Drilling Calculations CD Complete Course

Drilling Calculations
Course
© Randy Smith Training Solutions Ltd July 2002

Drilling Calculations Course
CONTENTS
Section 1: Units of Measurement
Section 2: Background Mathematics
Section 3: Fluid Circulation Calculations
Section 4: Cementing Calculations
Section 5: Pressure Control
Section 6: Hoisting Calculations
Section 7: Buoyancy Effects
Section 8: Miscellaneous Calculations
Appendix: Course Consolidation Exercises

Section 1:
Units of Measurement
Calculations would not exist without

measurement. Section 1 covers the most
commonly used systems of measurement
together with basic symbols and common
Conversion Factors.
Units of Measurement
Science today is totally dependent on measuring systems. A system was

developed by a group of people to fit their needs, much like a language. Today
only two systems survive – the Imperial and Metric.
What do we measure ?
Everything that exists on earth and in space has physical, chemical and
biological properties known as MATTER – which is measurable.
The most common measurements taken are:
Length
Area
Volume
Mass (weight)
Density
Pressure
Time
Some are Derived units: Density is derived from Mass

Area and Volume are derived from units of Length
There are many more eg: Light frequency; radioactivity; heat; viscosity
and reflection
IMPERIAL SYSTEM
LENGTH: inches, feet, yards and miles are the most common
12 inches = 1 foot
3 feet = 1 yard
1760 yards = 1 mile
5280 feet = 1 mile
Exercise: Convert 2845 inches to yards, feet and inches
First, divide by 12 to obtain feet and inches:

2845 = 237 feet 1 inch
12
Second, divide the feet by 3 to get yards and feet:

237 = 79 yards 0 feet
3
Therefore, 2845 inches = 79 yards 0 feet 1 inch.
To simplify the system for Rig use, yards are not used and inches are often
changed to tenths of a foot. The Rig Tape is calibrated in feet and tenths.
AREA: The same units as length with the addition of the word “square” in
front – square inches, square feet etc
As with length, problems arise when converting from one unit to another.
144 square inches = 1 square foot

9 square feet = 1 square yard
3,097,600 square yards = 1 square mile
27,878,400 square feet = 1 square mile
Exercise: Convert 92,846 square inches to square yards, sq.feet and sq

inches.
1. First, divide by 144 = 92846

144
= 644 sq ft, 110 sq inches
2. Second, divide 644 by 9 = 644

9
= 71 sq yds, 5 sq ft
Therefore: 92,846 sq inches = 71 sq yds, 5 sq ft, 110 sq ins

VOLUME: The same units as length, but prefixed by cubic –
Cubic inches, cubic feet etc
1728 cubic inches = 1 cubic foot

27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard
MASS: The common term for Mass is WEIGHT. Weight is measured in

ounces, pounds, hundred weights and tons.
16 ounces = 1 pound
112 pounds = 1 hundred weight
20 hundred weight = 1 ton
2240 pounds = 1 ton
1 ton is also called a LONG TON.
DENSITY: Density is the weight of a given volume of substance and is

measured in pounds per cubic foot. Density distinguishes different substances,
whereas weight does not take size into account.
(A block of wood will not weigh the same as a block of gold as their densities
are different).
The U.S. oilfield unit is measured in pounds per gallon. Gallon is a liquid volume
measurement and is therefore used in measuring liquid density.
The gallon is different in the U.S. and U.K. The U.K. gallon of water weights 10
pounds, whereas the U.S. gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. The U.S. gallon
is standard in the Oilfield. (A cubic foot of water weight 62.4 pounds).
The density measurements are therefore calculated in ppg (pounds per us

gallon) and pcf (pounds per cubic ft). Conversion means changing gallons to
cubic feet or vice versa.
Exercise: Convert 8.34 ppg to pcf:
1. First, how many us gallons in a cubic foot?
= 7.4809 U.S. gal / cubic ft
2. Second, multiply 8.34 x 7.4809 = 62.4 pounds/cubic ft
PRESSURE: Pressure is the force applied over a given area and is measured in
pounds per square inch.( psi)
PSI has always been the common unit, therefore conversion problems do not
exist. With very high pressures, the pound may be changed to TONS. In the
case of pressure being expressed in TONS/square ft we need to convert both
measurements: Tons to pounds, and square feet to square inches.
20 tons per sq ft = (20 x 2240) pounds per 144 sq inches
44800 pds per 144 sq inches
44800 = 311 lbs per sq in

144 pounds per sq in
To make conversion easier, a table of Units and Conversion Factors is included

at the end of Section 1.
THE METRIC SYSTEM
The Metric system covers all units of measurement, but makes use easier as it
is based on units in multiples of ten.
LENGTH The fundamental unit is the METRE
1 metre = 39.37 inches
1000 millimetres = 1 metre (milli = one thousandth)

100 centimetres = 1 metre (centi = one hundredth)
1000 metres = 1 kilometre (Kilo = a thousand times)
To use the Metric system, and understanding of DECIMAL places is essential.
1 in decimal = 1.0
10 in decimal = 10.0
1/10 in decimal = 0.1
1/100 in decimal = 0.01
1/1000 in decimal = 0.001
Exercise: How can 0.04 be expressed in words or as a fraction.
Counting from the decimal point, move to the right, until the decimal point is to
the right of the last number.
1 jump = 1/10, 2 jumps = 1/100
Therefore, 0.04 can be expressed as 4/100 or four hundredths.

Exercise: Express 0.00328 in words or as a fraction.
1st = tenth
2nd = hundredth
3rd = thousandth
4th = ten thousandth
5th = hundred thousandth
There are 5 jumps to the right. Therefore, 0.00328 is 328/100,000 or three

hundred and twenty eight, one hundred thousandth.
Most measurements go down to thousandths.
3_
1000 = 0.003
25_
1000 = 0. 025
These are commonly used when measuring small parts of a unit.
0.025 of a metre is 25 millimetres or 2.5 centimetres.

DECIMAL POINT MOVEMENT:
1 place to the right = one tenth = 0.1

2 places to the right = one hundredth = 0.01
3 places to the right = one thousandth = 0.001
4 places to the right = one ten-thousandth = 0.0001
5 places to the right = one hundred thousandth = 0.00001
6 places to the right = one millionth = 0.000001
AREA:
1 sq metre = 100cm x 100 cm = 10,000 sq cms

1 sq metre = 1000mm x 1000mm = 1,000,000 sq mm
1 sq kilometre = 1000m x 1000m = 1,000,000 sq m
1 hectare = 100m x 100m = 10,000 sq m
cm = centimeter
mm = millimeter
m = metre
MASS: (Weight) The gram is the basic metric unit of weight
1000 grams = 1 kilogram

1000 milligrams = 1 gram
1000 kilograms = 1 metric ton
VOLUME: The metre is again the standard but it is called a CUBIC metre
The metric system commonly uses cubic centimeters or cubic metres to

express volume and the LITRE when using liquids.
1 cubic metre = 100 x 100 x 100 = 1,000,000 cubic cms

1000cc = 1 litre
1000 litres = 1 cubic metre
PRESSURE: The metric unit of pressure is kilograms/sq centimeters, and the

smaller units of grams/sq centimetres
DENSITY: Defines the weight of a given volume of a substance.
In the metric system, density is measured in kilograms/cubic metre or

grams/cubic centimetre.
On the rig, drilling fluid is often measured in pounds/cubic foot, Specific

Gravity or pounds per gallon.
Specific gravity is similar to Density is as much as the mud weighing 1gm/cc

(water) has a Specific Gravity of 1. A S.G. of 2 means that the substance has
a density twice that of water (of 2gms/cc).
The Mud Balance gives 3 units of density measurement:
Pounds/cubic ft
Specific gravity (gms/cc)
Pounds per gallon
COMMON SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Inches = ins or “
Feet = ft or ‘
Cubic inches = cu ins or ins3
Cubic feet = cu ft or ft3
Square inches = sq. ins or ins2
Square feet = sq. ft or ft2
Pounds = lbs
Ounces = oz
Pounds per cubic foot = pcf or lbs/ft3
Pounds per gallon = ppg or lbs/gall
Pounds per square inch = P.S.I.
Millimetres = mm
Centimetres = cm
Metres = m
Square metres = m
2
Cubic centimetres = cc or cms3

Kilometre = km
Grams = gm
Kilograms per sq centimetre = kg/cm2
Barrel = bbl
COMMON SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
+ = Plus 2+6 = 8
- = minus 7–2 = 5
x = multiplied by 3x4 = 12
÷ = divided by 10/2 = 5
> = greater than 6 > 5
< = less than 5 < 6
 = plus or minus 60%  1%
: = the ratio 1:4
 = therefore A+B = C
A = C-B
2 = square of 4 4x4 = 16
4
 = square root 4 = 2
11 = parallel to  = perpendicular
∆ = triangle □ = square
π = pi % = percent
320 = degree 4” = inches
a-24’ = feet = negative exponent
3 = cube root 364 = 4

UNITS AND CONVERSION FACTORS
Multiply  by  to obtain
To obtain  by  Divide
DEPTH/LENGTH: cm 0.39370 in
0.3281 ft
0.01 m
in 25.40005 mm
2.54000 cm
0.08333 ft
ft 30.48006 cm
12.0 in
0.30480 m
m 100.0 cm
39.370 in
3.2808 ft
1.936 yd
km 3.280.83 ft
1.000 m
0.62137 mi
mi 5,280.0 ft
1,609.34 m
1,609.34 km

AREA: cm2 0.15499 in2
in2 6.4516 cm2
ft2 929.0341 cm2

0.092903 2
m
m2 1,549.9969 in2
10.76387 ft 2
acres 43,560.0 ft2

4,480.0 yd2
4,46.873 m2
0.00405 km2
0.0015625 mi2
km2 247.104 acres
mi2 640.0 acres

2.5899 km2
VOLUME/CAPACITY: cm3 1,000.00 mm3

0.01 litre
0.6102 in3
0.0002642 gal
0.00003531 ft3

VOLUME/CAPCITY
(cont) in3 16.38716 cm3
0.4329 gal
0.1638 litre
0.5787 ft3
litre 1,000.0 cm3

1,000 ml
61.2705 in3
1.57 qt
0.26417 gal (U.S.)
0.3531 ft3
gal (U.S.) 3.785.0 cm3

231.0 in3
4.0 qt (U.S.)
3.7853 litre
0.83268 gal (imp)
0.13368 ft3
0.2381 bbl (42)
gal (imp) 1.20095 gal (U.S.)
bbl (U.S.) 158.984 litre

42.0 gal (U.S.)
5.61458 ft3
0.9997 bbl (imp)
VOLUME/CAPCITY
(cont) bbl (imp) 159.031 litre
42.112 gal (U.S.)
ft3 1,728.0 in3

28.31684 litre
7.4809 gal (U.S.)
0.1781 bbl (42)
0.2831 m
3
m3 264.17 gal (U.S.)

35.314 ft3
6.290 bbl (42)
1.3079 yd3
acre/ft 325.850.0 gal (U.S.)

43.560.0 ft3
7,758.4 bbl (42)
1,613.33 yd3
1,233.49 m3
DENSITY/CONCENTRATION
Gm/cc (s.g.) 350.51 lb/bbl (42)
62.42976 lb/cu ft
8.34544 lb/gal (U.S.)
0.036127 lb/cu in
DENSITY/CONCENTRATION
(cont) lb/gal (U.S.) 42.0 lb/bbl (42)
7.4809 lb/cu ft
0.119826 gm/cc (S.G.)
lb/cu ft 5.6146 lb/bbl (42)

0.13368 lb/gal (U.S.)
0.016018 gm/cc (s.g.)
WEIGHT/MASS Grain 0.06479 gm

0.229 oz
gm 15.43236 grain
0.3528 oz
0.220 lb
oz 437.5 grain
28.34952 gm
0.0625 lb
kg 35.274 oz
2.2046 lb
lb 453.59237 gm
16.0 oz
0.4536 kg
WEIGHT/MASS ton (short) 2.000 lb

(cont) ton metric 0.90718 ton (metric
ton (long) 2.240.0 lb

1.12 ton (short)
1.1605 ton (metric)
MUD WEIGHT PPG x 119.8 Kgm3

Kg/m3 x 0.00835 lbs per gallon
MUD WEIGHT PPG x 0.052 psi/ft

To PRESSURE Pressure Gradient
GRADIENT SG x .433 psi/ft
b/ft3 ÷ 144 psi/ft
Kg/m3 x 0.000434
Or ÷ 2303 psi/ft
Kg/m3 x 0.00982 K/Pa/m
ANNULAR VELOCITY Ft/min x 0.3048 m/min

M/min x 3.2808 ft/min
FLOW RATE Gal/min x 0.003785 m3/m

Barrels/min x 0.159 m3/m
M3/min x 6.2905 bbl/min
M3/min x 264.2 gal/min
RESISTIVITY ohms/cm2cm 0.01 ohms m2 m
Ohms/m2m 100. Ohms m2m
PRESSURE psi 70.3067 gm/cm2

0.0703070 kg/cm2
0.0689474 bar
0.0680458 atm
atm 14.6960 psi

1.3323 kg/cm2
1.1325 bar
kg/cm2 14.22333 psi

0.980665 bar
0.967842 atm
bar 106 dynes/cm2

14.5038 psi
1.1972 kg/cm
0.98624 atm
TEMPERATURE: 0
F = 1.8 oC + 32 0
K = 0C + 273
0
C = 5/9 (oF – 32) 0
R = 0F + 460
0
Fahrenheit Rankine
0 0
Centigrade 0
Kelvin
Water boils 212. 672. 100. 373.
680F 68. 528. 20. 293.
600F 60. 520 15.56. 288.56.
Water freezes 32. 492. 0. 273.
O0F 0. 460. -17.8. 255.
Absolute zero -460. 0. -273. 0.

Section 2:
Background Mathematics
This section covers the basic maths involved in

Drilling Calculations. How to calculate
Percentages; Areas; Volumes; Capacities and
how to use Fractions.
Fractions
What is a Fraction?
A fraction is a part of a whole. Two and a half inches is equal to two inches
plus one half of an inch. This can be represented in two ways.
First: 2½ OR as a decimal = 2.5
Second: 5/8 OR as a decimal = 0.625
To find 0.625 5 is divided by 8
Certain conversions leave five, six, seven and above numbers after the decimal
point
e.g. 0.28463215
This is clumsy and should be reduced for most purposes to four figures
e.g. 0.2846

As most calculations are performed on the calculator it is easy, and accurate,
to use four figures. Using four figures in a hand calculation is clumsy and leads
to error. Therefore, use the calculator often.
Measuring in feet and inches presents problems when tallying pipe. To ease
the situation, feet and tenths of a foot are used. You will have noticed the
Pipe Measuring Tape is calibrated in feet, and tenths of a foot.
Diameters are most commonly measured in feet and inches because they are
usually taken on their own. In contrast, length is measured in feet and tenths
of a foot for ease of addition.
When diameters are involved in calculations, for instance in volumes, the inches
or vulgar fraction has to be converted to decimal.
e.g. Cylindrical Tank 6ft 4 inches diameter
To convert: There are 12 inches to 1 ft,

Therefore, 4 inches = 4/12
Therefore 4 ÷ 12 = 0.3333
Diameter in decimals = 6.3333 ft
The calculation is recurring therefore four decimal places are used.

What is a Decimal Place?
When asked to calculate to four Decimal Places your inputs should have four
numbers to the right of the decimal point.
e.g. What is 8.32567418 to 3, 4 and 5 decimal
3 decimal places = 8.326

Notice that the first three decimal places are 8.325, but the answer above is
8.326.
The technique of Rounding-Off is being used.
If the next number is five or greater, then increase your last decimal place by
one.
e.g. 8.32748
To “round-off” to 4 decimal places, look at the first decimal place. Being 8 it

is greater than five, therefore increase 4 to 5 = 8.3275
Examples
“Round off” to 4 decimal places
9.382416 = 9.3824
9.221134 = 9.2211
9.18796 = 9.188
9.25256 = 9.2526

Exercise:(Round off to 4 decimal places if necessary)
1) Convert 6-2/8;3-4/16;5-7/13;8-2/6 to decimals.
2) Convert 42ft 7 inches to decimals.
3) Convert 10ft 6-1/2 inches to decimals.

Areas
The use of area is found in many places around the rig.
Force on a unit area
Area of deck space
Surface area of pits
Area is expressed as a square – a square inch, square centimetre, square foot,

square mile, etc.
A square inch is the area taken up by a square, of 1-inch long sides.
There are 3 common shapes that can easily have their areas calculated.
A shape with 4 sides, each side at 90 to the other – Rectangle
Area = Length x Breadth
4 5 x 4 = 20 sq. ins
6
6 x 3 = 18 sq. ins
3
A shape with 3 sides, angles between each side are variable – Triangle
Area = Base x ½ vertical height
height
base
½ height
Area = base x ½ height

A shape with 4 sides, none of the angles are 90 - Trapezium
Area = Sum of Parallel Sizes x ½ distance between them.
ht (a+b) x ½ ht
Cut trapezium into 3 parts

Another common shape, but not readily calculated, is the Circle.
The area is a relationship between radius, or diameter and circumference.
The Radius is the distance from the centre to the edge.
The Diameter is the distance from the edge to edge via the centre.
Radius
Diameter = 2 x Radius
Radius = ½ Diameter
The Circumference is the distance round the edge of the circle. This has a
fixed relationship with the diameter. The diameter of any circle will go round
the circumference 3.1416 times. This value is constant and is called PI ().
To calculate Circumference using diameter, multiply Diameter by 
Circumference =  x diameter
Or Circumference = 2  x radius
To find the formula for calculating area we can divide the circle into slices like a cake.
Circumference
= 2  x Radius
or instance the circle has been divided into 32 equal portions - each like a triangle. Unpeeling the circle we get the sha
Radius
2 r
The base = circumference =  D or 2  r
Each triangle has an area of 1/2ht x base.

Height = radius or Diameter
2
Radius
½ Height = 2
Base = 2r
32
To calculate for 32 triangles –
= 32 x r x 2  r
2 32
32 cancels out.
= r x 2 r
2 32
2 cancels out.
= r x r
=  r2
If using Diameter –
= 32 x D x  D
4 32
= D x D
4
=  D2
4
Area of Circle =  r2
or
 D2
4
Exercise:
Find Area of Circles with the following:
a) Diameter = 12”
b) Diameter = 7”
c) Radius = 4”
d) Diameter = 7 ½”
e) Radius = 3 ¼”
f) Circumference = 24”

To aid calculation, remember  = .7854
4
Therefore, Area = .7854 x D2
 D2
One major application of 4 is the calculation of Annular Area and Volume.
The Annular Area is the area between two concentric circles. For instance
hole to pipe or OD of pipe to ID of pipe.
ANNULAR
AREA
The Annular area is calculated by subtracting the small circle from the larger
circle
With D = diameter of large circle

d = diameter of small circle
Annular Area =  D2  d2
4 - 4


Because 4 is common to both the above formula can be rewritten:
 (D2 - d2)
4
or .7854 (D2 - d2)
Example:
Find Annular Area when D = 10” and d = 5”

Area = 4 (102 – 52)
= .7854 (100 – 25)
= .7854 x 75
= 58.9 sq. inches

Formulas and Problems
Up to this point the formulas used show division, multiplication and brackets.
This can lead to problems unless two basic rules are practiced.
First: the use of brackets. Whenever brackets appear in a formula the

calculation inside must be done prior to using the values outside.
e.g. .7854 (D2 – d2)
Calculate the bracket first
= .7854 (102 – 52)

= .7854 (100 – 25)
= .7854 (75)
The value outside can now be multiplied with that inside.
Second: Solving the equation. This means rearranging a formula to get the
unknown value on one side and the known value on the other side.
Find a: a+b=c
Move b across and change + to –
i.e. a=c–b
find b: a+b=c
Move a across and change + to –
i.e. b=c–a
find a: a–b=c
Move b across and change – to +
a=c+b
In multiplication the technique is different. Values are moved

diagonally.
a
Find a: b = c
Move b diagonally across = sign
a=cxb
a
Find b: b = c
Move b up to c and c to b
a
a=bxc c=b
Find b: a = (c + d)
b
a = b (c + d)
a = b
(c + d)
If a = 10
c=3
d=2
What is b: 10 = b
(3 + 2)
10 = b
5
2 = b
Pressure = Depth x Mud Weight x 0.052
Solve the Equation to find a) Depth

b) Mud Weight
a) Pressure
Mud Weight x 0.52 = Depth
b) Pressure
Depth x .052 = Mud Weight
Solving an Equation with squares requires the use of Square Roots.
Example:
Area =  D2
4
Find D: Area x 4

to eliminate the square you must square root the other side.
D = Area x 4

Square roots are commonly found on calculators today.
The square root of 4 is 2 (2 x 2 = 4)

The square root of 64 is 8 (8 x 8 = 64)
Volumes and Capacities
With an understanding of how to calculate areas it is a straight forward

procedure to calculate the volume of a container.
Volume is the amount of space in a container.
Capacity is the amount of a substance that can be placed in that container

expressed in units relating to both substance and container.
When talking about the capacity of a tank or hole we use barrels, and think of
common rig substance like oil, mud or cement.
To calculate volume we multiply the surface area by the height.
Example:
A tank of 12” long x 6” wide x 8” deep
= 12 x 6 x 8
= 576 cubic inches
This means 576 cubes of 1” x 1” x 1” would fit into a tank 12” x 6” x 8”.
When calculating volume all units must be the same.

Example:
Find capacity in cubic inches of a tank 1’ 2” x 8” x 3’ 6”
1’ 2” = 14”
3’ 6 = 42”
Capacity = 14 x 8 x 42
= 4704 cubic inches
following
We have assumed vertical walls.If the tank had sloping walls the volume calculations would be used.
50
30
20
10
Side View
Plan View 10
The area of side A can be found using the formula for a trapezium.
Area = Sum of Parallel sides x half distance between them
10
Area = (50 + 30) x 2
= 400 sq. inches
Then calculate capacity as:
Area x sum of parallel sides on wall B

2
20 + 10
= 400 x 2
= 400 x 30
2
= 400 x 15
= 6000 sq. inches

Calculating volumes of Cylinders or the Annulus the formula is:
Area x height
 D2
Volume = 4 x height
Make sure all units are the same

Annular Volume 4(D2 – d2) x height

4 = .7854
Example:
Find a volume of cylinder in cubic feet/foot of depth if diameter is 10”
.7854 (102)
Volume = 144 x 1ft
= .5454 x 1ft
= .5454 cubic feet/foot of depth
The 144 is used to convert square inches into square feet

(1 square foot = 144 square inches).
Example:
Calculate Annular Volume if D = 10” d = 6” depth = 1ft
.7854 (102 – 62) x 1

Volume = 144
= 349 cubic feet/foot
The use of cubic feet is not as common as barrels. To calculate the volume in
barrels, we need to convert feet to barrels.
1 barrel = 5.6146 cubic feet.
Applying this to the formula:
.7854 (D2)
Volume in barrels/ft = 144 x 5.6146 x1
Calculating out .7854, 144 and 5.6146 we can simplify the formula to
2
D
Volume in bbls/ft = 1029
Or
(D2 – d2)
1029
Percentage Calculations
Calculating percentages involves simple multiplication, division and rearranging

formula.
Percent is the number of parts of 100.
Example 1
What is 10% of 200 logs?
1% = 200
100
= 2 logs
 10% = 2 x 10
= 20 logs
Example 2
How many % is 35 logs of 200 logs?
1% = 200
100
1% = 2 logs
1 log = ½%
 35 logs = ½ x 35
= 17.5%
Example 3
If 42 logs = 75% of the total, how many logs are there?
42 logs = 75%
1% = 42
75
 100% = 42
75 x 100
= 56 logs
Each of the above examples tackles the problem differently.
Example 1 - What was the value of 10%

Example 2 - What was the %
Example 3 - What was the value of 100%
The above examples, although different, use the same formula.
P=RXB
P= Percentage:-the actual value equaling chosen %

R= Rate in decimals:- the part of a 100 to be found ie in 4% of
50, 4% is rate.
B= Base:- the number of which some percentage is to be found.
Example 1 (Repeat)
What is 10% of 200 logs? The question asks you to find a number that equals
a %, being 10% here.
P= RxB
Rate is the parts of a 100 to be found. In this case 10 parts (10%).

Remember Rate is expressed in decimals. 10% of 100% = .1
P= .1 x B
Base is the number of which some percentage is to be found. In this case we

want to find 10% of 200
P= .1 x 200
= 200 logs
10% of 200 logs = 20 logs
Example 2 (Repeat)
What % is 35 logs of 200 logs?
The question asks for an actual percentage. This being the Rate
P = RxB (R is unknown)
Percentage means the actual number. In this case 35 logs.
35 = Rate x Base
Base is the whole. In this case 200.
35 = Rate x 200
Rate = 35
200
Rate = .175 whole (1.75 of 1.0)
Convert decimal to % by multiplying by 100.
.175 x 100
= 17.5%
To convert % to decimal  100

To convert decimal to % x 100
Example 3 (Repeat)
If 42 logs = 75% of the total, how many logs are there?
P = RxB
Percentage is number of logs = 42

Rate is parts of 100 to be found in decimals
= 75%  100 = .75
42 = .75 x B
Base is equal to total or 100%
Base = 40
.75
= 56 logs
Examples
What is 42% of 381?
P = R x B
P = .42 x 381
= 160.02
What % of 281 is 48
P = R x B
48 = R x 281
R = 48
281
= .1708 x 100 = 17.08%

225 is 15% of what?
P = R x B
225 = .15 x B
B = 225 = 1500
.15
To remember formula use following diagram
P
P
R B
R
P = RxB
R = PB
B = P
R
Section 3:
Fluid Circulation Calculations
This section covers the most commonly used

calculations involved with Fluid Hydraulics used
by Drill Crews.
Fluid Circulation Calculations
Annular Volume Calculations
Using the formula (D2 - d2) x depth, ft

4 x 144
The annular volume in cubic feet can be obtained.
For answer in barrels use:
(D2 - d2) x depth, ft

1029
D = large diameter (inside diameter of the hole)

d = smaller diameter (outside diameter of the string)
Volumes use:(non annular) D2

1029 x Depth, ft
With varying string diameters, casing and open hole it is good policy to draw a
fully-labelled diagram before calculation.
Example:
Calculate Annular Volume in barrels of an 8000 ft hole, 12 ¼ inside diameter

with 5” drill pipe.
0’
Annular Volume = [(12.25)2 - (5)2] x 8000’
1029
= .1215 x 8000’
= 972.3 bbls
8000’
Convert to gallons.
Annular Volume in gallon = 972.3 x 42
= 40,836.6 gallons
Example:
9⅝ Casing set at 9000 ft. ID = 8.84”

8½ Open hole to 11,000 ft
5” Drill pipe 19.5 lbs/ft ID = 4.276”
600ft of 6” x 2 ½” Drill collars
Calculate a) annular volume in bbls, cu ft and gallons

b) volume of mud inside string in bbls
Volume of Casing annulus
= (8.842 - 52) x 9,000’

1029
= 464.83 bbls
Volume OH to Collar annulus
= (8.52 - 62) x 600’

1029
= 21.14 bbls
Vol of OH to
Pipe annulus = (8.52 - 52) x 1400
1029
= 64.28 bbls
Total = 64.28 + 21.14 + 464.83
= 5520.25 bbls
In Gallons = 550.2542
= 23110.5 galls
In cubic ft = 550.25 x 5.6146
= 3089.4 cubic ft
b) Capacity of drill string = cap. of pipe + cap. of collars
= (id) 2
x length (id) 2
x length
1029 1029
(4.2762)2 (2.52) 2
= 1029 x 10,400 + 1029 x 600’
= 184.79 + 3.64
= 188.4 bbls
Example:
10,000ft well.
Drill pipe is 5”, 19.5 lbs/ft ID 4.276”
600 ft collars 9” x 3”
One stand = 90 ft
Calculate barrels of mud required to:-
a) Fill hole after 10 stands of drill pipe have been pulled

b) Fill hole after each stand of collars is pulled
c) Total mud required to keep hole full when pulling out
d) Quantity of mud displaced running in the hole with extra 300’ of 8”
x 2 ¾ “ collars
a) Volume of steel in 10 stands of drill pipe
=(52 - 4.2762) x 900’

1029
=0.065 x 900’
=5.87 barrels
b) Volume of steel in 1 stand for drill collars
=(92 - 32) x 90’

1029
=.06997 x 90’
=6.3 barrels
c) Total mud to fill hole
=Drill pipe disp/ft x 9400’ + drill collar disp/ft x 600
=.0065 x 9400’ + .06997 x 600
= 61.1 + 41.98
= 103 barrels
d) Running in the hole
= drill pipe drill collars new drill collar

(disp/ft x 9100) + (disp/ft x 600) + (disp/ft x 300)
=(.0065 x 9100)+ (.06997 x 600)+(82 - 2.752) x 300

1029
= 59.15 + 41.98 + 0.548 x 300
= 101.13 + 16.46
= 117.58 barrels
100
COLLARS
B
B
L
S
50
PIPE
I I
50 STANDS 100
Pump Outputs
Pump output calculations are simply volumes
Practical tests for Pump Output per stroke can be made, manufacturers
calculation can be used or you can calculate based on stroke length, liner size
and an Efficiency factor.
Example:
Find pump output/stroke on Triplex with 12” stroke and 6” liners at 95%
Efficiency.
Triplex has 3 cylinders
Π D2
Volume of Cylinder = 4 x length
Volume of 3 cylinders = 3 (Π D2 x length)

4
(Π = .7854)
4
= 3 (.7854 (62) x 12)
= 3 (.7854 x 36 x 12)
= 3 x 339.29
= 1017.88 cubic inches

Convert to barrels = 1017.88
1728 x 5.6146
1728 cubic inches = 1 cubic ft

5.6146 cubic ft = 1 bbl
Out put = .1049 bbls/stroke
.1049bbl at 100% Efficiency
1% Efficiency = .1049
100
95% Efficiency = .1049 x 95

100
= .0996 bbls/stk
Annular Velocities and Circulation Times
Knowing hole volumes and pump output the annular velocity for a section of
hole and the time for circulation can be calculated.
Annular velocity (ft/min) = Pump output (bbls/min)

Annular Volume (bbls/ft)
Barrels can be substituted for galls, cubic feet etc

Bottoms up time (mins) = Annular Volume (bbls)
Pump Output (bbls/min)
Again, barrels can be substituted for other units.
Drill string + Annular Volume + Pit Volume

Total Circulation Time = Pump Output (bbls/min)
Hydraulics Calculations
Observing the size of pumps, pressure rating of unions, safety chains on hoses,
safety clamps on pipe, torque required for tool joints and packing required for
swivel, we can conclude that mud is circulated round the system at pressure.
But stand at the flow line and you notice the mud is moving under gravity, not
pressure.
Disconnect the pump discharge and read pump pressure, it will have dropped to
near zero. Pumps do not put out pressure, they put out flow. It is the
restrictions in the circulating system that creates a back pressure against
which the pump must work.
Friction within the system causes pressure. The pressure at the pumps is the
sum of all the frictional losses around the system.
If we took pressure gauges and could place them at various points around the
system, we would probably note the following:
Assuming pressure at pump is 3000 psi:

Pressure inside Kelly = 2950
Pressure inside near bit sub = 2200
Pressure in drill collar annulus = 200
Pressure at flow line = Zero
The energy is progressively lost around the system.
Most pressure is lost across the bit nozzles.The energy is used to create jetting and impact sufficient to clean ahead of
In a good hydraulic system, pressure losses across the Bit should be approximately 60-65% of Pump Pressure.
Pressure losses can be divided into sections thus:
Surface Lines
Drill String
Drill Bit
Annulus
PSI
1 2 3 4
The horsepower required to circulate a known quantity of mud at a certain
pressure can be calculated using the formula.
P x V
Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) 1714
P = Pump Pressure (psi)

V = Pump Output (gallons/minute)
1714 is a constant
Due to mechanical inefficiency, the output horsepower is always less than input
horsepower.
Mechanical Efficiency = HHP Output

Mechanical Horsepower Input
Most pumps have a Mechanical Efficiency of approximately 85%. The same

principle applies to volumetric output of a pump – called Volumetric Efficiency.
Exercise:
Find Hydraulic Horsepower of pump pumping 350gpm at 2,800 psi
P x V
HHP = 1714
2800 x 350
= 1714
= 572 HHP
Calculation of Mud Weight and S.P.M. Effect on Pump Pressure
By changing Mud Weight or Pump S.P.M., we fundamentally alter the system

hydaulics. Pressure loss changes cause a change in pump pressure. The effect
can be calculated using simple formula:
New Pressure = Old Pressure x (New SPM)2

(old SPM)2
Example:
What is pump pressure if an SPM of 60 giving 2500 psi is changed to 70 SPM?
New Pressure = 2500 x (70)2

(60)2
= 2500 x 1.361
= 3403 psi
Example:
Pressure at 80 SPM = 3200 psi What is pressure at 70 SPM
(70)2
New Pressure = 3200 x (80)2
= 3200 x .8752
= 2450 psi
Changing Mud Weight will affect pump pressure in the following way:
New Weight
New pump pressure = Old pump pressure x Old Weight
Example:
Pump pressure = 2800 psi with 10.5 ppg mud.

What will pressure be if weight is increased to 11.0ppg ?
New Pump Pressure = 2800 x 11.0

10.5
= 2800 x 1.047
= 2931 psi
Both formulae can be written:
P2 = P1 x (SPM2) 2
(SPM1) 2
P2 = P1 x W2
W1
P2 = New Pressure SPM2 = New SPM
P1 = Old Pressure SPM1 = Old SPM
W1 = Old Mud Weight

W2 = New Mud Weight
Nozzle Size Calculation
Nozzle sizes refer to either the diameter of the hole in 32nds of an inch, or
the cross sectional area in square inches.
You may find the need to calculate square inch area from 32nds or vice versa.
Example:
A bit is to have 2 x 15’s and 1 x 14 nozzles. What is the Total Cross

Sectional Area of the nozzles in square inches?
First: Calculate the area of 2 x 15’s
15 = 15/32 nds of an inch, diameter
π D2
Area = 2 x 4
= .7854 x (15/32) 2
x 2
Convert fraction to decimal
= .7854 x ( .4687)2 x 2
= .1725 sq inches x 2
= .345 sq inches
Second: Calculate for 14 nozzles
= .7854 x (14/32) 2
= .7854 x .1914
= .1503 sq inches
Total Cross Sectional Area = .1503 + .345
= .4953 square inches
Example
Convert Total Cross Sectional Area of three nozzles in 32nds of an inch, with
each nozzle to be as close in size as possible.
Cross Sectional Area = .3137 square inches

Three nozzles = .3137
One nozzle = .10456 sq inches approximately
Area = .7854 x D2
Area
Solve the equation to get D i.e. D 2
= .7854
.10456
D = .7854
= .133138
= .3649 of an inch
Convert .3649 of an inch into 32nds, this is done by writing:

?
32 = .3649 OR ? = .3649 x 32
= 11.67
32 nds
This was not a complete number - it has .67 of a 32nd. But from this we can
see that the nozzles are approximately 11’s or 12’s.
The .67 is almost 2/3, meaning the average nozzle size is 2/3rds of the way
toward 12.
This means that the nozzles are 12, 12, 11
To check back if 12, 12, 11 is right, we follow method shown in previous

example:
Area = .7854 x 122 x 2 + .7854 x 112

32 32
= .22089 + .0928
= .3137 sq inches
Therefore 12, 12, and 11 nozzles is correct.

Section 4:
Cementing Calculations
The Drill Crew should have an understanding of

what is involved in the calculations in order to
check the cementing programme.
The most commonly used calculations are used

in Single Stage, Multiple Stage and Plug jobs.

Cementing Calculations
Single stage jobs, Multiple stage jobs and plugs are drilling practices which
require cement to be placed downhole. Not just placed anywhere, but
accurately positioned in order to perform a specific task. This requires
accurate calculation that will be checked by 3 or 4 persons – one being the
Driller, but most likely the Toolpusher.
The calculations are slightly different in each case i.e. Single, Multiple and Plug
jobs, but they all require skill at calculating Annular Volumes.
To recap:-
Capacity of Cylinder = ∏D2 (Answer in cubic inches, ft etc)

4
OR D2 (Answer in barrels per ft)

1029
Capacity of Annular Space = ∏ (D2 – d2)

4
OR (D2 – d2)
1029
Number of strokes required to pump = Volume

Pump Output/Stroke
Single Stage Job
Given 12-¼” diameter hole from surface to 5000 ft Casing O.D. 9-⅝ run from
surface to 5000 ft.
Float Collar set 40ft up inside casing (9.00” I.D.)
Exercise:
Calculate number of barrels of cement required to cement to surface.
Volume of = Annular + Volume of x 40ft

Slurry Volume Casing
= (12 ¼2 - 9-⅝2) x 5000’ + (92) x 40’

1029
= (12.252 – 9.6252) x 5000 + 81 x 40

1029 1029
= 279 + 3.15
= 282.15 bbls
Exercise:
If Class D cement at 16.4 ppg is used and each sack of cement yields 1.06
cubic feet, how many sacks will be required?
Convert Volume to cu ft and divide by yield.
= 282.15 x 5.6146 = 1494 sacks

1.06
Having mixed all the cement how many pumps strokes will be required to
displace cement into position if Pump output = .109 bbls/stroke ?
This is the amount of strokes required to pump top plug into place using mud.
Volume inside casing to float shoe = (id)2 x (5000’ – 40’)

1029
= (9)2 x 4960
1029
= 390 bbls at .109 bbls/stk
Strokes to bump top plug = 390

.109
= 3582 strokes
The calculations required in the above examples were:
Slurry Volume
Number of sacks
Pump Strokes to bump top plug
The following example puts these all together with the addition of an earlier
casing string set in the hole, and multiple 7” string.
Example:
Hole depth = 11250 ft. From Electric logs, the 81/2 hole was found to have
9.2” average diameter. 95/8” casing was set at 7.100ft using N80, 47.00
lbs/ft with 8.681” I.D.
7”, N80, 35.00 lbs/ft casing will be run from surface to 3000’ I.D. = 6.004”
From 3000’ to 9000’ 7”, N80, 32 lbs/ft with 6.094” I.D.

From 9000 to TD7”, N80, 29lbs/ft with 6.184 I.D.
Float Collar is 60ft above Shoe

Cement Yield per sack = 1.21 cubic feet
Pump Output = .201 bbls/stroke
Calculate:-
a) Slurry Volume required to bring cement to surface

b) Number of sacks required
c) Pump Strokes to bump top plug
Hint:- Always draw a diagram
a) Slurry Volume = Casing Capacity x 80ft + Annular Cap. X 11250ft

Annular capacity = open hole/casing annulua + casing/casing annulus
= (8.6812 - 72) x 7100’ + (9.22

- 72) x 11250 - 7100
1029 1029
= .0256 x 7100’ + .0346 x 4150
= 181.8 + 143.7
= 325.5 bbls
Casing Capacity = 6.1842 x 60
= .0372 x 60
= 2.23 bbls
Slurry Volume = 325.5 + 2.23 = 327.73 bbls
b) Sacks of Cement = Cubic ft of slurry

Yield/sack in cubic ft
= 327.73 x 5.6146
1.21
= 1520 Sacks
Capacity of Casing
= (Cap of 7” N80) (Cap of 7” N80) (Cap of 7” N80)

(35 lbs to 3000) + (32 lbs x 6000’) + (29 lbs x 2190)
= (6.0042) x 3000’ + (6.0942) x 6000’ + (6.1842) x 2190’

1029 1029 1029
= 105 + 216.5 + 81.4
= 402.9 bbls Strokes required = 402.9

.201
= 2004 Strokes
Two Stage (Multiple) Cementing:
In these jobs we need to calculate:
a) Slurry for 1st stage

b) Slurry for 2nd stage
c) Strokes to bump top plug of 1st stage
d) Strokes to bump closing plug of 2nd stage
e) Pump strokes for mud between top plug 1st stage and opening plug of 2nd
stage (if opening plug is displaced type).
Example:
Two stage job using Displacement type Opening Plug for Stage Collar.
TD = 10,000ft of 12 ¼” diameter hole.

95/8” Casing with 8.7555” ID from surface to T.D.
Stage collar set at 5,000ft
Float collar 50’ inside casing.
Calculate:
a) Slurry volume for 1st stage

b) Volume of mud to be pumped between top plug and opening plug
c) Slurry column for 2nd stage
d) Volume of mud to be pumped behind closing plug of 2nd stage
a) Slurry volume = Annular Capacity x 5000’ + Casing Capacity x 50’
(12.252) - 9.625” x 5000 (8.7552) x 50

1029 1029
= 279 + 3.7
1st stage Slurry Volume= 282.7 bbls
b) Volume equals capacity between Stage Collar and Float Collar.
Volume = 4950x (8.7552)

1029
= 368.bbls
c) Slurry Volume for 2nd stage = Annular Capacity x 5000’
(12.25 2- 9.6252) x 5000’

= 1029
= 279 bbls
d) Volume of mud behind closing plug.
Casing Volume = 8.7552 x 5000’

1029
= 372 bbls
Field Calculations would be further complicated by previous casing string and
multiple casing string.
Cement Plugs
The sketch shows the situation that should exist after plug is pumped into
position. Note the height of the cement in annulus equals height in pipe. Also
same heights for water. This gives equal hydrostatic heads thus reducing
contamination when pipe is pulled.
MUD
WATER
CEMENT
This is called the Balance Method.
Example:
Set a plug 500ft long in a 12 ¼” hole with open ended 5” Drill Pipe
(4.276” ID) from 10,000’ – 9500’
Pump 8 bbls of water ahead of the plug.
Pump output = .105 bbls/stroke
We need to calculate
Volume of Slurry
Volume of water behind to balance the plug
Number of strokes or volume of mud to displace water into position
First: Calculate the number of barrels of slurry to fill hole for 500ft without
pipe.
a) Volume = (12.252) x 500

1029
= 72.9 bbls
Second: Calculate height of 8 bbls ahead of water in annulus.
Annular Volume = 12.252 – 52 = .1215 bbls/ft

1029
Ht in Annulus = 8 = 65 ft
.1215
Third: Calculate barrels of water to fill 65ft in drill pipe
Drill Pipe Capacity = 4.2762 = 0.1776 bbls/ft

1029
b) Barrels of water = 65 x .01776 = 1.15bbls

Fourth: Calculate height filled by 72.9 bbls in Annulus and drill pipe.
.1215 bbls/ft = Annulus Volume

.01776 bbls/ft = Drill Pipe Volume
= 72.9
Height filled by 72.9 bbls (.1215 + .01776)
= 72.9_
.13926
= 523.5 ft
Ht. filled by 8bbls of water = 65 ft
Therefore depth of top water = 10,0000 – (523.5 + 65’)
= 9411.5 ft
Volume of mud to displace water after cement
= 9411.5 ft x .01776
= 167.15 bbls
Strokes = 167.15 = 1591 Strokes

.105
To recap:
1. Calculate volume of slurry without pipe
2. Calculate height of water in Annulus
3. Calculate water to give same height in Drill Pipe
4. Calculate height of slurry with pipe
5. Add height of slurry with pipe
6. To height of water in Annulus
7. Subtract this value from base of cement plug
8. Multiply this value by pipe capacity to get mud volume to be pumped

behind plug
Section 5:
Pressure Control
This section covers a number of the more basic

calculations as a preliminary to attending
Pressure Control Schools.
Pressure Control
Pressure Calculations
What is Pressure?
Pressure is the force acting on an area. By force, we mean weight and by area
we mean square inches, square centimetres etc.
Therefore, pressure is the force in pounds acting on one square inch, or the
force in kilograms acting on one square centimetre.
Pressure is most commonly measured in psi (pounds/square inch).
If 10 pounds was resting on a plate 2 inches by 2 inches, what pressure would

be acting on one square inch of plate?
A 2” x 2” plate has an areas of 4 square inches,
over 1 square inch
10 = 2.5 pounds/square inch

4
We mostly talk of pressure in relation to liquids, i.e. pump pressure,

hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure depends on depth.
Any substance will exert more pressure if it is taller or deeper. It may not
exert more overall weight, because this depends on the base area. A column of
liquid 10ft high will exert more pressure than the same column 5ft high in
fact, twice as much.
Pressure resulting from a column of liquid.
Pressure at any point is Directly Proportional to Depth below the
Surface. By Depth it is meant Vertical Depth.
The pressure is the same at the bottom of the two columns although they have
different measured depths.

Why is a dam thicker at its base ?
Pressure is calculated by multiplying the density of a fluid by its depth.
Example:
Water weighs 62.4 pounds/cubic foot. What pressure is exerted at a depth of

20 ft?
Pressure = Weight x Depth
= 62.4 x 20
= 1248 pounds/sq ft
There are 144 square inches in a square foot, therefore:
1248 = 8.67 psi

144
Using oilfield units of pounds per gallon, we must have a conversion factor to
get psi values.

Explanation:
1 cubic foot of water weight is 62.4 lbs.
A cubic foot of drilling mud of 10 pounds per gallon would weigh :
10 x 7.4808 = 74.808 pounds
(There are 7.4808 gallons to 1 cubic foot)
If 1 cubic foot of 10ppg mud weighs 74.808 pounds.
Then 1 cubic foot of 1ppg mud weighs 7.4808 pounds.
This means that a 1ft cube of 1ppg mud exerts 7.4808 pounds on a square foot.
12”
12”
12”
On 1 square inch it would exert 7.4808
144
= 0.52 psi/ft of depth
If the hole was 10,000 ft deep the pressure at the bottom would be
10,000 x .52 = 5,200 psi
The formula can be written:
Pressure (psi) = Mud weight (ppg) x Depth (ft) x 0.052
Exercise:
Calculate pressure of fluid:
a) 10,000 ft of 8.5ppg mud

b) 7,200 ft of 11.4ppg mud
c) 14,280 of 10.7ppg mud
What if we are using Specific Gravity or pounds/cubic foot units ? The

following conversion factors are used:
Pressure (psi) = Mud weight (S.G.) x Depth (ft) x .433

Pressure (psi) = Mud weight (pcf) x Depth (ft) x .007
Using the same mud weight, it can be seen that pressure will increase with
depth.
On the rig, one of the functions of a drilling fluid is to hold back formation
fluids. These formation fluids will exert pressure according to their depth and
density. This pressure, both for formation fluids and drilling fluids, is called
Hydrostatic Pressure.
When formation fluids exert a pressure that is a function of Depth and

Density, they are said to be NORMAL.
NORMAL formation fluid pressure is approximately .465 psi/ft that is the

pressure exerted by a column of salt water of 100,000 parts per million
salinity.
0’
ft 5000’
1000 2325 4560

psi
ABNORMAL formation fluid pressure is when fluid exerts a pressure greater

than .465 psi/ft. This occurs when fluid cannot escape the formation due to a
seal forming, and as further overburden pressure is exerted at the surface,
the fluids take up this weight equivalent.
As long as the mud pressure is enough to balance these formation pressures,
we can drill ahead safely.
When we go under-balance, the conclusion is a kick,(flow of formation fluids

into the well bore) or if uncontrolled, a blow-out.
When the kick is taken, it becomes necessary to increase mud weight to

balance the formation.
How do we know the mud weight required to kill the kick ?
When a kick takes place, formation fluids enter the wellbore or annulus
because this is the line of least resistance. Our drill string is therefore full of
uncontaminated mud.
After shutting down the pumps and closing in the well, the excess of formation
pressure will be registered on the Standpipe gauge and the casing gauge.
The pressure on the Standpipe (drill-pipe) gauge will be equal to the imbalance
between Mud hydrostatic in the pipe and formation fluid pressure.
Convert this pressure to mud weight (ppg) and add to known mud weight in
pipe.
700
6279psi
6979
If Drill Pipe gauge reads 700 psi, mud weight is 10.5 ppg and depth is 11,500
ft. We can calculate mud weight required to kill the well.
First, rearrange formula to get mud weight:
Pressure = mud weight x Depth x .052
Rearrange to mud weight = Pressure (SIDPP)

Depth x .052
Remember to add on existing mud weight.
Kill mud weight = mud weight + (SIDPP)

(Depth x .052)
= 10.5 + (700)
11,500 x .052
= 10.5 + (700)
(598)
= 10.5 + 1.17
Kill Mud Weight = 11.67 ppg
In the annulus, the kick fluid has contaminated the hydrostatic head of mud.
The diagram below shows an influx of gas, exerting a hydrostatic pressure of
.1 psi/ft gradient and extending 300 ft up inside the annulus. If 11.67 ppg mud
will kill the well, then the formation pressure is:
= 11.67 x 11,500 x .052
= 6978 psi
What casing pressure reading will be observed at surface?
Mud pressure = 10.5 x (11500 – 300) x .052

= 10.5 x 11200 x .052
= 6115 psi
700 833
Gas Pressure = .1psi/ft x 300

= 30psi
Total Pressure of mud + gas in annulus

= 6115 + 30 = 6145 psi 10.5 ppg
Difference = 6978 - 6145

= 833 psi
-11200’
Therefore, Casing pressure gauge will show 833 psi
11,500’
Exercise:
10,000 well – Gas influx in annulus is 300 ft high at .07 psi/ft
Old Mud Weight 10.5 ppg
Find Kill Mud Weight and shut in Casing Pressure (SICP) for the following if:
a) SIDPP = 650 psi

b) SIDPP = 820 psi
c) SIDPP = 300 psi
Calculations for Circulating Heavy Mud
When killing a well using the Weight and Wait method, only one circulation is
necessary. The heavy (kill) mud is used to kill the formation and chase the
invading fluid.
With the heavy mud ready to pump, we need to calculate:
a) Initial pump pressure

b) Pump pressure with heavy mud at bit
c) When to adjust choke to get smooth transition between a) and b)
a) Initial Pump Pressure: This is pressure required to circulate at the

start of the kill procedure.
Example:
Slow pump rate test gave 800 psi at 45 SPM
SIDPP is 700 psi Find Initial Pump Pressure
Initial Pump Pressure = 800 + 700
= 1500 psi
b) Final Pump Pressure: This is the pressure required to circulate once

heavy mud has reached bit. This calculation uses formula for Pressure
v Mud Weight change.
New Mud Wt
New Pressure = Old Pressure x Old Mud Wt
With the heavy mud inside the drill string, the pump pressure required will be
greater. As the heavy mud is pumped down, the hydrostatic pressure in the
drill string increases until the heavy mud reaches the bit, at which point mud
hydrostatic equals formation pressure. If the pump was stopped the SIDPP
should equal zero. Therefore, the pump no longer has to overcome any
pressure imbalance. The pressure required to circulate will be the pressure
at a slow pump rate plus some extra due to the heavier mud. This can be
expressed in the fomula:
Final Circulating Pressure = Slow Pump Pressure x New mud wt

Old mud wt
Example:
Slow pump rate test gave 800 psi at 45 SPM with 10ppg mud.
Kill mud weight = 11.2 ppg
Final Circulating Pressure = 11.2

800 x 10
= 896 psi
c) Choke Adjustments:
As the heavy mud is pumped down the drill string, the choke operator
will have to make adjustments to the choke for a smooth transition
from Initial Circulating Pressure to Final Circulation Pressure.
Example:
T.D. is 10,000 ft. Initial Circulating Pressure = 1200 psi

Final Circulating Pressure = 700 psi
5” Drill Pipe, 4.276” I.D.
600 ft 8” x 3” Collars
Pump Output, .2 bbls/strokes
Calculate Pump Pressure every 100 strokes.
First: Calculate capacity of Drill String in barrels
= Drill Pipe Capacity + Drill Collar Capacity
4.2762 32
= 1029 x 9400’ + 1029 x 600’
= 167 + 5.2
= 172.2 barrels
Second: Calculate number if strokes from the Surface to Bit:
Surface t bit strokes = 172.2 = 861 strokes

.2
Third: Calculate Pressure change every 100 strokes
Pressure drop = Initial C. Pressure - Final C. Pressure
= 1200 - 700
= 500 psi
Pressure must drop 500 psi in 861 strokes
Every stroke pressure drops 500

861
Every 100 strokes pressure drops = 500 x 100

861
= .58 x 100
= 58psi/100 strokes
With the table on the following page, the Choke Operator can make the
necessary adjustments. A graph can be used in place of the table.
0 Strokes = 1200 psi

Calculating the Effects of Gas Expansion
Any type of kick is dangerous, but some are more dangerous than others:
Formation fluids can either be Gas, Oil or Water. Oil and Water are liquids,
therefore volume is unaffected by pressure: with gas the greater the
pressure, the greater the compression.
One barrel of gas at the bottom of the well 10,000 ft deep with a mud
weight of 9ppg will expand to 320 bbls at atmospheric pressure.
Gas behaviour under pressure is defined mathematically in “Boyles Law”.
Boyles Law states: “If the temperature of a gas is kept constant, then the
volume will be inversely proportional to the pressure”.
This means, if the pressure is reduced by one half, then the volume will
double.
Boyles Law is expressed:
V1 P2
V2 = P1 or V1P1 = P2 V2
V1 = Original Volume
V2 = New Volume
P1 = Original Pressure
P2 = New Pressure
Example
A gas invasion of 15 barrels is taken at 8500 ft. The bottom hole pressure is
4,500 psi. What will be the gas volume at the Casing Shoe set at 5,000 ft if
mud weight is 10 ppg.
V1 = P2
V2 P1
Solve the equation to find V2.
V2 = V1 x P 1
P2
V2 = 15 x 4500
(10 x 5000 x .052)
= 67500
2600
= 26 barrels
M.A.A.S.P Calculations
M.A.A.S.P is the Maximum Allowable Annular Surface Pressure, which should be

read as the maximum pressure gauge, before something breaks down.
As pressure in the Annulus builds up, there is a danger of breaking one of the weak
points in the system.
The weak points are:
a) Casing
b) B.O.P’s
c) Formation below the casing
Most often the formation below the Shoe is the weakest point. An excess of
pressure would cause the formation to fracture with a resultant loss of mud.
To find the fracture point a Leak-off Test is run after drilling out the shoe.
With the rams closed, a small amount of mud is pumped into the well, after a short
wait, the process is repeated. By plotting volume pumped against Pump Pressure, a
straight line will not rise, but level off. This is when the formation is taking mud:
The pressure at this point is the Leak Off Pressure.
4
3
2
1
500 1000
psi
The Leak Off Pressure can then be used to calculate Formation Fracture
Pressure.
Formation Fracture Pressure = Leak off Pressure + Mud Hydrostatic Pressure
Example:
Shoe Depth 5000’
Leak off Pressure = 1500 psi
Mud Weight = 9.5 ppg
Fracture Pressure = 1500 + (9.5 x 5000’ x .052)

= 1500 + 2470
= 3970 psi
Therefore, with a Mud Weight of 9.5 ppg, the maximum surface pressure allowed
(MAASP) is 1500 psi. When this value is reached, the pressure at the shoe is
equal to the Formation Fracture Pressure.
If Mud Weight is changed when drilling ahead, the MAASP will change.
The following formula can be used:
MAASP = Shoe Depth x (Frac. Gradient – Mud Gradient)
Example:
Shoe Depth 400 ft, mud weight 10.5 ppg
Leak off pressure was 1400 psi with 10ppg mud in the hole.
First: Calculate Formation Fracture pressure and convert to gradient.
Frac. Pressure = 1400 + (10 x 6400’ x .052)
= 4728 psi
Frac. Pressure
Convert to gradient: Shoe Depth
Gradient = 4728 = .74 psi/ft

6400
Second: Calculate Mud Gradient of mud in the hole
Mud Gradient (psi/ft) = 10.5 x .052 x 1ft
= .546 psi/ft
Third: Apply gradients and Shoe Depth to formula for MAASP
MAASP = 6400 x (.74 - .546)
= 6400 x .193
= 1235 psi
By increasing the Mud Weight from 10ppg (when test was taken) to 10.5 deeper
down, the MAASP had dropped from 1400 psi to 1235 psi.
In most cases, a safety factor is used to allow for errors when operating the
choke. The safety factor is applied to the formation fracture gradient.
Example:
Shoe Depth Mud Weight 7200 ft

Leak off Pressure 11.5 ppg 1200 psi
Calculate MAASP if 90% of formation fracture gradient is used.
Formation Fracture Pressure = 1200 + (11.5 x 7200 x .052)

5505 psi
Formation Fracture Gradient = 5505 = .765 psi/ft

7200
Mud Gradient = 11.5 x .052 = .598 psi/ft
Fraction Gradient @ 90% = .765 x .9
= .6885 psi/ft
MAASP = Shoe Depth x (Fracture Gradient - Mud Gradient)
= 7200 x ( .6885 - .598)
= 7200 x .905
= 651 psi
mud weight was increased then MAASP would decrease.
If
Section 6:
Hoisting Calculations
This section covers the basic theory and

calculations behind Lifting Machines; Wire Rope
Design factors and Ton Mile accumulations.
Hoisting Calculations
Hoisting Systems
There comes a point where an object cannot be manhandled, usually due to weight,
size or distance to be moved. Here we need a human energy saving device,
commonly called a machine.
A machine is normally any device that can be used to gain some kind of advantage.
The amount of advantage is called Mechanical Advantage.
Weight of Load moved

Mechanical advantage = Effort used to move load
A force of 50 lbs is used to lever a stone slab weighing 200 lbs.
The advantage would be: 200 = 4

50
Lifting systems can be categorized into 4 main types:
1. Levers
2. Wheels and axles
3. Inclined Planes
4. Pulleys
Pulleys are used to lift heavy loads vertically.
A load of 500 lbs can be lifted using a 4-line pulley with:
500 = 125 lbs Pull

4
To calculate Pull required, divide Load number by the lines strung in Derrick.
Pull = load x co-efficient of Friction

Number of lines
The fast line having an accumulation of friction losses has the greatest tension of
all lines strung. The more lines strung, the greater the co-efficient of friction.
Below is a table of constants that can be applied to the formula.
Fast Line Tension = Weight of Load x Constant
Fast Line Constants
No. of lines strung Constant
4 .271
6 .1882
8 .1469
10 .1224
12 .1062
14 .0948

Example:
Hook load is 280,000 lbs. Blocks are strung with 10 lines. Calculate Fast Line Load
tension.
Fast Line Load = Weight of Load x Constant

= 280,000 x .1224
= 34,272 lbs
This value is used in calculating the Design Factor of the system.
Design Factor is the ratio of Nominal Wire Rope Breaking Strength to the Fast
Line Load.
Nominal Rope Breaking Strength

Design Factor = Fast Line Load
1-3/8 Improved Plow Steel Drilling line has a rated strength of 167,000 pounds.
The recommended minimum design factor is 3. Therefore, with 1-3/8 line, we

must not have a fast line load of more than
167,000 = 55,666 lbs

3
if Fast Load is 55,666 lbs. With 10 lines strung up, what is Hook Load?
Fast Line Load = Weight of Load x Constant

Solve equation to:
Fast Line Load

Weight of Load = Constant
Constant from Table = .1224
Weight of Load = 55,666

.1224
= 454,790 lbs
Therefore, the Hook Load must not go above 454,799 pounds.
These calculations show us how loads to string ups can be evaluated.
A light load with a 10 or 12 line string up gives high Design Factors.
For instance, a Hook Load of 160,000 lbs using 12 lines gives a Design Factor of 9.9
This means that it will take a long time to run up the Ton-miles to cut-off.
Field experience confirms that the slow accumulation of ton miles will wear out the
wire due to the higher number of bending cycles.
Example:
When making a Connection the string gets stuck. The blocks are strung with 8
lines of 1-3/8 Improved Plow Steel Wire Rope (breaking strength of 167,000
pounds). A Design Factor of 3.5 is used.
After working pipe, the String is calculated to be stuck at 10,280 ft.

(5”, 19.5 lbs/ft pipe is being used).
Calculate the maximum over-pull that can be used.
Design Factor = Nominal Breaking Strength

Fast Line Load
Solve the equation to get Fast Line load.
Fast Line load = Nominal Breaking Strength

Design Factor
= 167,000
3.5
= 47,714 pounds
Hook Load with the Fast Line Load of 47,714 pounds using 8 lines.
Hook Load = Fast Line Load

Constant
= 47,714 = 324,800 pounds

.1469
Therefore, Maximum Hook Load = 324,800 pounds
Weight of String = Length x Weight/ft
= 10,280 x 19.5
= 200,460 lbs
Maximum Overpull = 324,800 - 200,460
= 124,340 pounds
If 5”, 19.5lb/ft drill is Grade E, Premium can this pull be made safely?
The minimum Tensile Strength of Grade E 5” pipe is 311,400 pounds. Therefore,
this pull cannot be made.
Max Overpull = 311,400 - 200,460
= 110,940 pounds
Wear on the line has to be monitored and measured , in addition to visual checks a
record of use is kept . The unit of measurement is the ton mile.
Ton-Mile calculations - What is a Ton-mile ?
A Ton-Mile of work is said to be done when we pull 1 ton for 1 mile.
When we pull 1 ton of pipe out of a hole 1 mile deep, that 1 ton is getting less, the
more pipe pulled. On average, we only pull half a ton. Therefore, we have done ½
ton-mile of work.
Example:
Drill Collars : 900 ft long weigh 100,000 pounds in mud

Drill Pipe: 14,100 ft Long Weigh 250,000 pounds in mud
Block and Hook weigh: 45,000 lbs
Calculate ton-miles to pull out of hole.
(1 short ton = 2,000 lbs 1 mile = 5280 ft)

First: Calculate ton-miles for drill pipe
Wt of pipe 250,000 = 125 tons

2,000
Distance moved is: 14,100’ = 2.67 miles

5,280
Pulling out we have an average of: 125 = 62.5 tons

2
62.5 tons pulled 2.67 miles = 62.5 x 2.67
= 166.8 Ton-Miles
Second: Calculate Ton Miles for Drill Collars
The collars are pulled 14,100’ before they reach the surface. This is 2.67 miles.
The weight is: 100,000 = 50 tons

2,000
Therefore, 50 tons are pulled 2.67 miles = 50 x 2.67
= 133.5 Ton-miles

Then pulling 900ft of collars out, we pull the average of
50 = 25 tons
2
900 ft = .17 miles
Therefore, 25 tons are pulled .17 miles = 25 x .17
= 4.25 Ton-miles
Ton mile for Drilling String = 166.8 + 133.5 + 4.25
= 304.55 Ton-miles
Third: Calculate Ton-Miles for Blocks
Block weighs 45,000 = 27.5 Tons

2,000
Distance traveled is 15,000’ up and 15,000’ down
30,000’ = 5.68 miles

5,280

Therefore, 27.5 tons for 5.68 miles = 27.5 x 5.68 = 156.2 Ton-
miles
Total Ton Miles to pull out of the hole
= 304.55 + 156.2
= 460.7 Ton-Miles
Exercise:
Hole depth 11,000 ft. Drill pipe 5”, 19.5 lbs/ft. Mud Weight 11ppg. 800 ft of
Drill Collars at 147 lbs/ft. Travelling Block eight 40,000 lbs.
1 mile = 5,280 ft
1 short ton = 2,000 pounds
Calculate Ton-Miles for a complete Round Trip?
Ton Miles for Drill Pipe pulling out:
Weight of pipe = 10,200 x 19.5 = 198,900 x Buoyancy Factor
Buoyancy factor = .8328
165,652lbs
Wt in Mud = 198,900 x .8328 = 2,000 pounds = 82.83 Tons
82.38
Average weight 2 = 41.41 Tons
41.41 Tons moving 1,93 Miles = 41.41 x 1.93 = 79.9 Ton-Miles
Ton miles for drill collars to reach surface:
Wt of Drill Collars in mud = 800 x 147 x .8328 = 48.9 Tons

2,000
48.9 Tons moving 1.93 miles = 48.9 x 1.93 = 94.5 Ton-Miles
Ton Miles for Collars to be removed:
Average weight = 48.9 Tons = 24.5 Tons

2
Distance pulled = 800 = .15 miles

5,280
24.5 tons moving .15 miles = 3.7 Ton Miles

Ton Miles for Blocks:
Travel twice 11,000 = 22,000’ = 4.16 miles

5,280’
Weight = 40,000 = 20 Tons

2,000
20 Tons moving 4.16 miles = 8325 Ton Miles
Total Ton Miles to pull out = 83.2 + 3.7 + 94.5 + 79.9
= 261.3 Ton Miles
For running in hole, is the same again
Total Round Trip = 2 x 261.3= 522.6 Ton Miles

Section 7:
Buoyancy Effects
This section covers the calculations used to

measure string weight when immersed in mud and
the number of Collars required to give selected
Weight on Bit.
BUOYANCY
Archimedes first made scientific observations of Buoyancy. He stated that a body

immersed in a liquid displaces a volume of liquid equal to the volume of that body.
Therefore, a hole full of mud will discharge mud equal to the volume of steel (pipe
and collars) run in during a trip.
By calculating steel volume we can accurately measure FILL up, pulling out and
OVERFLOW, running in. The use of a Trip Tank will help in monitoring these
volumes.
Archimedes also noted that a body immersed in a liquid becomes lighter. It in fact
loses weight equal to the volume of liquid it displaces.
Therefore, if drill pipe displaced 100 gallons of 10ppg mud, the Hook Load would be
100 x 10 = 1000 pounds Less than in air.
To calculate the Buoyancy Effect, we need Pipe Density and Mud Density. Steel
pipe has an average Specific Gravity of 7.9. This means steel has 7.9 times the
weight of an equal volume of water.
To convert mud weight in ppg to specific gravity devide by 8.33.

Fresh water has a specific gravity of 1 and a weight in ppg of 8.33 ,
Therefore 10 ppg mud has a specific gravity of 10/ 8.33 = 1.2
Apply the values to formula to get the Buoyancy Factor.
Buoyancy Factor = 1- Mud Weight ppg  8.33

Specific Gravity of Steel
Example:
If mud weight is 10 ppg calculate Buoyancy Factor
Buoyancy Factor = 1- 10  8.33

7.9
= 1- 1.2
7.9
= 1- .1519
= .848
To find Hook Load in mud, first calculate dry weight, then multiply dry weight by
Buoyancy Factor.
Example
Calculated The Immersed Weight of
10,000 ft of 5”, 19.5 pounds/ft drill pipe
Buoyancy Factor = .848
Immersed Weight = (10,000 x 19.5) x .848
= 195,000 x .848
= 165,360 pounds
Buoyancy factor tables are found in most rig handbooks, but keep a copy of the
formula in your notebooks just in case.
The Buoyancy Effect is very important when considering Drill Collar length
required to give required Weight on Bit.
Example:
How many 30’drill collars of 112 pounds/ft would be required to give a Weight on
Bit of 50,000 pounds in 11.5 ppg mud.
First: Calculate the Buoyancy Factor = 1 - 11.5  8.33

7.9
= 1 - .1747
= .825
Second: Calculate the immersed weight per ft of drill collar
= 112 x .825
= 92.4 lbs/ft
Third: Divide 50,000lbs by 92.4 lbs/ft to get length of collar string
= 50,000 = 541 ft
92.4
Fourth: Divide by collar string by 30’ lengths to get the number required
= 541 = 18 collars
30
Example:
How many 30’ drill collars of 105 pounds/ft would be needed for a Bottom Hole
Assembly to give 55,000 pounds weight on bit in 10.8 ppg mud, with an excess of
20,000 lbs collar weight?
Total collar weight in mud = 55,000 + 20,000
= 75,000 pounds
Buoyancy factor = 1 - 10.8  8.33

7.9
= .836
Immersed Collar Weight = 105 x .836
= 87.8 pounds/ft
75,000
Length of collar string = 87.8
= 854 ft
854
No. of collars required = 30 = 28.5 or 29 collars
To place these steps into a single formula (assuming a known Buoyancy Factor)
Wt of collars required
No. of 30’ collars = Collar Buoyancy Collar
wt/ft x factor x length
Apply this to the above example.
75,000
= 105 x .836 x 30
75,000
= 2633.4
= 28.5 collars
Worked Example:
10,000 ft deep hole. Prior to running back in we decided to use 147 pounds/ft
collars each 30 ft in length. The required Weight on Bit will be 60,000 lbs with
30,000 lbs excess as Safety Factor.
The mud weight is 10.2 ppg
Drill pipe is 5” OD with 4.276” ID
Drill Collars are 8” OD by 3” ID
Calculate a) Number of joints of collars required

b) Expected number if barrels of mud to be displaced from hole.
Buoyancy factor = 1- 10.2  8.33
7.9
= .845
60,000 + 30,000
Number of collars required = 147 x .845 x 30
= 24.1 or 24 collars
b) 24 collars at 30’ length = 24 x 30 = 720 ft of collars
Length of drill pipe = 10,000 - 720
= 9280 ft
Calculate volume of steel in drill pipe:
= - 4.2762 bbls/ft
2
5
1029.4
= .0065 bbls/ft
= .0065 x 9280’
= 60.32 bbls
Calculate volume of steel in collars:
= 82 - 32 x 720’
1029.4
= 38.47 barrels
Total mud displaced = 60.56 + 38.47
= 99.03 barrels
To check our calculation, the drill collars have displaced 38.47 barrels of mud
weighing 10.2 ppg.
This volume weighs 38.47 x 42 x 10.2
= 16480.5 pounds
Number of collars weighing 16480.5 = 16480.5

147 x 30 = 3.7 collars
Number of collars in air to make 90,000 lbs = 90,000

147 x 30 = 20.4
Total number of collars = 20.4 + 3.7
= 24.1 collars
The same, as calculated above.
When calculating collar length required, the term NEUTRAL POINT is commonly
used.
This is the point at which compression of the lower section of collars changes to
tension of the upper collars and pipe.
A safety factor is used so that any increase in Weight on Bit, will keep the neutral
point in the collars. Drill pipe run in compression can be detrimental to the string
life.
Common neutral points are between 70% - 90% of collar length.
If neutral point was at 80% of collar length, then 20% would be above and in
Tension.
Note: this measured from the bit up.
Example:
30ft, 147 pound/ft collars in 10.2 ppg mud. How many collars required to give
60,000 lbs W.O.B. with neutral point 80% up collars.
Buoyancy factor = .845
Length of collars to give 60,000 lbs = 60,000 x .845

147
= 483 ft
This is 80% of length required.

If 80% = 483 ft
1% = 483
80
100% = 483
80 x 100
= 603.75 ft
603.75
The number of collars required = 30
= 20.1 or 20 collars
Drill pipe
Tension
20 %
above
Neutral Point
80 %
below
Drill collars Compression

Section 8:
Miscellaneous Calculations
This section covers the calculations used during

rig work encounters with Spotting Pills, applying
torque, stuck pipe and weighting up of mud.
Miscellaneous Calculations
The following calculations are commonly used around the rig.
Spotting Pills
Torque
Stuck Pipe
Weighting up
SPOTTING PILLS:
TD 9000’, Hole Diameter 12 ¼, Mud Weight 11ppg

5” Drill Pipe ID 4.276
600’ of 8” x 3” Drill collars
Make up a pill to cover collars plus 25% extra.

Pump 1 barrell/20 mins of the extra once the pill has been placed in the drill collar
annulus.
Calculate: 1. Volume of pill

2. Volume of mud to spot the pill
First: Calculate volume of pill required to cover collars
Annular volume around collars = (12.252- 82) x 600’

1029
= 50 barrels
Second: Calculate 25% excess
25% of 50 bbls
= .25 x 50
= 12.5 bbls
Total volume of pill = 50 + 12.5 = 62.5 barrels
Third: Calculate height of pill retained in the string
(32)
cap. of collars = 1029 bbls/ft
= .0087 bbls/ft x 600
cap. of collars = 5.25 bbls
Total pill inside string = 12.5
Pill inside drill pipe = 12.5 - 5.25
= 7.25 bbls
Cap. of pipe = 4.2762

1029 bbls/ft
= .01776 bbs/ft
Height of pill in drill pipe = 7.25 = 408 ft
0.1776
Total height of pill in string = 600’ + 400’
= 1008ft
Fourth: Calculate volume of mud in remainder of string
Length of pipe with mud = 9000’ - 1008’
= 7992ft
Volume of mud = Drill pipe capacity/ft x 7992’
= 0.1776 x 7992
= 142 bbls
This value has been calculated for the string only. An addition of the mud inside
the surface lines must be made.
i.e. Surface line volume = 5 bbls
Total mud pumped to follow pill = 142 + 5
= 147 bbls
TORQUE
Example:
9 inch drill collar with 7 5/8

API regular connection and 3-inch bore is to be made
up to 83,000 ft-lbs.
The Rig Tongs are 4ft long.
Calculate the reading to be obtained on the Drillers Torque Gauge calibrated in ft-
lbs.
Explanation:
The value of 83, 000 ft-lbs requires a tong 1 foot long to give 83, 000 lbs of pull.
If the tong is 4 feet long, the extra leverage will reduce this value by 4.
Therefore, Pull required = Ft-lbs

Tong length, ft
= 83000
4
= 20,750 ft.lbs
Drillers gauge marker should be set at 20,750

Example:
At what value should torque gauge be set if 50,000 ft. lbs is required using 5ft
tongs?
Value = 50,000 = 10,000 ft lbs

5
STUCK PIPE
Being able to calculate the depth at which the string is stuck is invaluable when
spotting freeing pills.
There are a number of ways to calculate Free Points. Section  of the I.A.D.C.
Drilling Manual covers some of the techniques.
One common formula is:
L = 735,294 x E x W
P
L = length of free pipe, feet
E = average elongation, inches
W = weight of pipe, lbs/ft
P = average pull in pounds
735,294 = a Constant
Example:
16.6 lbs/ft drill pipe. Average pull of 50,000 lbs gave average elongation of 12
inches.
Calculate Free Point
L = 735,294 x 12 x 16.6
50,000
= 2929 ft
The string is stuck at and possibly below 2929 ft.
WEIGHTING UP
Mud density increases are common during normal drilling and essential during some
kill operations. To raise the Mud weight Barite is added. However how much is
needed to raise the weight?
If two substances having different densities are mixed, then the new density is a
function of the amount and density of the two substances. The relationship is
expressed in the following formula.
V1 D1 + V2 D2 = (V1 + V2) DR
V1 = volume of original substance

V2 = volume of second substance
D1 = density of original substance
D2 = density of second substance
DR = resulting density
Converting this into oilfield units we get
V1 W1 + V2 DB = (V1 + V2) W2
V1 = volume of mud before weighting, bbls

V2 = volume of barite added, bbls
W1 = initial mud density, ppg
W2 = final mud density, ppg
DB = density of Barite, ppg. Which is 35.4ppg
We require to find V2, volume of barite to be added, therefore, solving the

equation 2 :-
V1 W1 + V2 DB = (V1 + V2) W2 becomes:
V2 = V1 (W2 -W1)
WB - W2
Using the following figures we can get barrels of Barite to be added
W2 = 12ppg V2 = V1 (W2 - W1)

W1 = 10ppg WB - W2
WB = 35.4
V1 = 100bbls = 100 (12 - 10)
35.4 - 12
= 200
23.4
= 8.547 barrels of Barite

Thinking of Barite volume in barrels is cumbersome. Barite is mostly measured by
weight – for instance:
Number of sacks (1 sack weighs 100 lbs)

Number of pounds or tons in Barite container
This therefore requires further calculation to convert barrels of barite into

pounds.
1 barrel of Barite weighs 1490 lbs

(if barite weighs 35.4ppg then 1 barrel weighs 35.4 x 42 lbs = 1490)
Therefore, 8.547 bbls weighs 8.547 x 1490 = 12,735 lbs
When mixing, Barite container gauge would have to drop 12,735 lbs (or 5.7 tons) or
127 sacks would be used.
To make it easier the formula can be modified.
V2 = V1 (W2 = W1)
35.4 - W2 modifies to:-
1. Modified formula for long tons (2240 lbs = 1 long ton) required per 100
bbls of mud (V1).
Convert V1 from barrels to tons, to give answer V2 in Tons.
V1 = 100 bbls. 1 bbl of barite weighs 1490 lbs
100 bbls of barite weighs 1490 x 100 = 149,000 lbs

V1 = 149,000
2240 = 66.5 Tons
Apply V1 = 66.5 tons to formula
V2 tons 66.4 (W2 - W1)

35.4 – W2
2. Modified formula Pounds
Same as above but do not convert into tons. 100 bbls of barite = 149,000
lbs
V2’ pounds = 149,000 (W2 - W1)

35.4 - W2
3. Modified formula for Sacks
1 sack weighs 100 pounds
Convert formula 2) from pounds to sacks.
149,000 lbs = 1490 sacks weighing 100lbs each
V2, sacks = 1490 (W2 – W1)

35.4 - W2
The above formulae give the quantity of barite required to increase the
weight of 100 barrels of mud.
The following example will be used to check the above formulae.
Example:
Mud weight of 9.5ppg has to be raised to 11.2ppg, using barite. Calculate:
Number of sacks/100 bbls

a) of mud Number of Pounds/100 bbls of mud Number of Tons/100 bbls of mud
b)
c)
a) V2 = 1490 (11.2 - 9.5)

35.4 - 11.2
= 105 sacks
b) 149,000 (11.2 - 9.5)

35.4 - 11.2
V2 = 10500 Pounds
c) 66.5 (11.2 - 9.5)

V2 = 35.4 - 11.2
= 4.67 Tons
4.67 tons = 4.67 x 2240 = 10,460 pounds
105 sacks weighing 100 lbs = 10,500 pounds
All answers are same give or take a number of pounds due to rounding off figures
for useable numbers.
Example:
Mud weight is to be raised from 9.6 to 10.8 ppg.

Total mud in system = 1420 bbls
Barite is stored in pressurized tanks calibrated in Long Tons (1 Ton = 2240 lbs)
Present Tank Reading = 125.8 Tons
Calculate the number of tons of Barite required and Final Tank
Tons barite/100 bbls = 66.5 (10.8 - 9.6)

35.4 - 10.8
Tons barite for system = 3.24 x 14.20
= 461 Tons
Final Tank Reading = 125.8 - 46.1
= 79.7 Tons
Adding all this barite will increase total mud volume.
The new mud volume can be calculated using the formula:-
bbls increase/100 bbls of mud = 100 (W2 - W1)

35.4 - W2
Weights in ppg
For watering down the mud, use the following to get barrels of water required.
bbls of water = (W1 - W2) x original volume of mud

W2 - 8.34
Weights in ppg
COURSE CONSOLIDATION EXERCISES
The following questions and answers have been compiled as supplemental

exercises to be completed after each relevant section, to help consolidate
your learning experience
DRILLING CALCULATIONS COURSE
Section End Consolidation Exercises
SECTION 1
1. Convert 486 inches to yards ft and inches.
2. Convert 486 square inches into square ft.
3. How many US gallons would fill a tank with a capacity of 450 cubic ft?
4. Convert 10.3 ppg into P.C.F.
5. What would be the equivalent in P.S.I. of 15 tons resting on a square 2ft by 2ft
6. How many pounds force would be exerted on a hatch 2ft by 1.5ft if the
pressure behind it was 3 P.S.I.
7. Convert 240 US gallons per minute flow into litres per minute flow.
8. Convert 1000kg into pounds
9. How many pounds difference between 1000kg and one long ton?
10. Convert 90oF to degrees rankin.

SECTION 1 : ANSWERS
1. 13 yds, 1 ft 6 inches
2. 3 square ft 54 square inches
3366.4 US gallons
3.
77.05 P.C.F.
4.
5. 15 x 2240 = 58.33 PSI

24 x 24
6. 24 x 18 x 3 = 1,512 lbs force
7. 908.4 ltr/min 2,204 lbs

2240 – 2204 = 36 lbs
8. 90 + 460 = 550R
9.
10.
SECTION 2
1. Express the following fractions as decimals.
a) 5/8 b) 11/16 c) 7/9 d) 23/32 e) 5/24
2. Round off the following to 2 places of decimal.
a) .6356 b) .7945 c).7987 d) .8429 e) .6464
3. Calculate the circumference of a circle with a diameter of 6 inches.
4. Calculate the area of a circle with a diameter of 6 inches.
5. Calculate the annular area between a 13 inch inside diameter pipe and a 5 inch
outside diameter pipe.
6. Calculate the square roots of.
a) 69 b) 138 c) 276 d) 552
7a. Calculate the capacity of a tank in US BBLS with the following dimensions.
15’ long by 6’ wide by 8’ deep
7b. What volume would be in the tank if the liquid height was 1 foot?
7c. How much volume has been added to the tank if during drilling operation the
lever rose by 1 foot 5 inches?
SECTION 2 (Cont)
8. What would be the capacity in BBLS of a sand trap?
Sand
Trap
SAND TRAP
8’ deep 10’ long by 10’ breath and is triangular in shape.
9a. What percentage of 186 does 42 make up?
9b. What percentage of 93 does 56 make up?
9c. What percentage of 56 does 60 make?
10.What would be the volume of a 1,500 foot annulus between 5 inch pipe
and 17 ½ inch hole?
SECTION 2 ANSWERS
1. a) .625b) .6875 c) .7778 d) .7188 e) .2083
2. a) .64 b) .79 c) .80 d) .84 e) .65
3. D or 2 r = 18.85 inches
4. r2 = 32 = 28.27 sq. inches
5. = .7854 (132 - 52) = 113.1 sq. inches
6. a) 8.3 b) 11.75 c) 16.6 d) 23.49
7a. 720 cubic ft  5.6146 = 128.2 BBLS
7b. 128.2  8 = 16.025 BBLS
7c. 17 x 16.025 = 22.7 BBLS

12
8. ½ x 8 x 10 x 10 = 400 cubic ft  5.6140 = 71.2 BBLS
9.a) 42  186 x 100 = 22.58%

b) 56  93 x 100 = 60.22%
c) 60  56 x 100 = 107.1%
11. (17.52 - 52) = .2733 BBL/FT x 1,500 ft = 410 BBLS

1029
SECTION 3
1. From the following well information calculate the volumes:
 Hole size 12 ¼” hole

 Hole depth 12,650’
 Casing shoe depth 10,200
 Casing size 13 3/8” ID 12.46”
 5” pipe ID 4.2”
a) What is the hole volume with no pipe in the hole?
b) What would be the liquid volume with 5 inch pipe in the hole from top to
bottom?
c) What volume would be in the drill pipe open hole annulus?
d) What volume would be in the drill pipe casing annulus?
e) What would be the volume in the drill pipe?
2. Calculate the pump output per stroke of a triplex pump with a 12” stroke
and liner size of 6” at 98% volumetric efficiency.
3. Calculate the pump output in BBL/STK of a triplex cement pump with 5

inch liners and an 8 inch stroke.
Use a volumetric efficiency of 95%.

SECTION 3 (Cont)
4a. What would be the fluid output per minute of a triplex pump running at 80
strokes per minute, with 6.25” liners and 98% volumetric efficiency?
4b. What is the annular capacity of 8” drill collars in 12 ¼” hole?
4c. What would be the annular velocity of the fluid passing round the drill
collars?
5. How long would it take to circulate an annular volume of 950 BBLS using the pump
in 4a?
6. What would be the maximum pressure that could be reached pumping at 400
gallons/minute with a pump of 750 hydraulic horse power?
7. Determine the new pressure required by increasing the pump rate from 60 to 65
strokes/min.
Pump pressure at 60 STK/MIN was 2,650 PSI.
8. Determine the new pump pressure required to pump a lighter fluid at the same
rate. 10.5 PPG mud is being pumped at 80 STKS/MIN at 3,000 PSI.
The weight is being reduced to 9.8 PPG.
9. Calculate the total cross sectional area of three jet nozzles 16/32, 16/32 and
14/32.
SECTION 3 ANSWERS
1a. 10,200’ of casing x 12.462 = 1538.9 BBLS

1029
2,450’ of open hole x 12.252 = 357.3 BBLS

1029
Total volume of hole =1896.2 BBLS
1b. Volume of steel per ft of pipe x length
(52 – 4.22) x 12,650 =90.48 BBL

1029
Volume of liquid in hole

=1896.2 – 90.48
=1805.7 BBLS
1c. Drill pipe open hole annular capacity length
(12.252 - 52) x 2,450 =297.8 BBLS

1029
SECTION 3 ANSWERS (Cont)
1d. Drill pipe casing and capacity x length
(12.422 – 52) x 10,200 = 1,281.3 BBLS

1029
1e. Drill pipe capacity x length
(4.22) x 12,650 = 216.9 BBLS

1029
2. Volume in BBLS for 1 ft of 6 inch diameter
= 62 = .034985 BBLS/Cylinder
1029
For 3 cylinders = .10495 BBLS/STK At 98% volumetric efficiency

.10495 x 9.8 = .103 BBLS/STK
100
3. 8 inches is 2/3 of a foot, therefore the output would be 2/3 or .6666 of 12” stroke that of a
8 x(52)= .01619 BBL/Cylinder

121029
For 3 cylinders = .0486 BBL/Stroke At 95% volumetric efficiency
.0486 x 95 = .046BBL/STK
100
4a. (6.252) x 3 x .98 x 80 = 8.928 BBL/MIN

1029
4b. (12.252 – 82) = .0836 BBL/STK

1029
Annular velocity = Pump OutputBBL/MIN

4c. Annnular VolBBL/FT
= 8.928
.0836
= 106.7 Ft/Min
5.Annular volume Pump output(BBLS) (BBLS/MIN)
950 8.928
= 106.4 Minutes
6. HHP = P x V
1714
750 = P x 400
1714
750 x 1714= P
400
P = 3214 PSI
7. New Pressure = Old Pressure x (New STKS2)

(Old STKS2)
= 2650 x (652)
(602)
= 3,110 PSI
8. New Pressure = Old Pressure x New Mud

Old Mud
= 3,000 x 9.8
10.5
= 2,800 PSI
Area 9.
= .7854 x (Diameter2) 16/32 Jet = .7854 x (16/322)
= .19635 sq”
Two = . 3927 sq”
14/32 = .7854 x (14/322)
= .1503 sq “
Total area = .3927 + .1503
= .543 sq “
SECTION 4
1. Calculate:
a. Slurry volume with 10% excess

b. Number of Sacks
c. Pump stroke to pump the plug for the following single stage cement job.
Hole size 17 ½”
Casing size 13 3/8” set at 4,600 FT
Casing ID 12.42”
Yield 1.05 cubic FT/SACK
Pump output .138 BBL/STK
Float set 80’ above shoe
2. Calculate for a balanced cement plug.
a. Slurry volume.
b. Volume of water behind the cement.
c. Pump stroke to displace.
Hole size 8 ½”
Drill pipe size 5” cap .01738 BBL/FT
Cement plug height – 500 FT
Water ahead of cement 10 BBLS
Pump output .103 BBLS/STK
Hole depth 10,350’
SECTION 4 ANSWERS
1a. Annular capacity = (17.52 – 13.3752) = .1238 BBL/FT

1029
4,600’ = .1238 X 4600 = 569.3 BBLS
Volume between float and shoe
= 80 x (12.422)
1029
= 12 BBLS
Total CMT requirements with no excess = 581 BBLS
With excess = 639 BBLS
1b. Yield is 1.05 cubic FT/SAC
639 BBLS = 639 x 5.6146 SACK
= 3588 Cubic Ft
Nos of Sacks = 3588

1.05
= 3417 Sacks
1c. Nos of STKS = Casing Volume to Float

To Bump Plug Pump Output PER/STCK
Casing Volume = 4520 x (12.42)

1029
= 675.4 BBLS
Nos of STKS = 675.4  .138
= 4,894 STKS
2a. Volume of slurry to fill 500’ of open hole.
= 500 x (8.52) = 35.1 BBLS

1029
2b. Height of the water placed ahead when in annulus.
= 10 BBLS  Annular Cap

= 10  (8.52 – 52)
1029

2b (cont)
= 10  .0459
= 218’
Volume of water behind
= 218’ x DP CAP
= 218 x .01738
= 3.78 BBLS
2c. Height of plug with pipe in the hole.
= 35.1
(0.459 + .01738)
= 555’
Add the height of the water in the pipe.
555 + 218
= 773
2c.(Co nt)
Mud will be pumped to a depth of 10,350 – 773
= 9,577
Capacity of 9,577 of DP
= 9,577 x .01738
= 166.45 BBLS
Nos of STKS = 166.45  .103
= 1616 STKS
SECTION 5
1. Calculate the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the following columns of fluid.
a. Depth 12,000’ (TVD) weight 10 PPG

b. Depth 8,500’ (TVD) weight 15.2 PPG
c. Depth 17,200 (TVD) weight 17.8 PPG
2a. Calculate the mud weight in PPG that would give the following pressures at:
i) 5,000 PSI at 10,000 ft (TVD)

ii) 2,325 PSI at 5,000 ft (TVD)
iii) 10,950 PSI at 16,450 ft (TVD)
2b. What would be the increase in mud weight required to exert an additional 350 PSI
hydrostatic pressure for the examples in (2a)?
3a. Calculate the hydrostatic pressure exerted by column of fluid made up of

different densities
From surface to 2,000’ – 9.2 PPG mud

From 2,000’ to 3,000’ – 8.9 PPG
From 3,000’ to 5,000’ – 16.4 PPG
3b. What mud weight would exert this pressure?

SECTION 5 (Cont)
4. Calculate the relevant values and construct a step down chart for pumping kill mud
down the drill pipe.
Well information:
Depth 8,200
Mud weight 10 PPG
Shut in drill pipe pressure = 250 PSI
Slow circulating pressure = 850 PSI at 30 STK/MIN
Strokes required to pump from surface to the bit = 860 STKS
a. Kill mud weight

b. Initial circulating pressure
c. Final circulating pressure
d. Pressure drop per 100 STKS
e. Chart
5. Calculate in cubic feet the volume a 10 BBL gas kick would occupy on surface. If the
original formation pressure was 5,300 PSI and atmosphere pressure is 14.75 PSI.
6a. Calculate the formation strength (fracture pressure) from the following data.
Shoe depth 6,200’ (TVD)

Mud weight – 9.6 PPG
Leak off pressure 1,200 PSI
Give answers as a pressure and a pressure gradient.

SECTION 5 (Cont)
6b. Calculate the maximum allowable annular surface pressure for 10 and 12 PPG mud
respectively.
SECTION 5 ANSWERS
1a. 6,240 PSI

1b. 6,718 PSI
1c. 5,920 PSI
i. 9.61 PPG
ii. 8.94 PPG
iii. 12.8 PPG
2b. a) 10.09 PPG an increase of .48 PPG

b) 10.21 PPG an increase of 1.27 PPG
c) 13.21 PPG an increase of .41 PPG
3a. 2,000 x 9.2 x .052 = 957

1,000 x 8.9 x .052 = 463
2,000 x 16.4 x .052 = 1706
= 3,126 PSI
3b. 12.02 PPG
4a. Kill mud wt = SIDPP + Original Mud

Depth x .052
= 10 + 250
8200 x 0.52
4a (Co nt) = 10 + .58
= 10.6 PPG
4b. Initial circulating pressure = Shut in drill pipe pressure + slow circ pressure
= 250 + 850 = 1100 PSI
4c. Final circ press =Kill Mud Wt x slow circulating pressure

Original Mud Wt
=10.6 x 850
10
=901 PSI
4d. Pressure drop per STKS = P.Final circ – P. Initial circ

Strokes Surface to Bit
= 1100 – 901
850
= .234 PSI/STK
Per 100 STKS = 23.4 PSI (23)
STKS 1100 PSI
100 1077
200 1054
300 1031
400 1008
500 985
600 962
700 939
800 916
850 901
5. V2 = P1 x V1 P1 = 5,300 PSI
P2 V1 = 10
BBLS P2 =
14.75
V2 = 5,300 x 10
14.75
= 3,593 BBLS
For cubic ft 3,593 x 5.6146
= 20,174 cubic ft
6. Fracture Pressure= Leak off plus hyst to shoe

= 1200 + 6200 x 9.6 x 0.52
= 4,295 PSI
Fracture pressure gradient = Fracture Pressure

TVD Shoe Depth
= 4295
6200
= .693 PSI/FT
MAASP = Shoe depth (formation fracture gradient – mud gradient) For 10 PPG = 6,200 (.693 - .52)
= 1073 PSI
For 12PPG = 6,200 (.693 – 624)
= 428 PSI
SECTION 6
1. hook load that can be applied with 12 lines 13/8” wire with a breaking strain of 167,000 and a design factor o
Calculate the maximum
2. With the rig up in question if the string weight was reading 350,000lbs.
What would be the loading on the fast line?
3. Calculate the ton miles for a round trip.
With depth 12,500’ 300’ DC weight in mud

12,200’ of DP weight in mud Block weight = 40,000 lbs
= 200,000 lbs
= 28,000 lbs
SECTION 6 ANSWERS
1. Max Fast Line load= Nominal Breaking Strain Design Factor
= 167,000
3
= 55,660 lbs
Weight of load = Fast Line Load

Constant
= 55,666
.1062
= 524,161 lbs
2. Weight of load = Fast Line Load

Constant
Fast Line Load = Weight x Constant
= 350,000 x .1062
= 37,170 lbs
3. For a round trip Drill pipe

Weight of the pipe=
200,000 = 100 Tons
2,000
Distance moved = 12,200’
= 12,200 = 2.31 Miles

5,280
Ton Miles = 100 x 2.31
= 231 Ton Miles
Drill Collars
Move 12,200 before they reach surface.
= 2.31 Miles
Ton Miles = 40,000 x 2.31

2,000
= 46.2 Ton Miles

R/Trip 300’ Weighing 40,000
40,000 x 300
2,000 5,280
= 1.14 Ton Miles
Round trip ton miles for the blocks.
Weight = 28,000 = 14 Tons

2,000
Distance = 12,500 x 4 = 9.47 Mile

5,280
Ton Miles = 14 x 9.47
= 132.6 Ton Miles
Total round trip miles
= DP + DC + Block
= 231 + 46.2 + 1.14 + 132.6
= 411 Ton Miles

SECTION 7
1. Calculate the buoyancy factor for:
a. 12 PPG
b. 14 PPG
c. 16 PPG
2a. How many 30’ drill collars would be required if 60% of the available collar weight is
20,000 lbs?
8” drill collars in 11.8 PPG mud.
Weight = 146 lbs/ft
2b. Where in the drill calculations would be the neutral point if 18,000 lbs was being
applied to the bit?
SECTION 7 ANSWERS
1a. .818
1b. .787
1c. .757
2a. B/Factor for 11.8 PPG
= 1 – (11.8 8.33)
7.9
= .821
60%= 20,000
100% = 20,000 x 100

60
= 33,333 lbs Buoyed
Buoyed Wt = Dry Wt
Buoyancy Factor
33.333 = 40,600
.821
Length = 40,600
146
278’ of DC
Drill Calcs = 278 = 9.26

30
Run 9
2b. Length required to make up 18,000 lbs
= 18,000
Buoyed Wt of one Ft of DC
= 18,000
.821 x 146
= 150’
Neutral point is 150’ above the bit.

SECTION 8
1a. What volume of pill is required to fill the drill collar annulus and leave 20% of that
volume in the pipe?
Hole size 8 ½” Depth 12,200’

Drill Collars 6 1/4” OD 2 ¾ ID
Drill Collar Length 360’
1b. How many strokes would be required to spot the pill then displace it out of the
string?
Drill Pipe 5” Cap .01738 BBLS/FT

Pump Output .102 BBL/STK
2. Calculate the line pull to apply the following torques using an effective tong length
of 3.5 ft.
26,500 ft lbs
64,000 ft lbs
92,000 ft lbs
3. What would be the resulting density if 200 BBLS of 15.2 PPG mud was mixed with
150 BBLS of 12.6 PPG?
4. How much barite would be required to increase the mud weight in a system of 950
BBLS from 11 PPG to 11.6 PPG?
SECTION 8 ANSWERS
1a. DC/OH Annular Cap = 8.52 –6.252

1029
= .0323 BBL/FT
Total DC/OH Annular Cap = 36 x .0323
= 11.6 BBLS
Plus 20% = 13.9 BBLS
1b. String Capacity = 360 x (2.752)

1029
Plus = 11,840x.01738
= 2.65 BBLS+205.78
= 208.4 BBLS
Volume to leave 20% in string
= 208.4–2.3
= 206.1 BBLS

1b (Cont)
No of STKS = 206.1
.102
To spot pill = 2,020 STKS
Plus 23 STKS to displace 20%
2. 7,571 lbs Pull

18,285 lbs Pull
26,285 lbs Pull
3. (200 x 15.2) + (150 x 12.6) = 350 D
D = (200 x 15.2) + (150 x 12.6)

350
= 14.08 PPG
4. V2 = V1 (W2 – W1)
WB – W2
= 950 (11.6 – 11)

35.4 – 11.6
= 23.95 BBLS of Barite

1 BBL Weight 1490 lbs
= WT of Barite = 23.95 x 1490
= 35,684 lbs

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Drilling Calculations

© Randy Smith Training Solutions Ltd July 2002

Section 1: Units of Measurement

Section 2: Background Mathematics

Section 3: Fluid Circulation Calculations

Section 4: Cementing Calculations

Section 5: Pressure Control

Section 6: Hoisting Calculations

Section 7: Buoyancy Effects

Section 8: Miscellaneous Calculations

Appendix: Course Consolidation Exercises

© Randy Smith Training Solutions Ltd July 2002

Calculations would not exist without

Science today is totally dependent on measuring systems. A system was

The most common measurements taken are:

Some are Derived units: Density is derived from Mass

Exercise: Convert 2845 inches to yards, feet and inches

First, divide by 12 to obtain feet and inches:

Second, divide the feet by 3 to get yards and feet:

Therefore, 2845 inches = 79 yards 0 feet 1 inch.

144 square inches = 1 square foot

Exercise: Convert 92,846 square inches to square yards, sq.feet and sq

1. First, divide by 144 = 92846

= 644 sq ft, 110 sq inches

2. Second, divide 644 by 9 = 644

Therefore: 92,846 sq inches = 71 sq yds, 5 sq ft, 110 sq ins

1728 cubic inches = 1 cubic foot

MASS: The common term for Mass is WEIGHT. Weight is measured in

1 ton is also called a LONG TON.

DENSITY: Density is the weight of a given volume of substance and is

The density measurements are therefore calculated in ppg (pounds per us

Exercise: Convert 8.34 ppg to pcf:

1. First, how many us gallons in a cubic foot?

= 7.4809 U.S. gal / cubic ft

2. Second, multiply 8.34 x 7.4809 = 62.4 pounds/cubic ft

44800 = 311 lbs per sq in

To make conversion easier, a table of Units and Conversion Factors is included

LENGTH The fundamental unit is the METRE

1 metre = 39.37 inches

1000 millimetres = 1 metre (milli = one thousandth)

To use the Metric system, and understanding of DECIMAL places is essential.

Exercise: How can 0.04 be expressed in words or as a fraction.

1 jump = 1/10, 2 jumps = 1/100

Therefore, 0.04 can be expressed as 4/100 or four hundredths.

There are 5 jumps to the right. Therefore, 0.00328 is 328/100,000 or three

Most measurements go down to thousandths.

These are commonly used when measuring small parts of a unit.

0.025 of a metre is 25 millimetres or 2.5 centimetres.

1 place to the right = one tenth = 0.1

1 sq metre = 100cm x 100 cm = 10,000 sq cms

MASS: (Weight) The gram is the basic metric unit of weight

1000 grams = 1 kilogram

The metric system commonly uses cubic centimeters or cubic metres to

1 cubic metre = 100 x 100 x 100 = 1,000,000 cubic cms

PRESSURE: The metric unit of pressure is kilograms/sq centimeters, and the

DENSITY: Defines the weight of a given volume of a substance.

In the metric system, density is measured in kilograms/cubic metre or

On the rig, drilling fluid is often measured in pounds/cubic foot, Specific

Specific gravity is similar to Density is as much as the mud weighing 1gm/cc