A Multiparameter Coupled Prediction Model for Annular Cuttings Bed Height in Horizontal Wells

Abstract

Cuttings accumulation in horizontal drilling is one of the main reasons for high drilling torque and drag and serious backing pressure and consequently influencing the rate of penetration (ROP), so inhibiting the generation of cuttings bed and keeping the hole clean is an important prerequisite to ensure the smooth and safe drilling of horizontal section. In order to master the formation mechanism of cuttings bed and reveal the influence law of influencing factors, based on the three-layer cuttings bed migration model and the two-phase solid-liquid flow theory, this paper establishes a numerical simulation method for cuttings migration characteristics in the annulus of horizontal wells, reveals the cuttings concentration distribution law and migration characteristics in the horizontal well section, and fits the engineering prediction model of cuttings bed height considering many factors such as geology, engineering, and fluid body according to the simulation results. The analysis of sensitive factors shows that the rate of penetrating, cuttings density, and drill pipe eccentricity is not conducive to borehole cleaning, and cuttings are easy to accumulate to form cuttings bed; increasing the drilling fluid density, displacement, and drill pipe speed is conducive to borehole cleaning and reducing the height of cuttings bed. The research shows that within the range of normal construction parameters, the error of the horizontal cuttings height prediction model is less than 10%, which can meet the needs of engineering analysis. The model provides convenience for engineering applications.