Development of a New Cuttings-Transport Model for High-Angle Wellbores Including Horizontal Wells

Abstract

Summary This paper presents a new design model that will enable the drilling engineer to select the proper hydraulics for problem-free drilling in high-angle holes (from 55 to 90° from vertical). Empirical correlations have been developed after carrying out an extensive experimental study of cuttings transport in a 5-in. full-scale flowloop. The model predicts the required critical transport fluid velocity (CTFV), the average cuttings travel velocity (CTV), and the annular cuttings concentration under most given sets of drilling operating conditions.