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Section 6 - Erd, Hole Cleaning, Barite Sag and Lubricity PDF
Section 6 - Erd, Hole Cleaning, Barite Sag and Lubricity PDF
drilling
section 6
section 6a – hole cleaning
section 6c - lubricity
hole cleaning
section 6a
deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
contents
factors that impact hole cleaning ..................................................................................1
annular velocity (av)...................................................................................................1
drill pipe rotation ........................................................................................................1
mud weight ..................................................................................................................2
hole angle .....................................................................................................................2
rheology .........................................................................................................................2
cutting size ....................................................................................................................3
drill pipe eccentricity .................................................................................................3
feed concentration (rop)...........................................................................................4
mud type........................................................................................................................4
drill pipe size.................................................................................................................4
significant parameters noted for cuttings bed heights of <10%: angle
60˚ or greater .......................................................................................................4
significant parameters noted for cuttings bed heights of >50%...............4
general ............................................................................................................................4
conclusions summary................................................................................................5
hole cleaning in deviated wells.......................................................................................5
good hole cleaning practices ..........................................................................................7
mud and rheology guidelines ................................................................................7
flowrates and hydraulics...........................................................................................8
drillpipe rotation.......................................................................................................10
monitoring hole cleaning performance...........................................................11
clean-up practices ....................................................................................................13
tripping practices......................................................................................................14
back reaming and pumping out .........................................................................14
remedial hole cleaning...........................................................................................17
running casing...........................................................................................................19
01 deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
ƒ Annular velocity
ƒ Mud density
ƒ Mud rheology
ƒ Mud type (oil or water)
ƒ Cutting size
ƒ ROP
ƒ Drill pipe rotation
ƒ Drill pipe eccentricity
ƒ Drill pipe diameter
ƒ Hole angle (45-90 deg)
Section 6a
ROP, cuttings size and cuttings density is high the effect of rotation
decreases.
mud weight
Along with annular velocity, mud weight has the greatest impact on
hole cleaning. Bed heights can occupy >40% of the annular space when
mud weights are low and <10% of annular space when mud weights
were high. The industry study found there was little potential for
cuttings bed formation when the mud density is >1.70 S.G., even for
low annular velocities. Field experience indicates cuttings beds are
unavoidable at low mud weights, even when annular velocities are
maximised. From accumulated data it would appear mud weight had
a significantly greater impact on cuttings bed height than mud
rheology. It was also observed in the study that cuttings bed sliding
diminished with increasing mud weight.
hole angle
Between 45˚ and 60˚, dynamic cuttings beds continuously slide
downward, especially at lower annular velocities and diminishes as the
hole angle increases past 60˚. Between 45˚ and 60˚, cuttings beds
immediately slide and tumble downward under static conditions. Average
dynamic cuttings bed height is consistently higher at 60˚ than at 45˚.
Between 75˚ and 90˚, cuttings beds are maintained uniformly in height
over time, and become packed. Of the 4 major variables i.e. AV, rotary
rpm, mud weight and hole angle, hole angle had the lowest impact.
rheology
Rheology is only moderately effective at reducing cuttings bed height.
The effect of rheology is improved at high annular velocities and is
greatest when one or more of the major variables are optimised (i.e. AV,
mud density and rpm. Cuttings bed heights tend to be lower at hole
angles between 75˚ and 90˚ with low rheology muds. The effect of
rheology on bed height is less evident in hole angles between 45˚ and
60˚. High rheology combines effectively with high rotary rpm at low
AV and reduces cuttings bed height. Bed heights occupy >40% of
annular space with low AV and low mud density and no rotation in
high angle holes. Bed heights occupy <10% of annular space with low
rheology combined with high AV, low mud weight and no rotation in
high angle holes.
03 deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
cutting size
The impact of cutting size is dependent upon cutting density and feed
rate (i.e. ROP). Doubling the cutting size and ROP may double the bed
height unless one or more of the major variables are optimised (i.e. AV,
rotary rpm and mud density). Doubling the size of cuttings generally
halves the impact of rotary rpm on hole cleaning.
Section 6a
feed concentration (rop)
Increases in ROP do not greatly impact cuttings bed height as compared
to the major variables (i.e. AV, rotary rpm and mud density). High ROP is
sustainable in most cases if the cuttings size is small. High ROP is not
sustainable if the cuttings size is large unless the major variables are
optimised (i.e. AV, rotary rpm and mud density).
mud type
Mud type has marginal effects and does not interact with other
variables. Results are more predictable with OBM and bed sliding is
normally more prevalent with OBM
general
ƒ Studies consistently demonstrate the difficulty of removing
cuttings beds once they accumulate.
ƒ Under normal circumstances, as much as half the annular area
may be filled by a cuttings bed.
ƒ Cuttings beds formed at angles of between 45˚ – 60˚ tend to
continuously slide and tumble down the low side of the hole.
05 deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
ƒ At angles of between 60o and 90o, cuttings beds are static, with
little tumbling and sliding behaviour.
ƒ The most significant variables impacting cuttings bed height are
AV, rpm, mud weight and hole angle.
conclusions summary
Section 6a
as that for tripping a BHA, running casing or running wireline logs.
When approaching hole-cleaning issues it is important to understand
the behaviour of cuttings beds at different hole angles.
ƒ 0˚ - 45˚ wells
ƒ 45˚ - 60˚ wells
ƒ 60˚ - 90˚ wells
Figure 2
45 degrees
Flow
Figure 3
90 degrees
Flow
Section 6a
Maintain high rheology, YP = > 25 lbs/100ft2 to achieve good primary
hole cleaning.
Try to avoid pumping low-vis / hi-vis pills. The focus should be on primary
hole cleaning to minimise the formation of cuttings beds in the first place.
It is thought that such pills lead to uneven mud properties and pack offs,
contributing to the hole instability.
Hi-vis pills are likely to pick up large quantities of cuttings and cavings, which
can result in pack-off.
Flowrate is the key parameter for hole cleaning rate, as shown in the
figure 5. The faster the pump rate the quicker the hole is cleaned, so long
as the rpm is sufficiently high, preferably >120 rpm.
09 deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
When discussing the desired flowrate for highly deviated, say 1,000 –
1,200 gpm in 12-1/4” hole, it is not unusual to be told that such high
flowrate will wash out the hole. Many people have concerns that
turbulent flow will result in erosion of the wellbore. This is a misnomer for
several reasons.
For all intents and purposes, it is impossible to get turbulent flow in the
drillpipe annulus, regardless of the flowrates with the viscous mud systems
that will be used in highly deviated wells.
Such high flowrates, 1,000 – 1,200 gpm in 12-1/4” hole will give
theoretical AV’s (Annular Velocities) of 196 – 231 ft/min across 5”
deviated drilling - hole cleaning 10
Section 6a
drillpipe and 235 – 277 ft/min across 6-5/8” drillpipe. When you
consider that walking pace is approximately 350 ft/min (4 mph / 6.4 kph)
it is difficult to visualise that such relatively low velocities can erode the
wellbore.
drillpipe rotation
High speed drillpipe rotation is critical for good hole cleaning in the high
angle portion of the well. Flowrate alone is ineffective unless the pipe
is being rotated fast enough to stir the cuttings into the flow regime.
When slide drilling the drilling fluid is near stationary on the low side of the
hole where the cuttings are so no hole cleaning takes place.
Field experience suggests that there are key rotary speeds that produce
step changes in hole cleaning performance on highly deviated wells.
The mechanics of why these key speeds occur is unclear, especially since
they remain relatively constant for variations in hole size, drillpipe size
and mud systems.
Step changes in cuttings returns occur at 100 – 120 rpm and again at 150
– 180 rpm as shown in the figure 6 below.
11 deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
If possible slide only in the middle of a stand. This will result in rotating
before and after the sliding period to move cuttings deposited during the
sliding period well away from the BHA prior to making a connection. Also
less angle will be lost when reaming the stand.
rop
Historically, there have been two different schools of thought on drilling
ROP in high angle hole sections. Some choose to drill at maximum
instantaneous ROP and then perform remedial hole cleaning operations as
required. Alternately some nominate a safe ROP at which the hole can be
kept clean as it is drilled ahead.
High instantaneous ROP and remedial hole cleaning are likely to result
in periods when the well unloads cuttings at a rate that cannot be
handled by the containment system.
Section 6a
Surface torque and drag monitoring involves taking torque, rotating
string weight, pick and slack-off weights at every connection. As the well
is drilled deeper the values for up weight, rotating weight and down
weight will all slowly increase, as will the difference between them.
When the up and down weight lines diverge away from the predicted
trends, i.e. up weight increases and down weight decreases it can indicate
build up of cuttings beds in the well and a requirement to stop and circulate
clean. Examples of these trends are shown in the figure 7 below.
U p W e ig h t
130 R o t a t in g W e ig h t
D o w n W e ig h t
120
U p & D o w n w e ig h t s d iv e rg in g ,
in d ica t in g p o o r h o le c le a n in g
110
100
90
80
U p & D o w n w e ig h t s d iv e r g in g ,
in d ic a t in g p o o r h o le c le a n in g .
S t o p d r illin g & circ u la t e cle a n
70
S t o p p e d d r illin g &
circ u la t e d w e ll c le a n
60
2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 3800
Measured Depth (feet)
clean-up practices
Effective hole clean-up practices are essential to successful and risk
free tripping. It is vital that the hole is cleaned adequately prior to POOH.
This does not mean that there should be no cuttings at all but simply
that any cuttings bed height is sufficiently low and evenly distributed
to allow the bit and BHA or casing to pass through without problems.
The introduction of the top drive system has lead to many operators
choosing not to invest time in cleaning the hole prior to tripping since
they have the ability to backream if necessary. This has developed into
a time consuming and risky practice.
When reciprocating the pipe do not run the pipe up and down between
the same depths, as this will create ledges at these depths. The
consequence of this is that the rotating bit will damage the lowermost
stand of the wellbore. As the rest of the section is likely to have washouts
anyway this is deemed acceptable but the impact of any loss of inclination
may have to be determined.
Circulation and rotation should continue until the hole cleans up.
Do not stop circulation after a nominal 1 or 2 bottoms up. Good cuttings
return in highly deviated wells does not actually commence until after
1 to 2 bottoms up, and for the shakers to clean up may take 4 bottoms
deviated drilling - hole cleaning 14
Section 6a
up. The cuttings return volume will also vary erratically with time as the
hole is cleaned up, especially if periods of slide drilling have been used.
Slide drilling will create dunes of cuttings in the wellbore, which as they
are circulated out will give the appearance that the hole is unloading.
Regardless of the length of time that it takes to clean the hole up prior to
POOH, it is worth the investment.
tripping practices
Tripping practices should be tailored specifically for high angle wells. As
the inclination increases and cuttings beds form, these can be very
problematic. If tripping procedures do not account for this phenomenon,
then back reaming through tight hole will result in an inappropriate, time
consuming and sometimes dangerous operation.
Back reaming and pumping out of hole are not only considered to be very
inefficient but can also be very risky on highly deviated wells.
15 deviated drilling - hole cleaning
Section 6a
The reason that back reaming or pumping out is so dangerous in high angle
wellbores is that the process completely cleans the hole below the bit/BHA
rather than leaving a small cuttings bed along the bottom of the hole. The
cuttings instead are deposited in a dune just above the top of the drill collars.
This significantly increases the chance of packing off as the top of the drill
collars is pulled into the cuttings bed.
A feature of high angle wells that utilise back reaming is that the
wellbores often seem to deteriorate over time, especially if any tight
hole occurred whilst back reaming. When a well packs off whilst back
reaming or pumping out of the hole, the wellbore below the pack-off
is subjected to a very rapid increase in pressure as the rig pumps are still
running. This can force mud into the shales creating micro-fractures
and consequently cavings, which add to the hole cleaning problems.
deviated drilling - hole cleaning 16
Section 6a
back reaming guidelines
If back reaming is necessary the following recommendations are made:
above the BHA and may cause a pack off and stuck pipe. Consider
circulating the hole clean again before resuming tripping.
Section 6a
use of sweeps
If the correct mud properties are maintained and drilling practices
include high rotary speeds then the mud system will clean the hole. Once
the mud system is right the use of sweeps only acts to cause deterioration
of the ideal mud properties.
In an highly deviated well with the fluid flow along the top of the hole,
even the most viscous of pills will allow cuttings to fall to the bottom of
the hole. Also as the pipe is rotated and the fluid flow profile takes
effect, mixing of the sweep with the drilling fluid is inevitable. The most
common result is that a sweep is never detected back at surface.
Remember off bottom flowrate and rotary speed may be higher than
that used for drilling.
wiper trips
Generally, it should be possible to make precautionary and remedial
wiper trips for hole cleaning unnecessary. It has been proved that if good
practices and strategies have been used throughout then long high angle
hole sections can be drilled without wiper trips.
It may still be necessary to wipe a hole for other reasons, e.g. swelling
shale interval.
back reaming
As discussed previously, back reaming is a time consuming and risky
practice on highly deviated wells. It should not be used as a general
practice or tool. If back reaming is to be performed as a remedial option
due to tight hole then it should only be performed after determining that
cuttings are not the problem.
A significant cuttings bed will probably be created above the BHA after
back reaming, therefore, it is important to clean the hole up via circulation
and rotation prior to POOH after back reaming.
It is accepted that there is a time an place for back reaming, such as across
a depleted reservoir or through a swelling shale.
running casing
Should it be required to circulate casing, the well should be circulated
clean. Otherwise, cuttings will just be deposited as cuttings beds higher
up in the well. The casing will be run deeper past the trouble spot. The
cuttings higher up in the wellbore may now avalanche down and pack-off
the casing.
barite sag
section 6b
deviated drilling - barite sag
Section 6b
contents
introduction ..........................................................................................................................1
barite sag fandamentals ...................................................................................................1
key parameters ....................................................................................................................2
influencing factors......................................................................................................2
symptoms ..............................................................................................................................3
awareness & planning ......................................................................................................3
mud properties & testing ........................................................................................4
prevention .............................................................................................................................5
management of sag problems ..............................................................................6
monitoring ....................................................................................................................6
operational practices ................................................................................................7
01 deviated drilling - barite sag
Section 6b
introduction
Barite sag is recognised as a significant hazard in deviated wells using
both weighted oil and water based drilling muds. Detailed research has
been conducted into the underlying fundamentals and key influencing
factors causing barite sag. The following guidelines will detail how good
planning and job execution will ensure the drilling fluid does not allow
barite sag.
Barite beds caused by dynamic sag tend to slump down the well
during static periods, causing density variations. Sag beds behave
differently and have different characteristics to cuttings beds. At low
solids concentrations, settling occurs in a segregated way, whereas in
dense concentrations settling occurs block-wise at relatively low velocity.
During sag, the denser, larger particles settle first, causing the overlying
fluid to be lighter and more buoyant. This reduces the settling velocity of
the smaller particles in the higher buoyed fluid over time.
Sag can occur in any well deviated by more than 30o. The effect is
most pronounced in wells with a deviation of between 60o and 75o. Sag
beds formed at angles below 60o slump faster than those at higher angles.
Sag can occur in any fluid type and at any density range where weight
material is present. Generally, the higher the density the greater the risk.
Sag increases with time
Local settling at the top and low sides of the well during low-rate
circulations and static periods causes a pressure imbalance, forcing lighter
mud upwards and accelerating the sag process, known as the Boycott
effect.
The 4 zones of barite sag beds are, from bottom to top, the slump bed,
sediment bed, suspension zone and clarified fluid zone.
deviated drilling - barite sag 02
Section 6b
Volume gains / losses can be induced by sag due to annular density variations.
key parameters
ƒ Hole Angle & Length
ƒ Annular Velocity
ƒ Drill Pipe Rotation
ƒ Flow Regime
ƒ Mud density
ƒ Mud Rheology
ƒ Weight Material
ƒ Particle Size & Shape
ƒ Particle Concentration
ƒ Time
influencing factors
ƒ Barite sag is principally controlled by dynamic flow.
ƒ Flow rate & drill pipe rotation are the most important drilling
parameters which influence sag.
ƒ Low annular velocities induce sag, especially when the drill pipe is
eccentric & not rotating.
ƒ Mud rheology is a key sag control mechanism.
ƒ Sag impacts upon critical wells with close pore pressure &
fracture gradients.
ƒ High temperatures generally thin muds, increasing the sag
potential of fluids.
ƒ Sag potential depends upon the mass of weight material.
ƒ Casing design impacts sag potential when small gauge holes
coincide with large annular diameters in the well, reducing the
annular velocities in the broader zones.
ƒ The higher the O/W ratio of an oil mud, the greater the sag
potential.
ƒ Over-treatment of wetting agents can thin fluids and increase sag
potential.
ƒ Fluid loss reducers and other additives can reduce mud rheology
and increase the sag potential.
ƒ In water base fluids, there is a greater potential for solids
agglomeration of smaller particles.
ƒ Particle size distribution is a key determining factor.
ƒ Excessive solids control processing can increase sag potential by
reducing particle size variations.
03 deviated drilling - barite sag
Section 6b
symptoms
Mud Weight Fluctuations
Any inexplicable variations in mud weights might indicate a sag problem.
Heavy spots can often be correlated with slugs pumped. Light spots are
often the first indications of barite sag.
Be aware that well planning, well type, well environment, well profile,
casing design and hole size, will directly influence the potential risk of sag.
Section 6b
Recognise that barite sag beds are different from cuttings beds in
their behaviour and that sag beds may be readily dispersed by correct
application of flow rates and rotary.
rheology
Primary Mechanisms - The primary mud property control mechanism
for barite sag is manipulation of the low shear rheology, Fann 6 and
3 rpm values, for dynamic sag and the initial 10 sec gel strength for
control of static sag. Well-bore temperatures affect rheology and well-
site measurements need to properly account for the effects of bore hole
temperatures on rheology.
mud weight
Mud weight measurements are a key area for monitoring sag. To ensure
accuracy, measurements should be taken frequently, especially after
trips, using a pressurised mud balance, which should be regularly
calibrated.
Plotting mud weights against other variables such as time and SPP can
often reveal cyclic and other trends in sag behaviour.
05 deviated drilling - barite sag
Section 6b
sag testing
Various apparatus exist for sag measurement for use on high
temperature ERD wells. It may be prudent to provide well-site sag
testing apparatus such as this for critical wells, where the results can then
be used as a guide to treatments.
prevention
ƒ Ensure that adequate pre-well fluid testing has been conducted
and that the sag potential of the fluid has been identified.
ƒ Avoid using old fluid that has been identified as problematical. If
using an old fluid, ensure that it has been properly re-conditioned
and contains as broad a spectrum of particle sizes as practicable.
ƒ Ensure that the fluid has a sufficient LSRYP to deter sag and that
the LSRYP is maintained within the desired range.
ƒ Ensure that all organophilic clays are exposed to high temperature
and pressure shear. This is important for them to achieve full
yield and therefore effectiveness. This type of shear is usually
accomplished either by a special HTHP surface shear system or by
circulating through the bit.
ƒ Maintain the 10 sec gel strength within the desired range and
avoid low static barite sag.
ƒ Avoid excessive dilutions, which lower rheological values and
encourage sag.
ƒ Avoid excessive solids control techniques, which degrade the
solids and reduce the particle size variation. Where protracted
centrifuging is necessary to control LGS, replenish the fluid with
fresh weight material and suspension agents.
ƒ Maintain an adequate concentration of low shear rate (LSR)
modifier, i.e. premium grade clay, especially when diluting.
deviated drilling - barite sag 06
Section 6b
ƒ Avoid using low shear rate (LSR) liquid rheology modifiers, which
have been shown to be less effective sag control mechanisms
than solids.
ƒ Levels of surfactant or oil wetting agent must be sufficient to
prevent barite agglomeration into large clusters.
ƒ Avoid increases in the O/W ratio unless specifically required to
reduce or minimise pump pressures.
ƒ Avoid over thinning fluids prior to running casing and preferably
do not thin until casing has been run.
ƒ Ensure that the fluid is in condition prior to any extended low-
shear operations such as running casing or logging.
ƒ Maintain strict QC testing of weight materials, LSR modifier, LSR
liquid rheology modifiers and suspension agents.
ƒ Avoid over-treating with additives and surfactants which are
known to encourage sag.
ƒ Avoid prolonged periods of non-rotational slow circulation,
especially where annular velocities in critical deviated intervals
fall below 50 ft/min.
ƒ Regularly calibrate mud testing equipment and use a pressure
balance to measure the fluid density.
ƒ Periodically conduct particle size analysis in order to provide a early
warning of impending sag.
ƒ The use of sub API grade (325 mesh) barite has proven beneficial.
monitoring
It is important to monitor the variables appropriately in order to be able
to determine if there is a problem and to judge the effectiveness or
otherwise of any remedial actions.
Mud Weights – Monitor mud weights closely and ensure that a pressure
balance is used for accuracy. Plot graphs of mud weight against other
variables to determine any cyclic behaviour.
Stand Pipe Pressure – Monitor the SPP and record any unexplainable
fluctuations. Fluctuations could be caused by density variations inside
the drill string, barite beds leading to slumping and partial pack-off or
density variations in the well resulting in U-tubing differentials.
07 deviated drilling - barite sag
Section 6b
Torque & Drag – High torque and drag may indicate the presence of
a barite sag bed. Remember that, unlike cuttings beds, sag beds
behave as liquids and flow down the well bore.
operational practices
Circulating & Conditioning - If barite sag is observed, attempt to
remedy by stopping operations to circulate and condition the fluid
for as long as necessary. Ensure sufficient circulating time to allow for
any rheology modifications to be effective and to balance out any
density variations. Premium grade clay viscosifiers, e.g. CONFI-GEL HT,
require both shear and temperature to fully develop the rheology. If
there is no impediment, ensure maximum annular velocity and rotary
during circulations.
Trips – Recognise that sag increases with time. Consider rotary wiper
trips to stir up barite beds and consider staging into the well
following trips and static periods in order to minimise the effect
of reintroducing settled weight material into the system.
section 6c
deviated drilling - lubricity
Section 6c
contents
introduction ...........................................................................................................................1
friction coefficient ...............................................................................................................1
types of lubricant ................................................................................................................2
liquids .............................................................................................................................2
solids ...............................................................................................................................2
lubricant selection .....................................................................................................3
summary .................................................................................................................................3
lubricity truisms ....................................................................................................................4
01 deviated drilling - lubricity
Section 6c
introduction
Understanding the relative lubricity of a particular mud system and
knowing what factors affect and control lubricity are all-important areas
of mud technology. This is a brief summary of how lubricity is tested,
what factors can affect and control lubricity and other key issues concerned
with the subject.
friction coefficient
General - The friction coefficient (FC) forms the basis for measuring
relative mud lubricity. This is important for understanding comparison
tests and judging relative differences in lubricity. For any given system,
the base line default FC values should be established in controlled tests.
These in turn may be used to make direct comparisons with known systems
and for developing and improving lubricity.
Test Apparatus - There are many different apparatus & test rigs used
to measure FC. For more dependable test results, the larger scale testers
should be used, although accuracy with regard to field calculations is still
questionable. As a result, the FC should be used as a guide only when
applying data to the field.
ƒ Wellbore geometry
ƒ Surface type & roughness
ƒ Contact pressure
ƒ Mud type & density
ƒ Time
ƒ Temperature
ƒ Lubricant effects
ƒ Well & string design
ƒ Wellbore stability
ƒ Cuttings bed thickness & type
ƒ Filter cake characteristics
FC Values For OBM & WBM - FC values for oil based muds are
generally low, in the range 0.11 – 0.15, whereas for weighted WBM the
range is generally 0.25 – 0.35 and for unweighted WBM the values are
still higher at between 0.35 – 0.50. It is well proven that increasing the
O/W ratio of a given OBM will lower the FC and that different oils exhibit
different lubricity values. Tests show that WBM FC values are lower
deviated drilling - lubricity 02
Section 6c
in fully formulated systems where mud additives such as polymers
and barite have a measurably beneficial effect. In both cases, friction
coefficients are highest against sandstone, with shales showing lower
values and smooth steel surfaces such as casing producing the
lowest range. For any mud system, lab tests measuring the contribution
mud additives make to the FC is important in understanding and
improving the lubricity potential.
types of lubricant
There are two types of lubricant, liquid and solid, which may be used
singly or in various combinations. Environmental concerns preclude
the use of some of the more effective lubricants, such as oils, while
mud compatibility and other problems preclude others.
liquids
Liquid lubricants are almost always added to WBM and only recently,
in a limited extent, to OBM. Often, blends of different liquid lubricants
are most beneficial, whereas a single liquid may be sometimes all that
is required. Occasionally, liquids may be used in conjunction with solids
to good effect.
Lubricants may work well in one type of WBM system and fail or make
matters worse in another, so that the selection process is very much
system specific. The FC of a WBM may be reduced by as much as 68%
by the correct application of liquid lubricants.
solids
Although sometimes effective in reducing the FC, solid lubricants suffer
from the disadvantage of being screened out or physically degraded in
a mud system. As a result, solids lubricants can be much more expensive
to maintain. In many cases, solids additives have been seen to reduce
torque and drag in the well but have not shown up well in tests.
03 deviated drilling - lubricity
Section 6c
lubricant selection
Factors affecting lubricant selection include:
summary
A working knowledge of the range of friction coefficients for a base
mud and its constituent parts is a necessary precursor to tackling
the lubricity capabilities of that fluid. Once these values are known,
further lab testing gives a guide to the compatible lubricants and their
type and optimum formulation. This is in turn is used to help improve
the mud lubricity in the field where necessary.
Section 6c
where mud lubricity is a problem. Problem muds include silicate
systems, which, despite detailed research, continue to defy a solution to
the lubricity issue.
lubricity truisms
Certain proven truisms concerning lubricity can be listed as follows:
1. Oil base muds have lower friction coefficients than water base muds
2. Increasing the O/W ratio leads to a lower friction coefficient
3. Ester based systems have lower friction coefficients than mineral
oil or other synthetic inverts
4. The friction coefficients of water base muds can be reduced with the
appropriate additive(s) and can be as low as some OBM systems
5. Unweighted WBM systems exhibit the greatest response to lubricant
treatments
6. Above 1.50 SG, addition of a lubricant to a WBM has a minimal effect
7. Liquid lubricants have a greater effect on steel/steel friction than on
steel/rock friction where solids lubricants are the more effective
8. Oil based muds are less lubricating as temperature increases
9. Lab lubricity test gear results do not always correspond to full scale
rig results
10. String rotation is a significant factor in drag reduction
11. The most effective liquid lubricants for WBM are based upon esters,
amines, fatty acids and some glycols
12. Lubricant selection is system specific