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Drilling Fluid Bottom Line
Everyone want to make a profit this can only
be achieve by optimizing equipment and the condition that prevail at the
rig site. Running a rig at maximum rate will eventually cost the operator
in downtime.
A well prepared and maintained drilling fluid
combined with optimizing other essence equipment with well trained people
are the answer to a successful operation
There are large advantages to to using a good system
Reduce
the amount of time it takes to complete a bore. The rate of penetration
will be increased by improving the hole cleaning efficiency and the
lubricity of the fluid. The rate of penetration is controlled, by the
torque available at the bit, the thrust applied at the bit and the amount
of hydraulic energy available at the bit.
The fluid used will heavily influence each of these areas. Using fluid
systems will improve each of these areas.
The thrust applied at the bit is dependent on hole cleaning
efficiencies. If cutting beds are eliminated more thrust will be available
at the bit.
Conservatively, a rate of penetration increase of 5-15% should be
achievable with the use of a fluid system. The bore will be completed in a
shorter amount of time thus allowing the rig to move onto another project.
Good fluid systems will provide better directional steering
control. Steering control is directly related to hole cleaning. Steering
control is improved by eliminating cutting beds and being able to apply
thrust to the bit.
Sometimes it is very difficult to initiate and maintain a build rate.
The problem usually is that the thrust applied by the rig will not reach
the bit. Part of the thrust is used in overcoming the drag imposed by the
cutting beds.
When a direction change is required,
the rotation is stopped. The head is then rotated to the proper angle
and pushed forward without rotation. Ground force against the wedge
forces the cutting head to change direction.
Once the drill string is aligned with
the intended path, the drilling procedure resumes. Many times multiple
attempts have to be made in order to turn the direction of the bore.
This is due to the fact that you are not getting the force you think you
are to the bit.
The most important aspect of steering
control is to produce a smooth bore path and not a serpentine path. The
serpentine path will greatly increase the difficulty of pulling the
product line into place
Fewer problems that cause rig down time
are encountered when using a a good system Problems such as stuck pipe, lost circulation and inadequate directional control can be
reduced.
Each one of these problems causes
non-productive rig time and cost money. These problems are traceable to
inadequate hole stability and hole cleaning. A properly formulated fluid
system will enhance both of these critical functions. |