Chapter 7

INTRODUCTION

H YDRAULICS

The application of hydraulics in rotary drilling is simultaneously simple in concept and difficult to achieve on the rig. Simplicity results from the purity of the mathematics involved in the study of hydraulics. Few components of the overall drilling system offer the possibility of concise, arithmetic conclusions. Analysis of the various parts of a hydraulics program, however, can lead drilling engineers to clear conclusions. Unfortunately, things clear to engineers are not always clear to other drilling personnel. Consequently, most rigs drill with mediocre bit cleaning (hydraulics). Rig supervisors often are reluctant to participate in or even accept the thesis that improved hydraulics will always result in an increase in drilling efficiency.

CLASSIC HYDRAULICS
Various approaches to hydraulics have been developed since early work done circa 1948. To include a summary of the principal, workable methods would be overly burdensome and potentially confusing. A simple and practical method exists which is termed "classical" by some in drilling. Commonly, bit hydraulic horsepower is optimized, or rather maximized, in order to improve bit cleaning. Hydraulic horsepower can be computed by the following equation:
Hp = PQ 1,714

Equation 7-1

Bit hydraulic horsepower, Hp bit , then is given by Equation 7-2:

Hpbit =

Pbit Q 1,714

Equation 7-2

In virtually all drilling situations, pump pressure or standpipe pressure is limited by either equipment design or arbitrarily limited by someone on the rig. In either case, the following procedure has been used to maximize Hp bit : 1. Write an equation relating Hp bit to the available power in the system. 2. Differentiate the equation with respect to independent variables and set the first differential equal to zero. 3. Solve the equation developed in Step 2 to see if a maximum or minimum has resulted.

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Example 7-1
Given: Determine: Solution: Equations 7-1 and 7-2. Derive a general relationship for maximum Hp bit Step 1. From Chapter 6 Pressure Losses in the Circulating System:
Ps = Pc + Pbit

Equation 7-3 Equation 7-4

Pc = KQ s

Also:
Hp s = Hp c + Hp bit

Equation 7-5

Substituting Equation 7-1 into Equation 7-5 yields:

Ps Q PQ P Q = c + bit 1,714 1,714 1,714

Rearranging and canceling the 1,714:
Pbit Q = Ps Q Pc Q

Equation 7-6

Equation 7-7

Substituting Equation 7-4 into Equation 7-7:

Pbit Q = Ps Q KQ s +1

Equation 7-8

Step 2. Differentiating and setting equal to zero:

Pbit = 0

Minimum Maximum

Equation 7-9 Equation 7-10

Ps (s + 1)KQ s = 0

Step 3. Substituting Equation 7-4 into Equation 7-10:

Ps (s + 1)Pc = 0 Ps = (s + 1)Pc

Equation 7-11 Equation 7-12

1 Pc = Ps s + 1

Equation 7-13

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

Therefore, a maximum value of hydraulic horsepower at the bit develops when Pc is a defined fraction of Ps , so long as Ps is also at the maximum selected pressure. If the common value of s = 1.86 is used, then Hp bit is maximum when:
Pc = 0.35Ps Pbit = 0.65Ps

Equation 7-14 Equation 7-15

It is then clear that the only way to increase Hp bit in any fixed situation is to increase standpipe pressure, Ps . It is also clear that any arbitrary decisions to limit pump pressure is also a decision to limit hydraulic horsepower at the bit (bit cleaning) and is also a decision to reduce drilling rate. Credit for such a decision should certainly be borne by the individual responsible for making it. Hydraulic impact force at the bit can be maximized to promote bit cleaning as a reasonable alternative to maximizing Hp bit . The procedure used in Example 7-2 in maximizing impact force is similar to that used in Example 7-1. Equation 7-16 is used to define impact force.
IF =

mVn Q
1,932

Equation 7-16

Example 7-2
Given: Determine: Solution: Equation 7-16 and the data in Example 7-1. Derive a relationship for maximizing impact force, IF , at the bit. Step 1. Equation 7-17 can be used to calculate the pressure drop across the bit nozzles.
Pbit =

mVn2
1,120

Equation 7-17

Substituting Equation 7-3 and 7-4 into Equation 7-17 yields:

mVn2
1,120

= Ps KQ s

Equation 7-18

Rearranging Equation 7-18:

P KQ s Vn = s m 1,120

1 2

Equation 7-19

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Substituting Equation 7-16 into Equation 7-19: Q P KQ s IF = m s m 1,932 1,120

1/ 2

Equation 7-20

Simplifying:
IF = APs Q 2 AKQ s + 2

1/ 2

Equation 7-21

where A is a constant equal to:

A=

m
3,333

Step 2. Differentiating and setting equal to zero: d (IF ) d APs Q 2 AKQ s + 2 = dQ dQ

1/ 2

0=

1 APs Q 2 AKQ s +2 2

] [2AP Q (s + 2)AKQ ]
1/ 2 s +1 s

0 = 2 APs Q A(s + 2)KQ s +1

0 = 2 APs Q A(s + 2)Pc Q

Step 3.
0 = 2Ps (s + 2)Pc

2 Pc = Ps s + 2

Equation 7-22

Using the common value s = 1.86 then maximum impact force occurs when:
Pc = 0.52Ps Pbit = 0.48Ps

Equation 7-23 Equation 7-24

Similar to bit horsepower, the maximum impact force possible is seen to be dependent upon the maximum standpipe pressure used. Figure 7-1 shows a plot of horsepower and impact force versus flow rate. At some flow rate, the horsepower and impact force are a maximum. The

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

maximum surface pressure in Figure 7-1 is 3,000 psi. Note that the maximum impact force will always be at a higher flow rate than the maximum horsepower.
1400

1200 IMPACT FORCE

1000

800 Hp or IF 600 400 HORSEPOWER 200 0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Flow Rate, Q
Figure 7-1. Plot of

Hp and IF versus Flow Rate showing Maximums

Example 7-3 illustrates methods for hydraulics planning and compares the results for two values of allowable standpipe pressures. In the planning phase, pressure losses are calculated at various depths and nozzle sizes are determined for various depth ranges.

Example 7-3
Given: Hole size is 8" Interval to be drilled is from 9,000 ft. to 16,000 feet. Drill pipe is 4", 16.60 ppf, with XH connections The inside diameter is 3.826"

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Drill collars are 6 by 2" and 600 feet long. Mud Properties are m = 16 ppg , PV = 25 , Yp = 12 Both Mud Pumps are Emsco F-800's F-800 Pump data. The rated speed is 150 spm
Table 7-1. Liner Ratings and Output Volumes for an F-800 Pump

LINER SIZE

MAX Ps

GPS

6" 6" 5" 5"

2,120 2,490 2,965 3,590

3.88 3.30 2.78 2.29

Determine:

Nozzle sizes to be used at 9,000, 12,000 and 15,000 feet using two cases. Case 1: Save old pump, Maximum Ps = 2,500 psi and maximum spm =110. Pump is as good as manufacturer says it is, run according to design parameters (150 spm and liner rating).

Case 2: Solution:

Case 1 : In Case 1 the maximum surface pressure will be 2,500 psi. The liner with a 2,500 psi rating is 6 inches. The maximum flow rate is calculated as follows:
Qmax = (3.30 gps )(110 spm ) = 363 gpm

First, calculate the pressure losses in the circulating system using the equations given in Chapter 6: "Pressure Losses in the Circulating System." Since this is for planning purposes, the pressure losses in the surface connections will be ignored. Calculate the pressure losses in the drill pipe. The length of drill pipe at a total depth of 9,000 feet will be 8,400 feet. (Total depth less the length of the drill collars.) Assume a flow rate of 200 gpm.

Pdp =

7.68 10 5 m 0.81Q 1.81PV 0.19 l D 4.83

7.68 10 5 (16 )

Pdp =

(200 )1.81 (25 )0.19 (8,400 ) = 252 psi (3.826 )4.83

0.81

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

Calculate the pressure losses in the drill collars:

Pdc =

7.68 105 m

( )
)

0.81 1.81

PV 0.19l

D 4.83
7.68 10 5 (16 )

Pdc =

(200 )1.81 (25 )0.19 (600 ) = 233 psi (2.25 )4.83

0.81

Calculate the pressure losses in the drill collar annulus. The rheology constants n and k must be calculated first.
2PV + Yp n = 3.32 log PV + Yp

(2)(25) + 12 n = 3.32 log = 0.7743 25 + 12

k= PV + Yp 511n

k =

25 + 12 5110.7743

= 0.3567

Calculate the annular velocity around the drill collars.

v =

(D

24.5Q
2 h 2 Dp

)
) = 163 fpm
2n + 1 kl 3n 300 (Dh D p )
0.7743

v =

(8.5

(24.5)(200 )
2

6.5 2

Calculate pressure losses in the drill collar annulus.

2.4v = Dh D p
n

Pdca

Pdca

(2.4)(163 ) (2)(0.7743 ) + 1 = 8.5 6.5 (3)(0.7743 )

(0.3567 )(600 ) 300(8.5 6.5 ) = 20 psi

Calculate the pressure losses in the drill pipe annulus.

v =

(8.5

( 24.5)(200 )
2

4.5 2

) = 94fpm
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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

( 2.4)(94 ) ( 2)(0.7743 ) + 1 Pdpa = 8.5 4.5 (3)(0.7743 )

0.7743

(0.3567 )(8,400 ) 300 (8.5 4.5 ) = 55 psi

Calculate the pressure at the surface.

Pc = Pdp + Pdc + Pdca + Pdpa

Pc = 252 + 233 + 20 + 55 = 560 psi

The same calculations are made at one other flow rate. In this case, a flow rate of 500 gpm was selected. Any reasonable flow rate will suffice. Table 7-2 shows the calculated results at 9,000 feet.
Table 7-2. Pressure Losses at 9,000 ft

PC =

Pdp +

Pdc +

Pdca +

Pdpa

200 500

560 2,734

252 1,321

233 1,226

20 57

55 130

The same calculations are made at 12,000 and 15,000 feet. The results of those calculations are presented in Table 7-3 and Table 7-4.
Table 7-3. Pressure Losses at 12,000 ft

PC =

Pdp +

Pdc +

Pdca +

Pdpa

200 500

669 3,252

342 1,793

233 1,226

20 57

74 176

Table 7-4. Pressure Losses at 15,000 ft

PC =

Pdp +

Pdc +

Pdca +

Pdpa

200 500

777 3,771

431 2,265

233 1,226

20 57

93 223

The point where Hp bit is maximum is defined by Equation 7-14 and Equation 7-15 when the maximum surface pressure is used. In Case 1,

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

the maximum surface pressure is 2,500 psi. Calculate the pressure losses in the circulating system and at the bit when the bit horsepower is maximized.
Pc = 0.35Ps Pc = (0.35 )( 2,500 ) = 875 psi Pbit = 0.65Ps Pbit = (0.65 )( 2,500 ) = 1,625 psi

The same calculations are made where impact force is maximized using Equation 7-23 and Equation 7-24.
Pc = 0.52Ps Pc = (0.52 )( 2,500 ) = 1,300 psi Pbit = 0.48Ps Pbit = (0.48 )( 2,500 ) = 1,200 psi

For the horsepower method and the impact force method, the pressure losses in the circulating system, Pc , will be 875 psi and 1,300 psi, respectively. Figure 7-2 can be plotted with the previously determined data. It is a plot of flow rate versus pressure losses in the circulating system. The pressure losses in the circulating system include all pressure losses except pressure drop across the bit. The graph is used to determine the flow rate at, which Pc is equivalent to 875 and 1,300 psi. In the graph, plot the pressure losses at 9,000, 12,000 and 15,000 feet from Table 7-2 through Table 7-4. Plot the pressure losses in the circulating system where horsepower and impact force will be maximized. In addition, the maximum flow rate can be placed on the graph. The point where the Pc line for horsepower and impact force crosses the Pc line for each depth is the desired flow rate. The desired flow rates can also be determined mathematically. The slope of the Pc line can be determined from the information in Table 7-2.

s=

Log (P2 ) Log (P1 ) Log (Q2 ) Log (Q1 )

Log (2,734 ) Log (560 ) = 1.7304 Log (500 ) Log (200 )

Equation 7-25

s=

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

For the horsepower method, the flow rate where Pc is equal to 875 psi can be calculated.

1.7304 =

Log (875 ) Log (560 ) Log (Q2 Log (200 ))

Q2 = 259 gpm

10000

15,000' 12,000' 294 270 Circulating Pressure Loss, psi 325 9,000'

P c Max IF = 1300
1000

P c Max Hp = 875

214 234

259

Q Max = 363
100 100 Flow Rate, Q 1000

Figure 7-2. Plot of Flow Rate versus Circulating Pressure Loss for Case 1

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

This can be done for each depth using both method: impact force and horsepower. Table 7-5 and Table 7-6 show the results for Case 1.
Table 7-5. Results based on Horsepower Method for Case 1

DEPTH

Pc

Pbit

NOZ's

Hp bit /in2

IF/in2

9,000 12,000 15,000

875 875 875

1,625 1,625 1,625

259 234 214

10,10,11 10,10,9 10,9,9

4.32 3.91 3.58

12.74 11.51 10.56

Table 7-6. Results based on Impact Force Method for Case 1

DEPTH

Pc

Pbit

NOZ's

Hp bit

IF

9,000 12,000 15,000

1,300 1,300 1,300

1,200 1,200 1,200

325 294 270

12,12,13 12,12,12 12,11,11

4.02 3.63 3.33

13.76 12.44 11.40

The nozzle sizes are calculated based on Pbit and the flow rate as follows using the equation from Chapter 6: Pressure Losses in the Circulating System:

Pbit =

9.14 10 5 m Q 2
2 An

( )

For the horsepower method at 9,000 feet:

1 ,625 =

9.14 10 5 (16)(259 ) 2
2 An

An = 0.2457in2
Nozzle diameters are available in 32nd's of an inch and most bits are run with three nozzles. Equation 7-26 can be used to calculate the average nozzle diameters with any number of nozzles.

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Sn =

1,304 An Nn

Equation 7-26

The average nozzle diameter would then be:

Sn =

(1,304 )(0.2457 ) = 10.33

3

The required nozzles would be 10,10,11. Case 2: The same calculations are made for Case 2 as Case 1 except that the maximum surface pressure will now be 3,590 psi. The maximum flow rate with 5 inch liners will be:
Qmax = ( 2.29 gps )(150 spm ) = 343 gpm

The pressure losses in the system would remain the same, so Table 7-2 through Table 7-4 are applicable for Case 2 also. However, Pc for both methods will be different because they are a function of the maximum surface pressure. For the horsepower method:
Pc = (0.35 )(3,590 ) = 1,256 psi Pbit = (0.65 )(3,590 ) = 2,334 psi

For the impact force method:

Pc = (0.52 )(3,590 ) = 1,867 psi Pbit = (0.48 )(3,590 ) = 1,723 psi

Figure 7-3 is a graphical plot of the data for Case 2. Table 7-7 and Table 7-8 show the results of the analysis.
Table 7-7. Results for Case 2 based on HorsePower Method

DEPTH

Pc

Pbit

NOZ's

Hp bit /in2

IF/in2

9,000 12,000 15,000

1,256 1,256 1,256

2,334 2,334 2,334

319 288 264

11,11,10 10,10,10 10,10,9

7.65 6.91 6.34

18.82 17.01 15.60

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

The jet sizes are calculated the same way as in Case 1. Note in Figure 7-3 that the circulation rate at 9,000 and 12,000 feet exceed the maximum flow rate with 5 inch liners. Therefore, Table 7-8 shows the maximum flow rate of 343 gpm at these depths.
Table 7-8. Results for Case 2 based on Impact Force Method

DEPTH

Pc

Pbit

NOZ's

Hp bit /in2

IF/in2

9,000 12,000 15,000

1,378 1,637 1,867

2,212 1,953 1,723

343 343 333

11,11,11 11,11,12 11,12,12

7.79 6.87 5.89

19.72 18.52 16.71

10000

15,000' 362 12,000' 333 401 9,000' Circulating Pressure Loss, psi

P c Max IF = 1867 P c Max Hp = 1256

1000

264 288

319

Q Max = 343
100 100 Flow Rate, Q 1000

Figure 7-3. Plot of Flow Rate versus Circulating Pressure Loss for Case 2

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Comparison of the results computed for Case 1 and Case 2, leads to several noteworthy conclusions for the 5" liner situation: 1. Case 2 results in a bit horsepower gain from 3.58 Hp/in2 to 6.34 Hp/in.2 at 15,000 feet. This represents an increase of 77%. 2. Case 2 requires a total output of only 555 HP at 15,000 feet. (P=3,590 psi, Q=265 GPM) for maximized Hp bit . This would require only 77% of rated input power or 617 HP at 90% mechanical efficiency. 3. Dependent upon depth of the drilling operations, Case 2 represents increases in impact force of 42% to 47% over Case 1. 4. Any gains seen in Case 2 are realized without exceeding design limits of the rig's pumps. If the contractor pays for a stated capacity and the operator contracts for a stated capacity, how can either reasonably justify using less? Remember, 77% of rated capacity is all that is needed to gain a significant level of bit hydraulic horsepower in this example. The method defined above as being "classical" can be summarized as follows: 1. On a log Q versus log P plot, mark equipment limitations, i.e., maximum volumes for liners selected. If used, an arbitrarily selected maximum standpipe pressure should also be shown. 2. Predict pressure/volume behavior at various depths of interest. The depths used can be arbitrarily selected or selected based on anticipated trips from the bit program. 3. Mark lines representing the desired system pressure loss, Pc , which is dependent upon the hydraulic design criterion (maximized Hp bit or maximized IF ). 4. From the intercepts of desired Pc and Pc 's predicted, determine flow rates, Q, to be used at various depths. 5. The difference between the selected maximum pressure, Ps , and the desired circulating pressure, Pc , is the bit nozzle pressure loss, Pbit , to be used at a specific depth and circulating rate. Select nozzles that most nearly provide the Pbit needed at the Q selected for each bit run. Hydraulic slide rules or charts provided by bit manufacturers have simplified hydraulics planning. Approximately one hour of engineering time would be required to plan hydraulics for a typical 15,000 foot well with the use of charts or hydraulic slide rules. Hand-held calculators and computers can reduce the planning time to approximately 15 minutes for a typical 15,000 ft. well. Further, the use of well written programs with such calculators places the power for good planning in the hands of rig personnel. The industry no longer must tolerate mediocre hydraulics in drilling operations.

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

MAXIMIZING HYDRAULICS USING FIELD DATA

Classical hydraulics will remain useful to the overall drilling operations. Such utility will be indispensable in the planning phase of drilling, as well as in lending conceptual clarity to the methods of increasing bit cleaning. Once drilling operations have commenced, however, additional work can fine-tune the hydraulics plan. Precise determination of hydraulics parameters is frustrated by the inability to quantify variables. Hole diameter is not precisely known. Pipe diameters and roughness values vary form joint-tojoint. Significantly, mud rheology changes with temperature, pressure, and shear rate. The changes in rheology are difficult to know and almost impossible to include in a mathematical analysis. Fortunately, application of Ken Scott's1 principals elucidates the dilemma. Earlier, it was shown that the frictional pressure losses in a system are functions of flow rates, rheological values, hole and pipe diameters, lengths of pipes and mud densities. If, however, the flow rate, Q , is considered to be the only variable which can be changed rapidly and at will, then the system pressure loss is frequently written as Equation 7-4.
Pc = KQ s

Equation 7-4 was used in the derivation of Pc versus Ps ratios for maximum Hp bit and for maximum IF . If Equation 7-4 is written in logarithmic form, then Equation 7-27 results:
Log Pc = Log K + sLog Q

Equation 7-27

Historically, the value of s has been taken to be 1.86. This value may have been statistically correct over many situations when it was given to the industry decades ago; however, the use of s = 1.86 often results in errors that can be avoided if s can be determined correctly. That the value of s is easy to determine on the rig is shown in Example 7-4. Example 7-4 also demonstrates a method of improving hydraulics performance on the rig as a result of improved knowledge of the flow characteristics of a specific rig at a certain time.

Example 7-4
Given: Rig is drilling at 8,430 feet and is preparing to trip for bit. The following information is given: Hole size = 9" Bit is STC F3 w/ 3x18/32" nozzles Drill collars are 7" by 2" and 582 feet long Drill pipe is 4", Grade E, 16.6 ppf, with 4" XH connections The inside diameter of the pipe is 3.826 inches Mud Properties: m = 12 . 0 ppg , PV = 20 , Yp = 18

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Circulating rate while drilling 500 gpm at 3,000 psi The maximum allowable surface pressure is 3,000 psi The following Ps versus Q data is also given:
Table 7-9. Pressure and Flow Rate Data for Example 7-4

Q (gpm)

Ps (psi)

500 300

3,000 1,345

Determine: Solution:

The flow rate, nozzle sizes and pressures for the next bit run. First determine the bit nozzle pressure losses from given data. The area of the nozzles is:
2 2 S3 S2 An = + + 32 4 32 32
2 18 2 2 18 18 + + = 0.7455 in 2 4 32 32 32

2 S1

Equation 7-28

An =

Calculate the pressure drop across the bit nozzles at the two flow rates given in Table 7-9.

Pbit =

9.14 10 5 m Q 2
2 An

Pbit =

9.14 10 5 (12)(500 )

(0.7455 )2

= 493 psi

Pbit =

9.14 10 5 (12)(300 )

(0.7455 )2

= 178 psi

The pressure losses in the circulating system, Pc , can be calculated as shown in Table 7-10. Next, the slope of the Pc versus Q line must be determined.

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

s=

Log (P2 ) Log (P1 ) Log (Q2 ) Log (Q1 )

Log (2,507 ) Log (1,167 ) = 1.4969 Log (500 ) Log (300 )
Table 7-10. Calculation of Circulating Pressures

s=

Ps

- Pbit

= PC

500 300

3,000 1,345

493 178

2,507 1,167

The value of Pc where horsepower and impact force are a maximum must be determined. From Equation 7-13: 1 Pc = Ps s + 1 1 Pc = (3,000 ) = 1,201psi 1.4969 + 1
Pbit = Ps Pc Pbit = 3,000 1,201 = 1,799 psi

From Equation 7-22 for impact force: 2 Pc = Ps s + 2 2 Pc = (3,000 ) = 1,716 psi 1.4969 + 2
Pbit = Ps Pc Pbit = 3,000 1,716 = 1,284 psi

The data in Table 7-10 and the above calculations can be used to construct Figure 7-4. This figure can be used to determine the flow rate where horsepower or impact force will be a maximum. Alternatively, the flow rates can be calculated as in Example 7-3. The nozzles sizes are also determined as in Example 7-3. Table 7-11 shows the results of maximizing the hydraulics on the drilling rig.

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7-17

Drilling Practices Chapter 7 Table 7-11. Results of Example 7-3

Pc

Pbit

Ps

NOZ's

Hp bit /in2

Vn

IF/in2

Hp t

Before Trip Max. Hp Max. IF

500 306 388

2,507 1,201 1,716

494 1,799 1,284

3,000 3,000 3,000

175 107 136

18,18,18 10,10,11 12,12,13

2.03 4.53 4.11

215 410 346

9.42 10.99 11.78

875 536 679

10000

Circulating Pressure Loss, psi

388 306

P c Max IF = 1716 P c Max Hp = 1201

1000 100 Flow Rate, Q

1000

Figure 7-4. Plot of Flow Rate versus Circulating Pressure Loss for Example 7-4

As seen from Example 7-4, improving the hydraulics parameters on the rig results in the following improvements: 1. Bit hydraulic horsepower per square inch, Hp bit /in2, is increased by 123% (2.03 Hp to 4.53 Hp) while simultaneously reducing total pump output power by 39% (875 Hp to 536 Hp). 2. By adjusting for maximum impact force, a gain of 25% is realized (9.42 lbf /in2 to 11.78 lbf /in2) while reducing total pump power by 22% (875 Hp to 679 Hp).

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Drilling Practices Hydraulics

3. In this example, rig personnel were working their heart out to do a good job, but they were not getting full benefits of their efforts. Over the past 40 years, various methods of hydraulics planning and conceptual developments have been published and discussed. Some of the work has been good; some has been either incorrect or of little value to the industry. The methods described in this chapter have been effective under a variety of applications. Properly applied, these procedures are totally satisfactory for all situations.

NOMENCLATURE
A An D Dh Dp Hp
Hp bit Hp c Hp s Hp t

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Constant Area of the nozzles, in2 Inside diameter of pipe or drill collar, inches Diameter of hole, inches Outside diameter of pipe or drill collar, inches Horsepower, Hp Horsepower at the bit, Hp Horsepower in circulating system, Hp Horsepower at the surface (pump hydraulic horsepower), Hp Total horsepower required at the pump fluid end, Hp Impact force, lbf Constant Power Law constant Length of pipe or drill collars, feet Number of nozzles in the bit Power Law constant, normally the slope of shear stress-shear rate diagram on log-log plot Pressure, psi Circulating pressure loss corresponding to flow rate Q1 , psi Circulating pressure loss corresponding to flow rate Q2 , psi Pressure drop at the bit (through jet nozzles), psi Pressure loss in the circulating system ( Ps Pbit ), psi Pressure loss in the drill collars, psi Pressure loss in the drill collar annulus, psi Pressure loss in the drill pipe, psi Pressure loss in the drill pipe annulus, psi Pressure at the surface (standpipe pressure), psi Plastic viscosity, cp

IF K k l
Nn
n

P P1
P2 Pbit Pc Pdc Pdca Pdp

Pdpa
Ps

PV

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Drilling Practices Chapter 7

Q
Q1 Q2 Qmax S1 S2 S3 Sn

= = = = = = = = = =

Flow rate, gpm Flow rate corresponding to circulating pressure loss P1 , gpm Flow rate corresponding to circulating pressure loss P2 , gpm Maximum Flow rate, gpm Diameter of nozzle 1, 32nd's of an inch Diameter of nozzle 2, 32nd's of an inch Diameter of nozzle 3, 32nd's of an inch Average nozzle size, 32nd's of an inch Slope of pressure versus flow rate on log-log paper Nozzle velocity, ft/sec

Vn
v Yp

= = =

Average fluid velocity, fpm Yield point, lbf/100 ft2 Mud weight, ppg

SI UNITS
The equations given in the chapter are converted to SI units below Equation 7-1:

Hp =

PQ 60
Pbit Q 60

Equation 7-29

Equation 7-2:

Hp bit =

Equation 7-30

Equation 7-16:

IF =

mVnQ
60

Equation 7-31

Equation 7-17:

Pbit =

mVn2
1,810

Equation 7-32

Equation 7-26:

Sn =

1.27 An Nn

Equation 7-33

Equation 7-28:

An =

[(S ) 4
1

+ (S 2 )2 + (S3 )2

Equation 7-34

7-20

Copyright 2003 OGCI/PetroSkills. All rights reserved

Drilling Practices Hydraulics

NOMENCLATURE FOR EQUATIONS IN SI UNITS

A An D Dh Dp Hp
Hp bit Hp c Hp s Hp t

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Constant Area of the nozzles, mm2 Inside diameter of pipe or dill collar, mm Diameter of hole, mm Outside diameter of pipe or drill collar, mm Horsepower, kWatts Horsepower at the bit, kWatts Horsepower mm circulating system, kWatts Horsepower at the surface (pump hydraulic horsepower), kWatts Total horsepower required at the pump fluid end, kWatts Impact force, Nt Constant Consistency index, Pa secn Length of pipe or drill collars, meters Number of nozzles mm the bit Power Law constant, normally the slope of shear stress-shear rate diagram on log-log plot Pressure, kPa Circulating pressure loss corresponding to flow rate Q1 , kPa Circulating pressure loss corresponding to flow rate Q2 , kPa Pressure drop at the bit (through jet nozzles), kPa Pressure loss mm the circulating system ( Ps Pbit ), kPa Pressure loss mm the drill collars, kPa Pressure loss mm the drill collar annulus, kPa Pressure loss mm the drill pipe, kPa Pressure loss mm the drill pipe annulus, kPa Pressure at the surface (standpipe pressure), kPa Plastic viscosity, Pa sec Flow rate, cubic meters per minute Flow rate corresponding to circulating pressure loss P1 , cubic meters per minute Flow rate corresponding to circulating pressure loss P2 , cubic meters per minute Maximum Flow rate, cubic meters per minute Diameter of nozzle 1, mm

IF K k l
Nn
n

P P1
P2 Pbit Pc Pdc Pdca Pdp

Pdpa
Ps

PV Q
Q1 Q2 Qmax S1

Copyright 2003 OGCI/PetroSkills. All rights reserved.

7-21

Drilling Practices Chapter 7

S2 S3 Sn

= = = = =

Diameter of nozzle 2, mm Diameter of nozzle 3, mm Average nozzle size, mm Slope of pressure versus flow rate on log-log paper Nozzle velocity, m/sec

Vn
v Yp

= = =

Average fluid velocity, meters per minute Yield point, Pa Mud weight, kg per cubic meter

REFERENCE
1

Scott, K. F.; "A New Practical Approach to Rotary Drilling Hydraulics," SPE 3530, 1971.

7-22

Copyright 2003 OGCI/PetroSkills. All rights reserved