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An Experimental Investigation
J.T. Ford* and M.B. Oyeneyin, Heriot-Watt U.; Erhu Gao, Anchor Drilling Fluids Ltd.; and
R.S. Williamson and L.C. Peel, * Mobil North Sea Ltd.
SPE Members

-ht

1S94 ScdsfY of Petroleum Enginssre, Inc.

This peper wss prepared tw ~rerbn

at the European Perrdeum Cenferencs hsfd in London, U. K., 25-27 Octcber 1S94.

TM paper was ssdecfed far presentsrbm by M SPE Pmgrem CommHtes fdtwing resisw of Infor@tIXtbnconfsinsd In m sbetssctmxbmitwt by the eutt!u(s). Contents of ths Pefxer,
= PMSWItSCI,hws IW been reviewd by the SwistY of Petroleum EnfNISWS end we subject to cwrectbn by the eufhods). The rnebrbl, as presented, doss not neceewily reflect
~Y -of
f~ **
of -Um
Ewheem. ifs offkem, w MOIIILWS. Pews weented at SPE msetkws we .eubjecfto Pufxtkatbn rwiew by Edirwid CommSwee of ths Society
of Petmteum En@eere. Psnnbdon to cqy is ratdctd m an abstmf of w+ more than 2rMwards. Illwrrxnicas may not t+ c@ed. Ths ebtmct shodd Cmtsin conspkuous ecknowksdgment
d where and by wlwn the paper is fxeeentd, Wffte Librsrlsn, SPE, P.0, Sox S2282S, Rbhardeon, TX 75@2S@SS, U.S.A. Telex 16224S SPEUT.

on the chemicals used, these milling fluids can constitute a

significant eiement in the totai cost of time operations. Thu-e
generic types of fluid have been used for milling operations of
this type by MNSL:

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a set of experiments, sponsored by Mobil

North Sea Ltd (MNSL) and conducted at Heriot-Watt
University, which were designed to investigate the carrying
capacity of milling fluids. The objective of this work was to
determine the fluid rheology which would most efficiently
transport debris (swarf), generated during casing milling
operations, out of the hole. The results of the experiments and
subsequent analyses are presented in the paper.

A.
B.
c.

Bentonite/Bicarbonate Mud
BentoniteJMMH Mud
Xanthan Gum/sea water Mud.

The relative cost per bbl of these fluids to MNSL is

approximately 1:4:11. There are therefore both significant
technical and direct financial implications in the selection of
the milling fluid for a particular job. MNSL have been
,..
..,-. .
Z?l..:a-...-.. tuun
l...:. PUIIurm&iCe
..aAmvesugating the= ~iiihig- muus
w -mm
in relation to cost. This experimental investigation was part of
that analysis.

The paper describes the equipment and procedures used in the

experiments. It also presents the results of the experiments
and subsequent anaiysis misting to the transport efficiency of a
range of milling fluids used by MNSL. l%ese experiments
were conducted under static and dynamic conditions using a
recently constructed settling column and the cuttings transport
borehole simulator
at Heriot- Watt University.
The
experiments demonstrate the impact of the theological
properties of the fluid, and the shape and surface area of swarf
on transport
efficiency.
The paper concludes
with
recommendations on the formulation of fluids for milling
operations of this type.

The problems associated with the removal of swarf during

milling operations are similar to those associated with the
transport of drilled cuttings, which have been under
investigation at Heriot-Watt University for a number of
years@efs. 610). Since the geometry of the circulating system
is the same and non-Newtonian Fluids are also used in milling
operations the hydrodynamics of the problem are almost
identical to those in drilled cuttings transport. The problems
l.a s..,..
..* ulc
hB a. ....mwp
;.
--- nuwcvcr
l----------- wxq.wunuGu
-- --... -A..A 1...
UY LUG Laeb that
w-,
,.
are
generally much larger and has a much higher density than the
drilled cuttings, and it also has a very irregular shape.

iiwitmixmm

Mobil North Sea Ltd. (MNSL) regularly carry out major

milling operations as part of slot recovery on the Beryl Alpha
and Bravo platforms. This can involve the milling of up to
1600 ft of 72 lb/fi 13 3/8 casing. The swarf generated whilst
milling (and the cement sheath between the 20x1 3 3/8
casing strings) must be continuously and efficiently removed
from the annulus by the milling fluids, if progress is to be
maintained. At a cost of S7000 to S80000 per job, depending
---_---._-. ----------------------------References and illustrations at end of paper

The overall objective of this project was to determine the most

effective fluid formulation for the removal of swarf generated
during milling operations, with the impact of the low shear
rate viscosity of the fluids bekg of particular interest. A series
of experiments were designed to fulfil this objective.

115

THE FORMULATION OF MILLING FLUIDS FOR EFFICIENT HOLE

CLEANING - AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Formulation of Teat Fluids:

The fluids used in the experiments were all water based
systems which had been used by MNSL at some time during
their casing milling operations:

These experiments involved the following:

i.

measurement of the settling velocity of various

samples of swarf and spherical steel balls in static
milling fluids.

ii.

measurement of the settling velocity of the swarf in

the same fluids when circulating.

iii.

A.
B.
c.

measurement of the transport velocity of spherical

steel balls in circulating fluids.

EXPERIMENTAL

EQUIPMENT

AND FLUIDS

The experiments were carried out on two columns. The

shorter of the two columns, which was purpose built for these
experiments, was used to determine the settling velocity of
swti nd steel balls in static milling fluids. This column was
also used to determine the velocity required to transport the
steel balls in dynamic fluids. The larger cuttings transport
column, built originally for the drilled cuttings transport
project, was used to determine the velocities required to
transport samples of swarf in dynamic conditions.
Short Column :
column was constructed to measure the terminal settling
velocity of various samples of milled swarf and spherical steel
balls in static fluids and subsequently the transpal velocity of
these samples when fluid was circulated through the column.
The column (Fig. 1) is 2 m (6 ft.) high and is calibrated at 50
cm intervals along its length. It is made of 14 cm (5 1/2 in.)
I.D. perspex tube. Entry and exit ports were built into the
column and a special plunger was designed to introduce steel
balls into the flowstream whilst circulating. The motion of the
steel balls was monitored by two magnetometer coils wound
around the column and linked to a metal detector and timer
(Metalarrn 3000 Dual Channel detector control unit). These
detectors were necessary because the test fluids being used
were relatively opaque. The coils were placed about 85.5 cm
apart. Movement of the ball past the first coil triggered the
timer which stopped automatically when the ball passed the
second coil, at the upper end of the column. The coils were
placed far enough away from the entrance and exit ports to
ensure that the entry and exit effects on the circulating fluids
were eliminated~ef 2).
m.__.

L rmlspol

4-.1

._.

Gwamllll .

The Cuttings Transport Column (Fig. 2), described extensively

in previous papers(Refs. 6-9), was adapted for the measurement
of the threshold transport velocity of the swarf under flow
conditions. The inner pipe of the column was removed and a
screen was inserted into the outlet of the column to trap the
swarf. Fluid was circulated from the base of the column by
means of a centrifugal pump equipped with a variable speed
motor. This allows for the efficient control of the injection
rate. Since the column is 6.4m (21 ft.) long the entrance and
exit effects on the fluid flow, across the 2.75 m (9 ft.) test
section at the upper end of the column, are negligible.

n.....WhU :*. m:.

..hn..t.
u,nA
UldI
UU1lCWU
A..w

DG1l

Bentonite/MMH Mud
Xanthan Gum/sea water Mud.

It has become common pract.ise in the industry to use the low

shear rate viscosity of a fluid as an indicator of its camying
capacity. The rhedogical properties of the test fluids were
therefore specified and controlled on the basis of their low
shear rate viscosity. On the basis of MNSLS experience, the
aam-+
fljj;~
~aninll]at~
. fir
~azh nf
form ..I.*J
Ulauo,,
, -,,
a #h
.e ~w..w..-..
--- ~Q
.J y=. W9C
.. . ...--=
_____
in such a way as to produce three fluids with the following low
shear rate viscosities :

Equivalent shear stress of 76.5 dynes/cm2 at a shear

rate of 10.2 see-1 (Dial reading of 15 at 6pm on a Farm
viscometer)

Equivalent shear stress of 142.8 dynes/cm2 at a shear

rate of 10.2 SCC-l (Dial reading of 28 at 6 rpm on a
Farm viscometer)

Equivrdent shear stress of 229.5 dynes/cm2 at a shear

rate of 10.2 see-l (Dial reading of 45 at 6 rpm on a
Farm viscometer)

The
This

mm-. n.-AAL-_1 ne ulcungs

SPE 28819

There were therefore

chemical composition
the experiments. The
in each experiment is
The actual fluids used
of 45-50 at 6 rpm.

The test fluids were prepared in the following way:

Bentonite/Bicarbonate mud (Fluid A):
A Bentonite base mud was prepared by adding Bentonite to
fresh water, stirring the mixture for 5 minutes and leaving it to
hydrate for about 12 hours. It was then watered back by
adding fresh water and stirred for 5 minutes. Finally Sodium
Bicarbonate was added and the final mixture stirred for about
10 reins. The mixture was then watered back or additional
Ben$~~it&~dd~d ~nfi! the desired rh~!ogica! properties were
achieved.
BentoniteA4MH Mud (Fluid B) :
A Bentonite base mud was prepared by adding Bentonite to
fresh water, stirring the mixture for 10 minutes and leaving it
to hydrate for about 12 hours. It was then watered back by
adding fresh water and stirred for 5 minutes. Finally MMH
was added and the finai mixture stirre4i for about ii) minutes.
The mixture was then watered back or additional Bentonite
added until the desired theological properties were achieved.
Xanthan Gum
The Polymer
water. Tinis
added and the

116

nine different fluids, with differing

and/or theological properties, used in
precise rheology of the test fluids used
presented in Tables 1a, 24 3a, and 4a.
in the field by MNSL had a dial reading

in sea water (Fluid C):

mud was prepared by mixing SAPP with sea
was stirred for 5 minutes. X=ithaii Giim was
mixture stirred for 10 minutes at medium speed.

FORD J T, OYENEYIN M B, GAO E, WILLIAMSON R S, PEEL L C

SPE 28819

magnetometer
system.

Caustic soda was added and stirred for another 5 minutes. The
mixture was then watered back or additional SAPP added until
the desired theological properties were achieved.

by the metal detection

If the ball was not transported, but settled to the bottom of the
column, circulation was stopped and the ball recovered. The
experiment was then repeated with a higher flowrate. This
procedure was repeated until the ball was effectively
transported up the column after it had -n introduced into the
flowstrearm The tests were then repeated at higher flow rates
and the corresponding travel time was recorded.
It was
extremely difficult to control the flowrates to such an extent
that the initiation of transport (indicated by a very low
transport velocity) could he determined. At the other extreme
it was, in some cases, not possible to achieve the flowrates
required to transport the steel balls through the column at all.

Samples of Swarf and Steel Balls:

11 samples of swarf, generated during casing milling
operations on Beryl Bravo by MNSL (Plates 1 and 2) were
used in the experiments.
The actual samples supplied by
MNSL were in fact too large to fit in the test columns so they
were broken into samples of an appropriate size. 5 steel balls
were
also
used
in the
experiments.
The steel balls were used
in an attempt to eliminate the influence of the irregular shape
of the swarf on the settling velocity of the samples tested and
calibrate the fluids in terms of their suspension/transport
capability .

Large Scale Transport Velocity Experiments:

These tests were conducted in the cuttings transport column.
The test fluid was prepared and a sample of swarf was inserted
into the column. The column was placed in the vertical
position and the fluid circulated at such a rate that the sample
of swarf was carried to the top of the column. Circulation was
stopped and the sample allowed to freefall through the static
fluid. The time taken for the sample to traverse the graduated
intervals on the outside of the column were recorded.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
A range of experiments were conducted with the swarf and
steel balls. The first set of experiments investigated the
settling velocity of swarf in static fluids. It became apparent
during these experiments that the shape of the swarf had a
significant impact on settling velocity. In an attempt to
eliminate this effect a series of experiments to investigate the
were
then
~e~!!ing ~e!eci~y of gee! ba!!~ in static fluids
conducted.

The fluid was then circulated through the column at a rate

equivalent to the pre-recorded settling velocity and the sample
was observed for any settling. If settling or upward transport
occurred the circulation rate was increased or decreased to the
point where the sample remained static in the fluid. This
circulation rate, and hence the mean velocity, represents the
threshold velocity required to initiate transport of the swsrf.

The static experiments

were followed by a series of
experiments designed to determine the minimum fluid velocity
required to transport the steel balls and swarf.
These
experiments were conducted on the short flowloop and the
larger transport column.

In all of the above experiments the fluids were tested for :

Density, pH and theological properties (using a Farm 35
Viscometer, a Haake Viscometer and a Brool&eld viscometer)
prior to the experiments and when the experiments were
complete.

Settling velocity in Static Fluids :

The settling velocity experiments were conducted in three
stages. The test fluid was prepared, as specified in the
previous section, and poured into the short column. The
sample of swarf or steel ball was dropped into the fluid
immediate y and a stop watch was activated as the sample
passed a reference point on the column. The time taken to
traverse each 50 cm length of the column was recorded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Seffling Velocity in static fluids
The results of the experiments conducted to investigate the
settling velocity of the various samples of swarf, in static fluid
are shown in Table 1 and 1a. The major conclusion from these
experiments is that the spiral coils of swarf settled much
slower than the fiat samples. Indeed in most cases the spiral
coils did not settle at all in the fluids which exhibited the
higher gel strengths (Fluids A and B). The spiral coils were
clearly not able to rupture the gel structure in these fluids and
..,-hv
nnnears
W*1- A--f
U.lao. *.=
- hA-1
..-. ip
1 . amenmwinn
y-.....
J the
. . gel. ~~ ~!~~ .rr
that the gel strength of Fluid C may have contributed to the
in thk
fluid. These low
very low settling rates experienced
settlement
rates
would indicate that the flow pattern around the
samples was creeping flow at best.

This procedure was repeated for the same fluid but the sample
was only dropped into the fluid after a gel structure had
developed. The test fluid was mixed and once again poured
into the column, but this time it was allowed to stand in the
column for 10 minutes hefore the swarf or ball was dropped.
The experiment was then repeated with the fluid having been
allowed to stand in the column for 30 minutes.
m

coils was recorded

C.-1
-
---17. E..-. A.
17--A_...&,
.
mm-*1 auui?
I ransport
v muuiby nxpm uuams .
The short column was used to determine the transport velocity
of the steel brdls in flowing fluids. The test fluid was prepared
and circulated through the column at a rate which would, if the
sample were stationary, result in a mean relative velocity
which was equal to the terminal settling velocity determined in
the static tests. Once flow had been stabilised, the steel ball
was introduced into the flow stream by the plunger. If the ball
was transported up the column, the time taken for the steel ball
to travel through the 85.5 cm span between the two
A

In contrast to the above, the flat samples of swarf (S1 and S2)
sometimes settled at high rates in these fluids. In some cases it
was only possible to measure the settling velocity of Samples
S1 and S2 over the entire 150 cm interval, with any accuracy.
In addition it was observed that the samples settled mostly in a

117

THE FORMULATION OF MILLING FLUIDS FOR EFFICIENT HOLE

CLEANING - AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

lengthways orientation,
The highest settlement
experienced in Fluid A
experienced in Fluid C.
in Fluid B.

The settling velocity of the swarf, once the gel strength of the
fluid has been overcome, will be (at relatively low rates of
settlement) a function of the surface area experiencing viscous
drag. The higher the surface area the higher the drag and
therefore the lower the settling velocity. An attempt was made
to measure the dimensions of the swarf and determine the
surface area (largest surface) to weight ratio of the spiral coils
(S3 to S 11) and flat bars (S 1 and S2). It was found that the
surface area to weight ratio of samples S 1 and S2 was 0.8 to
0.65 cm2/gm respectively and that of the spiral swarf was 0.61
to 0.49 cm2/gm. It can be seen that sample S2, with the lower
surface area to weight ratio, settled much slower than sample
S1.
The above experimental program was extended to investigate
the settling velocity of steel balls in fluids with a range of
theological properties (Table 2 and 2a). The intention here
was to eliminate the effects of the shape of the object settling
through the fluid and see if the fluids could be calibrated in
terms of their suspension and drag characteristics. It can be
seen from Tables 2 and 2a that the gel strength of the fluids
correlates very well with the suspension capabilities of the
fluid. Fluids B, B1 and B2 have the highest gel strengths and
clearly the greatest suspension capabilities. As found when
using the swarf, once settlement was initiated the balls settled
at relatively high rates with the rate being influenced by the
effective viscosity of the fluid.
The theoretical yield strength of the fluids was calculated on
the basis of these experiments. It was found that the yield or
gel strength indicated by the conventional coaxial viscometer
was much lower than that indicated by these experiments. A
more precise determination of gel strength could be achieved
by using a constant stress rheometer. An attempt was also
made to fit the data from these experiments to models
available in the public domain(Ref. 3J4) but no substantive
f.rmwl,,. ..1..
i,-..
w..

The results presented above can be particularly useful when

circulating a fluid which possesses a yield or gel strength such
as a Bingham Plastic or Herschel-Bulkley fluid. When such a
fluid is circulated there will exist within the annulus a plug of
unsheared fluid within which a sample of swarf will
experience the same environment (drag forces etc.) as it would
if it were settling in a static fluid. This is where the
determination of the theological nature of the fluid is
imperative and the static settling velocity experiments are
most useful.

appearing to cut through the fluid.

rates for samples S 1 and S2 were
and the lowest settling velocity was
Sample S2 settled at a very low rate

It is clear that in Fluid A and C the load exerted by these

samples exceeded the suspension strength of the gel structure
in the fluid. This may of course be enhanced by the shape and
settlement orientation of the swarf. Once settlement has been
initiated the rate of settlement will be dictated by the viscous
and pressure drag forces acting on the swarf (depending on the
rate of settlement)~ef. 4). From Table 1a it can be seen that
the effective viscosity of Fluid C is indeed much higher than
those of Fluid A and B at shear rates above 10.2 see-l. Hence
for samples S 1 and S2 the settlement rates were most heavily
influenced by the effective viscosity of the fluids.

r.#w,l A &a
Am.*r
Vu,w
Ln, u
a ,, A-WI
1, ,,,

*IG.
Ul!.

a--:c.a
a, es-.

In summary, it has been demonstrated that both the gel

strength and effective viscosity of the fluid and the shape,
surface area and settlement orientation of the swarf will
influence the settling rates of swarf in static fluids.

SPE 28819

Transport Velocity of steel balls

These experiments were designed to determine the resultant
velocity of a ball being transported in the test fluids - the
transport velocity. Table 3 shows the fluid velocity and the
corresponding transport velocity for a range of balls in each of
the test fluids. In many cases it was not possible, with the
pump rates available, to initiate transport of the balls. Once
the balls were being transported their velocity was recorded.
The experiment was then repeated with the fluid velocity
being increased progressively and the corresponding transport
velocity of the balls being recorded. It is clear from Table 3
that the velocities required to achieve transport in the short
column were much higher than would be inferred from the
settling velocity of the same balls, as observed in the static
settling experiments. It is also apparent that the velocity of the
balls was often higher than the mean velocity of the fluid,
indicating a distinct velocity profile across the cohunn.
During the experiments it was observed that the transport
velocity of the steel balls was a function of the radial position
of the ball within the column, which could not be accurately
determined.
It was also observed that the majority of the
smaller steel balls were thrown out of the mainstream of the
fluid flow towards the pipe wall.
It is difficult to make definitive statements about these results
but it can be seen that in general, the transport velocity of the
ball tends to increase with a decrease in ball size. There is
also a correlation between the effective viscosity of the fluid
and the transport velocity of the balls.
These experiments indicate that the gel structure and therefore
unsheared plug which one would expect to develop in a more
stable environment was prevented ffom forming due to
circulation into the relatively short column. This is evident in
the observations that the balls were thrown to the walls of the
column and that tbeii velocities varied across the diameter. In
general these results should be treated as being qualitative at
&M. Thev
A-I
imnact
stable flow
-..-,
-- however
. . . . . . . . . hkhli~ht
--m----a--- the
--- -..-=
---- of
-- .mm
. . .. -------on the transport characteristics of these fluids.
These
conditions will probably exist around the BHA of the
drillstring and possibly higher up the hole due to drillstring
rotation.

Settling velocity of Swarf in Flowing Fluid

The effect of fluid flow on the settling velocity of a number of
samples of swarf was investigated using Fluid C. These
experiments were conducted with the large column. It can be
seen from the results in Table 4 that the circulating velocities
required to prevent the swarf from settling were significantly

118

SPE 28819

FORD J T, OYENEYIN M B, GAO E, WILLIAMSON R S, PEEL L C

higher than the settling velocity experienced when the fluid

was static. For example, the settling velocity of sample S4 at
static conditions was 0.092 cmkec whereas the same fluid had
to be circulated at a mean velocity of 34.19 crdsec in order to
prevent the same sample from settling in the flowing fluid.
Similar results were observed for the other samples tested.
It was demonstrated in the static experiments that once the gel
structure was ruptured the relative velocity between the swarf
and the fluid will be significant. Therefore one would expect
that the mean velocity required to prevent the swarf from
settling would be relatively high, unless the swarf were to be
located in an unsheared plug. The fluid used in these
experiments (Fluid C) did possess gelling characteristics but it
is possible that the column was not long enough to allow such
a plug to develop.

experiments will be useful in determining the most effective

fluid for hole cleaning. Since the plug will be effectively
unsheared the swarf in the plug will only experience the
relative velocity resulting from the settlement of the swarf in
the plug. These static tests will of course also be useful in
determining the settlement rate when the fluid is static, during
connections.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to gratefully acknowledge the support of M-obii
North Sea Ltd. who have financed and approved the
publication of this work.

REFERENCES
1.

BIRD, R.B. et al : Transpt

& Sons, Inc., N.Y. 1960.

2.

GOVIER AND AZIZ: The Flow of Complex Mixtures

in Pipes, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New
York, 1972

3.

BOURGOYNE,
A T, CHENEVERT M E, MILLHEIM
----------_KK,
YWNti
YS. : Appiied Driiiing Engineering,
SPE, Richardson Texas, 1986

2. The experiments with the swarf also indicate that the

surface area to weight ratio of the swarf has a significant effect
on the settling velocity of the swarf. It would therefore be
advantageous to use milling tools that produce relatively
small, thin, platelike swarf with a low weight and large surface
area to weight ratio.

4.

PEDEN, J.M. and YUEJIN LUO : Settling Velocity of

variously shaped particles in drilling and fracturing
fluids, SPE Drilling Engineering, Dec. 1987.

5.

MOORE, P.L : Drilling Practices Manual, Petroleum

Publishing Company, Tulsa, 1974.

3. The suspension properties of the milling fluid, as indicated

by the gel strength (and low shear rate viscosity), can be
highly influentird in the transport of swarf when plug flow is
present on the milling string annulus.

6.

FORD, J., J.M.PEDEN., M.B. OYENEYIN., E. GAO

and R. FARROUGH : Experimental Investigation of
DrNed Cuttings Transport in inclined borehole, SPE
Paper No. 20421, 1990.

4. When the gel structure of the milling fluid is disrupted then

the transport of the swarf will be related to viscous and
pressure drag forces imposed on the swarf by the circulating
fluids and therefore the effective viscosity of the fluid at the
relevant shear rate. Hence the fluid should have as high an
effective viscosity as possible.

7.

PEDEN, J.M., M.B. OYENEYIN., J.FORD., ERHU

Comprehensive
GAO and R. ZARROUGH:
experimental investigation of drilled cuttings transport in
inclined wells including effects of rotation and
eccentricity, SPE Paper No. 20925, 1990.

CONCLUSIONS

Phenomena:

John Wiley

The main conclusions drawn from this evaluation are that:

1. The settling velocity of swarf in static fluids is influenced
by the shape of the swarf. This would indicate that, from the
hole cleaning point of view, it would be advantageous to use a
milling tool that would generate spiral swarf. However, there
can be significant problems with birds nesting of this type of
swarf in the annulus.

5. The settling experiments with the steel balls indicated that

the yield or gel strength of a fluid cannot be accurately
determined by the conventional techniques - using a coaxial
viscometer. This test does however provide a qualitative
guide to the gel strength.
6. In general, it was found in these experiments that Fluid B the Bentonite/MMH
mud system exhibited the best
combination of suspension and transport characteristics of the
fluids tested.
It is worth noting that this system cost
approximately three times less per bbl than tie most expensive
system tested.

8.

J-1

aL&W&

Swllng

*4~ffi~~~~~

hnla
...

t.kanin
u in
uhlv
-.w . ...l..~
. .. hi
...~...~

&=v~~~s~

wells, Proceedings of the fourth Offshore

confenmce, Aberdeen, November, 1990.
9.

tillling

FORD, J., E. GAO., M.B. OYENEYIN and J.M.PEDEN

: The Development of mathematical models which
irtr.lind
.-Iaet..hn
n..rt;c *Fmcnnrt
u=.wr,ub, w...&
Ua...p. . .in
.. 1.
w....- hnmh~lsc
. .1 .- , Paper
No. 93-1102, CADE Conference Proceedings,
1993.

10.

7. When plug flow is present in the annulus during a milling

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.,+*1;

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i+.,
duun
LUC1l
LUG
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Upl

OYENEYIN, M.B., J.M.PEDEN, J.FORD and ERHU

P-Ath

J.T.
FORD.,
M.B.
OYENEYIN.,
GAO. E.,
M.LARUCCIA., J.M.PEDEN and D. PARKER. : A
f.-w ...
hml.a t.leanina
. . ...
h~ . T Wqd.w.
,.~--, ~er pn~
~a~km-- ..
,=
.,.
..~ ... ..~ clecicm
-+. =..
and

. w-,,

119

April,

analysis,

SPE Paper

No. 26217,

SPE

SPE 28819

THE FORMULATION OF MILLING FLUIDS FOR EFFICIENT HOLE

CLEANING - AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Petroleum Computer
Orleans, July, 1993.

Lul
n.:,.

fh

. ...!

1s Nlc.lal

Detector unit

Conference

Proceedings,

New

m
t

o
El

T
85.5cm

DIOP
Ball

SI

S14

--lr-

S12

From
Pump

Fig. 1: .%hematicdiagram of Short column

120

.
.

Return Line

Flow Meter

Sand Slurry

Sand Slurry

I
Tank 2

Tank 1

-1
Video
Camera

t
Drain

+\
Drain
I

Pump

Outer tube size

137 mm
22 ft length
o-90 DegreeS

Inner tube size

88.9 mm, 61 mm& 33.4 mm

Rotary S@:

O-150rpm

Flowrate
Tank capacity:

500 Gallons

o-3oogpm

8
Motor
Fig. 2 Schamatic diagram of the cuttings transport rig

121

Sample

Sample

No.

Size, cm

Sample

.
Interval

5ocrn

5 XO.7X0.4

S2

10

6.23

4.74

3.7 XIX0.4

30
.
. 0
10
30
.

S3

11.5x0.73x0
.23

6.32

S4

16x0.64x0.24

8.61

4.57

14x0.44x0.16

S5

S6

24x0.39x0.19

6.95

S7

10xO.56XO.19

4.73

9.05

11 .5x0.62x0 .26

S6

11.8

13xI.lxO.20

S9

9.34

16x0.64x0.25

Slo

-
S11

21 .6x0.74 x0.25

15.6

10
310
.

No test oonducted

150cm

23.60

.
.

15.50
20.60

17.60
9.60
16.11
.

36

21.1
12.83

75

.
.

.
.
.

43.4
64.4
64.4

1.72
2

1.25
0

21.2
0
0

0:
o_

0
o
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

MB
0

o_
o_
0

0
o
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

- 0 2!5
JJ.J6
0.14

0.23

0.23

%%7
- 005
0.09

0.07
.
.

X2
31

0.15
0.13
0.12

.
.

.
.

.
:

o_
o_

0
o
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

o_
o_
(J

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

0-

0
o
o

0
0
0

0
0
0

01

(II

0
0

0
0
0

-3
0.012

or
c)
Cr

0
o
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

r
0
0

0
0
0

~7
0.47
X5

0
0
0

~11
0.63

0
0
0

-%%9
- 059
0.59

O.(D2
CL
(~_

0
o
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

()
(~
0

0
o
0

0
0
0

0
0
0

(~
o_
(~

0
o
o

Table 1
Note :1.

101.4
91.5

_ 0
10
30
.
0
10
301
0
. 101
301

0
. lal
3C)

. 0
10
30

0
1()
30

. 0
10
30
.
0
10
30
m-9
0

100cm

150cm

1OOcm

50cm

~
.

. o
SI

150cm

-L

FLUID C

FLUIO B

FLUID A
1OOcm

0
0
0
settling

Velocity

0
0
0
of Swarf

0
0
YY0
0
Y-0
0

0
0
0

in Static Flulds(cmheo.)

0.04
0.03

0.14
0.13
0.12
.

=3

0.31
.

0.25

0.12

0.12

0.76
.

0.60
.

0.47

0.47

0.95
0.79
0.51
.

0.86
0.51
.

1.10

.
nald
Sam@a
Na

2a.np19

&llvk
*., am

1.2

S12

8.W

513

S14

0.7

S15

0
10
K1

4.02

o
10

t .39

a.
T1.mo.mln
o
10
30

I
0.5

I
I

150
t so

--~,,,,
0

0,25

i
O11oo11o
10
30
I

O.m

150
350
so
1s

-+
Ols.. m

S12

!.2

S.92

10
90

t 50
150

S13

4,08

1:
. .

1s0
t 50
..

%*.,

mu

Timwmin em
o
i 50

30

0
S14

0.7

1
I

1,29
::

_o
S!s

0.s

0.52

Ste

0.26

0.D2

.s9hn#

**
C&., cm

116
120
M
w
Q@
21
20
8
:::;

1
I

* .s3
1.67
1,75

I
1

2.s2
2.77

1
1

580
3e3
43s

89
D
54

50
15-.
150
150
150
tso

*60
0

0
0
0
0
0

3.04
1
10.00

0
0

.
10

1.27
!.s
,.ZU
---

I
.1
I

a
2s.22
900

1
,

1.2s
1.78

1.s0

1.s!

1so
150

2.$4
2.22

..

. ..

150

4.02

118
115
1
116

f
I

150
1*O
110

108
as
m
05
7
7s
1
70
06

t 50
10
10
0
0
0

..

1$0
160
160

I
I

I
I

140
1I 50

7N2
m

I
I

1
r
V2L
cmh

.24
1.3
t ,23

121
125
122

1.42
1.41
1.0

1Oe
1Oe
04

2,4

60
S3

!j~l~
1

150
180

150

Ruo w
.m

1
I

, .
160

:;;;

::
.00
...
300

. .
27MC
.

300
300

aim

.s
14
52
t
1

OD

V2L. i
.mh

1s0

1$0

2.59
112
*O7

g
1
21

mum A.
D13T112M2i
-

SmIF40
*

-..

-..,.

B.*

0s2
:;

s-e

1.21
f .20
1.25
9.53
1.s2
! .=
I

.0

mod

ml

DIST
em
1s0
t 50
1s0
1so
160
; ~~

~
.mls

Z.tt

?!

110
17s
Z.5S

1
1
50

VIE

107

2D0
299
sZoo

I
I
I

t so
.-.

, ,

8.44
5.23
272
306
297

FLUD r
171MCIV0..
W*1
em19w
1.s
I so
I
1,ss
150
150
[
1.01
150

160

130
t 30
130

9s0

23
20

1
f
1

emls
100
94
es
7s
70
81

2
2.!5
1.23
2.23
2.69

44
40

S12

t .2

%*
m., m

nun
Dlsllwivm
.
1s0
1
15D
150
I
+50
150
1
1s0

=.
Tklm,min
0

8,22
:

S13

0
10
30

4.02

A*3

0.7

t .30

0
10
30

0
0
0

200
300
300

S!5

0.5

0.52

0
10
30

0
0
0

300
30D
300

0
0
0

300
Soo
300

0
0.2s

0.0s

1
:

2dk3

FLUID B*1

elw,
80
64
02
et
40
30

2.40
S,07
3.81

S14

Sle

mu

m
1.s5
2.35
2.41

392ul112v91w2220r

MST
em
0
0
0

S?
2au
m
Soo
300
300

o
0
0

200
Soo
300

0
0
0
0
0
0

Soo
300
200

o
0
0

300
900
300

300
300
300

s2nls328m37mew

Pw3
B28T
em
150
150
160

V2L
Em),

I
I
I
[
1

v
emf.

3.55
2,41
3.42

42
44
43

150
1s0
160

2.s3
3,7
5.44
8,05
8.11
222

41
41
28
10
12
1

5
5
5

271
321
274

0
0
0

0
0
0

300
300
200

150
150
150

m
m
m

I
I

(cmMe)

1 FLUID
;

AZ

FLUID

B*2

_ FLUID CZ

FLUID B*

FLUID C

8.8

8.62

8.45

6.7

8.6

6.33

FLUID C*1 II FLUID A*

FLUID DENBfTY, ma

8.5

8.55

8.33

9.2

10

6.8

9.8

6.9

9.6

FLUID RHEOLOGY :
Farm-VG Reedlngs ak
600rpm
300rpm
200rDm
100rpm

i
24
21
19.5
16.5
15.5

51.5
46
42.5
40
15
12

44
35
31
25.8
15.5
14

36.4
33
31
29.6
25.6
25.5

51.5
43.5
40.5
36.5
26
27.5

83
52.5
47.1
40.5
26.5
24.6

62.5
56.5
53.1
62.5
45,1
43

60.5
75.5
69
68.5
45
44

101.2
65.6
76
66.5
45.1
40 &l
.
.=.

40
45
50

35
40
45

35
40
45

55
75
60

45
55
60

52
65
72

85
110
125

75
75
66

II
I
I

3rpm

n
~
1O.sec
1Omin
30min

27
32
32

Teble 2e

Propertied

of Ffulde Ueed to Meeeure

the Bettfing Vefooity of Steel Belle In Stetlc Flulde

123

t
smpl*

Ssmpl*

FLUID
81.4

FLLSD

A-l
8s.8

?3.0

FLUIDA-

98.6

41,s

74

83.4

41.5

lb
S12

12

&09

513

10

4.08

S14

1.39

515

0.62

39.52

S17

0.26

52.45

sUl!g.1*
Db.. m

SWlIp18
wt.. 2M8

S12

12

0.09

20.27

S13

$0

4.08

20.64

50.74

S14

1.30

00

98.3

S16

0.52

8.40

47.8

4s.49

11s.54

SO.7

S17

0,26

10.3s

50.4

56.6

132.6

102.01

FLUID
SUIIJ?40

8s
Om/sO@.

WI

4t.s
cmha.

51.s

40.25

22.s7

09.6

97.7

4s.s

77.73

62

FLuID

FI.U2D m-

I
8s
Emhe.

41.6
Em/me.

SO.21

B2

4f.6
Ellumo.

74.6
0M194E.

FLUID
Smnpl.

93.7

@l

fLulD

FLUID c-

81.4

04.s

Os.e

Emfaao.

Wllh04.

Omlue.

48.6
Online,

ok., nlm

.sml@
wt., gmg

sf2

12

6.99

S13

10

4.08

40.t4

39.22

S14

t .39

70.1

az.e

58.s7

40.81

S15

0.52

59.4

67A

76

S3.82

22.04

0.26

li.3

~c.~

?2.4S

7s.0s

41.6

-WI*
m.

S17

01n1440.

Tabla
a T#8n4pwi
vo404nv
04S2901 M@

(Olwac4)

63.4
WUlmae.

C-2
74

0WA40.

41.6
allhe.

FLUID

A**1

FLUID

A**

FLUID

A**2 I FLUID

B**1

FLUID

B**

FLUID

B*2 I FLUID

C**1 I FLUID

I
8.65

FLUID DENSITY, PP9

6.7

8.65

8.8

10.1

10.1

8.33

e.=

n
8.7

9.4

8.2

1
FLUfO RHEOLOQY
,Fenn-VQ Readings
600rpm
300rpm
200rpm
100r9m
6rpm
3rpm

1
ek

n
n
II
1

42.5
36
33
30.5
25
24.3

33.8
25.8
23
20
16.5
16

60
59
56
56
46
47

u
1
II

48.5
34
29
22.5
13.5
12.5

66
50
42
36
28
28

94
77

64
60
49
49

II
i

lb/100ftA2

30min

18
30

25
40

55
65

12
26

40
65

33

55

65

46

75

Teble 3s

Properties

of Fluide Ueed to Meaeure

Gel
Time,min

Sample
No.

Sampie
Size, cm

Sample
wt., gms

S4

16x0.64x.024

8.61

10
30

S6

24x0.39x0.19

6.95

10
30

The Treneport

60
75
90
Veloolty

Settling Velo.

1
n

35
45
50

of Steel Belle

in

0.09
0.09
0.13
oc~~

11.5x0.82 x0.26

9.05
I

12.5x0. 17x0. 11

Tabie 4

11.8

Maan Velocity

10
30
10
30

Required to Tmnaport

Threshold

Transport.

34.19

19.52

1.53

S9

28
35
40

!
M

S8

68
57
52
45
30
28

i
Gel Strength,
1Osec
10min

44
36
32
27
16
15

32.69

0.59
0.86
0.52

30.13
9

Milled SWarf

FLUID

C*2

FLUID A

Rpg

FLUID C

8.35

8.75

8.85

1
I

I..

FLUID B

FLUID DENSflY,

I
I

1
FLUID RHEOLOGY :
Farm-VG Readings St:
90
67
59
49

52.5

39
34
31.5
30
27
26.7

600rpm
300rpm
200rpm
loorpm
6rpm
3rpm

40
35
30
26
24

26
23
4

Gel Strength,
1Osec
lomin

lb/100ftA2
50
55

30min

Table

1a

Properties

of Fluids Used to Meaeure

Velocity

of Swarf

35
44

38
60
60

40

in Stetic

50

the Settling

Fluids

w
FLUID DENSflY,

ppg

8.31

9.2
I
FLUfD RHEOLOGY
..- m - *--FaiIn-vra n~dmg=

-*.
WL.
67.5

600rpm
300rpm
200rpm
1OOrpm

57
51
44

6rvm
3rpm
Gel Strength,
1Osec

26
Ibll OOftA2
40

l~_l

49
50

30min

Table 4a properties of Fluid Usad to Measure the

-* -1.-1-I D--..1 .-A Trmn*nnri Swarf
Mean veiocity or rwm nqullw
.0 . .--r-..
_..-.

126