight to keep increasing, while lifting capacity and cleaning the hole
decreased the difference. By noting the changes in these factors and by the
use of other readily obtainable information, they were able to closely monitor
hole cleaning efficiency and control the situation.
Bassal , A.[19] (1995) showed that drill string rotation has a moderate to
significant effect on hole cleaning, and that this effect also depends on hole
angle and other cuttings properties. He found out that the rotation of drill
string improves hole cleaning more while using drilling fluid with a higher
viscosity and smaller cuttings sizes. He found that for hole angle at 65
degrees, and at horizontal, the effect drill string rotation caused an
improvement in cuttings transport.
Kenny et al,[20] (1996) defined a lift factor as a combination of mud
velocity in the lower part of the annulus and particles settling velocity and
used it as an indicator of cuttings transport performance in highly deviated
wells . Analysis of data indicated that the fluid "n" factors calculated using the
yield power law [Herschel-Bulkley] rheological model play a dominate role.
High values of fluid "n" factors promote more flow under the eccentric drill
pipe.
13
Nguyen et al.[21] (1996) pointed out that empirical correlations were

valid only in a limited range of operating conditions. Apart from such
empirical correlations, many mathematical, numerical and semi-empirical
models have been proposed for cuttings transport processes.
Many experimental studies have been carried out by using flow loops
for investigating the cuttings transport process in highly deviated and
horizontal wellbores.
Different parameters such as the minimum fluid velocity to keep all
cuttings moving (Minimum Transport Velocity), height of the stationary
cuttings bed, accumulation and erosion rates, and the volumetric cuttings
concentration were used to evaluate the cuttings transport efficiency in
deviated wellbores.
Several factors affecting the transport efficiency were investigated
using flow loop experiments for example; fluid velocity, rate of penetration,
fluid properties, flow regime, wellbore geometry and drill pipe eccentricity,
cuttings size and shape. Based on such experimental parametric studies,
correlations were derived for predicting cuttings transport performance.
Larsen et al.[22](1997) developed a new mathematical method for
estimating the minimum fluid transport velocity for system with the
inclination between 55 to 90 . They found that the model worked fairly
good within inclination angle 55 to 90 and there were no correction factors
yet for inclination less than 55. From Larsen method it was known that there
are three parameters which affect determination of minimum fluid annular
velocity for inclined hole :
(1) Inclination , (2) ROP and (3) Mud density .
Pilehavriet al.[23] (1999) took in consideration some major achievements

with the latest experimental researches. Computational Fluid Dynamics
14
(CFD)simulations, correlations and models, and future research needs in hole

cleaning were mainly addressed.
Sanchez et al.[24] (1999) investigated the effect of drill pipe rotation on
hole cleaning while drilling directional wells. The results showed that the drill
pipe rotation had a considerable effect on hole cleaning, and that the dynamic
behavior of the drill pipe (vibration, turning, etc.) played a significant role in
improving hole cleaning. They quantified the effects of drill pipe rotation on
cuttings transport through the sensitivity analysis of numerous data from
experiments with and without drillpipe rotation.
Adari, et al.[25] (2000) presented a method using empirical model that relate
cuttings bed thickness and time of bed corrosion to drilling mud properties
and flow rates . Experimental results were used together with a non-linear
regression analysis program to found a functional relationship among drilling
mud properties, flow rate, cuttings bed thickness and the required time to
circulate the bore hole clean.
Considering the flow physics, making predictions for bed heights and
velocities solely based on particle settling velocities is not appropriate and
therefore, physics-based models are required to address the cuttings transport
process in highly deviated wellbores.
Hyun et.al.[26] (2000) formulated a mathematical three-layer model to
predict and interpret the cuttings transport in a deviated wellbore from
horizontal to vertical during coiled tubing drilling. The model predicts based
on the simulation are in good agreement with the experimental data published
by others.
Cho et al.[27] (2000) showed that the several earlier models gave inaccurate
predictions when compared to experimental data, were unable to provide
15
credible predictions when modeling the process over a wide range of

conditions, and had discrepancies with other models.
Bilgesu et al.[28] (2002) explained and analyzed cuttings transport
parameters using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) .This study considered
one of the first studies to simulations show drill string rotation can improve
lifting cuttings and hole cleaning but the effect is more renounced for smaller
cuttings size. The efficiency of cutting transport has a reducing trend as
annular velocity increase. In spite of , inclination and ROP also have major
impacts on cuttings concentration.
Ali et al.[29] (2002) performed the parametric study of CFD on lifting
cuttings in vertical and horizontal wells. The factors affecting lifting capacity
were classified into four groups , density of the mud , cutting size, mud
viscosity and rate of penetration (ROP). The simulations show that :
1) good option for cuttings transport and lifting capacity with a low viscosity
mud in turbulent flow but to optimized the carrying capacity a high density
mud should be used.
2) to improve hole cleaning and lifting capacity , an increase in mud flow rate
at increase in mud density should be considered .
3) Enhanced lifting capacity for small particle size when drilling with high
mud weight circulated at high flow rate for the 0.1, 0.175 and 0.275 in.
particles.
4) lifting capacity increases as viscosity increases.
5) ROP has an important effect on cuttings transport at low circulation rate.
The primary flow rate used for horizontal wells guide to blockage of the
annular section in directional wells. As well as, drill pipe rotation has the
same conclusion with Bilgesu et al.
16
Yu et al.[30](2004) performed a study on improving cuttings transport

capacity of drilling fluid in a horizontal wellbore by attaching air bubbles to
the surface of drilled cuttings by using chemical surfactants. The laboratory
experiments were performed in order to determine the effects of chemical
surfactants on attachment of air bubbles to cutting particles. The study
revealed that the use of certain chemical surfactants could increase the
strength of attachments between air bubbles and drilling cuttings. This study
proved that this method could stepwise improve cuttings transport capacity in
horizontal and inclined wells.
Kelessidis et al.[31] (2004) studied the effects of hydraulic factors on

cuttings transport and hole cleaning and analyzed data using experimental
facilities in a 70 cm 5 m long flow . Tests were implemented using water and
water solutions of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC). Experimental results
were based on visual watching and on video and taken pictures . The study
showed that increase in flow rate can be eroded cuttings bed . If the flow rate
is high will be high suspension and the solids don't deposit on the wall while
the flow in streaks near the bottom wall of the annulus.
For understanding the cuttings transport process in highly deviated
wellbores, the borehole annulus is divided into layers based on particle
concentration motion patterns. The first layer is the stationary cuttings bed
where the motionless cuttings are accumulated on the low side of the annulus.
The area opens to flow decreases as the cuttings accumulate on the bed.
Subsequently, the bulk flow velocity increases and the flow also become more
turbulent provided that the carrier fluid flow rate is maintained constant.
At a later time in the accumulation process, the particle carrying capacity
of the flow reaches a state where all particles are in motion as well as the
accumulation/erosion processes on the bed reach equilibrium. Although the
17
accumulation and erosion on the bed remain dynamic, their net balances
results in the stationary bed height. The stationary bed height is measured
from the lowest side of the annulus to the bed surface. When the stationary
bed reaches equilibrium, particles are transported in a narrow layer just above
the stationary bed surface by rolling and sliding action. This layer is called as
the moving bed layer.
Ozbayoglu et al.[32] (2004) studied an extensive experiments to evaluate
the effects of main parameters on lifting capacity efficiency using an eight
inch one hundred feet length Low-Pressure Ambient-Temperature (LPAT)
flow loop. This experiment showed that average annular velocity is the
controlling parameter on hole cleaning, and the turbulent flow is very
important to prevent bed development. Also, cuttings properties, fluid
density, inclination and eccentricity have some effects on the cuttings
transport besides the analysis of drill pipe rotation and mud rheology .
Valluri et al.[33] (2006) studied the effect of rheology of the sweep fluid on
sweep efficiency under Low Pressure Ambient Temperature( LPAT) and
elevated temperature elevated pressure (EPET) states. The low pressure
ambient temperature tests were showed on an 8 inch 90 feet length flow loop.
The EPET tests were implemented on a 5.76 inch 73 feet long flow loop.
These studies show in the absence of drill pipe rotation, high viscosity and
high mud weight sweeps were found to be ineffective in a high deviated and
horizontal pattern, and the rheological properties of drilling mud change by
effect of temperature because the temperature could affect the sweep
efficiency by changing rheological properties.
Al-Zubaidi ,N.[34] (2007) investigated the effect of fluid rheology and
cuttings sizes on the circulation rate required to ensure that the drilling
cuttings in horizontal wells are efficiently transported to the surface . The
results of this study observed that much higher annular velocities are required
18
for effective hole cleaning in horizontal wells . It was also observed that
higher viscosity drilling fluid yield better transport than lower viscosity
drilling fluid within the same flow regime.
Mirhaj et al.[35] (2007) presented results of an extensive experimental study

on model development for cuttings transport in highly deviated wellbores.
The experimental part of this study focused on the minimum transport
velocity required to carry all the cuttings out of the well bore. The influence
of the following variable was also investigated: flow rate, inclination angle,
mud rheological properties and mud weight, cuttings size, drill pipe
eccentricity, and ROP. The model was developed based on data collected at
inclination angle between 55 and 90 degrees from vertical. The model
predictions were compared with experimental results in order to verify the
model accuracy.
Mishra[36](2007) applied the Eulerian Model in CFD program to simulate
the lifting capacity and transport cuttings. The simulations show it becomes
difficult to lift the particles as the inclination decreases. While the larger
particles are easy to lift or removed using the water, and are unusually
increasing flow rate affected on cuttings transport.
Lu C.S.[37] (2008) noticed that poor hole cleaning often occurred in the
directional and high deviated sections and horizontal sections of the
compound structural wells , which really affects on the penetration rate and
down hole safety . In latest years , in spite of many processes taken to control
hole cleaning , the accident still happen from time to time . The study reported
an example on the poor hole cleaning , in the extended reach well of Xijiang
24-A14 in the South of China Sea , poor hole cleaning problem led to many
accidents of stick pipe , and the drill string was stuck two times , at 10328
feet and 11225 feet respectively.
19
Duan et al [38] (2008) explain and study three sizes of cuttings (0.45 mm
3.3 mm) in an 8 inch 100 feet flow loop . The tests were operated with water
and polymeric fluids. The end result showed that the smaller cuttings is more
difficulty to be lifting than larger cuttings when tested by water.
In spite of this, when tested with 0.25 ppb PAC (Poly-Anionic cellulose)
solutions, the smaller cuttings is simpler to be lifted and transported.
Furthermore, rotation the pipe and mud rheology were the factors in
controlling small cuttings lifting.
Ozbayoglu et al.[39](2008) observed specifically the effect of drill pipe
rotation on hole cleaning using a 3 inch 12 feet long flow loop . It was noticed
string rotation has an important improvement on cuttings transport and hole
cleaning , especially making an orbital motion, and drastically decreases the
critical velocity required to remove stationary cuttings bed totally. However,
drillpipe rotation has no an additional support to hole cleaning after a certain
revolution speed.
Duan et al.[40] (2009) still conducted experiments to determine the critical

re-suspension velocity (CRV) and the critical deposition velocity (CDV) for
0.45 mm and 1.4 mm sands in different fluids over a range of bed heights and
inclination .It was reported that depending on sand size and mud properties ,
CDV is about two to three times greater than CRV . Furthermore, water is
more active than low-concentration polymer solutions for bed erosion, but
polymer solutions are more useful than water in avoiding cuttings bed
formation.
Ahmed et al.[41](2009) conducted hole cleaning performance of a fiber

sweep in a 2 inch 12 feet long flow loop. Comparing the fiber sweep (0.47%
Xanthan gum (XG) with 0.04% synthetic fiber) with the base fluid
20
(0.47%XG) indicates fiber sweep improved hole cleaning abilities than the
base fluid in the horizontal section . When tests are conducted in an inclined
configuration (68 from vertical), improvement in the lifting capacity and
hole cleaning ability of the fluid due to the addition of fiber is balanced.
Li et al.[42] (2009) studied the effecting drill pipe rotation on hole cleaning
in horizontal wells with CFD. The physical model was that 215.9 mm-127
mm annulus, 0.5 eccentricity and 20 m length. The simulations indicate:
1. Drill string revolution drives mud and solid circumferential movement.
2. Helical movement is the main style for fluid and solid.
3. Drill string rotation decreases solid concentration in annulus, as well
as causes cuttings go faster.
4. Particles distributions are irregular in annulus.
5. Revolution speed between 80 and 120 rpm has a important effect on
cuttings bed.
Sun[43](2009) simulated the velocity field, pressure and trace of mud for
cuttings bed ejection tool using CFD. It was noticed that a V-shape slot can
make velocity field helical distribution and inlet velocity rise about 100% in a
very small axial distance. The velocity increases the most especially, at the
tool bottom , this increases in velocity leads to more cuttings transport
effective.
Sorgun[44](2010) studied the drill pipe rotation effect. The effect indicates
that rotation of drill pipe significantly reduce cuttings bed height and critical
fluid velocity needed to avoid unmoving bed expansion for both water and
drilling mud , specially if the drill pipe is completely in eccentric position .
Also, after a certain pipe revolution speed , no additional support of pipe
rotation is noticed on critical velocity . Furthermore, stop the pipe rotation and
low rotation case, mud viscosity increases , Reynolds Number decreases
21
and reduces the carrying capacity and hole cleaning of drilling fluids, but this
effect reduces when the speed of pipe rotation is increased.
Additionally he studied the fluid velocity, penetration rate ( ROP ) and

inclination. The results explain that stationary cuttings bed height reduces
severely for all drilling fluids as the fluid velocity rises. After a certain fluid
velocity, unmoving bed is removed from the wellbore. Inclination has a small
effect on cuttings bed height in the annulus between range ( 60 to 90 )for all
mud systems with no pipe rotation. As the fluid velocity is 0.95 m/s and flow
horizontal annulus, there is no important change in cuttings bed height is
noticed as the penetration rate is increased.
Chen et al .[45] (2012) used CFD to study the mechanism of an active
hydro clean drill pipe (EHCDP) for transport cuttings and hole cleaning.
The flow diagrams, velocity field and pressure field of EHCDP were
simulated by checking the effect of a spiral channels structure on flow
behaviors of the annulus fluid. The effects show fluid can produce a cyclone
cavity neighboring spiral grooves with EHCDP, and cuttings are lifted by the
cyclone cavity from low point side to up side. Also, rotation of drill pipe
produces the centrifugal force, which makes cuttings thrown into the up side
of annuli.
Cheung et al.[46](2012) carried out experiments with different drill pipe
rotation speeds (0 to 90 rpm) and fiber concentrations (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and
0.2%, by weight) in the University of Tulsa Drilling Research Projects
(TUDRP) small indoor flow loop. The results indicate that an increase in fiber
concentration improves the hole cleaning efficiency with high pipe rotation or
flow rate. As a greater amount of fiber were employed, efficiency further
decreased, unless combined with adequate pipe rotation or flow rate.
22
Ali Piroozian et al.[47] (2012) supposed that the weighting material,

barite, added together to the mud were well distributed through the circulation
in the flow-loop operation. Another important hypothesis made was drill
cuttings were equally distributed through the annulus. Furthermore, the entire
length of the pipe type PVC used in his experimental work and was
considered to have uniform friction factor. The main points discussed in the
study are:
1. Rising the plastic viscosity of the drilling mud results in a significant
raise in the quantity of recovered cuttings .
2. If the flow is laminar ,it is apparent that at higher degrees of slope the
tendency of small cuttings sliding is always likely to occur which rise
the hydraulic requirement for acceptable hole cleaning.
3. The most portions of removed cuttings were recovered by maximum
velocity of the drilling mud and the most viscous mud.
Luc Van Puymbroeck, Henry Williams et al.[48] (2013) presented new
hydro mechanical drill pipe to increase drilling performance and effect of
inclination angle on cuttings bed.
Noah,[49] (2013) investigated from experimental method with increasing

measured depths and horizontal displacements in extended-reach wells
(ERD), good hole cleaning remains a major challenge. It has been known for
many years that transport of the cuttings from the wellbore through drilling
high-angle wells poses complex problems. Settling cuttings occur by
influence of gravity along the bottom of the hole. As the settling cuttings in
the drilling mud, a bed of solids is developed along the bottom of the hole .
Unsuccessful to achieve a satisfactory hole cleaning may be affect severe
drilling problems including: excessive over pull on trips, high rotary torque ,
stuck pipe , hole pack-off , excessive equivalent circulating density (ECD)
23
formation break down , slow rates of penetration and difficulty running casing
and logs. The cruelest of these is sticking of the drill pipe .This condition may
be very costly to treat, where the cost of single stuck pipe incident may be
over one million dollars.
24
CHAPTER THREE:THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
CHAPTER THREE
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
3-1 Preface
There are three types of horizontal wells which are short radius,
medium radius, and long radius Fig. (3-1)[50]
where R is the radius of curvature
Figure (3-1) Types of horizontal wells [50]
25
The following factors should be considered when designing a horizontal

well[50].
Target definition
Single curve design
Double curve design
3-2 Hole Cleaning Variables
There are three hole cleaning variables that can be controlled at the rig:
1-mud weight
2-annular velocity
3- viscosity .
The hole cleaning variables that cannot be controlled on the rig are:
1-Diameter of particle
2-Density of particle
3-Hole enlargement.
Many parameters affect the transport of cuttings from the hole to

surface. Studies have been done to rank these parameters in order of
importance to hole cleaning during drilling.
Adari R., et.al (2000)[25] came up with the figure below Fig.( 3-2).
26
Figure (3-2): Key variables controlling cuttings transport[25]
Figure (3-3) illustrates the cutting transport mechanism in vertical and

different deviated wells [51] .
Figure( 3-3): Cutting transport mechanism in vertical and deviated wells[51]
27
where:
In holes where inclinations are less than thirty degrees, the cuttings are
mostly suspended by the fluid shear and beds do not form [Zone 1 &3]. In
such cases, conventional transport calculations based on vertical slip
velocities are applicable. Beyond 30 degrees, the cuttings make beds on the
low side of the hole which can slip back down the well, resulting annular
pack-off. Cuttings which form on the low side of the hole can either move
masses as a sliding bed [Zone 4], or may be transported at the bed/drilling
fluid interface as dunes or nipples [Zones 2]. The perfect zones for best hole
cleaning are Zone1 and 2[51].
In general hole cleaning in a directional well is affected by:
1) Angle of Inclination
There are three distinct regions of inclination in a directional well ,
Fig.(3-4)
1) 0- 30 no cutting bed build up .

2) 30- 65 cuttings bed formation tendency to slip ( transition zone ) .
3) 65- 90 cuttings bed heavy deviated and horizontal regions[52].
28
Turbulent Flow
Figure (3-4): Region of inclination in the directional well[53]
In high angle hole intervals, the cuttings are no longer fully supported
by fluid drag and it is inappropriate to make predictions of hole cleaning from
techniques based on the fall velocity of the particles.
In high hole angles, the cuttings concentrate on the low side of the hole
in the form of a bed. If the circulation rate is very low; cuttings are unlikely to
be removed from the well bore. Upon increasing the flow rate, the bed
becomes progressively eroded. The mobile cuttings on the interface salt ate
and form dunes or large ripples. The bed then starts to move and cuttings are
29
cleaned from the well bore. This mechanism of bed movement is a more
noticeable feature of hole cleaning with low viscosity fluids. [54]
2) Flow Rate:
Annular velocity is a function of flow rate divided by cross sectional area
Va= annular velocity = flow rate / cross sectional area of the annulus .
With higher flow rates the threshold velocity will be attained with smaller
cuttings beds. So, cuttings bed height decreases linearly with an increase in
flow rate .
3) Cuttings Beds
Cutting characteristics such as shape, size and density are related to their
dynamic behavior in a flowing media. The terminal velocity, drag force,
buoyant forces and shear forces between cuttings are affected by both the
characteristics of the cuttings and the properties of the circulation fluid. The
sphericity of a cutting particle is the ratio of the surface area of sphere of
same volume to the surface area of the particle, Table(3-1 ) .
Table(3-1 ): Sphericity of cutting particles for different shapes[ 55]
Shape Sphericity
Sphere 1.0
Octahedron 0.85
Cube 0.81
Prism 0.77
According to investigation, there is a certain particle size which is

considered the most difficult to clean out with water and from their study, it
30
is of 0.76 mm diameter. They also concluded that smaller particles are harder
to clean out than larger ones when the particle size is larger than 0.5 mm, but
for particles smaller than 0.5 mm, the smaller particles are easier to clean out.
The critical velocity needed to transport different sizes of particles is also
dependent on the cutting concentration[ 55].
4) Rheology
Rheology can be defined as the science of deformation and flow of
matters, it refers to the different properties and characteristics of the drilling
fluid. These properties which related to circulation fluid can cause a problem
in horizontal well , the shear stress at the bed interface plays the key role in
solids transport. Eccentricity, flow regime and hole geometry also affect the
rheological state of the liquid and have an important impact on solids lifting
and removal.
A consistent conclusion indicate that for a horizontal or near horizontal
well bore, hole cleaning is more satisfied if a low viscosity mud is pumped in
a turbulent flow regime comparing with high viscosity mud in a laminar
regime[55]
5) Rate of Penetration (ROP)
According to studies by Scott Walker[55], cutting bed is thicker for a higher
ROP than it is for a lower ROP with the same circulation fluid rate. Also for a
given ROP higher circulation fluid flow rate results in a lower bed height.
When the ROP is constant, increasing the circulation flow rate results in a
lower cutting concentration and a decreasing of the bed height. Also with a
fixed circulation rate, increasing ROP results in a higher cutting concentration
and a higher bed height.
The cuttings velocity as a function of the rate of penetration is given in the
equation below[56].
31
= ..(3-1)
.
Cconc.=0.01778 ROP + 0.505......(3-2)

where:
dp: pipe diameter (in)
dh: hole diameter (in)
Cconc: Concentration of cuttings
6) Pipe Rotation and Eccentricity
Because of drill pipe rotation, fluid flow between a rotating pipe and
the formation or a cased well is seldom stable. Pipe rotation tend to make
flow turbulent and this turbulent like motion makes the frictional pressure loss
to increase, causing an increased shear stress on the cutting bed surface. This
increased shear stress will assist in cutting removal.
Pipe eccentricity is hardly achieved in most wells, in eccentric cases the
pressure loss and thereby the ability to remove cuttings is increased because
the effect of pipe rotation causes fast flowing fluid from the wide part of the
hole down into narrow sections sandwiched between the formation and the
drill pipe[57] Fig. (3-5) .
32
Figure (3- 5): Pipe rotation helps fluid flow in the narrow side of an
eccentric annulus [58]
In vertical wells, it is easier to achieve a well centered drill string, but

in deviated and high angle well, the drill string always tend to lie on the low
side of the drilled well due to gravity.
It is important to note that cutting transport is only affected slightly by
the position of the pipe in the hole at low angle. As the inclination of the well
increases towards the horizontal, the amount of fluid needed for proper hole
cleaning increases[31]. In conclusion, hole cleaning time is affected by the
position of the pipe within the well bore. In order to optimize hole cleaning,
reliable method to predict pipe eccentricity is needed.
33
7) Time
The time to effectively clean the well bore increase as the angle increases.
The numbers that go into the Table (3-2) must be arrived at empirically from
field experience with the various hole angles , flow rates , and muds in use .
The goal with this table is to find the total number of strokes necessary to
clean the wells. To do this, the well is first divided into sections, depending
on hole size and angle. The measured depth of each hole section is then
multiplied by the appropriate Circulating Section Factor (CSF) and added
together to get a total adjusted depth . We then calculate the total strokes
necessary to circulate one bottom up from the total adjusted depth.[52]
3-3 Circulation before Trips

Simply pumping bottoms up before trips, may be satisfactory for
vertical wells but is unsatisfactory to ensure that a deviated hole is clean. In
all cases, circulation mud to clean the hole show when the shakers are
running clear of cuttings. In high deviated and horizontal wells low and high
viscous patch shall be used prior to Pull out of the hole (POOH).
According to clean the hole the mud pumps shut off to begin the trip
Table (3-2) offers a general guideline to compute circulation volume.
34
Table (3-2) Circulating Section Factor(CSF)at different angles [59]
Inclination of Circulating Section Factor(CSF)

Hole Angle or Section Length Factor
(Degrees) 27 1/2" 17 " 12 " 8 " 6"
0 10 2.25 1.5 1.3 1.25 1.3
10 30 2.25 1.75 1.5 1.25 1.4
30 60 2.75 2.5 1.75 1.5 1.5
60 90 3+ 3.0 2.0 1.75 1.6
Number of Circulations = Total Effective Length / Measured Depth[59]
Adjusted Measure Depth = The summation of ( section length * CSF)
The effectiveness of hole cleaning In a vertical well, is monitored by

torque and drag trends and by visual inspection of the shale shakers are clean
and the torque and drag is moderate.
Hole cleaning can be improved In a vertical well, by decreasing the slip

velocity of the cuttings. However, the reduction of slip velocity has a
diminishing effect as hole account only for the axial component of the slip
velocity, and it becomes a less effective way to predict hole cleaning
efficiency.
The fundamental differences between vertical and directional wells are:
-In vertical wells, hole cleaning efforts are focused on reducing the settling of
cuttings.
-In directional holes, emphasis is on dragging cuttings off the cuttings bed and
into suspension.
35
3-4 Basic and Theory
3-4-1 Rheological Models [54]

There are three rheological models as shown in Fig(3-6) below:
1. Bingham Plastic model
2. Power Law model
3. Herschel-Bulkley (yield-power law [YPL]) model
Shear rate and shear stress relationship for three rheological models are
shown in figure (3-6)
Figure (3-6): Rheological models, (after Baroid fluid manual)

3-4-1-1 Bingham Plastic model :
This model describes laminar flow using the following equation
= YP + p ...(3-3)
where:
= measured shear stress in lb/100 ft2
Yp = yield point lb/100 ft2, Yp= 300 - p
p= plastic viscosity in cp, p= 600 300
= shear rate in sec 1
36
For flowing inside the pipe, determine average velocity and critical velocity
.
V ...(3-4)
.
Vc= 97 p + 97 .........(3-5)

If V Vc flow is turbulent
The pressure calculated from
. . . .
P= .
...(3-6)
If V Vc flow is Laminar
P= + .. .(3-7)
^
Annular Flow
.
V= ..(3-8)
.
Vc= 97 p + 97 (3-9)

De=Dh Dp
If VVc flow is turbulent
. . . .
P= ( ) ( ) .
...(3-10)
P= + ..(3-11)
3-4-1-2 Power Law Model

This model assumes that all fluids are pseudo plastic in nature and are
defined by
= K n ...(3-12)
where
= Shear stress (dynes / cm2)
K = Consistency Index
37
K= 300/ 511n ....(3-13)

=Shear rate (sec-1)
n = Power Law Index
n=3.32 log (600/ 300) ......(3-14)
If n=1 type of fluid is Newtonian
n 1 type of fluid is non-Newtonian
n 1 type of fluid is Dilatent
where :
600=2 p + YP ...(3-15)
300= p + YP ...(3-16)
Pipe flow
V24.5
( ) ) ( )
. . (
Vc = ....(3-17)

If VVc flow is turbulent

. . . .
P= .
...(3-18)
. ( )
P= [ ][ ]^n .....(3-19)

Annular Flow
.
V=
( ) ) ( )
. . (
Vc = ...(3-20)

If V Vc flow is turbulent
. . . .
P= ( ) ( ) .
.(3-21)
38
. ( )
P= [ ][ ]^n ..(3-22)

3-4-1-3 Herschel-Bulkley (Yield-Power Law [YPL]) model

The YPL model reduces to the Bingham Plastic model when n = 1 and it
reduces to the Power Law model when 0.
= K n ...(3-23)
(shear stress at zero shear rate) in lb/100 ft2
Find Ps from equation:
PS= E0.8Q1.8(p) 0.2 ..(3-24)
Table (3-3) shows the length and inside diameter of stand pipe , rotary
hose , swivel , and Kelly for four known surface equipment .
The factor E can be found using Table (3-4)
Table (3-3) IADC Classes of Surface Equipment [62]
Surface Stand pipe Rotary Hose Swivel Kelly

Equip.
Type Length ID Length ID Length ID Length ID
ft in ft in ft in ft in
1 40 3.0 40 2.0 4 2.0 40 2.25
2 40 3.5 55 2.5 5 2.5 40 3.25
3 45 4.0 55 3.0 5 2.5 40 3.25
4 45 4.0 55 3.0 6 3.0 40 4.00
39
Table (3-4) Constant E value [62]
Surface equipment type Imperial units Metric units
1 2.5 x 10-4 8.8 x 10-6
2 9.6 x 10-5 3.3 x 10-6
3 5.3 x 10-5 1.8 x 10-6
4 4.2 x 10-5 1.4 x 10-6
3-5 Pressure Drop across Bit, PB

Two recognized methods exist to optimize bit hydraulics , these methods
are:
3-5-1 Hydraulic Horsepower Method
HHP =(PSQ/1714) - (PCQ/1714)..(3-25)
In this method the pressure drop at the bit is
Pbit= PS [n / (n+1)] ..(3-26)
where:
Ps=maximum available surface pressure
n = slope of PS vs Q curve. The n value is usually between1.8 and 1.86
If n= 1.86, then Pbit = 0.65 Ps
When n=1.86 , the optimized conditions of the hydraulic horsepower

method exist 65 % of available pump horsepower is operated and
applied on the bit.
40
3-5-2 Maximum Impact Force (IF):
Maximum impact force method can be defined as

Impact Force (IF) = .....(3-27)
In this way the pressure drop at the bit is
Pbit = PS [n / (n+2)] ..(3-28)
Similarity , the optimized conditions Hydraulic impact force method exist

when 48 % of available pump horsepower is operated on the bit.
In general the hydraulic impact method should be applied in soft, fast

top hole drilling and the hydraulic horsepower method used deeper down.
In spite of which method is used , the result must be within 95 % of the

optimum of the other.
Total flow area (TFA) or (AT) in 2

AT = 0.0096 * Q ...(3-29)
dn= 32 * ....(3-30)
dn = nozzle size in multiples of 1/32 in

The goal of the program design hydraulic horizontal wells is for
optimum hole cleaning in horizontal wells and transport cuttings to the
surface.
3-6 Slip Velocity
Slip velocity can be defined as the rate at which settling particle of solids out
of the well fluids because of the annular velocity less than transport velocity .
41
For transitional flow:

. ( ) .
Vs = . .
.(3-31)

For turbulent flow

. ( )
Vs = .....(3-32)
where:
dp = particle equivalent diameter in
p = particle density , ppg
f = fluid density , ppg
e = effective viscosity , cp
. ( ) ( )
e =[ ]^n * ....(3-33)
( )
3-7 Transport Velocity
Vt = Va Vs (3-34)
Vt = Transport velocity
.
Va = annular velocity Va=
3-8 Cutting Transport Ratio

It is the ratio of net annular cutting velocity and average fluid annular
velocity. It can be expressed as:
Vc / Va= 1- (Vs / Va) .(3-35)
Cutting transport ratio is a measure of the transportation efficiency .
3-9 Cuttings Concentration
ROP Dh2
Cc= ....(3-36)
(Va Vs)( Dh2 Dp2 )
where:
Cc = drill cuttings concentration
ROP = rate of penetration, ft/hr
42
( )
Spherical Chips Vs =113.4 .......(3-37)
( )
.
Rp= .....(3-38)
If Cd= . ...(3-39)
. ( )
= .....(3-40)
where:
Cd: drag coefficient
For spherical particles at particle Reynolds number between

approximately 500 and 200,000 (Newton's Law), Cd is almost constant at
0.44. This substitution yields:
( )
Vs=171 ....(3-41)
This equation represent turbulent flow around the particle.
If an idealized curve is constructed for known values of spheres on a

plot of Cd versus Rp, then for a Reynolds numbers between 1.0 and 500, the
approximate equation for the drag coefficient is:
.
Cd = .
.,....(3-42)
Equation (3-37) will be

. .
( )
Vs = 346.6 ( . . )
...(3-43)

where:
Vs : slip velocity
43
3-10 Total Flow Area(TFA) and Nozzle Selection
In deviated wells, decreasing the settling velocity (Vs) must be

minimized to improve hole cleaning . Meanwhile cuttings only have to drop
within throughout a very short distance before they are combined into the
cuttings bed. Mud rheology must be kept within the range listed in the
Drilling Programmed.[39]
The annular velocity (Va) is the most important factor in the hole
cleaning issue. The annular velocity should be optimized, every time, staying
within any pressure limitations applied by surface equipment or ECD[16].
Generally , higher annular velocity are required to clean deviated wells

than comparable vertical wells, Fig(3-7) .
Vertical Horizontal
al
Figure(3-7): Annular velocity required to initiate the transport of 6mm beads

with the drill pipe lying on the low-side of the hole[54]
44
The following procedure steps have been considered for the prepare of
increasing annular velocity to ensure efficient hole cleaning efficiency is
increased at all times[54]
1. When drilling unconsolidated formations , and to decrease the

probability of hole erosion, maintain a laminar flow rate regime, and
limit nozzle velocities to about of 100 m/s.
2. Bit nozzles estimated (TFA) based upon previous experience and
recommendations of the bit supplier.
3. Compute the pressure drop by applying the maximum pump output
available with the existing pump/liner configuration.
4. If the pressure drop calculated is within the constraints executed by the
pressure rating of surface equipment, and an ECD does not higher than
the Fracture Gradient, resume with Step 5.
5. If the pressure drop becomes too high, decrease the pump rate in
increments till both constraints are satisfied.
6. The flow regime must be checked . It must be estimated laminar flow
by reduce pump rate in increments If penetrated the unconsolidated
formations are to be penetrated, keep the circulating fluid in the
Laminar Flow regime. In this case, if the flow regime is transitional or
turbulent, then decrease pump rate in increments until Laminar Flow is
predicted.
7. Hole cleaning must be checked .For vertical wells, the flow rate should
be exceed the minimum rates listed in Table (3-5).
45
Table (3-5) Minimum values flow rate for vertical well [54]
Hole Size Flow Rate (gpm)

17 1/2" 900 -1000
12 1/4" 800 900
8 1/2" 400 450
6" 250 300
The above table assumes average drilling conditions, i.e. that

average rate of penetration are reached and drilled cuttings, not
caving, are to be lifted from the hole. If unusually high rate of
penetration is reached or if a significant amount of caving are being
formed, then the listed rates may not clean the hole in a sufficient way.
The tabulated rates are considered as a guide and reference , and

should be used for drilling program for specific wells
recommendations.
If the lowest flow rate proves impossible to achieve, a larger

nozzles should be used and allow circulation at higher rates. Increase
bit nozzle size until reach the minimum.
8. Bit hydraulics optimization should be checked , through taking into

account lowest flow rates needing considered by the bit provider. The
values listed in Table (3-6) below can be used as a guide for
optimization flow rate is reached.
46
Table (3-6) Optimization method[50]
% Of Total System Pressure Loss

Optimization Method
Expended At Bit
Maximum Hydraulic
65%
Horsepower at Bit
Maximum Hydraulic Impact
49%
Force
If an optimization state requires an expansion in nozzle size, as a result

to so much pressure being expended across the bit, re compute system
pressure drop, maximize the flow rate if possible.
If a smaller size nozzles required, ensure that increasing the pressure

drop does not result in the flow rate having to be decreased to the
minimum value for good hole cleaning. If this is the case, do not the bit
hydraulics optimization further.
9. Nozzle velocity should not be more than 300 ft/s in the unconsolidated
formations are to be penetrated. If nozzle velocity too high, should be choose
larger nozzles.
3-11 Carrying Capacity Index

The carrying capacity index ( CCI ) can be calculated using the
following equation[62] :
CCI = ( e V)/400000 . (3-44)
where:
= Mud weight ( ppg)
47
e = Drilling fluid viscosity , equivalent ( cp)
V = Annular velocity (ft/min)
e = 511(1-n) (p +Yp) (3-45)
n = 3.32 log [(2p +Yp) / (p + Yp)] .......(3-46)
.
V=
Dh: hole diameter (in)
Dp : pipe diameter (in)
Quite often, good hole cleaning is expected when the CCI is equal to or
greater than one .
The value of equivalent viscosity e can also be determined from a

chart of yield point and plastic viscosity with the equivalent viscosity . Fig .
(3-8)
48
2000
PV
1800
5 cp
1600
10 cp
K Viscosity, equivalent cp
1400 15 cp
1200 20 cp
25 cp
1000
30 cp
800
35 cp
600 40 cp
e 400
200
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Yield Point, lb/100 sq ft

Figure (3-8) : Viscosity equivalent vs yield point[60]
Figure (3-9) represent hole cleaning chart for (17.5",12.25" and 8.5") holes .
49
Figure (3-9) Hole cleaning chart for 17.5" , 12.25" and 8.5" hole
50
Vcut= .
.(3-47)
[ ][ . ]
To calculate critical velocity assumes the slip velocity:
Assume Vs1
Vcrit=Vcut + Vs1 ...(3-48)

( )
a= p+ ...(3-49)
where a: apparent viscosity
Vslip=0.00516 a+3.006 for a less than 53 cp ..(3-50)
Vslip=0.02554*( a-53)+3.28 for a greater than 53 cp ...(3-51)
If Vslip-Vs1 greater than 0.01 Assume another Vs1
If Vslip-Vs1 less than 0.01 then calculate the following
Cang = 0.0342 ang 0.000233ang2 0.213 .(3-52)
Csize = -1.04 D50cut+1.286 .(3-53)
Cmwt = 1-0.0333(Ym-8.7) when Ym 8.7
Cmwt = 1 when Ym 8.7
Vslip=Vs2*Cang* Csize* Cmwt .....(3-54)
Vcrit= Vcut + Vslip
Cutting transport velocity could be expressed as:
Vcut =
[ ( / )]
Cconc = 0.01778 ROP + 0.505
where :
Cang: hole inclination angle correction factor
51
Csize: Cutting size correction factor
Cmwt : Mud density correction factor
D50cut = Cutting diameter (in)
3-12 Horizontal Drilling Well
Horizontal drilling well is much expensive, and when combined with

hydraulic fracturing a well may cost up to three times as much per foot as
drilling a vertical well. The extra cost can be recovered by increased
production from the well [51].
In this design, the hole angle is built up from zero at the KOP to 90
degrees at the entry point in to the reservoir , Fig. ( 3-10). If this design is
used the build-up tendencies of both the formation and the rotary or steerable
BHA should be known in order to avoid missing the target due to excessive or
insufficient build up rates.
Also the build-up rate (BUR) should be selected to land exactly on the
target. If the BUR is too low the well path will fall below the target and if the
BUR is too high the well path falls above the target. In both cases, expensive
well correction is required.
52
Figure (3-10): Single arc profile[50]
where:
KOP : kick of point
R=5730/BUR .....(3-56)
V = R (SinI2 SinI1) .........(3-57)

H = R (CosI1 Cos I2) ......(3-58)
L =100 (I2 I1) ......(3-59)
where:
R = radius of curvature, ft
BUR = build-up rate, deg /100 ft
V =vertical height of build-up section, ft
H =horizontal displacement of build section, ft
L =length of build-up section, ft
I1 = initial inclination angle, deg
I2 = final inclination angle, deg
53
CHAPTER FOUR : GEOLOGICAL LITHOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC OPTIMIZATION
CHAPTER FOUR
Geological Lithology and Hydraulic Optimization
Vertical and directional wells were drilled in West Qurna field

,However , no horizontal wells were drilled till now.
It is necessary to know the geological configuration of the field to get the
optimum hole cleaning during the drilling operation for the vertical sections
and horizontal directivity wells.
Also, the pressure losses and optimum flow rates calculations for the
drilled sections were obtained using hydraulic optimization excel sheet.
It is important to mention that the studied sections for each well include:
1. First section (17.5") , second section (12.25") and third section (8.5")
for the well WQ-404 in West Qurna oil field
2. First section (17.5") Second section (12.25") and third section (8.5") for
the well WQ-416 and well WQ-271 in West Qurna oil field.
3. First section (17.5"), second section (12.25"), third section (8.5") and
fourth section (6") for the well HF-69 in Halfaya oil field .The
geological lithology of the drilled sections for the well WQ-416 are
shown below:
4-1 Geological Lithology For Formations Penetrated in The First Hole
The first hole 17.5" was drilled in West Qurna oil field through
formations listed in Table (4-1).
54
Table(4-1) Geology and major density changes for

the 1st hole drilling section 17.5"[ 61 ]
Depth (ft) Formation Density(ppg)
0-1325 Dibdiba 8.65
1325-2017 Lower Fars 8.65
2017-2362 Ghar 8.65
2362-2381 Dammam 8.66
4-1-1 Dibdiba Formation

This is the first formation drilled , it is usually exposed at the surface. It
is composed mainly of sand, gravel intercalation with minor streaks of
(limestone, marl, gypsum and claystone) .
Average thickness of Dibdiba formation: (1328 ft.)
The heaving / hole collapse / caving are highly occurs problems which will
affect hole stability and casing-cement quality in this section .
Estimated formation pore pressure (PP): 64-65 pcf (8.58 - 8.66 ppg) EMW
4-1-2 Lower Fars Formation
It is composed mainly of marl and/or limestone intercalation with
minor streaks of (sandstone, anhydrite and claystone).
Recognized by appearance of thick layer of marl and/or limestone with slow
(ROP).
Average thickness of Lower Fars formation : (394-692) ft.
Caving is highly possible problem and also the issues with plastic movement
occur (marl and clay) in this formation.
Estimated formation PP: 64-65 pcf (8.58-8.66 ppg) EMW
55
4-1-3 Ghar Formation

It is composed mainly of sand gravel and sandstone interbeded with
sandy limestone.
Recognized by appearance of sand gravel and sandstone with fast ROP.
Average thickness of Ghar formation : 508 ft .
4-1-4 Dammam Formation
It is composed mainly of dolomite and /or limestone , with occasional
intercalation with very minor streaks of (anhydrite, claystone and marl) .
Recognized by appearance of carbonate (dolomite or limestone) with slow
ROP.
Average thickness of Dammam formation : 787 ft.
The partial / complete mud losses of circulation are highly possible problem.
Also Dammam formation could contain fractured (dolomite and/or limestone)
which lead to complete loss of circulation.
Mud properties for the first section 17.5" listed in the Table (4-2)
4-2 Bit Selection for the 1st hole
According to the geological information about formations drilled in this

hole which consists of soft and soft to medium formation obtained from the
previous drilled wells with log recording , bit type can be estimated with
IADC (111) Tri Cone bit which is a good option .
56
Table (4-2) Mud properties applied in well
WQ-404 ( 1st section 17.5")[61]
Mud Properties Unit Typical
Density ppg 8.83
Yp lb/100ft2 22
PV cp 6-8
Drilled Solid % <5
API FL cc /30 min <20
Ph 10
Ca++ mg/l <400
pH was maintained at the range of 9 - 10 with caustic soda additions to

maintain pH between 9.0 - 10 while drilling Lower Fars formation, and soda
ash was added to treated out anhydrite formation contamination and adjusted
the Ca++ value < 400 mg/l.
Strength ensured excellent hole cleaning all the time mean while sweeping
hole with 5 m3 of high-viscous pill every connection to clean the hole no
significant increase in amount of cuttings when high viscous sweeps surfaced
, ensured to clean shakers via circulation and sweeping the hole .
It is important to increase the rheology of high-viscous spotted on bottom
to help in held cuttings while pulling out in hole to cover the formation.
57
4-3 Solids Control Equipment
Shale Shakers: Shaker #1 and # 2 were dressed with 50/50/50/50 API screens.
Coarse screen used to avoid losses over shaker however.
Mud Cleaner: The desilter and desander pumps performed well. They
separated, fine silt size sand, very well. It is strongly recommended to have
centrifuges on the system to minimize dumping and dilution.
To ensure optimize hole cleaning in this section, the flow rate range will be
713-793 gpm.
4-4 Geological Lithology For Formations Penetrated In The Second Hole

(12.25")
The second hole 12.25" was drilled in West Qurna oil field through the
formations listed in Table (4-3)
Table(4-3) Formations drilled with the estimated
density for the second hole (12.25")
Depth(ft) Formation Density
2361-3096 Dammam 9 ppg
3096-3381 RUS 9.25 ppg

Umm
3381-5103 9.25 ppg
Erradhuma
5103-5360 Tayarat 9.33 ppg
5360-5818 Shiranish 9.33ppg
5818-6383 Hartha 9.33ppg
6383-6435 Sadi 9.4 ppg
58
4-5 Rus Formation
It is composed mainly of anhydrite intercalation with very minor

streaks of (dolomite and/or limestone).It is picked by appearance of anhydrite
slow ROP.
Average thickness of Rus formation: 492 ft.
Estimated formation pore pressure: 64 - 65 pcf (8.68.7 ppg) EMW

4-6 Umm ErRadhuma Formation
It is composed mainly of carbonates (dolomite and/or dolomitic
limestone and/or limestone) interceded with thin streaks of (anhydrite and
shale) . It is picked by appearance of carbonates (dolomite and/or dolomitic
limestone and/or limestone) with fast ROP.
Average thickness of Umm ErRadhuma formation : 1476 ft.
Sulphurous water flow (and / or) partial / complete mud losses of circulation
is a possible problem in this formation.
Estimated formation pore pressure: 64 - 65 pcf (8.68.7ppg) EMW
4-7 Tayarat Formation

It is composed mainly of dolomite inter bedded with (limestone and
anhydrite) layers. It is picked by appearance of a thin shale layer at top of
Tayarat formation with slow ROP.
Average thickness of Tayarat formation : 262 ft.
Sulphurous water flow (and / or) partial / complete mud losses of circulation
is possible in this formation
Estimated formation pore pressure : 64 - 65 pcf (8.6 8.7 ppg) EMW
59
4-8 Shiranish Formation

It is composed mainly of limestone interbedded with thin layers of
marl. Recognized by appearance of highly argillaceous limestone grading to
marl with slow ROP.
Average thickness of Shiranish formation : 344 ft.
Bit balling, sticking and tight hole may occur while drilling this formation.
Estimated formation pore pressure: 64 - 65 pcf (8.6 8.7 ppg) EMW
4-9 Hartha Formation

It is composed mainly of limestone interbedded with dolomite and
occasionally intercalation with streaks of Shale. Recognized by appearance of
chalky limestone and/or dolomite with slow ROP.
Average thickness of Hartha formation : 640ft.
Partial to complete mud losses of circulation is highly possible in this
formation.
Estimated formation pore pressure : 64 - 65 pcf (8.6 8.7 ppg) EMW
4-10 Sadi Formation

It is composed mainly of limestone . Recognized by appearance of
chalky argillaceous limestone with fast ROP.
Average thickness of Sadi formation : 525ft.
Tight hole and sticking may occur while drilling this formation.
Estimated formation PP: 64 - 65 pcf (8.6 8.7 ppg) EMW
4-11 Solids Separator Equipment:

Shale Shakers: The two shale shakers performance were good to
remove drilled solids but got losses over shakers several times with high flow
rate. The shakers were dressed with 70 API screens on the beginning of
60
drilling this section then dressed with 140 170 API screens for more
efficiency of removing fine solids and can't dresses fine screens to avoid
losses over shakers.
Mud Cleaner: The desilter and desander ran all times to reduce solids content
to the lowest values. The screen used was 200 meshes. Mud cleaner was run
under flow to waste pit all the time to control mud weight as low as possible.
4-12 Geological Lithology For Formations Penetrated In The Third Hole
(8 .5")
The 3rd hole 8.5" was drilling in West Qurna oil field through the
formations listed in the table (4-4).
The mud density was instructed to be maintained in the range 10.4-10.5

ppg with salt and calcium carbonate fine.
Table (4-4) Formations drilled and density changes
Depth(ft) Formation Density(ppg)

6442-6907 Saadi 10.4
6907-7019 Tanuma 10.5
7019-7196 Khasib 10.5
7196-7957 Mishrif 10.5
4-13 Tanuma Formation

It is composed mainly of shale occasionally with very minor streaks of
limestone. Recognized by appearance of shale with fast ROP.
Average thickness of this formation : 164 ft.
Caving shale and tight hole may occur while drilling .
61
Estimated formation PP: 64 - 65 pcf (8.6-8.7 ppg) EMW
From the information above, it is clear that in such formations in directional

and horizontal sections such as tannuma and ahmadi formations, much of
these problems like tight hole, swelling, sloughing shale and caving are likely
to happen .
4-14 Khasib Formation

It is composed mainly of argillaceous chalky limestone intercalation
with very thin beds of shale with slow ROP.
Average thickness of Khasib formation : 148 ft.
Estimated formation PP: 64 - 65 pcf (8.6-8.7 ppg) EMW
4-15 Mishrif Formation
It is composed mainly of limestone occasionally with very thin stingers

of shale. It is picked by appearance of limestone with slow ROP.
Average thickness of Mishrif formation : 469 ft.
Estimated formation. PP: 64 - 65 pcf (8.6-8.7 ppg) EMW
The mud properties used in this section are listed in Table ( 4-5) as following
62
Table (4-5) Mud properties for section(8.5")
Mud Properties Unit Program
Density ppg 10.4
p centipoises(cps) 12-16
Yp lb/100ft2 16-25
Drilled Solid % <5
API FL cc/30 min <5
pH 9-10
Ca++ mg/l <200
The calculated parameters include TFA , HIS and JIF were given in Table
(4-6) for the 3rd hole in well WQ-404 [61]
63
Table (4-6) Obtained data the well WQ-404 for 3rd hole [61 ]
Variable Units Value

Flow Rate GPM 713-793
TFA sq-in 0.7186
HIS hp/in2 1.9

JIF lbf 200
Pump pressure psi 1700
WOB Ton 5-15
rpm 100-150
Applying such bit hydraulics with flow rate in Table (4-7) , a good hole
cleaning in directional well (with 29 inclination ) can be obtained .
Table (4-7) Hydraulics of the second hole (12 .25")
(directional hole) [61]

TFA sq-in 0.902
HIS hp/in2 1.79M
JIF lbf 876@713GPM
Pump pressure psi 1900@713GPM
WOB Ton 5-15
rpm 110-140
64
4-16 Mud Properties For The 2nd Hole (Directional Section )
Applying such mud properties Table (4-8) , a good hole cleaning in

directional well (with 29inclination ) can be obtained .
Table(4-8) Mud properties for the 2nd hole 12.25" [ 61 ]
Mud Properties Unit Program

Density ppg 8.7
p centipoises (cp) 12-16
Yp lb/100ft2 25-35
Drilled Solid % <6
6 rpm lb/100ft2 12-15
pH 9-10
Hole Angle Degree 29
Similarity , an optimum hole cleaning for third section (8.5") can be achieved
with the listed parameters , Table (4-9)
65
Table (4-9) Obtained data for 3rd hole (8 .5")(directional hole)

TFA sq-in 0.902
HIS hp/in2 2.4@502GPM
JIF lbf 75@502GPM
Pump pressure psi 2393@502GPM
WOB Ton 4-14
rpm 100-120
4-17 Mud Properties For The 3rd Hole 8.5" directional oil well (WQ-416)
deviated angle about 30 degree .
Recommended fluid density = 10.4 ppg

Yield point = 25-30 lb/100 ft2 (Depending on 6 rpm reading)
Low shear rheology (6 rpm) = 9 12 lb/100 ft2
Solid = < 5%
pH = 9.5 10
Through studying another directional oil well (WQ-271) high deviated angle
60 degree, the following can be noticed:
Fluid Density = 10.4 ppg

Yield Point = 20-30 lb/100 ft2 (Depending on 6 rpm reading)
Low shear rheology (6 rpm) = 8 12 lb/100 ft2
Solid = < 5%
pH = 10.5 11
66
Clearly, it can be shown that the unique difference was in pH value, while the
remaining drilling fluid parameters still the same in spite of the degree of
inclination (i.e. 30 and 60 ).
4-18 Lithology of Halfaya oil Field
Before studying the horizontal section in Halfaya oil field , the

lithology of this field must be known .
4-18-1 The First Hole (26") in the well (HF-69)
This hole was drilled to depth 495 ft through the formation Upper Fars
Quaternary: Clay, calcareous and Mollusca shells
Upper Fars most problems: No lost circulation, may be the bit and stabilizer
balled up, wash out BHA.
4-18-2 The Second hole (17.5") in the well (HF-69)
Continue drilling through upper Fars formation to depth 4562ft, top

Lower Fars formation .
Lower Fars tight hole, pipe stuck, anhydrite and rock salt.
4-18-3 The Third hole (12.25") in the well (HF-69)
Drilled this hole through Lower Fars formation to depth 6255 ft
4-18-4 The Fourth hole (8.5") in the well ( HF-69)
The 4th hole was drilled through the listed formations and depths :
a) Formations Jeribi , Kirkuk , and Hartha to the depth of 8663 ft .

b) Formation Sadi to depth 9105 ft,
c) Formation Tanuma to depth 9151 ft.
d) Formation Khasib to depth 9430 ft
67
e) Finally top Mishrif formation to depth 9541 TVD ft
4-18-5 Horizontal hole (6") in the well ( HF-69)
The final section in this well was drilled horizontally through Mishrif
formation to depth 9860 ft (TVD), and the total measured depth (MD) is
13425 ft .
The lithology of well (HF-69) in Formations oil field as following:
Table (4-10) Formation depth in HF-69 in Halfaya oil field[63]
Depth(ft) Formation Density(ppg)

0-4503 Upper Fars 8.66
4503-6238 Lower Fars 15
6238-8662 Jer- kir- Hartah 10
8662-9105 Sadi 10
9105-9151 Tanuma 10
9151-9430 Khasib 10
9430-9541 Mishrif 10
The different lithological formations with their expected drilling problems are
listed in Table (4-11):
68
Table (4-11) Formation and expected problems for the HF-69 in Halfaya field
Formation Expected Drilling Problems

Jeribe
Upper Kirkuk
Middle Kirkuk Caving of loosen sandstone and clay stone
Lower Kirkuk
Jaddala Lost circulation
Aliji Lost circulation
Shiranish Lost circulation, Caving of marl
Hartha
Sadi Lost circulation,H2S, kick caving of calcareous and shale
Tanuma
Khasib Kick, Lost Circulation
Mishrif Lost circulation, H2S
Mud properties for the horizontal section Drilling (6") hole are listed in Table
(4-12) below
Table (4-12) Applied parameters for the horizontal hole(6")
Parameter Units Value

Density ppg 10-10.4
PV cp 12-25
Yp lb/100ft2 16-31
pH 10
Flow Rate gpm 190-240
rpm 60/60+
motor rpm
Ca++ ppm 200
69
4-19 Hydraulic Parameters
Hydraulic parameters and mud properties for optimum drilling operation for
this well are listed in table (4-13).
Table (4-13 ) Data of hydraulic optimization in well [HF-69] [63]
Parameter Unit Value

Interval ft 495-4559 4559-6255 6255-10122 10122 - 13425
Bit type Cone/PDC PDC PDC PDC
Hole size in 17 1/2 12 1/4 8.5 6

TFA mm2 1244 1002 413 210
Density ppg 9.8 18.7 10.5 10.4
Pipe press. MPa 19.84 20.82 22.15 21.42
Bit press. MPa 4.13 3.87 6.12 5.31
Ann. loss. MPa 0.76 2.01 2.41 3.58
Impact force KN 7.62 6.13 4.96 2.32
Nozzle (m/s) 0.74 0.95 2.14 54.3

velocity
Ann. vel. (m/s) 0.44 0.73 1.42 2.1
Bit (kw) 211 196.23 283.4 96

Hydraulic
power
PV cp 20 60 25 25
Yp lb/100ft2 20.8 31 20.8 20.8
Flow Rate gpm 1030 792 475 190
70
4-20 Summary
The following points can be inferred from the present chapter:
1. As a result of drilling in West Qurna field , it was found that the first
section 17.5" hole in well (vertical) used the above applied parameters
Table (4-2) to clean the hole beside the following notes :
a) Hole swept with 3 sticks of rapid sweep was added at each connection.
b)Start the section using coarse mesh screens 70/50"s to minimize losses
over shakers
2. The recommended mud weight values for the various formations in 1st hole
in West Qurna oil field can be summarized as follows:
a) Recommended drilling mud weight in Dibdiba formation is: 8.66 rising

to 8.9 ppg (1.04-1.07) gm/cc with a low drilling parameter then
increased gradually, and performed a circulation followed by Totco
survey every 656 ft . Pulled out of hole, hole was in a good condition.
b) Recommended drilling mud weight (MW) in Lower Fars formation is :
8.66 rising to 8.9 ppg (1.04 - 1.07 gm/cc) .
c) Recommended drilling mud weight in Ghar formation: 8.58 rising to
8.66 ppg (1.03 - 1.04 gm/cc)
d) Recommended drilling mud weight in Dammam formation is : 8.66-
8.9 ppg (1.04 - 1.07 gm/cc)
3. The Recommended casing point set at +/- 49 ft into Dammam formation
top to Preventing shallower formations collapsing.
a) To ensure suspension solids and sand, gel strength must be breakable.
b) During drilling the formation and RIH or POOH must ensure good hole
cleaning by maintaining yield point more than 20 lb/100 ft2.
71
c) Pumping 5 m3 of high-viscous patch each stand (three joints of drill pipe

or drill collar ) then displaced by mud to ensure hole is clean.
d) Circulation to clean the hole at each single especially when drilling
Dibdiba formation . A time was set according to the depth .
4. Recommended drilling mud weight for the 2nd hole (12.25") in West Qurna
oil field :
a) Mud weight in Rus formation is:(8.7 9.25 ppg)

b)Mud weight in Umm ErRadhuma formation is (9 9.5 ppg )
c) Mud weight in Tayarat formation is :(9.1 9.5 ppg )

d) Mud weight in Shiranish formation is:(9.25 9.5 ppg)
e) Mud weight in Hartha formation is :(9.33 9.75ppg)
f) Mud weight in Sadi formation is : (9.33 9.75ppg)
-It is recommended to set the casing +/- 49 ft into Sadi formation top to
seal off the upper formations which has mud losses.
Sweep hole with 3 Rapid Sweep sticks every connection while drilling.
Pumped 5m3 high viscous pill as required to ensure hole cleaning option.
5.Recommended mud weight for the 3rd hole(8.5") in West Qurna oil field :
a) Control mud weight at 9.33 ppg before Tayarat formation helped

stabilize the hole while RIH or POOH and RIH casing.
b) Pumping 20 m3 of high viscous pill to cover Hartha formation prior
pull out of hole to surface and preparing for RIH casing.
c) Mud weight Tanuma formation is: (9.5- 9.75 ppg)
d) Mud weight in Khasib formation is : (9.58- 9.75 ppg)
e) Mud weight in Mishrif formation is : (9.58- 9.75 ppg)
72
CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER FIVE
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5-1 Field Investigations
Many drilling sites were visited and the contacts with their activities
were achieved. Below conclusions on that investigation based upon field
observations and practical experiences:
1) Generally, at the site the equation which can be used to estimate the
required minimum flow rate for PDC bit may be expressed in the form
12.72*D1.47 .
Where D represent diameter of bit. (in)
2) During connection process of adding drill pipe to the drill string , an

increase in pressure was noticed because of shutting off the mud pump
until the pipe connection is finished .An obstruction may be happened due
to settling of cuttings on the bit .
3) At high deviated wells where the inclination is greater than 45, lifting and
removing of cuttings beds by pumping high viscous patch is not effective.
4) When there is remarkable changes on the hole inclination and azimuth

during drilling, drilling parameters and BHA should be adjusted
immediately to correct the hole trajectory.
5) Strainers should be used to avoid any solid content to obstruct down hole
survey tools, and mud condition should be carefully controlled according
to the program. Adequate pump rate for proper hole cleaning with special
attention to MWD and LWD tools.
6) Wiper trip should be make to break building up of any cutting bed at high
angle hole regularly with high viscosity pill pump down for better hole
cleaning.
7) Proper mud rheology to ensure hole cleaning and good cutting lifting
capacity.
73
8) As the friction in the deviated interval is high, enough lubricant should be

used in the mud , meanwhile solid control equipment should be running
properly and the centrifuge and desander should be used all the time .
9) When the flapper valve is used, fill in mud every 10 15 stands to avoid
the flapper valve from damage.
10) At the end of drilling the 8.5" hole, circulate to clean the hole and make
wiper trip with reamers to control the hole condition before logging and
casing.
11) In case of lost circulation, stop drilling and pull out of hole as fast as
possible meanwhile fill in mud. Pull the string inside the 9 5/8" casing
and check the flow and loss rate, If necessary.
12) Pull out of hole and pump down the prepared mud for sealing the lost
circulation. In case of cement plug should be made, when drilling out the
plug MWD or LWD should be used to avoid drilling a new hole.
The results showed that the hole cleaning in the vertical section
controlled by controlling the rheology and good hole cleaning was
obtained except for the first formation Dibdiba which need many cycles
(two or three times) to clean the hole and circulation the mud at end of the
drilled joint for 15 minutes or twenty minutes and monitoring that shale
shaker until no cuttings on the screen appear . At this time reduce the rate
of penetration and increase the flow rate to the 900 ppg (3000 l/m) .
13) Monitoring the shale shakers before trip out or pull out of the hole
(POOH) in order to ensure that cuttings return rate has reduced.
14) During drilling operation, it is common to circulate wellbore several
times (the process is called circulate bottom-up) before starting tripping
out of hole. The purpose is to avoid drill pipe sticking during pull out and
be able to reach the bottom hole with drill bit or casing, when running
74
into the hole again (RIH). The common practice is to have at least three
bottoms-up with slow pipe rotation before tripping out of the hole. If ECD
measurement tool is available on the BHA, it has to be controlled that the
ECD has dropped to normal level.
5-2 Concentration of the Cuttings
An increase in rate of penetration will increase the cuttings

concentration in the hole and a longer time is needed for cleaning the hole,
Fig (5-1) .
Fig.(5-1): Relation-ship between ROP and cuttings concentration
The above figures indicate that an increase in the ROP lead to an

increase in the cuttings concentration, therefore a need for more than one
cycle to clean the hole is required additional time.
75
If a comparison has been made to show the total time of drilling the
mentioned state of wells, once can notice:
a) In WQ-404, the total time to complete the drilling operation is thirty-

three (33) days, Fig. (5-2).
b) The total time for drilling operation of directional well less than 30
degree well (WQ-416) is about thirty-two (32) days, Fig. (5-3) .
The similarity in needed time can be attributed to use the same drilling
factors which affect on hole cleaning in vertical wells and directional wells
less than 30 degree.
Fig (5-2) Pie chart show time vs hole size for vertical well(WQ404)
76
17.5"
7 day
8.5"
12.9 day
12.25"
11.37 day
Fig (5-3): Pie chart show time vs hole size for directional well (WQ-416)
Accordingly, for the directional well with high deviated angle (WQ-
271) (62 degrees) the total time of drilling operation is about fifty- five (55)
days, Fig. (5-4) ,whereas for horizontal well( HF-69) the total time is (90)
days, Fig. (5-5) . From the previous cases, it is evident that time values
increases rapidly as hole inclination increases.
77
Fig. (5-4): Pie chart show time vs hole size for directional well (WQ-271)
78
26"
4Days 17.5"
2% 14Days
6" 9%
33Days
45%
12.25"
15Days
16%
8.5"
24Days
28%
Fig.(5-5): Pie chart show time vs hole size for well (HF-69)
5-3 Sample of Calculations
Following a sample of CCI , pressure losses ,TFA ,HSI ,and flow rate
calculations for selected sections of some wells are prepared to show the
optimality of the field data in achieving the best hole cleaning.
Tables (5-1) , (5-2) , and (5-3) show the CCI and hydraulic calculations
using field data for the 1st hole respectively. It is important to mention that
Table (5-2) represents the input data while Table (5-3) represents the results
of hydraulic.
79
Table (5-1): Excel sheet of CCI calculation for 17.5" hole
Variable Calculated value Units

f 8.75 ppg
Yp 20 lb/100ft2
p 14 cp
N 0.497
e 782.1 cp
Dp 5 in
Dh 17.5 in
Q 700 gpm
V 60.98 ft/min
CCI 1.043
Table (5-2) Required data of pressure losses calculations
Mud
Variables Value Units Pump
Information
Mud weight 8.75 ppg Triplex
Flow rate 700 gpm Diameter 6.5
Plastic viscosity 14 Cp Stroke 10
lbf/100 Rod
Yield point 20
ft Diameter
Motor Pressure Loss 0 Psi SPM 45
Jet 1 17.2653478 /32 in Efficiency 0.95
Jet 2 17.2653478 /32 in gal/stk 4.09
Jet 3 17.2653478 /32 in Flow Rate 184
OD(in) ID(in) Length(ft) Dh(in)
Drillpipe 5 4.276 2380 17.5
Drillcollars 8 3 800 17.5
Total 3180
80
Table (5-3) Results of different pressure losses
Variable Value Unit

n 0.4972
K 1.5305
Surface pressure 756 Psi Ps max 2500
Bit pressure drop 117 Psi Pc Hp 875
Circ. pressure loss 638 Psi Pc IF 1300
Motor Pressure Loss 0 Psi Pbit Hp 1625
Nozzle area 1.8291 in Pbit IF 1200
Nozzle velocity 123 ft/sec
Horsepower at bit 48 HHP
HHP per in 0.20 HHP/in
Impact Force at bit 389 lbf
IF per in 1.62 lbf/in
Surface Horsepower 309 HHP
Similarly, Table (5-4) and Table (5-5) represent the CCI calculations for the
2nd hole and 3rd hole respectively.
Table (5-4) Excell Sheet Calculation CCI for 12.25" hole

f 9.33 ppg
Yp 15 lb/100ft2
p 60 cp
n 0.848
e 194.1 cp
Dp 5 in
Dh 12.25 in
Q 793 gpm
V 155.4 ft/min
CCI 0.703
81
Table ( 5-5 ) Excell sheet Calculation CCI for 8.5" hole

f 10.4 ppg
Yp 17 lb/100ft2
p 12 cp
n 0.499
e 659 Cp
Dp 5 In
Dh 8.5 In
Q 425 gpm
V 220.3 ft/min
CCI 3.7
It can be noticed in the second hole ( WQ-416) that the CCI value
which equal to 0.7 represent poor hole cleaning and this case may be cause
many problems especially the stuck pipe so increasing yield point value is
necessary to obtain proper hole cleaning.
Absolutely, the CCI results for the selected section show that the
drilling parameters used in different well types are the same. Simply, the need
to change the parameters begins with high deviated wells.
Another approach can be used to know the effectiveness of hole

cleaning and maximum value of safe ROP for this issue. The following
calculations were done for the 8.5" hole :
Drilling Parameters: WOB 10-15 Ton, Rotation 80-130 rpm , flow rate : (425)
gpm
V = 24.5 Q / (Dh2-Dp2)
=24.5*425/(8.52 52 )
=220.3 ft/min
n=3.32 log [(2 p+Yp) / (p+ Yp)]
82
=3.32 log [(2*12+17)/(12+17)]

=0.499
Effective viscosity can be calculated mathematically or by chart (3-8)
e = 511(1-n) (p +Yp)
=511(1-0.499)(12+17)
=659 cp
For deviated hole 60 degree, by using chart (3-9) , one gets
RF = 0.95
AF = 1.07
TI = RF* AF *
= 0.95 * 1.07 * 10.4 /8.33
= 1.27
where
RF : Rheology factor
AF :Angle factor
TI: Transport index
Now from the ROP chart, for 8.5" hole , at TI of 1.27 and a flow rate of 425
gpm ,we can have a maximum safe ROP =10 meters per hour (33 ft/hr ).
(chart 3-9)
5-4 Horizontal Drilling Proposal in West Qurna Oil Field
5-4-1 Preface:
Depending on the results in chapter five and the information of the

previous drilled wells in West Qurna oil field (WQ-404 vertical , WQ-416
directional and WQ-271 directional high angle deviated well) and horizontal
well (HF-69) in Halfaya field and studying all the factors affecting the hole
83
cleaning beside the field observations with experience , a horizontal drilling

program for West Qurna oil field was prepared.
This section aims to introduce a plan to drill a horizontal well in West

Qurna oil field due to absence of such well type.
This proposal consist of complete drilling plan start by BHA design,

casing seat with cementing operation, and mud properties. The available
geological formations were taken into consideration during the design of the
present proposal.
Formation pore pressure obtained from the logs (Sonic , GR , etc) of

the previous wells in this field and expected problems during drilling this
horizontal well (caving , tight hole,etc) were listed in Appendix A with
appropriate field solutions which can be used to address problems .
5-4-2 Selection of the Profile
Absolutely, the available information of the drilled wells and the

previous analyzing concerning with all the drilling variables which relates to
lifting capacity and hole cleaning , all aims to select a single arc profile short
radius type to design the suggested horizontal well .
In this design, the hole angle is built up from zero at the KOP to 90
degrees at the entry point into the reservoir, consisting of vertical-build-
horizontal sections use only one rate to build up the hole inclination from 0
degree to maximum. If this design has been used , the build up tendencies of
both the formation and the rotary or steerable BHA should be known in order
to avoid missing the target due to excessive or insufficient build up rates.
Also the build-up rate (BUR) should be selected to land exactly on the target .
84
The present proposal consist of four holes , starting first hole using bit
26" to drill then running in hole casing 20" and then cemented to surface .
The goal is to isolate formation having sloughing shale and caving.
The second hole 17.5" bit can be used to drill then running in hole casing
13.375" and then cemented to surface.
The objective of casing is:
-Isolate the upper lost circulation formation (Dammam ) , and to prevent hole
collapse in the upper interval when the loss circulation happens .
-Isolate the formation having sulphure water (Umm Erradhuma and Tayarat
formations ) .To prevent tight hole in Shiranish formation , cement to surface .
The third hole using bit 12.25" to drill the curvature hole to top of Mishrif
formation and running in hole 9.625" casing , using the stage collar to cement.
Finally a hole 8.5" bit can be used to drill the production formation (pay
zone) of Mishrif (horizontal interval) and open hole completion.
5-4-3 Recommended Bits
Based on the bit information analysis from the drilled wells in this field , the
following drill bits are recommended to drill the suggested well, Table (5-6).
Table (5-6) Recommended bit kinds for the suggested horizontal well
Hole Size Bit Size IADC code

26" Hole 26" 111
17.5" Hole 17.5" 517
12.25" Hole 12.25" 527

12.25" Hole 12.25" 537
8.5" Hole 8.5" 517 or 537
85
The suggested bits may be changed according to the performance of

previous bit runs and bits should be available on site.
The rock drillability for most formations above cretaceous is good , thus PDC
bit with down hole motor can be used to shorten the drilling period and
minimize down hole complex .
Details of BHA components with drilling parameters are listed in

Appendix (B).
5-4-4 Building up Interval
Steerable BHA consisting of MWD and single bend motor can be used
in this interval (12.25"hole ) with a maximum hole deviation of 55-60.
5-4-5 Casing Program
Figure (5-6) illustrates the diagram of casing program for the suggested
horizontal well which show the depth of formations with the casing sizes.
Following the details of BHA for 12.25" hole:
12.25" bit + 8" (1.25-1.5) single bend motor + flapper valve + 8"NDC(one
joint) + 8"MWD + 5"NHWDP (two joints) + 5"HWDP(six stands) + drilling
jar + 5" HWDP (two stands) + 5" DP
Data sheet of casing program and brief description of casing program are
listed in Appendix (C)
86
5-4-6 Horizontal Interval
Drill out the 9.625"casing collar / shoe without motor and LWD .
POOH to change BHA as listed below, further drill 65-100 ft of holding
section then build up to 90 .
BHA : 8.5" or 8.375" bit +6.75" (1-1.25) single bend motor+ flapper valve +
6.75" LWD + 5" NHWDP (two joints) + 5" DP (70 joints)+ 5" HWDP (nine
stands)+Jar + 5" HWDP (five stands) + 5" DP
Single bend motor : 1 or 1.25
Building rate : 3 6 /100feet
Drilling operation: Slide drilling and rotary drilling mode is used for hole
cleaning bed ,and to correct the hole trajectory timely by adjusting tool face ,
drilling parameters and drilling mode .
Steerable drilling technology is used with MWD tool from KOP to a hole
inclination of 60 and a survey is made every 10 m .
LWD tool is used for drilling the hole interval with an inclination of over 60,
and real time analysis should be conducted to the measured geological data
as well as the cutting samples, and once the pay zone is confirmed has been
penetrated, the hole trajectory should be corrected accordingly with a
proper build up rate to achieve the target.
87
Casing Program for Proposal Horizontal Well in West

Qurna Oil Field
Conductor Pipe
30" for
Figure (5-7) Show the Casing Program @ 328
the ft
Proposal Horizontal well in West Conductor pipe

Qurna oil field
implemented before
spud date
Casing 20"
@ 2624 ft
Casing
13.375"@6390ft
The KOP @
7017.5 ft
Casing 9.625"
At top of Mishrif
@7665.36 ft
Fig. (5-6): Casing Program for the Proposal Horizontal

well in West Qurna oil field
88
Drilling parameters: WOB =3-6 Ton , Rotation motor 30 rpm , Pump rate 400
gpm .
The hydraulic motor is rotated by a flow rate of the drilling fluid down
the drill pipe. also rotate the drill bit without revolving the drill string . This
permits the bit to drill a direction that deviates from the direction of the drill
string .
After installed the motor the drill bit and drill pipe are reduced back
down the well and the bit drills a direction that guides the well bore from
vertical to directional or horizontal above a distance about many hundred
feet. When the well has been turned to the proper angle, straight-ahead
drilling continues and the well follows the goal rock unit. Observance the well
in a thin rock unit needs careful steering. Downhole tools are used to
determine the azimuth and the drilling direction . This data is used to direct
the drill bit.
In directional and horizontal wells Transport Index (TI) must be found

according to hole angle as following:
For deviated well :
Table (5-7) Mud properties for deviated hole 8.5"
Parameter Value Unit

p 8 cp
Yp 23 lb/100ft2
10.4 ppg
Aa 0.28362 ft2
89
Find k = (511)1-n (p +Yp)
Find RF from chart ( 3-9)
Then find TI from equation TI= RF * AF * / 8.33
To determine the maximum safe ROP using charts (3-9) as follows:

1-With the p and YP of the drilling fluid, read off the Rheology factor as
given in the charts below
From p =8 , Yp=23 find RF=0.95
2- Get the angle factor AF from Table (5-8)
Assume Hole angle =80 then AF=1.02
3- Calculate the transport index, based on the RF, AF and MW.
TI= RF * AF * / 8.33
=0.95*1.02 *10.4/8.33
= 1.2
where :
TI = Transport Index
RF=Rheology Factor from the hole cleaning chart
= Mud Weight in specific gravity
4- For deviated well section, using TI value and the angle factor, read off safe
ROP from charts or with TI and desired ROP, read off CFR for proper
hole cleaning, using charts
ROP safe (chart) =23 ft/hr
90
Table ( 5-8 ) Values of angle factor at hole angles
Hole Angle Angle Factor
0 2.03
25 1.51
30 1.39
35 1.31
+40 1.24
45 1.18
50 1.14
55 1.10
60 1.07
65 1.05
70~80 1.02
80~90 1.0
5-4-7 Horizontal Section (8.5" hole)
Based on the actual formation pressure factor of Mishrif which is the

pay zone and the drilling fluid density from adjacent wells is designed as
10.4 ppg , and the hole cleaning index for this interval calculated as
following:
p = 12 cp , Yp= 23 lb/100 ft2
RF=1 from chart ( 3-9)
From table (5-8) we find AF = 1 (horizontal interval angle=90)
TI= RF * AF * /8.33
= 1*1* 10.4 /8.33 = 1.25
Safe ROP may be obtained from chart( 3-9 ) which is equal to 14 ft/hr
91
5-4-8 Drilling Fluid Program
5-4-8-1 Drilling Fluid System For The First and Second Holes
There are some dolomite , anhydrite and marl in the second hole
formation , however , according to the information collected , it has influence
on the drilling fluid's parameters and there is many problems happened (losses
in Dammam formation , Sulpher water in Tayarat formation , marl in
Shiranish formation )
5-4-8-2 Drilling Fluid System for Build- Up And Horizontal Sections
Polymer drilling fluid system can be recommended to be used in the

build-up and horizontal sections. The polymer drilling fluid system, prevent
the forming the cutting beds and keep the boreholes stable and good
lubrication.
Some important recommendations for the drilling fluid program are

listed in appendix D.
In the build-up and horizontal sections, the following two issues must
be taken into consideration.
5-4-8-3 Lubrication
Lubrication is the most important when drilling horizontal wells . As

the inclination angle and horizontal displacement of horizontal well are much
larger than the normal direction wells , especially when the inclination angle
beyond 50 the contact area between the tools and the borehole increases
sharply , so there is more possibility of pipe sticking . Consequently more
attention needs to be paid to the lubricant. Three types of lubricant are usually
used, solid lubricant, extreme pressured lubricant and oil lubricant. The solid
92
lubricant includes graphite and small plastic ball, which attribute to physical
lubrication.
The extreme pressured lubricant such as RH-8501 can make a film on

the surface of metal, so the film can reduce the friction between the bit and
casing.
The oil lubricant includes the crude oil and diesel oil, and it can be
adsorbed on the surface of the drilling fluid cake to reduce the friction
between the drilling tools and borehole .
5-4-8-4 Hole Cleaning
In order to prevent forming of cuttings bed , pump rate, annular

velocity , and some rheological parameters of the drilling fluid must be
controlled . For instance , in the 8.5" well-bore , the pump rate is 476-555
gpm, the annular velocity is 1.10-1.30 m/s (216-256 ft/min) , and the initial
gel is 1-2Pa, the final gel is 4-6Pa. At the same time, after drilling one single
it should be reamed back for one or two times , and wiper trips should be
made every 328-492 ft of new hole .
5-4-8-5 (8.5" ) Open Hole
This is the horizontal interval in the target formation, hole trajectory

need to be controlled precisely, meanwhile such problems as pipe sticking and
cutting bed should be avoided.
5-4-8-6 Schedule Plan
Depends upon the drilled wells information and the oil field
observations with the practical experience a schedule plan required to drill
different sections of the suggested horizontal well can be listed as following:
93
1- For 26" hole (23 ft ) TVD below top of Dammam formation.

Casing shoe at (2624 ft) , drilling, cementing, (7 Days).
2- For 17.5" hole (49 ft ) TVD below top of Sadi formation.

Casing shoe at (6390 ft) , drilling ,survey, tripping, (14Days).
3- For 12.25" building and holding section at top of Mishrif formation casing
shoe at(7665 ft MD), drilling, survey, tripping (19Days) &circulation ,risk
, misc (4Days) and the total is 23 days.
4- For 8.5" horizontal interval drilling , survey , tripping 24 Days, circulation ,

risk , 5 Days & clean out ,logging,( 7 Days),(total 36 days).
So the Total Time 80 Days , Fig. (5-7).
A statistical representation of time vs hole size and recommended flow

rate vs hole size for the present well plan have been shown in Fig. (5-7) and
(5-8) respectively .
5-4-8-7 Recommended Flow Rate With Hole Size For The Proposal
Horizontal Well In West Qurna Oil Field
In the suggested horizontal well, the recommended values take into

consideration the diameter of each hole size and other hole conditions in order
to have a proper hole cleaning. Some guide lines have been also mentioned
with the recommended values, Table (5-9).
94
Table (5-9) Hole size with recommended flow rate
Hole Size
Flow Rate (Gallon Per Minute)
(inch)
26" 1100 1200 at least. The very large hole size is
typically drilled for surface section therefore you will
not have a lot of annular pressure loss. The limitation
that you will have is your pump capacity. Split flow rate
evenly for each pump to ensure you will get the
constant and maximum total flow rate without too much
risk for pump failure.
17.5" 1000 Due to quite large hole size, drilling with high
ROP will not be good practice with low flow rate
because you cannot clean hole properly. Carefully
watch for hole condition, torque/drag and weight.
12.25" 790 1000 If you can add more flow, please do it.
Ensure that surface pressure and ECD are in a safe limit.
8.5" 400 600 Watch your surface equipment and ECD
limitation.
Also in the directional drilling the results showed that the flow rate must
be increased and the annular velocity must be increased to prevent settling or
bedding the cuttings to get excellent hole cleaning especially in the
formations hartha , saadi ,and the inclination angle in these formations have
high effect on the transporting the cuttings because of the composition
geology for these formation . Therefore the results and the parameters in the
tables showed the optimum drilling parameters starting by zero degree to the
deviated 30 degree (WQ-416) or high deviated angle 60 degree (WQ-271).
95
Fig. (5-7): Pie chart represent time vs hole size for the proposal of horizontal
well in West Qurna oil field
96
Fig. (5-8): Pie chart represent recommended flow rate for each hole size
5-5 Summary
Always the horizontal wells starting at the surface as a vertical well,

and then drilling continue until the drill bit is above of the target by few
hundred feet . At this point the drill string is pulled out of the hole and a
hydraulic motor is connect and installed between the drill bit and the drill
pipe. It is important to note that:
- 30" conductor casing will be run and cemented prior to well spud.
-The DV tool will be placed in the 13.375" casing string ~ 328 ft TVD above
the top of the Hartha formation, but no shallower than 5674 ft.
-Many problems may be happened when drill the surface hole (vertical hole)
in the wells (WQ-404,WQ-416) in West Qurna field especially when
97
drilling the first formation (Dibdiba) because of the caving and unstable the
hole wall as shown in Appendix A.
-The suggestion is to increase the mud weight from 8.75 ppg to 9.2 ppg or
more than that to prevent caving the wall of the hole.
-Circulation to clean the hole is good option at the end of drilling each single
of drill pipe. Appendix A explain the treatment for the expected problems in
this hole .
There are some complex problems happened in the second hole such as loss
circulations in Dammam formation, probably sulphure water in Tayarat
formation, tight hole in Shiranish formation , so polymer drilling fluid system
is recommended to be used to control the problems happened in this section .
By using the high drilling fluid density the caving can be prevented, and the
drilling fluid density is 8.66.
The fresh water bentonite (F.W.B) drilling fluid system can be used
here and some polymers such as Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) can also
be added into the drilling fluid system to improve the ability of cuttings
lifting.
-Steerable drilling technology with LWD and suitable single bend motor
should be used to control the hole trajectory in the horizontal section, and
make sure it is kept in the pay zone. Drilling with rotary table and motor
should be applied to remove the cutting beds effectively.
When there is remarkable changes on the hole inclination and azimuth

during drilling, drilling parameters and BHA should be adjusted
immediately to correct the hole trajectory.
98
In case of remarkable loss weight on bit during drilling (e.g., drilling into a
cavity, etc.), stop drilling immediately and measure the Kelly in and
calculate the accurate hole depth, run in to tag the bottom and work out the
free drop length and record . If lost circulation occurs at the same time ,
pull the string inside the 9.625" casing and check the flow and loss rate . If
necessary, pull out of hole and pump down the prepared mud for sealing
the lost circulation. In case of a cement plug should be made, when drilling
out the plug MWD or LWD should be used to avoid drilling a new hole .
In case of fracture or cave development in this interval, bit bouncing is

sometimes to be encountered, attention should be paid on torque changes to
avoid down hole problems.
- Every time to pull out of hole , before tripping out , circulate the hole for
two rounds with high pump rate to clean the hole sufficiently .
-As this is an open hole interval, during such operations as logging, special
persons should be designated to check the well flow.
-The cutting lifting capacity of mud should be improved in this interval due
to the relatively smaller hole size
99
CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6-1 CONCLUSIONS
Based on the theoretical and field observations and analyses, the following
conclusions can be drawn regarding optimization of hole cleaning in
horizontal oil well:
1- Throughout this work, it is apparent that there are optimum limits of some
drilling parameters to have an efficient practical removal of cuttings or
satisfied hole cleaning.
2- The rheological properties play a crucial role to ensure adequate hole

cleaning, i.e. proper rheology is the key for efficient solids removal. So the
yield point was maintained to 22-28 lb/100 ft2 which were enough to clean
the hole while drilling.
3- The hole cleaning in deviated holes can be assisted by the following topics:
-Turbulent flow
-Low viscosity and high flow rates
-Maximize flow rates at all times unless ECD problems require lower
rates
-Low Viscosity Sweeps (10-20 bbl)
-Followed by High Viscosity Weighted sweep to remove cuttings
-Pipe rotation at high rpm
-Reaming and wiper trips can stir up cuttings beds
100
4- A complete drilling plan for the case of horizontal well of short radius type
in West Qurna oil field have been suggested. The purpose behind that is to
get the benefits associated with horizontal drilling like drilling time and
total cost.
5- Field data indicate that the annular cuttings concentration is the main
factor that causes pipe sticking, high torque, and drag. Annular cuttings
concentration is the parameter that should be considered for the cuttings
transport in directional well drilling.
6- In case of highly inclined or tight well, it is important to ream the wellbore
with help of a back reamer. It helps creating a bigger hole that can
eliminate risk of stuck drill-pipe.
7- The fresh water betonite (F.W.B) drilling fluid system can be used to solve
problems at the surface and the first hole such as loss circulations of the
Dammam formation , the calcium ion contamination and caving in the
Lower Fars Formation . Polymer Mud drilling fluid system also can be
used to solve the problems in the second hole such as flow of sulphur
water in Tayarat formation .
8- Rotation of the drill-pipe can prevent cuttings beds build-up, and thus
improve hole cleaning. Drill pipe rotation is effective on hole cleaning
since it results in a turbulent flow in the annulus. Drill pipe rotation is
more advantageous in viscous drilling fluid and in small wellbore.
9- In the intermediate inclination from 45 to 55 degrees, it is possible to use

either turbulent or laminar flow. In the high deviated wellbore with
inclination angle from 55 to 90 degrees, a turbulent flow regime has a
better effect on hole cleaning than laminar flow.
101
10- Small cuttings create more packed cuttings bed. The height of cuttings
bed is higher at inclination between 65 to 70 degrees, since hole cleaning
is more difficult in this interval. In this case, a high rotary speed with a
high viscosity mud would benefit to transport small-sized cuttings. When
the drill pipe does not rotate, a low viscosity mud cleans the wellbore
better than high viscosity mud.
11- In unstable formations, like sandstone, a high rpm values should be
avoided, since the drill string rotations can cause loss of some parts of
wellbore formation (washouts). In addition, high rpm can cause high
vibration in the drill string and thus, damage the electronics part in the
BHA, like Geo-Pilot or the MWD tools.
12- The flow rate should be high enough (during drilling operation) or
increased to its upper level, especially in the range of higher angles
between 55 to 90 degrees to obtain optimum hole cleaning.
13- Generally, from the results of this study and field investigations, it was
found that the best values to drill the horizontal hole can be summarized
as:
Hole Size 26" 17.5" 12.25" 8.5"
Flow Rate(gpm) 1200 920 790 526
Yield point 22 21 15-20 22-30

(lb/100ft2)
Mud Weight(ppg) 8.9 9.5 9.75 10.4
pH 9-10 10.5 10-10.5 10.5-11
rpm 100-120 50-70 110-120 60-80
PV - 4-6 15-20 8-12
102
6-2 Recommendations
Some of the issues which should be investigated in future studies are

listed below:
1- At high deviated wells where the inclination greater than 45 degree lifting
cuttings and remove cuttings beds by pumping high viscous patch will be
not effective . In other words, the following steps can be recommended
instead of pumping high viscous patch especially at high deviated wells:
a-Pumping a thin, turbulent flow low viscous 20 barrels patch

composed just of the drilling fluid base or brine.
b-Pumping a second high gradient patch 40 barrels of drilling fluid

immediately behind the first high viscous patch . The gradient of the
second patch shall be high enough because that when it is mixed
with the un weighted patch . The gradient of the patch should be
the same gradient of the circulating system.
c- Monitor returns at the shakers.
d- Return both pills to the circulating system.
2- Oil base mud (OBM) or Polymer drilling fluid system has the outstanding
abilities on cuttings lifting , lubrication , hole cleaning etc , so it is very
important to be used for the successful drilling in the build-up and
horizontal sections.
3- In cases, where drill pipe does not rotate, it is difficult to remove cuttings
bed. In these situations, wiper trips are necessary to improve hole
cleaning. Usually, a normal range of drill pipe rotation is around 90 to
180 rpm. The pipe can rotate up to 120 rpm when drill bit is on-bottom,
and 180 rpm drill bit is off-bottom.
103
4- One has to be aware that inclinations between 40 to 45 degrees are

critical since cuttings can slide down during e.g. connections when pumps
are off.
5- In the wellbore with inclination angle from 0 to 45 degrees, laminar
flow in annulus and increasing yield value of mud to its limit is
recommended.
104
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112
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
The most important problems with the recommended treatments and

mitigation are listed in the following table:
Potential risks in West Qurna oil field
Risk Depth(m) Recommended Mitigation

-Use high viscous
drilling fluid
-POOH slowly to check
tight spots (over pull and
torque)
Caving Dibdiba -Ream down and pump
out with drilling pump
rate
-Spot viscous pill across
this formation while
POOH
-POOH slowly checking
Stuck Pipe
tight spots (over pull ,
(due to plastic Lower
torque)
movement of Fars
-Ream each stand
Marl )
-Use hi-vis drilling fluid Work string
-Maintain good hole down
Well bore
cleaning -Ensure enough
Collapse Ghar
-Increase mud weight weight above
prior to drill into Ghar to jars to fire jars
9.16 ppg downwards
Maintain sufficient flow
rate while drilling
Bit Balling Ghar
(~713GPM)
Observe the return while

Partial or
drilling Dammam. RIH OEDP for
Complete Dammam
-Inform the drilling crew cement plug
Losses
about possible water flow
A-1
APPENDIX A

Cure the losses during Add CemNET
Poor Cement
Dammam drilling and before RIH to second stage
Bond
the 9-5/8" casing. cement job.
Connect Shock
Reduce some of the
Jumping Obserbor in the
Rus parameters (WOB,ROP)
string string near the
during jumping interval
bit
Ensure
minimum stock
of weighting
Sulphurous Umm Increase MW to 9.33 ppg
material and
water flow Erradhuma
cement is on
the well site
Increase MW to 9.33 ppg

-Continuously monitor
Sulphurous MW in/out
Tayarat
Water Flow -Perform frequent kick
drills
Maintain MW at 9.33ppg
-POOH slowly and note Ream down and
tight spots (over pull and pump out of
torque). wellbore.
Tight hole /
Shiranish -Do not over pull more -Wiper trip to
Stuck Pipe
than 10 MT the 13 /8"casing
-Work tight spots before shoe.
making connection
A-2
APPENDIX A

Reduce drilling
parameters
-Control ROP to < 10m/hr
for the first 50m
Quick reaction,
-Ensure good wellbore
reduce flow rate
cleaning to avoid
-Pump LCM pills
overloading the annulus
and/or set cement
-Control drilling fluid
plugs according to
density with dilution
Partial or severity of losses.
-Reduce tripping speed to
Complete Hartha -Review
prevent excessive surge
Losses requirement to
pressures
place balanced
-Break circulation slowly
cement plug in the
after each connection
open hole, prior to
-Use LCM in the HI-VIS
run and cement the
sweeps
9-5/8" casing.
-Increase screen mesh
size.
-Avoid back-reaming
across loss zones
Cement not Use light density slurries
Perform a top job
Reaching Hartha -Use CemNET in cement
as necessary
casing shoe recipe in second stage
-Ensure minimum
stock of weighting
material and
cement is on the
well site
-During well kill
Start drilling the
Well control operation ensure
Saadi 8 " section with 10.4 ppg
Incident constant BHP >
drilling fluid
formation pressure
A-3
APPENDIX A

Closely watch
shale shakers
POOH slowly checking for cavings
tight spots (overpull and -Ream down
torque) and pump out
-Increase drilling fluid with drilling
density to 10.4 ppg before pump rate
Tight hole drilling into Tanuma -Do not over
Tanuma
-Swelling -Do not over pull more pull more than
and
shales than 10 MT 10 MT
Ahmadi
-Cavings -Maintain the drilling fluid -Work tight
parameters as per drilling spots before
fluid program making
-Stop drilling and circulate Connection
if necessary to maintain
drilling fluid parameters
Circulate
Observe for cuttings on
Wellbore wellbore with
Tanuma the shakers for shape and
Instability hi-vis sweep
size.
until clear
Include CaCo3 and KCL Pump LCM pill
Losses Khasib
as weighting agent.
No sliding interval
through Mishrif
Increase flow
-Minimize connection
rate to erode
time
filter cake
-Control MW
-Spot pipelax
Stuck drill -Keep string rotating
and leave it to
string/casing Mishrif while connection using
soak
(differential) rotary table
-Ensure acid is
-Use of proper sized
available. Pump
bridging material
if pipe lax is
unsuccessful
A-4
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX B
Bottom Hole Assembly Details
Vertical hole :
26" Hole BHA:
26" bit + 9" D.C (3 joints) + 8" Spiral D.C (3 joints) + 5" HWDP (5 stands)
+ 5" D.P
17 1/2" Hole BHA :
171/2" bit +9" D.C (3 joints) + 8" spiral D.C (3 joints) + 5" HWDP (5 Stands)
+ 5" D.P
Drilling Parameters :
WOB = 5-10 Ton , Rotation = 80-100 rpm , Pump Rate = 872-1000gpm
Directional hole
12.25" Hole BHA :
12.25" bit + 8"(1.25-1.5) Down hole motor + check valve + LWD + 8.25"
nonmagnetic drill collar (NMDC) (1 single) + 8" spiral D.C (12 joints) + 5"
HWDP (5 Stands) + 8" Jar (1 single) + 5" H.W.D.P (5 Stands ) + 5" D.P as
required
B -1
APPENDIX B
Horizontal hole
8.5" Hole BHA:
8.5" PDC bit + 6.75" Down hole motor + LWD + 6.5" N.M.D.C (1 joint)
+ 6.75" D.C (12 joints) + 6.75" Jar + 5" HWDP (5 Stands) + 5" D.P as
required
B -2
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX C
Casing Program and Cementing Operation
Cementing Casing Operation
Although there is anhydrite and Dolomite in the location, its influence

to the properties of cement slurry is minor to the shallow depth and relatively
low bottom hole temperature, thus fresh water cement slurry can be used for
cementing the whole interval. Cement system of loss controlling and plugging
functions is used for the production casing.
26" hole surface casing cementing . It is drilled to depth 2624 ft and run in the
20" casing to depth 2620 ft , cement to surface .
17.5" hole second casing cementing. It is drilled to 6390 ft and run in the
133/8" casing , cement to surface .
Use only neat cement, without any cement additives .
12.25" hole third casing cementing. 12.25" bit is used to drill to depth 7665ft
top of Mishrif and run the 95/8" casing into 49 ft of Mishrif , the circulation
temperature is 50-60C . Cement system of dual densities and dual cementing
time is selected due to the long interval and lost circulation prevention
measures should be taken for the lower part.
Upper part : Light weight cement , cement + fluid loss agent + early strength
agent + dispersing agent + bentonite + stabilizing agent .
Lower part : Cement slurry of loss control and plugging functions with
normal weight , cement + fluid loss agent + early strength agent + dispersing
agent + loss control / plugging agent .
8.5" Hole drill into Mishrif formation for about 1312 ft
C-1
APPENDIX C
8.5" Hole Casing/Liner Cementing
1. For 7" liner

Cement slurry of normal weight , the key is to control the free water of
the slurry and lost circulation . Cement + fluid loss agent + dispersing
agent + retarder + plugging agent + deforming agent
2. For 7" full casing , cement to surface .
Upper part: cement + deforming agent + early strength agent +
dispersing agent + stabilizing agent .
Lower part : cement + fluid loss agent + retarder + dispersing agent +
plugging agent + deforming agent .
C-2
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX D
Drilling Fluid Program

Listed below some important recommendations for the fluids program:
- After drilling the casing shoe, slowly add the (MAX-SHIELD and MAX-
GUARD) drums to the active system, and bleed the premixed MAX-PLEX
slurry into the system;
- Start section with 10.4 ppg mud and increase the mud weight to 10.66 ppg ,
if required, by additions of CaCO3 Fine and NaCl only;
- Continuous additions of CaCO3 F & M will maintain bridging and improve
filter cake quality;
- Prior to drilling Tanuma shales, treat the mud with the following:
- 4-5 ppb SULFATROL;
- 0.5 ppb New-Drill Plus to improve shale stability, inhibition and reduce
torque.
- Stop treating mud with New-Drill Plus after passing through Tanuma.
- If foaming issues arise in limestone formations or due to using salt, add LD9
to the system. LD9 can be added directly into the mud pits;
- Closely monitor shaker screens for the presence of tabular and splintery
carvings;
- Maintain NaCl percentage as per program;
- Continuously bleed fresh mud into the system to control mud parameters as
per program and keep feeding the system with Caustic Water to maintain
the water phase in mud and prevent mud dehydration.
- Maintain O2 scavenger concentrations to control corrosion;
- Control the system pH in the 10.5 11 range with additions of caustic soda
to avoid precipitation of MAX-PLEX. MAXPLEX precipitates irreversibly
D-1
APPENDIX D
under conditions with pH<10.5. Do not exceed pH 11 to prevent

XANPLEX D polymer inhibition with ensuing risk of fluid loss;
- Maintain an adequate concentration of Biocide (Mil BIO SEA) in the system
to prevent high bacterial growth;
- Hole cleaning should be achieved with a combination of mud rheology, flow
rate and pipe rotation. Monitor the shakers at all times to ensure that
cuttings volumes correspond with drilling progress;
- Sweep the hole as per Tanuma Guidelines. Further sweeps can be pumped as
hole conditions dictate;
- At section TD sweep the hole with Low-Vis/Low Weight pill followed by
High-Vis/High Density pill and completely circulate out of the hole prior to
tripping;
- Spot an inhibitive pill on bottom to cover open hole before POOH for
Logging or Running Casing under the Following Guidelines:
- Volume to cover up to top of Tanuma shale;
- Sufficient density to compensate the difference between ECD and ESD;
- 4 ppb LC LUBE;
- Additional 2 ppb SULFATROL;
- Additional 0.5 ppb New Drill Plus;
- Additional 2% Diesel;
- Additional 1% MAX-GUARD;
- Additional 1% MAX-SHIELD;
- Additional 1 ppb MAX-PLEX;
- Additional 5 ppb CaCO3 M;
- CaCO3 F to desired weight;
- Thin the mud by reducing rheology as per the requirements in the final
cementing program prior to cementing casing.
D-2

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2015 1436 -

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REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

OPTIMIZATION OF HOLE CLEANING IN

2015 A.D 1436 A.H

To the spirit of dear grandmother who sacrificed

To my family members my father , my mother

by praying for me.

To my wife for her unfailing encouragement

(MOHAMMED , AHMED and ZAHRAA)

for their moments of joy .

This work is dedicated to them with love.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Ayad Abd Al-

Hole cleaning is one of the most important problems to control in

Generally, the results of this study with field investigations indicated

Symbols Description Unit

Paragraph No. Contents Page

GEOLOGICAL LITH. AND HYDRAULIC

4-1 Geological Lithology For The 1st Hole 54

5-1 Field Investigations 73

6-1 Conclusions 100

Table No. Title Page

Figure No. Title Page

1-1 Area of Study:

The relief of the area is described as a plateau of low-lying coastal sand

Fig. (1-2) : Formations and estimated depths with estimated thickness

1-2 The Study Objective:

Williams and Bruce[2](1951)published a paper to address the cuttings-

Figure (2-1):Cross-sectional view of flow in highly deviated wellbores to

A variety of problems are encountered for efficient cuttings transport

Tomren et.al[6](1986) performed an experimental study of lifting

documented that pipe rotation produced rather slight effect on transport

Figure(2-2):Various cuttings transport mechanisms and problems

Martin et. al[7] (1987) developed a numerical relationship based on the

Gavignet and Sobey[9] (1989) presented a two - layer cuttings transport

Baker et al.[10](1989) investigated experimentally the effect of viscosity

Brown et al.[11] (1989) performed analysis on hole cleaning in deviated

From the experimental observations, it was concluded that hole angles

Ford et al.[12](1990) performed an experimental study of drilled cuttings

Sifferman[13] (1990)showed that insufficient hole cleaning is

Becker et al .[14] (1991) showed that the lifting cuttings performance of

Clark and Bickham ,[17] (1994) presented a cuttings-transport model

Guild and Hill,[18](1995) presented an example of integration of hole-

Nguyen et al.[21] (1996) pointed out that empirical correlations were

(1) Inclination , (2) ROP and (3) Mud density .

Pilehavriet al.[23] (1999) took in consideration some major achievements

(CFD)simulations, correlations and models, and future research needs in hole

credible predictions when modeling the process over a wide range of

Yu et al.[30](2004) performed a study on improving cuttings transport

Kelessidis et al.[31] (2004) studied the effects of hydraulic factors on

Mirhaj et al.[35] (2007) presented results of an extensive experimental study

Duan et al.[40] (2009) still conducted experiments to determine the critical

Ahmed et al.[41](2009) conducted hole cleaning performance of a fiber

Additionally he studied the fluid velocity, penetration rate ( ROP ) and

Ali Piroozian et al.[47] (2012) supposed that the weighting material,

Noah,[49] (2013) investigated from experimental method with increasing

where R is the radius of curvature

Figure (3-1) Types of horizontal wells [50]

The following factors should be considered when designing a horizontal

3-2 Hole Cleaning Variables

Many parameters affect the transport of cuttings from the hole to

Figure (3-2): Key variables controlling cuttings transport[25]

Figure (3-3) illustrates the cutting transport mechanism in vertical and

Figure( 3-3): Cutting transport mechanism in vertical and deviated wells[51]