Drilling Hydraulics

Drilling Hydraulics
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Hydraulics is the study of fluid in motion.

Provide efficient use of the rigs circulating
equipment to provide maximum hydraulic energy,
power or force to the hole bottom.
Lower overall drilling cost.

The fluid in motion provides power through the bit nozzles.

Drilling Fluid

Functions of Drilling Fluid

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Carry rock cuttings to the surface

Clean cuttings from beneath the bit
Lubricate and cool the drill string and bit
Stabilize the hole wall
Control subsurface pressure

Circulation System
Gooseneck
Swivel
Kelly

Kelly Hose
Standpipe

Pumps

Tanks
Drill Pipe
Reserve Pit

Drill Collars

Annulus

Bit

Resistance to Fluid Motion

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Restrictions in the system

Rough surfaces
Length of the system
Fluid properties
Amount of fluid flowing

Pressure (lb./sq. in.)

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A force or push is needed to move the fluid and

overcome the resistance to motion.
This force or push is defined as pressure
Pressure has units of pounds per square inch. (psi)
Pressure is developed by the pistons in the pump
pushing against the fluid.

Pressure
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The magnitude of the pressure indicates the

difficulty in pushing the fluid through the
circulation system.
The higher the pressure the more resistance there
is to flow.

Principle Factors Affecting Pressure

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Flow rate
Flow area
Length or Distance
Fluid Properties (Viscosity & Weight)

Flow Rate Affects Pump Pressure

Pipe length = 1000 feet
Pipe size = 4 inch

Circulation Rate

Pressure

400 GPM

67 PSI

800 GPM (2 times)

244 PSI (almost 4 times)

Flow Area

Flow Area Affects Pump Pressure

Circulation rate = 400 GPM
Pipe length = 1000 feet

Pipe size

Flow area

Pressure

5 inch

14.4 in2

38 PSI

4 inch

11.5 in2

67 PSI (76% more)

Length of the system or

distance the fluid
moves affects pressure.

Distance Affects Pump Pressure

Circulation rate = 400 GPM
Pipe size = 4 inch

Pipe length

Pressure

1000 feet

67 PSI

2000 feet (2 times)

134 PSI (2 times)

Weight of the fluid affects pressure.

Fluid Properties Affect Pump Pressure

Mud Weight
Circulation rate = 400 GPM
Pipe size = 4 inch

Mud weight

Pressure

10 PPG

67 PSI

12 PPG

80 PSI (20% more)

Viscosity of fluid- Resistance to Flow

Plastic Viscosity
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Circulation rate 400 GPM

Length 1000 ft.
Pipe Size 4
Mud Weight 10 PPG
PV = 15 CP.
Pressure = 125 PSI
PV = 50 CP.
Pressure = 148 PSI

Increased Pump Pressure

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Increased flow rate

Reduced flow area
Increased length or distance
Higher mud weight
Higher viscosity

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Standpipe Pressure
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The total pressure

required to push the
fluid through the
system.

Pressure at end of the flow line is zero

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Pump Pressure
Gooseneck
Swivel
Kelly

Kelly Hose
Standpipe

Pumps

Tanks
Drill Pipe
Reserve Pit

Drill Collars

Annulus

Bit

Maximize power or force at the Bit

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Adjust principle factors so maximum allowable

surface pressure is not exceeded.
Within these limits we will make adjustments to
deliver the maximum power or force to the hole
bottom.

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Theories on Bottom Hole Cleaning

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Maximum Jet Impact Force

Maximum Bit Hydraulic Horsepower

Jet Impact Force

Kelly Hose
Standpipe

Pumps

System

Maximum
Force
Bit

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Jet Impact Force

2800
Standpipe Pumps

System

1456 psi - 52%

1342 psi - 48%

Bit

Hydraulic Horsepower
Kelly Hose
Standpipe

Pumps

System

Maximum
power
Bit

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Hydraulic Horsepower
2800
Standpipe Pumps

System

980 psi - 35%

1820 psi - 65%

Bit

Which Theory Should Be Used?

Impact Force?
Horsepower?

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Which one to use?

Shallow
Larger Diameter Hole

Deeper
Smaller Diameter Hole

Jet Impact Force

20% Higher Flow Rates

Hydraulic Horsepower
14% Higher Jet Exit Velocities
35% Higher Pressures

Annular Velocity Needed to

Remove Cuttings
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Local Experience
Hole Cleaning

Expected Drilling Rate

Cuttings Carrying Capacity of the Fluid
Hole angle
Properties of Formation being Drilled

Properties of Formation up the Hole

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Good Hydraulics Program

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Uses equipment efficiently

Does not exceed specified limits
Assists objectives of the drilling operation
Provides a useable hole
Considers differences in applications

Optimum Hydraulic System Provides

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Maximum Hydraulic Power at Bit

Adequate Annular Hydraulics
Lower Over-all Drilling Cost

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HCC Hydraulics Output

HCC Hydraulics Output

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