Multiphase hydrodynamic model predicts important phenomena in air-drilling hydraulics

Shifeng Tian, M. A. Adewumi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper addresses wellbore hydraulics with a fundamental hydrodynamic multiphase-flow model. The model incorporates the fundamental physics involved in the pneumatic transportation of solids cuttings in the drillstring/wellbore annulus. This model forms the basis for a predictive tool for the optimal lifting velocity, an essential ingredient in the optimal design of an air-drilling program. Available correlations are, at best, gross approximations; more important, they fail to account for the physical phenomena observed in the pneumatic transport involved in air drilling (e.g., choking and clumping). The model accommodates nonuniformity in particle sizes. Extensive parametric analysis of the system explores the predictability of some of the phenomena associated with air drilling. The model is capable of predicting the pressure-drop profile in the annulus under various simulated drilling conditions. Also, results demonstrate that the model can predict many phenomena associated with lifting cuttings out of the hole during air drilling. Model prediction shows very good agreement with experimental data. Finally, the model possesses good scale-up capability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)145-152
Number of pages8
JournalSPE drilling engineering
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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