section 6

deviated drilling
erd
section 6a - hole cleaning

section 6b - barite sag

section 6c - lubricity
 section 6a

hole cleaning
section 6a Scomi Oiltools

factors that impact hole cleaning 2

annular velocity (av) 2
drill pipe rotation 2
mud weight 2
hole angle 3
rheology 3
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 6
mud and rheology guidelines 6
flowrates and hydraulics 7
drillpipe rotation 8
monitoring hole cleaning performance 9
clean-up practices 10
tripping practices 10
back reaming and pumping out 11
remedial hole cleaning 13
running casing 14
Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

deviated drilling - hole cleaning

factors that impact hole cleaning
The ten factors identified as being of most importance to good hole cleaning in deviated wells are:

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)

annular velocity (av)

Annular velocity has been found to be the most significant factor impacting hole cleaning and
minimising cuttings bed height. In studies bed heights have been found to occupy >40% of
the annular space when the annular velocity is maintained below 40 m/min (131 ft/min) and
<10% of annular space when maintained at greater than 80 m/min (262 ft/min). Increasing the
annular velocity can, in combination with other variables, diminish the cuttings bed height.
Additionally the effects of other variables such as hole angle and drill pipe rotation will diminish
with increasing annular velocity.

drill pipe rotation

Rotation is desirable and effective in minimising cuttings beds. The effect of rotation is substantial
at low annular velocities and high hole angles and minimal at high annular velocities and low hole
angles. The effect of rotation diminishes with increased annular velocity and increases with increased
mud density. The impact of eccentric drill pipe positively improves the effect of drill pipe rotation and
high rotary rpm will combine effectively with high rheology at low annular velocities to reduce the
cuttings bed height.

The effect of rotation is optimised by increasing the drill pipe diameter. Cutting size will also impact
the effect of rotation, i.e. by doubling the size of the cutting the effect of rotation will be halved.
Rotation is especially desirable and effective at angles of 60˚ or greater. Where 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 acuminated 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.

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.

drill pipe eccentricity

The eccentric position of drill pipe is desirable in high angle and horizontal wells when rotary
rpm is applied. The effect of rotary rpm on hole cleaning is greatest when pipe position is
eccentric. AV will tend to reduce cuttings bed height more effectively when drill pipe is concentric
or centred.

Figure 1: Eccentric Pipe Flow Patterns


Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

Drill pipe eccentricity:

ƒ Significant effect on annular pressure drop

ƒ A skewed drill string can have infinite number of eccentricities at the same time
ƒ Usually an unmeasured factor, but of great importance to hole cleaning
ƒ While sliding, equals tool joint stand-off
ƒ While rotating > 25 rpm, DP lifts off-bottom

Effect of Drill Pipe Eccentricity in Deviated Wellbore

ƒ Rapidly alters velocity distribution throughout the annulus

ƒ Flow in the annular narrow gap greatly reduced; flow in the wide gap greatly increased
ƒ Flow distribution largely controlled by fluid flow index ‘n’
ƒ Flow profils can be generated in computer programs

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

drill pipe size

Drill pipe diameter has minimal effects on cuttings bed heights. Effectiveness of rotary rpm is
impacted by drill pipe diameter and cuttings size.

significant parameters noted for cuttings bed heights of <10%: angle 60˚ or
greater
ƒ High AV
ƒ High mud weight
ƒ Drill pipe centred
ƒ Lower mud rheology
ƒ Drill pipe rotating

significant parameters noted for cuttings bed heights of >50%

ƒ Low AV
ƒ No drill pipe rotation
ƒ Low mud wt
ƒ Horizontal flow
ƒ Higher mud rheology
ƒ Drill pipe centred

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.
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

Major impact on cuttings bed

Annular Velocity
Pipe Rotation
Mud Density
Hole Angle
Moderate impact on cuttings bed
Rheology
Cuttings Size
Eccentricity
Minor impact on Cuttings bed
Feed Rate (ROP)
Type of Mud
Drill Pipe Size

ƒ It requires a “heavy” emphasis on AV and rotation to minimise the development of a cuttings bed.
ƒ Mud weight is subject to the predicted pore pressure gradients and therefore cannot be easily
manipulated to optimise hole cleaning.
ƒ Hole angle while subject to target location can to a certain extent be designed to optimise hole
cleaning.
ƒ Cuttings beds are easier to “control” during the drilling phase than they are to subsequently
remove at TD.

hole cleaning in deviated wells

Cuttings beds will form in high angle wellbores, regardless of how efficient the hole cleaning
practices are. How the cuttings are distributed in the hole will dictate the measures that are required
to move them. Management of the cuttings in the hole is a key to efficient drilling operations.

A wellbore does not have to be 100% clean, or free of cuttings to be “clean”. Every high angle
wellbore will have a cuttings bed of some kind. A cuttings bed that is clean for drilling is not
necessarily the same 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.

Hole cleaning in general can be divided into 3 categories which have quite different strategies and
circumstances.

ƒ 0˚ - 45˚ wells
ƒ 45˚ - 60˚ wells
ƒ 60˚ - 90˚ wells

In a vertical to 45˚ well cuttings are brought to surface by combating cuttings slip velocity where
the cutting must fall thousands of feet to reach the bottom of the hole.

Figure 2 shows dynamic cuttings bed behaviour at 45˚, the cuttings bed takes on a dune formation
as cuttings are continually picked up and brought into the mud flow by pipe rotation. After some
distance the cutting again falls to the low side of the hole where it is again picked up and transported
further up the wellbore, this process is continually repeated until the cutting is finally discharged
onto the shale shaker screen at surface.


Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

Figure 2

In wells with inclinations in the range of 45˚ - 60˚, cuttings begin to form dunes as the distance for
them to fall to bottom is now measured in inches. Due to the hole angle there is a constant
tendency for cuttings beds to tumble and slide during the drilling process, and once flow stops
cuttings beds will immediately slide.

Inclinations of 60˚ - 90˚ present a different set of operational circumstances. Here the cuttings fall
to the low side of the hole and form a long continuous cuttings bed. Although the challenges
associated with an avalanching dune have gone away, hole cleaning in this environment is actually
more difficult and time consuming.

Figure 3 shows dynamic cuttings bed behaviour at 90o, beds quickly become packed and bed height
remains stable over time (with constant rpm / gpm).

Figure 3
90 degrees

Flow

good hole cleaning practices

Good tripping and drilling practices are critical to ensuring acceptable hole cleaning. The benefits
of a powerful, purpose built drilling rig can easily be negated by poor or inappropriate drilling practices.

mud and rheology guidelines

Regardless of the mud type the overall objective is to maintain a pumpable fluid with low-end
rheology that is high enough to keep cuttings moving out of the hole. The use of 6 rpm readings
as a primary indicator of hole cleaning capability and maintaining low PV (plastic viscosity) for
pumpability is widely accepted. Generally maintain 6 rpm Fann readings at 1.0 to 1.5 x hole diameter.

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.


Low-vis pills create turbulent flow (intended to stir up cuttings) in the wellbore but this has a number
of detrimental effects. The turbulent flow may contribute to the erosion of shales and the turbulence
creates localised shifting patterns of lower than average and higher than average pressure which
can give rise to shale splinters. These shale splinters are often interpreted as pressure cavings and
the mud weight is increased, increasing PV and exacerbating the problem.

Hi-vis pills are likely to pick up large quantities of cuttings and cavings, which can result in pack-off.

flowrates and hydraulics

Pump at the maximum available flowrate at all time. This will be limited by formation pressure integrity.
Use the ECD as a guide to maximum flowrate possible without compromising hole integrity.

Flowrate is the key parameter for hole cleaning rate, as shown in the figure 4. The faster the pump rate
the quicker the hole is cleaned, so long as the rpm is sufficiently high, preferably >120 rpm.

Figure 4 - Flowrate Effect on Hole Cleaning

There is a minimum hurdle flowrate that must be exceeded if there is to be any hole cleaning in a
high angle wellbore. Field experience also suggests that there is a point of diminishing benefit for
flowrate increases. It is important to appreciate that as long as cuttings are moving up the hole at a
faster rate than they are being generated, then the hole is being cleaned. Flowrate will affect the rate
of cleaning and allow faster cuttings generation to be tolerated.

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.


Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

Such high flowrates, 1,000 – 1,200 gpm (3785 - 4543 L/min) in 12-1/4” hole will give theoretical
AV’s (Annular Velocities) of 196 – 231 ft/min (60 - 70 m/min) across 5” drillpipe and 235 – 277 ft/min
(72 - 85 m/min) across 6-5/8” drillpipe. When you consider that walking pace is approximately
350 ft/min (107 m/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.

Figure 5: Annular Fluid Movement in High Angle Wells

Vertical Wellbore High Angle Wellbore

High Velocity Fluid

Low Velocity Fluid

on Low side of Hole

Cuttings bed on low side of hole will be

disturbed by fluid flow unless stirred up by
Fluid moves almost uniformly throughout pipe rotation
annulus in a vertical wellbore. Cuttings move
evenly in annullus

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 overleaf.

Figure 6 - Effect of Pipe Rotation on Hole Cleaning

Cuttings Return Variation with Pipe Speed

Step changes in cuttings return occur at 100

Cuttings Return

– 120 rpm and again at 150 – 180 rpm.

Fine tuning of rotary speed from 60 – 80

rpm is generally not meaningful. The hurdle
speed of 100 – 120 rpm must be exceeded
for significant improvement

0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200

Rotary Speed (rpm)


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.

monitoring hole cleaning performance

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.

torque and drag monitoring

This is one of the primary methods of monitoring hole cleaning as the information is readily available
and easily interpreted on the rig floor.

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 figure 7 below.

Figure 7 - Torque & Drag Monitoring

S tr i ng W e i ghts
140

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)

The theoretical predictions that the actual data is compared to must be of good quality. Not only
is the software model important but the input data must be of good quality and continuously
calibrated with actual measured values. Most importantly, the data must be collected in the same
manner for each data point to ensure consistent, reliable output.


Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

It is important to trust the torque and drag modelling but it is just as important that its limitations
are well understood. Torque and drag modelling has proven to be an excellent tool for monitoring
cuttings bed build up but there are many actions that may be occurring that will not necessarily
show up or may be misinterpreted. Differential sticking, key-seating and wellbore instability effects
should not be misinterpreted as cuttings build up. The symptoms of these problems are different
and their identification underlines the importance of collecting and interpreting the torque and drag
data in conjunction with centrally monitored drilling parameters on an ongoing basis.

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.

Generally, prior to POOH, the hole should be circulated with maximum available flowrate and
maximum allowable pipe rpm while working the last stand on bottom. Do not stop circulating as the
sudden reduction in flowrate may induce avalanching of cuttings, leading to pack-off and stuck pipe.

Avoid circulating at the same depth for an extended period to prevent the creation of ledges but do
not lay out stands unless absolutely necessary.

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 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.

The primary rules are:

ƒ Always assume that any tight hole or overpull is due to cuttings and hole cleaning related.
ƒ Clean up the hole using maximum rotation and circulation for the minimum number of bottoms
up as calculated using the lag model and then until the shakers are clean.
ƒ Do not assume that cased hole is a safe haven for tight hole avoidance. It is not unheard of for stuck
pipe to occur inside casing, either just inside the shoe or many thousands of feet inside casing.

10
ƒ POOH without pumps or rotation.
ƒ If tight hole is encountered, progressively increase overpull ensuring that the string is free to
move down at each stage before increasing the overpull. If the string cannot be pulled through
the tight hole proceed as per the guidelines in the Section Guidelines For Back Reaming Through
Tight Hole.

back reaming and pumping out

Although back reaming may be considered an appropriate practice in vertical wells and
conventional low angle deviated wells. Back reaming and pumping out of hole are not appropriate
practices for high angle well bores when tight hole is encountered or as a primary hole cleaning tool.

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.

Whereas tight hole in vertical wells is likely to be due to wellbore conditions, tight hole in highly
deviated wells is likely to be due to hole cleaning and cuttings. Back reaming and pumping out
of hole through a cuttings bed can very easily lead to packing off, stuck pipe and possible loss of the
string and wellbore.

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.

Figure 8 : Effect on Cuttings Bed of Back reaming or Pumping Out

Acceptable Cuttings Bed for Tripping

A cuttings bed exists but the hole is acceptably

clean to allow trouble free tripping. Cutting Harmless cuttings
are left below the bit. are left below the bit

Situation During Back Reaming or Pumping OOH

No cuttings are left

Cutting Dune is created
below the bit
above the BHA

When back reaming or pumping out the hole is completely cleaned

below the bit and the cuttings deposited as a dune above the top
of the BHA. The dune represents a significant pack-off/sruckpipe
risk.

11
Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

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.

back reaming guidelines

If back reaming is necessary the following recommendations are made:

ƒ Pumping out of the hole will not be carried out as the pumping out process creates a cuttings
dune above the BHA but provides no hole cleaning ability in the drill pipe annulus above the BHA.
ƒ Back reaming should only be performed with ideal parameters. Even at low flowrate the
process will still clean the wellbore extremely well around the BHA, creating a cuttings dune
above the BHA. However without sufficient flowrates and rotary speed the cuttings dune cannot
be cleaned away from the BHA sufficiently.
ƒ The pulling speed is a critical parameter, too fast and the top of the drill collars will be pulled into
the cuttings dune, creating a pack off and possibly leading to stuck pipe. The process needs to be
based on surface torque readings by the driller as a means of determining pulling speed.

guidelines for back reaming through tight hole

It should always be assumed that any tight spot during a trip is a cuttings related problem. If a tight
spot is encountered while POOH then the following guidelines should be followed.

1. If the hole is sufficiently tight that the string cannot be pulled through, RIH 3 to 5 stands until the
BHA is clear of the obstruction and circulate with maximum flowrate and rotation for 30 minutes.
2. Never commence pumping or rotation while the BHA lies in or close to the obstruction. If the
BHA cannot be moved down, perhaps because it is close to bottom, then gradually start rotation
prior to bringing on the pumps slowly.
3. POOH again without pumps or rotation. If the tight spot has disappeared or moved up the hole
then the tight hole was probably due to a cuttings bed. The BHA should then be tripped back
into hole and the well circulated clean with maximum flowrate and rotary speed.
4. If the tight spot is in the same place, then it may be assumed to be something other than
cuttings alone and careful back reaming may be necessary until past the restriction.
5. If back reaming has taken place, great care should be taken when beginning to POOH again
as a cuttings dune may have built up above the BHA and may cause a pack off and stuck pipe. Consider
circulating the hole clean again before resuming tripping.

guidelines for precautionary back reaming

On occasion, it may be necessary to back ream in an highly deviated well for precautionary reasons.

1. Prior to precautionary back reaming, the hole should be cleaned up with maximum flowrate
and rotation.
2. The is some danger that cleaning up the hole before back reaming may be seen as a waste of
time, given that the hole is to be back reamed anyway. However, the intent of circulating clean
is to get the cuttings level down to a more manageable, lower risk level, before commencing
a relatively high risk operation (i.e. back reaming).
3. Back ream slowly out of the hole with maximum allowable flowrates and pipe rotation. If
flowrate is limited it may be advisable to back ream in stages with several stops to clean the hole
to a safer level of cuttings or at least redistribute them away from the BHA.
4. It must always be remembered that a potentially dangerous cuttings dune exists above the
BHA. The driller should be vigilant for indications (e.g. increased torque) that the BHA is being
pulled into this cuttings dune and that a pack off or stuck pipe is imminent if appropriate action
is not taken.

12
remedial hole cleaning
It is better to stay on bottom at an optimised ROP, controlled to match hole cleaning and cuttings
containment capacity than it is to drill in short fast burst and then use remedial operations to clean
the hole.

If drilling practices and parameters are optimised, it is generally possible to drill for very long intervals
and very long periods without any wiper trips or any other remedial measures.

However, there may be occasions where some remedial actions may be required, e.g. equipment
failure, deteriorating wellbore condition or suddenly poor mud properties. Any remedial operations
should be based on clear torque and drag and cuttings return trends. Furthermore, the effectiveness
of the remedial operations should be observed and quantified before and after the operation.

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 highly deviated wells mud rheology is already difficult enough to keep within specification without the
detrimental effect of sweeps being absorbed into the system. Furthermore, their use in highly deviated
wells has proven largely ineffective, regardless of the sweep design.

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.

A further concern is that sweeps may pick up cuttings in concentrated amounts, which can have a
detrimental effect on ECD.

On the rare occasions that sweeps do bring cuttings back it is unlikely that they come from very
far down the hole. Almost certainly, the cuttings recovered are from the build or vertical section of the
well.

stop drilling and circulate

Picking up off bottom and circulating should be looked upon as the first remedial hole cleaning
option once changes in the drilling parameters and ROP have proved ineffective. As discussed
previously this operation should be performed with maximum flowrate and rotary speed.

Remember off bottom flowrate and rotary speed may be higher than that used for drilling.

If hole cleaning is a problem consider circulating prior to connections for 10 minutes while rotating
at maximum speed and gently reciprocate the string to minimise hole damage in one spot. This
will ensure that cuttings are well above the BHA so that when the pumps are turned off they will
not avalanche back across the BHA and pack it off.

13
Section

6a deviated drilling - hole cleaning

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.

14