Drilling Hydraulics Formulae

Equations Remarks Limitations
HHPt = (Pt x Q)/1714 Hydraulic horsepower Steady state, eld

units
Re = 928VD/ Reynolds number Field units
= y + p Shear Rate Non newtonian
uids - Bingham
Plastic
= n Shear Rate
Pseudoplastic uid
(n <1), a Newtonian
uid (n = 1), or a
dilatant uid (n >
1)
Non newtonian
uids - Power law
Minimum pressure
required for ow
Non newtonian
(pipe), eld units,
Minimum pressure
required for ow
Non newtonian
(annulus), eld
units
P = (32vL)/d
2
Hagen-Poiseiulle Isothermal,
laminar newtonian
ow in pipes
dP/dL= v/1500d
2
Pressure loss in ow Newtonian ow in
a pipe, eld units
Pressure loss in ow Newtonian ow in
an annulus , eld
units
Rheology Models
The minimum pressure required before a non-
Newtonian uid begins to ow can be calculated
using the following co-relations:
dP/dL = g (pipe)
300d
and
dP/dL = g (annulus)
300(d2-d1)
Tuesday, April 9, 13
Rheology Models
The minimum pressure required before a non-
Newtonian uid begins to ow can be calculated
using the following co-relations:
dP/dL = g (pipe)
300d
and
dP/dL = g (annulus)
300(d2-d1)
Laminar Flow in Pipes and Annuli
Converting to eld units we have the equation for the pressure

loss for the ow of
Newtonian Fluid in a pipe:
dP/dL= v/1500d
2

With some mathematical manipulation an equation for the ow
of Newtonian Fluid in an annulus can be derived:
16

dP
dL
v
= 1500
d
2
2
d
2
1
+
d
2
2
d
2
1
_
_
d
2
d
1
ln

Equation 8 Newtonian Flow in Annuli

Both of the above equations are expressed in eld units.
4.1.2 Bingham Plastic Fluids
Analytical expressions for the isothermal, laminar ow of Non-Newtonian uids
can be derived by following essentially the same steps used for Newtonian uids.
The equation for the frictional pressure loss in a pipe whilst circulating a Bingham
Plastic Fluid is given by :

dP
=

p
v
dL 1,500d
2
225d
+
y

Equation 9 Bingham Plastic Flow in Pipes

The equation for the frictional pressure loss in an annulus whilst circulating a
Bingham Plastic Fluid is given by :

dP
=

p
v
dL 1000(d
2
-d
1
)
2
200(d
2
-d
1
)
+
y
Equation 10 Bingham Plastic Flow in Annuli
4.1.3 Power Law Fluid
As in the case of the Bingham Plastic Fluid the development of expressions for the
pressure loss in pipes and annuli when circulating Power law Fluids is similar to
that for a Newtonian uid. The equation for the frictional pressure loss in a pipe
whilst circulating a Power law Fluid is given by :

dP
=
kv
dL 144,000d
(1+n)
0.0416
3+
1
/n
n

Equation 11 Power Law Flow in Pipes
Pressure loss in
laminar owing Non
newtonian uids
Pipes, eld units -
Bingham Plastic
Pressure loss in
laminar owing Non
newtonian uids
Annulus, eld units
- Bingham Plastic
Pressure loss in
laminar owing Non
newtonian uids
Pipes, eld units -
Power Law
Pressure loss in
laminar owing Non
newtonian uids
Annulus, eld units
- Power Law
Newtonian ow in a
pipe, eld units
Turbulent ow
Newtonian ow in a
pipe, eld units
Turbulent ow -
smooth pipes,
moderate Re
Apparent viscosity,
eld units - Bingham
Plastic
Used in Re
calculations
Apparent viscosity-
annulus, eld units -
Bingham Plastic
Used in Re
calculations
Apparent viscosity,
eld units - Power law
Used in Re
calculations
No friction, eld units Velocity of
discharge from bit
nozzle
Analytical expressions for the isothermal, laminar ow of
Non-Newtonian uids can be derived by following essentially
the same steps used for Newtonian uids. The equation for the
frictional pressure loss in a pipe whilst circulating a Bingham
16

dP
dL
v
= 1500
d
2
2
d
2
1
+
d
2
2
d
2
1
_
_
d
2
d
1
ln



dP
=

p
v
dL 1,500d
2
225d
+
y



dP
=

p
v
dL 1000(d
2
-d
1
)
2
200(d
2
-d
1
)
+
y

dP
=
kv
dL 144,000d
(1+n)
0.0416
3+
1
/n
n

The equation for the frictional pressure loss in an annulus
whilst circulating a Bingham Plastic Fluid is given by :
16

dP
dL
v
= 1500
d
2
2
d
2
1
+
d
2
2
d
2
1
_
_
d
2
d
1
ln



dP
=

p
v
dL 1,500d
2
225d
+
y



dP
=

p
v
dL 1000(d
2
-d
1
)
2
200(d
2
-d
1
)
+
y

dP
=
kv
dL 144,000d
(1+n)
0.0416
3+
1
/n
n

The expression for the pressure loss in pipes when circulating
Power Law Fluids is similar to that for a Newtonian uid.
The equation for the frictional pressure loss in a pipe whilst
circulating a Power law Fluid is given by :
16

dP
dL
v
= 1500
d
2
2
d
2
1
+
d
2
2
d
2
1
_
_
d
2
d
1
ln



dP
=

p
v
dL 1,500d
2
225d
+
y



dP
=

p
v
dL 1000(d
2
-d
1
)
2
200(d
2
-d
1
)
+
y

dP
=
kv
dL 144,000d
(1+n)
0.0416
3+
1
/n
n

The equation for the frictional pressure loss in an annulus
Hydraulics
17
Institute of Petroleum Engineering, Heriot-Watt University
Power law Fluid is given by :

dP
=
kv
dL 144,000d(d
2
-d
1
)
(1+n)
0.0208
2+
1
/n
n

Equation 12 Power Law Flow in Annuli

Once again both of the above equations are expressed in eld units.
EXERCISE 2 Pressure loss in Laminar Flow
a. Calculate the velocity of a fluid flowing through a 5" 19.5 lb/ft drillpipe
(I.D.= 4.276") at 150 gpm.
b. Determine the pressure loss in the above situation if the fluid is a Bingham
Plastic fluid with a plastic viscosity of 20 cp, a yield point of 15 lb/100 sq. ft
and density is 10 ppg.
c. Calculate the pressure loss in the above situation if the fluid was a Power
Law fluid with an non-Newtonian Index of 0.75 and a consistency index of 70 eq cp
4.2 Turbulent Flow
When the drilling uid is pumped at a high rate the uid laminae become unstable
and break into a chaotic, diffused ow pattern. The uid is then in turbulent
ow. The transfer of momentum caused by this chaotic uid movement causes
the velocity distribution to become more uniform across the centre portion of the
conduit than for laminar ow. However, a thin boundary layer of uid near the pipe
walls generally remains in laminar ow. A schematic representation of turbulent
pipe ow is shown in Figure 12.
v avge.
Velocity Profile

Figure 12 Turbulent Flow Prole In Pipes
Drill 16-08-10
Turbulent Flow
in Pipes and Annuli
The Fanning equation for the pressure losses in
turbulent ow of a Newtonian uid in a pipe is
derived from incorporating a control factor in the
pressure loss equation:
where the friction factor, f dened by this equation
is called the Fanning friction factor.
18
A mathematical development of ow equations for turbulent ow has not been
possible to date. However, a large amount of experimental work has been done in
straight sections of circular pipe and annuli, and the factors inuencing the onset
of turbulence and the frictional pressure losses due to turbulent ow have been
identied.
4.2.1 Determination of Laminar/Turbulent Boundary in a Non
Newtonian Fluids
An accurate turbulence criteria, in other words the point at which the ow theoretically
changes from Laminar to Turbulent ow, is required for non-Newtonian uids. In
the case of Newtonian uids this determination is based on the Reynolds number.
However, since there is no single parameter that denes the rheological properties
of a Non-Newtonian uid, such as the Newtonian viscosity, we have to establish an
apparent Newtonian viscosity for the Non - Newtonian uid. The second problem
is that in the case of of annular ow there is no single value for pipe diameter in the
above equation.
4.2.2 Turbulent Flow of Newtonian Fluids in Pipes
The equation for the pressure losses in turbulent ow of a Newtonian uid in a pipe
is derived from incorporating a control factor in the pressure loss equation:

dP
= 4f
v
2
dL 2d

Equation 13 Fanning Equation for Pressure Loss

This equation is known as the Fanning Equation and the friction factor, f dened
by this equation is called the Fanning friction factor. All of the terms in this
equation, except for the friction factor, can be determined from the operating
parameters. The friction factor, f is a function of the Reynolds Number N
Re
and
a term called the relative roughness, e/d. The relative roughness is dened as the
ratio of absolute roughness, e, to the pipe diameter where the absolute roughness
represents the average depth of pipe-wall irregularities. A plot of friction factor
against Reynolds number on log-log paper is called a Fanning chart (Figure 13).
Turbulent Flow
in Pipes and Annuli
A simplied turbulent ow equation can be
developed for smooth pipe and moderate
Reynolds numbers:
for a circular pipe where e/d = 0 and Re is between
2,100 and 100,000.
20

f =
0.0791
N
Re
0.25
Equation 16 Blasius modication of Colebrook Approximation
where 2,100 < N
Re
> 100,000 and e/d = 0.
In addition, the Fanning equation can be applied to laminar ow if the friction factor
for the laminar region is dened by:

F
N
=
16
Re
Once it is possible to determine the value of f then the Fanning equation can be
re-arranged for the calculation of frictional pressure drop due to turbulent ow in
circular pipe. Re-arranging and converting to eld units gives:

dP
=
fv
2
dL 25.8d
Equation 17 Pressure Loss in Turbulent Flow in Pipes
Using Equation 17, a simplied turbulent ow equation can be developed for
smooth pipe and moderate Reynolds numbers:

dP
=
0.75
q
1.75
0.25
dL d
4.75
Equation 18 Pressure Loss in Smooth Pipes and Moderate Numbers
The above equation is only valid for circular pipe where e/d = 0 and N
Re
is between
2,100 and 100,000. Equation 18 is in a form that readily identies the relative
importance of the various hydraulic parameters on turbulent frictional pressure loss.
For example, it can be shown that changing from 4.5in. to 5in. drillpipe would
reduce the pressure loss in the drillpipe by about a factor of two.
4.2.3 Extension of Pipe Flow Equations to Annular Geometry
A large amount of experimental work relating owrate to pressure losses has been
conducted in circular pipes. Unfortunately however, very little experimental work
has been conducted in ow conduits of other shapes, such as annular geometries.
When noncircular ow conduits are encountered, a common practice is to calculate
an effective circular diameter such that the ow behaviour in a circular pipe of
that diameter would be roughly equivalent to the ow behaviour in the noncircular
Turbulent Flow
in Pipes and Annuli
The apparent viscosity most often used is obtained
by comparing the laminar ow equations for
Newtonian and Bingham plastic uids. For example,
combining the pipe ow equation for the Newtonian
and Bingham plastic model yields an equation for
a, the apparent Newtonian viscosity:
22
4.2.4 Turbulent Flow of Bingham Plastic Fluids in Pipes and Annuli
The frictional pressure loss associated with the turbulent ow of a Bingham plastic
uid is affected primarily by density and plastic viscosity. Whilst the yield point
of the uid affects the frictional pressure loss in laminar ow, in fully turbulent
ow the yield point is no longer a highly signicant parameter. It has been found
empirically that the frictional pressure loss associated with the turbulent ow of a
Bingham plastic uid can be predicted using the equations developed for Newtonian
uids. The plastic viscosity is simply substituted for the Newtonian viscosity.
This substitution can also be made in the Reynolds number used in the Colebrook
function dened by Equation 14 or in the simplied turbulent ow equation given
by Equation 18.
These equations are however only appropriate when the ow is in turbulence.
There must therefore be an equation which can be used to determine the point at
which the ow enters turbulence. The obvious solution is to use a modied form of
the Reynolds number. There are two problems associated with using the Reynolds
number criterion. The rst is that this criterion was designed for pipe ow and
an equivalent diameter must be used if the uid is owing in an annulus. The
second problem is that non-Newtonian uids such as Bingham Plastic uids do not
have a single parameter representation of viscosity. In the case of Bingham Plastic
uids a representative apparent viscosity is developed. The apparent viscosity most
often used is obtained by comparing the laminar ow equations for Newtonian
and Bingham plastic uids. For example, combining the pipe ow equation for
the Newtonian and Bingham plastic model yields an equation for
a
, the apparent
Newtonian viscosity:

e
= +
6.66
d
v
Equation 23 Apparent Newtonian Viscosity for Bingham Fluid in Pipes
A similar comparison of the laminar ow equations for Newtonian and Bingham
uids in an annulus yields:

e
= +
5
(d
2
_
d
1
)
v
Equation 24 Apparent Newtonian Viscosity for Bingham Fluid in Annuli
These apparent viscosities can be used in place of the Newtonian viscosity in the
Reynolds number formula. As in the case of Newtonian uids, a Reynolds number
greater than 2,100 is taken as an indication that the ow pattern is turbulent.
Turbulent Flow
in Pipes and Annuli
A similar comparison of the laminar ow equations
for Newtonian and Bingham uids in an annulus
yields:
These apparent viscosities can be used in place of
the Newtonian viscosity in the Reynolds number
formula. As in the case of Newtonian uids, a
Reynolds number greater than 2,100 is taken as an
indication that the ow pattern is turbulent.
22
4.2.4 Turbulent Flow of Bingham Plastic Fluids in Pipes and Annuli
The frictional pressure loss associated with the turbulent ow of a Bingham plastic
uid is affected primarily by density and plastic viscosity. Whilst the yield point
of the uid affects the frictional pressure loss in laminar ow, in fully turbulent
ow the yield point is no longer a highly signicant parameter. It has been found
empirically that the frictional pressure loss associated with the turbulent ow of a
Bingham plastic uid can be predicted using the equations developed for Newtonian
uids. The plastic viscosity is simply substituted for the Newtonian viscosity.
This substitution can also be made in the Reynolds number used in the Colebrook
function dened by Equation 14 or in the simplied turbulent ow equation given
by Equation 18.
These equations are however only appropriate when the ow is in turbulence.
There must therefore be an equation which can be used to determine the point at
which the ow enters turbulence. The obvious solution is to use a modied form of
the Reynolds number. There are two problems associated with using the Reynolds
number criterion. The rst is that this criterion was designed for pipe ow and
an equivalent diameter must be used if the uid is owing in an annulus. The
second problem is that non-Newtonian uids such as Bingham Plastic uids do not
have a single parameter representation of viscosity. In the case of Bingham Plastic
uids a representative apparent viscosity is developed. The apparent viscosity most
often used is obtained by comparing the laminar ow equations for Newtonian
and Bingham plastic uids. For example, combining the pipe ow equation for
the Newtonian and Bingham plastic model yields an equation for
a
, the apparent

e
= +
6.66
d
v
Equation 23 Apparent Newtonian Viscosity for Bingham Fluid in Pipes
A similar comparison of the laminar ow equations for Newtonian and Bingham
uids in an annulus yields:

e
= +
5
(d
2
_
d
1
)
v
Equation 24 Apparent Newtonian Viscosity for Bingham Fluid in Annuli
These apparent viscosities can be used in place of the Newtonian viscosity in the
Reynolds number formula. As in the case of Newtonian uids, a Reynolds number
greater than 2,100 is taken as an indication that the ow pattern is turbulent.
Turbulent Flow
in Pipes and Annuli
Turbulent Flow of Power Law Fluids in Pipes and
Annuli
Dodge and Metzner have published a turbulent
ow correlation for uids that follow the power-
law model.
As in the case of Bingham Plastic uids, an
apparent viscosity for use in the Reynolds number
criterion is obtained by comparing the laminar ow
equations for Newtonian and power-law uids.
Hydraulics
23
4.2.5 Turbulent Flow of Power Law Fluids in Pipes and Annuli
Dodge and Metzner have published a turbulent ow correlation for uids that follow
the power-law model. Their correlation has gained widespread acceptance in the
petroleum industry. As in the case of Bingham Plastic uids, an apparent viscosity
for use in the Reynolds number criterion is obtained by comparing the laminar
ow equations for Newtonian and power-law uids. For example, combining the
Newtonian and power-law equations for laminar ow yields an equation for
a
, the
apparent

v
a
=
Kd
3 + 1/n
(1 - n)
(1 - n)
96 0.0416
n
Equation 25 Apparent Newtonian Viscosity for Power Law Fluid in Pipes

Substituting the apparent viscosity in the Reynolds number equation gives:

N
v
k
d
n
n
Re
( )

, .
/
=
+
89 100 0 0416
3 1
2
Equation 26 Reynolds Number for Power Law Fluid in Pipes

As in the case of the Bingham plastic model, the use of the apparent viscosity concept
in the calculation of Reynolds number does not yield accurate friction factors when
used with the Colebrook function. However, Dodge and Metzner developed a new
empirical friction factor correlation for use with the Reynolds number given by
Equation 26. The friction factor correlation is given by:

n
0.75
n
1.2
1/f =
4.0
log (N
Re
f
1 - n/2
)-
0.395
Equation 27 Friction Factor Correlation for for Power Law Fluids
The correlation was developed only for smooth pipe. However, this is not a severe
limitation for most drilling uid applications. A graphical representation of Equation
27 is shown in Figure 14. The upper line on this graph is for n=1 and is identical to
the smooth pipeline on Figure 13.
The critical Reynolds number, above which the ow pattern is turbulent, is a function
of the ow-behaviour index n. It is recommended that the critical Reynolds number
for a given n value be taken from Figure 14 as the starting point of the turbulent
ow line for the given n value. For example, the critical Reynolds number for an n
value of 0.2 is 4,200.

Drill 16-08-10
FRICTIONAL PRESSURE DROP
ACROSS THE BIT
The pressure loss across a nozzle is given by:
In eld units of psi, ppg, fps and ft and substituting
the symbol P
b
for the pressure drop (P
1
- P
2
) and
solving this equation for the nozzle velocity v
n
yields
where,
Pb = Pressure Loss across the nozzle (psi)
= Density of the Fluid (ppg)
vn = velocity of discharge (feet per second)
Hydraulics
25

N
Re
=
109,000v
n
(2 - n) n
d
2
-d
1
)
Equation 30 Reynolds Number for Power Law Flow in Annuli
5. FRICTIONAL PRESSURE DROP ACROSS THE BIT
A schematic of incompressible ow through a short constriction, such as a bit
nozzle, is shown in Figure 15. In practice, it is generally assumed that:
1. the change in pressure due to a change in elevation is negligible.
2. the velocity v
o
upstream of the nozzle is negligible, compared with the nozzle
velocity v
n

3. the frictional pressure loss across the nozzle is negligible.
P
1
-8.074x10
-4
v
2
n
=p
2
Equation 31 Pressure below a nozzle
In eld units of psi, ppg, fps and ft and substituting the symbol P
b
for the pressure
drop (P
1
- P
2
) and solving this equation for the nozzle velocity v
n
yields:

v
n
=
P
b
8.074x10
-4
Equation 32 Theoretical Nozzle Velocity

where,
P
b
= Pressure Loss across the nozzle (psi)
v
n
= velocity of discharge (feet per second)

Drill 16-08-10
Hydraulics
25

N
Re
=
109,000v
n
(2 - n) n
d
2
-d
1
)
Equation 30 Reynolds Number for Power Law Flow in Annuli
5. FRICTIONAL PRESSURE DROP ACROSS THE BIT
A schematic of incompressible ow through a short constriction, such as a bit
nozzle, is shown in Figure 15. In practice, it is generally assumed that:
1. the change in pressure due to a change in elevation is negligible.
2. the velocity v
o
upstream of the nozzle is negligible, compared with the nozzle
velocity v
n

3. the frictional pressure loss across the nozzle is negligible.
P
1
-8.074x10
-4
v
2
n
=p
2
Equation 31 Pressure below a nozzle
In eld units of psi, ppg, fps and ft and substituting the symbol P
b
for the pressure
drop (P
1
- P
2
) and solving this equation for the nozzle velocity v
n
yields:

v
n
=
P
b
8.074x10
-4
Equation 32 Theoretical Nozzle Velocity

where,
P
b
= Pressure Loss across the nozzle (psi)
v
n
= velocity of discharge (feet per second)

Drill 16-08-10
Compensated for
friction, eld units
Velocity of
discharge from bit
nozzle
Multiple nozzle rock
bit
Nozzles are
assumed to have
the same size
Pressure loss across
bit
Valid for both
Newtonian and
Non Newtonian
liquids
Predicting optimum
bit pressure
n is approximated
at 1.85
Maximum allowable
bit surface pressure
for optimization
(graphical)
Optimum circulating
pressure (graphical)
Optimum nozzle area
(graphical)
ACROSS THE BIT
The exit velocity predicted for a given pressure
drop across the bit, Pb, is never realised. The
actual velocity is always smaller than the velocity
computed primarily because the assumption of
frictionless ow is not strictly true.
To compensate for this diference, a correction
factor or discharge coefcient Cd is usually
introduced so that the modied equation:
Where, Cd = 0.95 - 0.98
26
Drilling Fluid
Bit Nozzle
Bottom of Hole Jet
P1
P2
V

Figure 15 Discharge Through a Nozzle
The exit velocity predicted by Equation 32 for a given pressure drop across the
bit, P
b
, is never realised. The actual velocity is always smaller than the velocity
computed using Equation 32 primarily because the assumption of frictionless ow is
not strictly true. To compensate for this difference, a correction factor or discharge
coefcient C
d
is usually introduced so that the modied equation:

v
n
= C
d
P
b
8.074x10
-4
Equation 33 Nozzle Velocity including Coefcient of Discharge

will result in the observed value for nozzle velocity. The discharge coefcient may
be as high as 0.98 but the recommended value is 0.95.
A rock bit has more than one nozzle, usually having the same number of nozzles as
cones. When more than one nozzle is present, the pressure drop applied across all
of the nozzles must be the same. If the pressure drop is the same for each nozzle,
the velocities through all nozzles are equal. In eld units, the nozzle velocity, v
n
is
given by:

v
n
=
q
3.117A
t
Equation 34 Total Velocity through Nozzles

where v
n
has units of feet per second, q has units of gallons per minute, and A
t

has units of square inches. Combining Equations 33 and 34 and solving for the
pressure drop across the bit, P
b
yields:
ACROSS THE BIT
A rock bit has more than one nozzle, usually having
the same number of nozzles as cones. For >1
nozzle, the pressure drop applied across all of the
nozzles must be the same. For this, the velocities
through all nozzles are equal and in eld units,
where,
vn - ft/s
q - gpm
At - in
2
26
Drilling Fluid
Bit Nozzle
Bottom of Hole Jet
P1
P2
V

Figure 15 Discharge Through a Nozzle
The exit velocity predicted by Equation 32 for a given pressure drop across the
bit, P
b
, is never realised. The actual velocity is always smaller than the velocity
computed using Equation 32 primarily because the assumption of frictionless ow is
not strictly true. To compensate for this difference, a correction factor or discharge
coefcient C
d
is usually introduced so that the modied equation:

v
n
= C
d
P
b
8.074x10
-4
Equation 33 Nozzle Velocity including Coefcient of Discharge

will result in the observed value for nozzle velocity. The discharge coefcient may
be as high as 0.98 but the recommended value is 0.95.
A rock bit has more than one nozzle, usually having the same number of nozzles as
cones. When more than one nozzle is present, the pressure drop applied across all
of the nozzles must be the same. If the pressure drop is the same for each nozzle,
the velocities through all nozzles are equal. In eld units, the nozzle velocity, v
n
is
given by:

v
n
=
q
3.117A
t
Equation 34 Total Velocity through Nozzles

where v
n
has units of feet per second, q has units of gallons per minute, and A
t

has units of square inches. Combining Equations 33 and 34 and solving for the
pressure drop across the bit, P
b
yields:
ACROSS THE BIT
Combining Equations and solving for the pressure
drop across the bit, Pb yields:
Since the viscous frictional efects are essentially
negligible for ow through short nozzles, this
equation is valid for both Newtonian and non-
Newtonian liquids.
Hydraulics
27

P
b
=
8.311x10
-5
q
2
C
d
2
A
t
2
Equation 35 Total Pressure Drop Across Nozzles

Since the viscous frictional effects are essentially negligible for ow through short
nozzles, Equation 35 is valid for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids.
Bit nozzle diameters are often expressed in 32nds of an inch. For example, if the
bit nozzles are described as 12-13-13 this denotes that the bit contains one nozzle
having a diameter of
12
/
32
in. and two nozzles having a diameter of
13
/
32
in.
6. OPTIMISING THE HYDRAULICS OF THE CIRCULATING SYSTEM
6.1 Designing for Optimum Hydraulics
The two major aims of an optimum hydraulics programme are:
To clean the hole effectively
To make best use of power available to drill the hole.
To achieve the rst aim the hydraulics must be designed so that the annular velocity
never falls below a pre-determined minimum for lifting cuttings (say 130 ft/min).
The second aim is attainable by ensuring that the optimum pressure drop occurs
across the bit. Since this pressure drop will depend on circulation rate some careful
designing is required to satisfy both objectives.
There are two different approaches to optimum hydraulics design:
a. Maximise the Hydraulic Horsepower at the Bit
This assumes that the best method of cleaning the hole is to concentrate as much
uid energy as possible at the bit.
b. Maximise the Hydraulic Impact at the Bit
This assumes that the most effective method is to maximise the force with which
the uid hits the bottom of the hole.
The more popular approach is to maximise the hydraulic horsepower at the bit and
this will be dealt with in more detail.
a. Maximising Hydraulic Horsepower
The source of all hydraulic power is the pump input from the mudpumps. The
hydraulic horsepower at the pump is therefore given by:

HHP
t
= input HP x E
m

Equation 36 Hydraulic Horsepower at the Bit

Drill 16-08-10
Graphical Method of Optimizing the
Hydraulic Programme
Hydraulics
31
Generally, laminar ow occurs in the annulus, while turbulent ow occurs in the
drill string. Turbulent ow is generally avoided in the annulus since it may cause
washouts in the formation by erosion.
6.3 Graphical Method for Optimization of Hydraulics Programme
Given that the power and pressure limitations of the system the geometry of the
circulating system and the uid properties are to a great extent xed, the only control
that an engineer has over the optimization process is to select the pump rate and
nozzles for the bit. The following method may be used to determine the optimum
nozzle conguration and pumping rates. These calculations would be performed on
the rigsite with information gathered just before pulling one bit from the hole and
prior to running the next bit in hole.
1. Determine and draw the following lines on a log/log chart of Pressure vs. owrate.

a) Maximum owrate, Q
max
(i.e. critical velocity).
b) Minimum owrate, Q
min
(i.e. slip velocity).
c) Maximum allowable surface pressure, P
max

Note :
1. the critical velocity is the velocity below which the uid in the annulus is in
laminar ow.
2. the slip velocity is the velocity below which the cuttings will settle onto and
form a bed on the low side wall of the wellbore.
2. Record pump-pressures (P
surf
) for three different pump rates, just before pulling the bit.
3. Calculate the bit pressure loss (P
bit
) for each pumprate.

xQ
2

564 A
n
2
P
bit
=
where,
P
bit
= pressure loss across the bit, psi
= density of the mud, psi/ft
Q = owrate, gpm
A
n
= Total ow area through the bit, in
2
4. Calculate the pressure loss through the circulating system (P
circ
) for each owrate
P
circ
= P
surf
- P
bit
5. Plot P
circ
vs. Q on the log/log chart and draw a line between the points.
6. Measure the slope (n) of the line. Determine the value of W from Table 1
7. Calculate the optimum circulating system pressure loss (P
circ.opt
).
Drill 16-08-10
Hydraulics
31
Generally, laminar ow occurs in the annulus, while turbulent ow occurs in the
drill string. Turbulent ow is generally avoided in the annulus since it may cause
washouts in the formation by erosion.
6.3 Graphical Method for Optimization of Hydraulics Programme
Given that the power and pressure limitations of the system the geometry of the
circulating system and the uid properties are to a great extent xed, the only control
that an engineer has over the optimization process is to select the pump rate and
nozzles for the bit. The following method may be used to determine the optimum
nozzle conguration and pumping rates. These calculations would be performed on
the rigsite with information gathered just before pulling one bit from the hole and
prior to running the next bit in hole.
1. Determine and draw the following lines on a log/log chart of Pressure vs. owrate.

a) Maximum owrate, Q
max
(i.e. critical velocity).
b) Minimum owrate, Q
min
(i.e. slip velocity).
c) Maximum allowable surface pressure, P
max

Note :
1. the critical velocity is the velocity below which the uid in the annulus is in
laminar ow.
2. the slip velocity is the velocity below which the cuttings will settle onto and
form a bed on the low side wall of the wellbore.
2. Record pump-pressures (P
surf
) for three different pump rates, just before pulling the bit.
3. Calculate the bit pressure loss (P
bit
) for each pumprate.

xQ
2

564 A
n
2
P
bit
=
where,
P
bit
= pressure loss across the bit, psi
= density of the mud, psi/ft
Q = owrate, gpm
A
n
= Total ow area through the bit, in
2
4. Calculate the pressure loss through the circulating system (P
circ
) for each owrate
P
circ
= P
surf
- P
bit
5. Plot P
circ
vs. Q on the log/log chart and draw a line between the points.
6. Measure the slope (n) of the line. Determine the value of W from Table 1
7. Calculate the optimum circulating system pressure loss (P
circ.opt
).
Drill 16-08-10
Wednesday, April 10, 13
Designing for Optimum Hydraulics
The maxima and minima will occur when the above equals
zero:
Hydraulics
29
where,
k and n = constants for the system (includes wellbore geometry, mud properties, etc)
Substituting for P
S
in equation 39 yields:

HHP
b
=
P
t
Q
1714
KQ
n
Q
1714
HHP
b
=
P
t
Q
1714
KQ
(n+1)
1714
Equation 41 Pressure Loss Across Bit When Horsepower at the Bit is Maximum
or
Differentiating with respect to Q to nd maximum HHP

dHHP
b
=
P
t
1714 dQ
(n+1)KQ
n
1714

The maxima and minima will occur when the above equals zero:
P
t
= (n+1)kQ
n
P
t
= (n+1)P
s
or

P
s
= P
t
1
(n +1)

P
b
= P
t
P
s
or

P
b
=
n
(n+1)
P
t

It is generally found in circulation rate tests that n is approximately equal to 1.85
and therefore for maximum HHP
b
the optimum pressure drop at the bit (P
b
) should
be 65% of the total discharge pressure at the pump. This condition must be built
into the hydraulics programme to achieve maximum efciency.
Note that P
t
remains constant throughout.
b. Maximising Hydraulic Impact
The purpose of the jet nozzles is to improve the cleaning action of the drilling
uid at the bottom of the hole. Before jet bits were introduced, rock chips were
not removed efciently and much of the bit life was consumed regrinding the rock
fragments. While the cleaning action of the jet is not well understood, several
investigators have concluded that the cleaning action is maximized if the total
hydraulic impact force is jetted against the hole bottom. If it is assumed that the jet
Drill 16-08-10
Hydraulic Programme
P
circ.opt
= W x P
max
Note : W is a factor dependant on the value of the exponent n in
the empirical equation relating owrate to pressure loss in the
circulating system.
8. The intersection of P
circ.opt
with the P
circ
line on the chart
species the optimum owrate (Q
opt
).
9. Calculate optimum nozzle area :
10. Obtain optimum nozzle sizes for next bit run.
32
P
circ.opt
= W x P
max
Note : W is a factor dependant on the value of the exponent n in the empirical
equation relating owrate to pressure loss in the circulating system.
circ.opt
with the P
circ
line on the chart species the optimum
owrate (Q
opt
).

Nozzle area =
Q
opt
23.75
P
max
-P
circ.opt
10. Obtain optimum nozzle sizes for next bit run from Table 2.
n 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0
W IF 0.50 0.51 0.53 0.54 0.56 0.57 0.59 0.61 0.60 0.65 0.67
W HHP 0.33 0.34 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.40 0.42 0.43 0.45 0.48 0.50
Table 1 Circulating System Factor

Hydraulic Programme
P
circ.opt
= W x P
max
Note : W is a factor dependant on the value of the exponent n in
the empirical equation relating owrate to pressure loss in the
circulating system.
circ.opt
with the P
circ
line on the chart
species the optimum owrate (Q
opt
).
10. Obtain optimum nozzle sizes for next bit run.
32
P
circ.opt
= W x P
max
Note : W is a factor dependant on the value of the exponent n in the empirical
equation relating owrate to pressure loss in the circulating system.
circ.opt
with the P
circ
line on the chart species the optimum
owrate (Q
opt
).

Nozzle area =
Q
opt
23.75
P
max
-P
circ.opt
10. Obtain optimum nozzle sizes for next bit run from Table 2.
n 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0
W IF 0.50 0.51 0.53 0.54 0.56 0.57 0.59 0.61 0.60 0.65 0.67
W HHP 0.33 0.34 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.40 0.42 0.43 0.45 0.48 0.50
Table 1 Circulating System Factor


Drilling Hydraulics Formulae

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Drilling Hydraulics Formulae

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Equations Remarks Limitations

HHPt = (Pt x Q)/1714 Hydraulic horsepower Steady state, eld

Converting to eld units we have the equation for the pressure

Equation 26 Reynolds Number for Power Law Fluid in Pipes

Equation 32 Theoretical Nozzle Velocity

Equation 32 Theoretical Nozzle Velocity

Equation 33 Nozzle Velocity including Coefcient of Discharge

Equation 33 Nozzle Velocity including Coefcient of Discharge

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