27 September 2004

FUNCTIONS OF DRILLING FLUIDS

Functions Of Drilling Fluid Introduction

Objective of Drilling Operation  drill safely  evaluate  complete  produce Responsibility  Drilling Fluids are critical for successfully achieving these objectives Mud Engineer is responsible for maintaining the drilling fluid system

Functions

1. Remove Cuttings From The Well



 

Viscosity The use of shear-thinning, thixotropic fluids with low shear rate viscosity... Velocity Annular velocity is key parameter Density Pipe Rotation higher rotary speeds also aid hole cleaning

Functions

2. Controlling Formation Pressure

Functions

3. Suspend and Release Cuttings



Drilling fluids must suspend and release cuttings for efficienct solids control.

Functions

4. Seal Permeable Formations

Functions

5. Maintain Wellbore Stability



Wellbore stability is a complex balance.

Functions

6. Minimize Formation Damage



Protecting the reservoir from damage is a big concern.

Functions

7. Cool & Lubricate, Bit, and Support Drilling Assembly & Casing

Functions

8. Transmit Hydraulic Energy To Tools and Bit

 

Hydraulic energy can be used to maximize ROP. Provides power for downhole motors and MWD, LWD tools

Functions

9. Ensure adequate formation evaluation



accurate formation evaluation is essential for the success  cuttings  logs  coring

Functions

10. Corrosion Control



Dissolved gases can cause serious corrosion problems

Functions

11. Facilitate Cementing and Completion



The mud should have a thin, slick filter cake.

Functions

12. Minimize Impact On The Environment

Functions

Summary
  

Mud Selection Process Mud Properties vs. Functions Functions and Properties will clash

Drilling fluids engineering almost always requires tradeoffs...

Mud Check / Properties Introduction

Solids in a mud system determine fluid density, viscosity, gel strengths, filter- cake quality and filtration control. filter-

Solids and their volumes also influence such factors as ROP, hydraulics, dilution rates, surge and swab pressures, differential sticking, bit life, pump life..

Mud Check / Properties Density

Measured in:
   

pounds per gallon kg/m3 SG lb/ft3

Mud Check / Properties Density

Non-aqueous liquids used to formulate OBM & SBM are compressible Fluids.
 

Density increases with pressure Density decreases with temperature

 

Due to T & P effects, equivalent downhole density will be different to surface condition Effects somewhat counter each other Effects more severe when drilling in high temperature environments

Mud Check / Properties Density

ESD: Equivalent Static Density Profile vs MD
0

Unocal Thailand NPWF

Measured Depth (1000 ft)

10

12

14

Saraline 200: 12.8 lb/gal @ 150 F, T(0) = 118 F, T(TD) = 295 F

16 12.600 12.700
V IR T U A L H Y D R A U LIC S

12.800

12.900

13.000

Equivalent Density (lb/gal)

Mud Check / Properties Density

Density versus Pit Temperature
13.50

Unocal Thailand NPWF

13.25

Density (lb/gal)

13.00

12.75

12.50

12.25

50
V IR T U A L H Y D R A U LIC S

100

150

200

250

300

Pit Temperature (F)

Mud Check / Properties Density

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

9.2 - 13.0 ppg

The Mud Weight will vary but in most cases will be in this range

Mud Check / Properties Viscosity

Definition: Internal resistance to flow of a fluid

Marsh Funnel
 

Classic Viscometer Timed in sec/qt.

UNOCAL SPEC 40 - 80 sec/qt Will vary with temperature!

Mud Check / Properties Rheology

MUD RHEOLOGY

Mud Check / Properties Rheology

Rheology is the study of how matter deforms and flows

Factors Influenced by Mud Rheology Hole cleaning Suspension of solids Hole stability Solids control Equivalent circulating densities Surge / swab pressures

Mud Check / Properties Rheology

Spring


Dial

Standard Mud Testing Rheometer

  

Fann Model 35 VG Meter 6 speed

Sleeve Bob Concentric Cylinder Viscometer For oilfield viscometers: 600 RPM = 1022 rec. sec. 300 RPM = 511 rec. sec. 1 Dial Unit = 1.067 lb/100 sq ft

Mud Check / Properties VG Meter

Dial Units } Shear Stress RPM } Shear Rate

Plastic Viscosity

Definition:
A measure of the internal resistance to fluid flow attributable to the amount, type, size and shape of solids present in a given fluid.

Plastic Viscosity Increased By:

Drill Solids


Clays, Shales

Inert Solids


Barite, Sand, Limestone, etc.

Colloidal Matter


Organophilic Clay, Fluid Loss Additives

Plastic Viscosity Increased by:

Particles breaking, thus increasing surface area and more friction Weight material to increase density Water Additions


Tightly emulsified water

Plastic Viscosity

PV =

600 DR - 300 DR

Measured at Constant Temperature of 150oF

PV = Plastic Viscosity, centipoise

Mud Check / Properties Plastic Viscosity

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

15 - 35 cps
The above stated range for Plastic Viscosity is dependent upon mud weights.
Measured At 150oF

Area Increase by Breaking of Solids

6-inch cube

1-foot cube VOLUME 1 cu ft = 1728 cu in 8 6-in cubes = 1728 cu in 1728 1-in cubes = 1728 cu in

1-inch cube

SURFACE AREA 1 cu ft = 864 sq in 8 6-in cubes = 1728 sq in 1728 1-in cubes = 10,368 sq in 10,368 - 864 = 9504 sq in increase

Plastic Viscosity Decreased by:

Removal of Solids


Shale shaker Desanders, desilters, and centrifuges Lowering of gel strength allows larger particles to settle out Dilution of solids with base fluid or premix

Yield Point

Definition: Resistance to initial flow or represents the stress required to start fluid movement. Due to:


 

dispersion or attraction between solids because of electrical charges located on or near the surfaces of the particles water phase attraction organophilic clay content

Yield Point Increased by:

Drilled clay and shale increasing reactive solids content Insufficient treatment with emulsifiers and wetting agents Adding inert solids (like barite) causing attractive forces to increase due to crowding of reactive solids Addition of gelling agents

Yield Point Decreased by:

   

Dilution Solids Removal Increase in wetting efficiency (sometimes) Emulsifier additions (sometimes)

Yield Point

YP =

300 DR - PV

Measured at Constant Temperature of 150oF

YP = Yield Point, lb/100 ft2

Mud Check / Properties Yield Point

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

8 - 18 lb/100 ft2 lb/100

Yield Point to be maintained in the above stated range. Measured At 150oF

Gel Strength

Gel structure develops as a result of charged particles assuming equilibrium positions (positive to negative) with respect to each other. Gel strength is a function of time, temperature, concentration and strength of attractive particles.

Gel Strength

Assists in decreasing the settling rate of cuttings when circulation is interrupted

Gel Strength

PROGRESSIVE

Gels
FRAGILE

Time

Problems Attributed to High Viscosity and Gel Strengths

More pump pressure required Higher ECDs Lost circulation by pressure surges Swabbing of formation fluids into wellbore Slow gas breakout

Gel Strengths

Initial GEL (Dial deflection after 10 seconds of static conditions) 10-minute GEL (Dial deflection after 10 seconds of static conditions) Expressed in lb/100 sq ft

Mud Check / Properties Gel Strength

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

4-8 / 7-12 / 12-22 lb/100 ft2

Strengths The 10 second and 10 & 30 minute Gel Strengths to be maintained in the above stated range.
Measured At 150oF

Plastic Viscosity & Yield Point

Both Effected by Temperature & Pressure Change

Plastic Viscosity & Yield Point

VIRTUAL HYDRAULICS

SnapShot
Geometry
291 8.835 1000

Unocal Thailand 4" Drill Pipe

MD: 13 677 TVD: 90 18 Bit Size: 6.125 Date: 16 Sep-200 4

ft ft in.

Operator: Well Name:

Unocal Thailand NPWF

Location: Gulf Of Thailand Country: Thailand

7005 4335

7.000 6.366

13677 9017

6-1/8 14000

D / TVD (ft)

Csg / H Di (i .)

Depth (ft) 5

Density(lb/gal)
12.5 13.0 13.5 14.0 14.5 15.0 0

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

ESD
9000

10000

11000

12000

13000

15000

1996-

-I L.L.C. - All Rig t Reserved

PV, YP, LSYP

10 20 30 40 100

Temp (F)
150 200 250

Hole Clean Ind

300 0 VG 0.25

Pressure Loss (%)

0 25 50 75 100

G0.50 F 0.75 P1.00

Drill String Bit Annulus DRILLING FLUID Saraline 200

Mud Weight Test Temp 12.8 lb/gal 150 F

PV ECD Ann

SYSTE DATA M
Flow Rate Riser Pump ROP RPM 250 gal/min 0 gal/min 150 ft/hr 120 rpm 10 K lb 14-14-14-14

YP DS

WOB Nozzles Nozzles

PRESSURE LOSS (psi)

Modified Power Law Drill String MWD Bit Bit On/Off 1609 469 201 100 919 20 65 3384 ESD Csg Shoe TD 12.81 12.67 ECD 14.57 14.66 +Cut 14.71 14.80

LSYP ECD+Cut

Annulus Surface Equip U-Tube Press Total System

VRDH - Version 2.7 File - NPWA!.MDB

VG Meter Dial Reading

Direct Reading
     

600 rpm 300 rpm 200 rpm 100 rpm 6 rpm (Low Shear Rate Rheology) 3 rpm LSYP (Low Shear Yield Point) = 2 x 3 rpm 6 rpm DR

Indirect Calculation


Mud Check / Properties HTHP Fluid Loss



HTHP Fluid Loss Effected By:

  

   

Viscosity of the continuous phase Temperature oil- or synthetic fluid ratio high ratios require more dedicated FL additives tightness of the emulsion water-wetting of solids solids content amount of fluid loss additive

Mud Check / Properties HTHP Fluid Loss

Problems With High HTHP FL:

 

Stuck Pipe Formation Damage

Mud Check / Properties HTHP Fluid Loss

HTHP Fluid Loss Procedure

     

350oF or Formation Temperature 500 psi differential Testing started after reaching test temperature Time: 30 minutes Report: Total Filtrate collected times 2 Report Cake Thickness in 32nd inch

Water in Filtrate is Indication of Weak Emulsion

Mud Check / Properties HTHP Fluid Loss

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

< 3.0 mls at TD

The HTHP Fluid Loss is measured at 350oF 500 psi differential pressure

Mud Check / Properties Composition Analysis

   

Heat In Retort (+/- 900oF) Pass Vapor Through Condenser Collect Fluid In Graduated Cylinder Record On Mud Check Synthetic Fluid  SF % by Volume  Water % by Volume  Solids % by Volume Water Calculate SF/W Ratio and Solids Analysis Solids

Mud Check / Properties Low Gravity Solids

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

40 - 50 ppb
LGS to be maintained by efficient use of the centrifuges. In most instances, this will require continuous operation.

Mud Check / Properties Electrical Stability

The electrical stability is an indication of how tight the water is emulsified in the oil or synthetic phase

Mud Check / Properties Electrical Stability (Volts)

 

 

Oil and SF do not conduct electricity In the electrical stability test, the voltage (electric potential) is increased across electrodes on a fixedwidth probe until the water droplets connect to form a continuous bridge This completes the circuit Record voltage at which the connection is made

Mud Check / Properties Electrical Stability

Factors Effecting ES
     

Water Content Water-wet solids Emulsion Strength (larger droplets, lower ES) Temperature (higher temp., lower ES) Salt Content (slight reduction in ES with high salt) Weight Material

Mud Check / Properties Electrical Stability

The electrical stability of a oilor SDF should be used to indicate trends...

UNOCAL SPEC: > 500 volts

Mud Check / Properties CaCl2 Content



Calcium Chloride


  

Added to increase the emulsifier water phase salinity Provide Inhibition to Shale & Solids Typical Range: 20 - 35% By Wt CaCl2 Determined by Chemical Titration Measured As: Cl- whole SDF (ppm) % By Wt CaCl2 Aw (Activity) Water Phase Chlorides (ppm) Salt Calcium Chloride (ppb)

Mud Check / Properties CaCl2 Content

UNOCAL SPECIFICATION: 6-1/8 HOLE SECTION

35% By Wt.

Conclusion

Solids removal is one of the most important aspects of mud system control.