DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

An Introduction
To
Drilling Fluid

Dr. Srikant Kumar Mahapatra

 Requirements of a Drilling Fluid

Prevent Hole
Seal Rocks to collapse
prevent loss of
fluid

Prevent rock
dispersion
Prevent the flow of
oil and gas while
drilling

Remove drill
cutting

Avoid damage to
Lubricate the drill
the production
string
zone

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 Water Based and Oil Based Muds

WBM OBM

Thursday, November 21, 2024 3

 INTRODUCTION
DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

Mud Engineer

Drilling fluids are becoming so specialized, most companies now have a

mud engineer on duty at all times to keep the mud in good condition. The
Mud Engineer:

• is responsible for testing the mud and for prescribing mud treatments in
order to keep mud weight, properties, and chemistry within recommended
limits.
• must give detailed recommendations in order to optimize the achievement
of technical and economical drilling aims
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

Should: Should Not:

1. Remove drill cuttings from wellbore 6. Hamper formation evaluation

2. Control formation pressure techniques
3. Maintain wellbore stability until 7. Cause adverse effects on the
casing can be run and cemented formation being penetrated
(Formation Damage)
4. Cool and lubricate drillstring and
8. Cause corrosion of the
bit
tubulars
5. Transmit hydraulic power to bit
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS
1. Remove Drill Cuttings from Wellbore
Viscosity
• Viscosity and fluid rheological properties have a determinant effect on well
cleaning.
• Cuttings settle rapidly in low viscosity fluids (such as water) and as a result,
their removal is difficult.
• Generally, higher viscosity fluids are required to improve cuttings transport
capacity
• The property related to the viscosity is the thixotropy. It means that a mud
(thixotropic fluid) can become like a gel under static condition and return to
sol (fluid) in dynamic situation. This characteristic can suspend the cuttings
during the situation when the mud is not being circulated, as for flow check
or pipe connection or repairing
• Viscosity is dependent on concentration, quality, and dispersion of
suspended solids in the mud.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

1. Remove Drill Cuttings from Wellbore

Velocity
• Definition: The rate (or speed) at which the mud is circulated
(dependant on pump capacity, pump speed, borehole size, and DP size)
• The higher the fluid velocity the faster the cuttings will reach the surface

Transport velocity = Annular velocity – Slip velocity

(More on velocity under “Hydraulics” section)

 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

1. Remove Drill Cuttings from Wellbore

Particle Suspension
• Drilling fluid must also keep drill cuttings in suspension when the mud is
not being circulated (e.g., during a connection)
• The propety that keeps particles in suspension is called “gel strength”.
• Gel strength required to hold the cuttings in suspension should be no
more than required however. When circulation resumes, the fluid must
be fluid enough to release the particles at surface.
• Cuttings that settle when circulation has stopped can cause bridges that
result in a stuck string.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

1. Remove Drill Cuttings from Wellbore

Thixotropic
• Definition: The property exhibited by certain gels of becoming fluid
when stirred or shaken and returning to the semi-solid state upon
standing.
• Most drilling fluids are thixotropic. This means that they undergo a
gelification process in static conditions. This process allows the drilling
fluid to keep cuttings in suspension during pipe connections and other
times when the mud is not moving.
• Shear-thinning fluids with high viscosity are the most effective for well
cleaning at low annular velocity.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

1. Remove Drill Cuttings from Wellbore

Density
• Density has a positive effect on removing drill cuttings: the higher the
density of the mud, the more buoyancy.
• More buoyancy means greater carrying capacity to prevent the cuttings
from falling through the mud and to lift them to surface
• High density fluids can clean the hole very well with low annular
velocity
• However, a mud heavier than necessary to balance the formation
pressure has a negative impact on drilling operations, so weighting up
the fluid just to remove cuttings must be avoided
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS
1. Remove Drill Cuttings from
Wellbore
USE THIXOTROPIC FLUIDS WITH “SHEAR THINNING”
PROPERTIES WITH A STRONG LOW-SHEAR-RATE VISCOSITY
(LSRV) AND PLUG FLOW CONDITIONS

USE A HIGH FLOW, LOW VISCOSITY FLUID TO OBTAIN

TURBULENT FLOW

• An easy method to determine if drilled solids are being

effectively removed by the mud is to compare the sand
content at the flow line and at the mud suction.
 Remove Cuttings From the Well Bore

 The most important parameter is the

Annular Velocity (A.V.)
 Where possible the annular velocity should be
100 ft/min, higher in deviated holes.
 In large hole sections the A.V. can be as low as
20 ft/min.
 If the A.V. is insufficient to clean the hole
A.V.(ft/min)
the viscosity must be increased
 For top hole high viscosities must be used = Pump rate (bbls/min)
 Cuttings removal is harder in deviated and Annular vol (bbls/ft
horizontal holes as the vertical component
of the mud is reduced. Slip Velocity (ft/min)

= Cuttings velocity - A.V.

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 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

2.Control Formation Pressure

Density
• One of the main functions of drilling fluid is to keep the formation
pressure under control
• The pressure exerted by the mud column in static conditions (without
circulation) is called hydrostatic pressure.
• Hydrostatic pressure is the product of the mud weight and the True
Vertical Depth (TVD) of the well. If the hydrostatic pressure of the
column of drilling mud is equal to or higher than the formation pressure,
formation fluids can’t flow into the wellbore
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

2.Control Formation Pressure

Density
• Formation pressure typically
increases with depth
• To compensate for this we increase
the density of the mud with barite
• Mud weight must be limited to the minimum necessary to control the
well, maintain its stability, and still stay below the fracture gradient
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

2.Control Formation Pressure

Density
The pressure gradient of a normal
formation can vary from:

• 0.436 psi/ft [1.03 kg/cm2/10 m] (8,59

lb/gal) for onshore wells
• 0.465 psi/ft [1.07 kg/cm2/ 10 m]
(8,95 lb/gal) for off-shore wells
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

3. Maintain Wellbore Stability

Caving
• Wellbore stability is a function of mechanical, physical (pressure and
tension), and chemical characteristics
• Overhangs, ledges, and vertically-dipping formations may break off and
fall into the hole if a high differential (pressure or density) exists
between the formation and drilling fluid
• Swelling clays and heaving shales decrease drilling rate, and increase
the possibility of stuck pipe and fishing jobs
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

3. Maintain Wellbore Stability

• The cement job is a determining factor to effective isolation between

formations, and to guarantee a reliable completion.
• The mud must maintain the condition of the hole so casing can be run
and cemented without causing completion problems.
• When running casing, the mud must be fluid and at the same time
minimize the annular pressure losses in order to avoid loss of
circulation caused by induced fractures.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS
4. Cool and Lubricate the Drillstring and Bit

Circulation of the drilling fluids cools the bit and

the drillstring assembly, to temperatures lower
than the bottom-hole temperature
• Mechanical and hydraulic energy generated by pumping mud to the
bit, and abrasion between the drill string and the hole, produces a
great amount of heat
• Since the formation is a poor conductor the heat has no where to go
• Circulating fluid helps to dissipate this heat at surface
• Because of the composition of the mud, it has a lubricating effect
which also cuts down on the heat production. Indicators of poor
lubrication are high torque and drag
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

5. Transmit Hydraulic Power to

Bit

Hydraulic Power is Used to:

• • Maximize penetration rate (ROP)
• •Remove cuttings from under the bit and up to the surface Run
• downhole motors and other special equipment
• •The hydraulic program is based on using the right diameter nozzles in the
bit, the pump’s efficiency, and choosing the proper circulation pressures and
rates for the hole conditions
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

6. Guarantee Adequate Formation

Evaluation

Logging
• •The type and composition of mud in the hole determines the quality of data
from the electric logs that measure the electrical, sonic, nuclear and
magnetic-resonance properties of the formations
• •Precise formation evaluation is mandatory, without it we must core, run
DSTs, and conduct flow tests. All these formation evaluation methods are
affected by the drilling fluids.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

7. Minimize Formation
Damage

Main Causes of Formation Damage

• Mud or drilling solids that invade deep into the matrix of the formation,
permanently obstructing its porosity and permeability
• Swelling shales, which reduce permeability
• Precipitation of solids that result from the reaction between the mud
filtrate and formation and completion fluids (such as brines or acids),
which limit permeability
• Emulsions formed by contact between the mud filtrate and formation
fluids, which can limit permeability
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

7. Minimize Formation Damage

Seal off Permeable, Porous, and Fractured Fms

• Permeability is a measure of the capacity of a porous media (such as a

rock) to allow fluid to flow through it.
• When the pressure of a mud column is greater than the formation
pressure, liquid and solid components of the mud invade the formation
and form a filter cake against the borehole wall
• In highly porous and permeable formations, the mud can easily invade
the formation.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

7. Minimize Formation Damage

Filter Cake

• Solids in the mud will form a barrier (skin effect) on the borehole wall of
the formation.
• The filter cake is composed of solids from the drilling fluid
• The filter cake should be thick enough to seal the formation, but it also
must be thin enough to avoid causing drilling problems.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

7. Minimize Formation Damage

Potential Problems with a Thick Filter Cake

• Tight hole
• Increased torque and overpull
• Poor log quality
• Drillstring failure
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

7. Minimize Formation Damage

Treating a Thick Filter Cake

• Calcium Carbonate (removable with acid washing)

• Cellulose
• And a wide range of seepage loss
• Other additives (LCM)
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS
8. Control
Corrosion
Because the drill string and casing are constantly in contact with the
drilling fluid and well fluids, they are constantly subject to corrosion
•
Electrolysis, stress, contaminants such as soluble salts, dissolved
• oxygen, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulphide can cause severe
corrosion, either deep in the well or on surface

• Use oxygen scavengers, scale inhibitors, ironite sponge, zinc oxide

• Easiest to maintain high pH: 9.5 to 10.5
• Most solutions only slow the corrosion down, none can solve it
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

• In a drilling fluid system, the mud properties must keep the essential functions
and at the same time minimise problems in the well.
• The topics developed in this chapter are a guideline for the selection of the
fluid.
• The selection of a drilling fluid must be based on generic experience and
developed in site experiences
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS
The selection regarding the type of mud is based on:
 Well Design
 Anticipated Formation Pressure and Rock Mechanics
 Formation Chemistry
 The need to limit damage to the production formation
 Temperature
 Environmental Regulation
 Logistics
 Econimics
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTIONS

Mud Properties VS Functions

• The characteristics of a mud can influence its functions e.g. the formation pressure is
checked by the hydrostatic pressure. The hydrostatic pressure is modified by the
density or specific weight.
• As the uncontrolled density increases, the pressure drop increases. The
consequence is a possible loss of circulation.
 DRILLING FLUID FUNCTION
Mud characteristics modifications
Fluids engineering always need an exchange of conditions to treat
and keep optimum drilling. For instance, an out of proportion
viscosity increasing, improves the hole cleaning:
 The loss of pressure increases
 The capacity of removing solids in the mud decreases
 The penetrating rate slows down
 The dilution treating increases a/o the preparation, with
consequent costs increasing

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 Mud Properties Measurement

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 Density

The density is measured using a mud balance. The weight of a mud cup attached
to the one end of the beam is balanced on the other end by a fixed counterweight
and a rider free to move along a graduated scale. The density of the fluid is a
direct reading from the scales located on both sides of the mud balance
The units used for measuring density of drilling fluid are Specific Gravity, PPG, and
psi/ft

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Thursday, November 21, 2024 33
 Viscosity

Viscosity of drilling fluid is measured using Marsh funnel and

rotating viscometer. The Marsh funnel is a rig site instrument used
to measure funnel viscosity. The funnel is dimensioned so that by
following standard procedures, the out flow time of 946 ml of
mud is measured using a graduated cup as a receiver. The unit
used for viscosity measured with marsh funnel is seconds

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 In rotating viscometer Apparent Viscosity, Plastic viscosity and yield point
are measured. Mud is contained in the annular space between the two
cylinders. The outer cylinder or rotor sleeve is driven at a constant
rotational velocity; its rotation in the mud produces a torque on the inner
cylinder bob. A torsion spring restrains the movement of the bob. A dial
attached to the bob indicates its displacement on a direct reading scale.

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 Gel Strength

It is a measurement under static conditions of the forces in the mud which

cause gel structure to develop when the mud is at rest. The gel strength is one
of the important drilling fluid properties because it demonstrates the ability of
the drilling mud to suspend drill solid and weighting material when circulation is
ceased.
Gel strength is determined using viscometer. The sample is stirred at high
speed and then allowed to rest for 10 sec or 10 min. The torque reading at 3
rpm is taken as gel strength at specified time and expressed in lb/100 ft2.

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 Fluid Loss

Fluid loss and filter cake thickness are measured using a standard API filter press.
The API filter press consists of a cylindrical mud chamber. A filter paper is placed
on the bottom of the chamber just above a suitable support. Below the support is
a drain tube for discharging the filtrate into a graduated cylinder.

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 Oil & Solid Content

In drilling fluid both drilled solids and weighting materials are present. The solid
content is measure using Retort to know the total solids in the mud. Mud is
placed in a steel container and heated at high temperature until the liquid
components have been distilled off and vaporized. The vapors are passed
through a condenser and collected in a graduated cylinder.

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 Sand Content
Sand content affects mud density and apparent viscosity, equipment wear, bit
life, drilling rate and formation damage. It is measured by carefully washing a
measured volume of mud on a 200 mesh screen 2 ½” in diameter. The material
held on the screen is poured into a cone shaped graduated container. It is
reported in percent by volume.

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 Chemical Analysis

 pH : Clay interactions, solubility of various components and contaminants, and effectiveness of

additives are all dependent on pH, as is the control and sulfide corrosion process. The pH is
measured by pH-meter or pH paper.
 Chloride : The chloride content of the mud is determined by titration of mud with silver nitrate
solution using potassium chromate as indicator.

mL of silver nitrate x 1000

 Chloride, mg/L = -------------------------------------
mL of filtrate sample

 Calcium : It is determined by titration of mud or filtrate with versenate solution and calver-II as
indicator at higher pH using KOH solution.

mL of standard versenate × 400

 Ca++, mg/L = ------------------------------------------------
mL of filtrate

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 N KS
TH A

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