Pressure Loss in The Drill String
Pressure Loss in The Drill String
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
The circulation system of a drilling well consists of several components or
intervals, each of which is subject to a specific pressure drop. The sum of
the pressure drops of these intervals are equal to the total pressure loss of the system or to
the measured pressure of the vertical tube. The figure is a schematic diagram of the system of
circulation. This figure can be simplified in the manner indicated in the figure, which
illustrate the relative flow area of each interval.
The total pressure loss for this system can be mathematically described as:
Total Power = Equipment Surface Power + Column Performance Power + Drill Power + Annular Space Power
Each of these pressure groups can be divided into its components and calculations.
appropriate.
2. SURFACE EQUIPMENT
Surface pressure losses include losses between the tube manometer.
vertical and the drilling pipe. This includes the vertical tube, the kelly hose,
swivel joint and the kelly or the travelling rotary. To calculate the pressure loss in the
superficial connections, use the API pipe formula for pressure loss
in the drilling pipe.
3. DRILLING COLUMN
The pressure loss in the drilling column is equal to the sum of the losses of
pressure in all intervals of the drilling column, including the pipe of
drilling, the packers, the downhole motors, the tools of
MWD/LWD/PWD or any other downhole tool.
3.1. FRICTION FACTOR
The pressure loss in the drilling column is equal to the sum of
the pressure losses in all sections of the drilling column, including the
drilling pipe, the drill bits, the downhole motors, the tools of
MWD/LWD/PWD or any other downhole tool.
If the Reynolds number is less than or equal to 2100:
Yes, it is greater than 2100:
()
Where:
Vp = Speed (feet/min)
D = DI of the pipe (in.)
ρ = Density (lb/gal)
L = Length (feet)
()
( )
In the case of core drill bits or diamond cutters, the Total Flow Area
(TFA) and the appropriate conversion factors are substituted within the equation for
obtain
()
( )
Where:
ρ = Density (lb/gal)
Q = Flow rate (gpm)
Total Flow Area (sq. in.)
ANULAR SPACE
The total pressure loss in the annular space is the sum of all pressure losses from
annular interval. Annular intervals are divided by each change in hydraulic diameter.
Any change in the outer diameter of the drilling column and/or any change in the
interior diameter of the casing pipe, short casing pipe or open well
it would result in a change in the hydraulic diameter. As with the loss equations
drilling column pressure, the friction factor must be determined before
calculate the pressure loss for each annular section.
( )
( )
( )
( )
Where:
D2 = Inner diameter of the well or casing pipe (inches)
DE (outside diameter) of the drilling pipe or the drill collars (inches)
An excessive ECD can cause losses by exceeding the fracture gradient in a well. It is
It is important to optimize the rheological properties to avoid excessive ECD.
Where:
Q = Flow rate (gpm)
Bit pressure loss (psi)
Where:
Drill size (in.)
Where:
Total pressure losses
of the system (psi)
Flow rate (gpm)
Where:
Q = Flow (gpm)
Dn = Nozzle diameter (1/32 inch)
( )
Where:
Nozzle speed (feet/second)
Flow (gpm)
ρ = Density (lb/gal)
( )
( )