Amoco Production Company

Drilling Fluids Manual

Section 2 Engineering

Basic Engineering Calculations

This section discusses basic engineering calculations pertaining to: Specific Gravity; Volume, Capac-
ity and Displacement; Annular Velocity; Circulation Time; Downhole Pressures; Weight-Up and Dilu-
tion; and Concentration Units. These are essential calculations that the drilling personnel will need in
routine work in the office or at the rig. An understanding of these principles will be beneficial through-
out use of this manual.

Specific Gravity
The density of any material is derived by multiplying the specific gravity of that material by the density
of pure water. For example, the specific gravity of barite is 4.2 and its density is equal to (4.2)
(8.33 lb/gal) = 35 lb/gal. Conversely, to convert from density to specific gravity, divide the density of a
material or mud by the density of pure water. As an example, a 17.5 lb/gal mud has a specific gravity of
2.1.

 17.5
------------------------------ = 2.1 SG
lb/gal
 8.33 lb/gal

To determine the weight of 1 bbl of barite, determine the density of 1 bbl of pure water and multiply the
result by the specific gravity of barite.
(8.33 lb/gal water) (42 gal/bbl) = 349.86 lb/bbl
(weight of 1 bbl of pure water)
(349.86 lb/bbl) (4.2 SG Barite) = 1469.41 lb/bbl
(weight of 1 bbl of 4.2 SG Barite)

Volume, Capacity and Displacement

Capacity and Volume have the same units, but are not always equal. As an example, a mud pit may
have a capacity of 300 bbl, but only contain a volume of 175 bbl of water. Displacement is the volume
of fluid displaced when tubulars are put into a wellbore full of fluid.

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Nomenclature
Volume Vol Open Hole OH
Barrel(s) bbl Gallon gal
Length L Pump Output Q
Width W Strokes per Minute SPM
Depth d Stroke STK
pi (3.14159265) π Stroke Length LSTK
Height h Pump Efficiency E
Radius R Pump Liner Inside Diameter ID LINER
Diameter D Pump Rod Diameter ODROD
(inside) ID
(outside) OD

Volume

1. Mud System Volume - The total mud system volume may be calculated with the drill string
either in or out of the hole.

Total Mud Volume = Pit Volume + Hole Volume

2. Pump Output Volume - Pump output tables must be adjusted for estimated or measured
pump efficiencies. Triplex pumps usually have an efficiency between 90-98%. Double action
duplex pumps usually have an efficiency between 85-95%.

The following two equations calculate pump output at 100% volumetric efficiency. The constant, K,
may be changed to obtain units of bbl/STK, gal/STK, or Liter/STK.

a. Q Duplex = [ 2 ( ID LINER ) 2 – ( OD ROD ) 2 ] ( L STK )

( ID LINER ) 2 ( L STK )
b. Q Triplex = ------------------------------------------------
K

Pump Constant, K

Pump Type BBL/STK GAL/STK Liter/STK

Duplex Pump 6174.00 147.00 38.82
Triplex Pump 4117.67 98.04 25.90

See Appendix, for Pump displacement tables.

3. Mud Pit Volume - The same capacity equations shown in Dilution of Water-Based Muds hold
true for volume. Depth will be the actual depth of mud in the mud pits.

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Capacity (Mud Pits)

1. Rectangular Mud Pits

(L)(W)(h)
Mud Pit cap , bbl = --------------------------------------
5.6146 ft 3 /bbl

L = Length, ft

W = Width, ft

h = Height, ft

2. Sloping Sided Mud Pits

( L ) ( W avg ) ( d )
Mud Pit cap , bbl = --------------------------------------
5.6146 ft 3 /bbl

W avg = Average width

3. Horizontal Cylindrical Mud Pit

 R 2 arc cos  ------------ R – h 

-
  R 
Mud Pit cap , bbl =  ------------------------------------------------ – ( ( R – h ) 2Rh – h 2 )  ------------------
L
 57.296   5.6146 
 

Note: Calculator must be set for degrees for above equation. If you wish to use radians
on the calculator, simply remove (57.296) from the above equation.

4. Upright Cylindrical Mud Pits

( π)( R )2( h )
Mud Pit cap , bbl = --------------------------------------
5.6146 ft 3 /bbl

Capacity and Displacement (Drill String and Hole)

Nomenclature
Outside diameter, in. OD
Inside diameter, in. ID
Hole diameter, in. Dh
Annular outer pipe diameter, in. D
Annular inner pipe diameter, in. d
Closed-ended pipe CE
Open-ended pipe OE

1. Capacity - Capacity, as related to drill pipe, drill collars and other tubulars is the volume of fluid
the pipe can contain. The internal pipe diameter, ID, (inches) is used in the equation shown below.

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( ID ) 2
Capacity, bbl/ft = ------------------
1029.4

Capacity of a wellbore, either cased or open hole, is the volume of fluid the hole can contain. The
hole diameter, Dh, or casing ID are used in the equation above.

2. Displacement
a. Open-End Pipe - Displacement, as related to drill pipe, drill collars and tubulars is the vol-
ume of fluid that the pipe will displace if placed into fluid open ended to allow it to fill inside.
The displacement volume equals the volume of metal in the pipe. The pipe’s outside diameter,
OD, and inside diameter, ID, are used in the equation below.

( OD ) 2 – ( ID ) 2
Displacement/OE, bbl/ft = -------------------------------------
1029.4

3. Closed-End Pipe - Displacement, as related to drill pipe, drill collars and tubulars is the vol-
ume of fluid that the pipe will displace if placed into fluid with the lower end closed to allow no fluid
inside. The pipe’s outside diameter, OD, is used in the equation below.

[ ( OD ) 2 ]
Displacement/CE, bbl/ft = ----------------------
1029.4

Annulus Capacity and Multiple-Pipe Annulus Capacity

1. Annulus Capacity - Annulus capacity, (Anncap) is the volume contained between two
cylinders - one inside the other, such as casing with drill pipe inside. The casing ID, drill pipe OD
are used in the calculation.

[ ( ID ) 2 – ( OD ) 2 ]
Annulus capacity, bbl/ft = ------------------------------------------
1029.4

Annulus capacity of pipe or casing in an open hole of diameter, Dh, is calculated using Dh (instead
of ID) and OD of the pipe or casing using the equation above.

2. Multiple-Pipe Annulus Capacity - An annulus may contain more than one pipe inside a
casing or open hole. To calculate the fluid volume in a multiple annulus use the equation below,
which assumes all pipes are the same OD (n = number of pipes in annulus.) When interior pipes
are of different sizes, the individual ODs must be squared and summed and the sum subtracted
from the ID2 value in the numerator of equation below.

[ ( ID ) 2 – n ( OD ) 2 ]
Multiple annulus capacity, bbl/ft = ---------------------------------------------
1029.4

For an open hole with multiple pipes, annulus capacity is calculated based on hole diameter, Dh in
equation above, substituting Dh for ID.

Conversion to Other Units

Below are equations that allow annulus capacity and displacement volume calculations to be made in
other useful units. In these equations, “D” represents the larger diameter and “d” represents the
smaller diameter.

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gal/ft = ( D 2 – d 2 ) ( 0.0408 )
24.51
ft/gal = ------------------------
( D 2 – d2 )
bbl/ft = ( D 2 – d 2 ) ( 0.0009714 )
1029.4
ft/bbl = ------------------------
( D 2 – d2 )
ft 3 /ft = ( D 2 – d 2 ) ( 0.005454 )
183.35
ft/ft 3 = ------------------------
( D 2 – d2 )

Note: For multiple-pipe annulus volumes substitute the value n(d2) for d2 in equations
above when pipes are all same diameter. If not all same diameter, the OD of
each pipe must be squared, summed and the sum subtracted from the value of
ID2 in the numerator of the appropriate equation above.

Tabulated Capacity and Displacement Data

Tabulated values for capacity and displacements of various sizes, weights and tool-joint tubular
goods is found in the Appendix of this Manual.

Annular Velocity
Annular velocity depends on pump output, hole size and pipe OD.

Nomenclature
Annulus Capacity Anncap
Annular Velocity AV
Pump Output Q

Q, bbl/min
AV, ft/min = --------------------------------------
Ann cap , bbl/ft

Mud Circulation Time

Various circulating times are used to calculate treatment schedules, well control operations, drill cut-
tings lag, etc. The following equations give the more common circulating times.

Nomenclature
Annulus Capacity Anncap
Drill String Capacity DScap
Pump Output Q

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DS cap , bbl
Surface to Bit, min = ------------------------------
Q, bbl/min
Ann cap , bbl
Bit to Surface, min = --------------------------------
Q, bbl/min
DS cap + Total Ann cap
Total Hole Circulation, min = -------------------------------------------------------------
Q, bbl/min
Hole Volume, bbl + Pit Volume, bbl
Total Circulation System, min = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q, bbl/min

Pressures
The following are the commonly used pressure calculations in drilling operations.

Nomenclature
Pounds per Square Inch psi
True Vertical Depth, ft TVD
Hydrostatic Pressure, psi Ph
Equivalent Circulating Density, lb/gal ECD
Mud Density, lb/gal MW
Annular Pressure Loss, psi PAPL

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a column of fluid and is a function of fluid density and
true vertical depth (not measured depth).

Hydrostatic Pressure, psi = ( MW ) ( TVD ) ( 0.052 )

Pressure Gradient

The pressure gradient is the pressure change with depth, commonly expressed in psi/ft.

Pressure Gradient, psi/ft = ( MW ) ( 0.052 )

Annular Pressure Loss

The annular pressure loss is the total pressure loss resulting from the frictional forces developed by
circulation of the mud in the wellbore annulus over a given length (measured depth).

Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD)

The equivalent circulating density is a pressure translated into a mud density.

P APL
ECD @ Total Depth, lb/gal = MW + -------------------------------------
( TVD ) ( 0.052 )

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Weight-Up and Dilution

Nomenclature
Initial Mud Density, lb/gal MWI
Final Mud Density, lb/gal MWF
Initial Volume VI
Final Volume VF
Specific Gravity Weight Material SGWM
Specific Gravity Oil SGO
Specific Gravity Water SGW

Weight-Up
1. Volume Increase - The general mud weight increase formula is used for any weight material
where SGWM is the specific gravity of the weight material and MWI and MWF are the initial and
final mud densities in pounds per gallon.

total pounds weight material

Volume Increase, bbl = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( 350 ) ( SG WM )

For barite, this becomes:

total pounds barite

Volume Increase, bbl = -------------------------------------------------------
1470

2. No Volume Increase - To determine the initial volume of mud, VI, to start with to attain a final
volume VF, the starting volume is defined by:

V F [ ( 8.33 ) ( SGWM ) – MW F ]
V I = ------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ( 8.33 ) ( SGWM ) ] – MW I

For barite, this becomes:

V F ( 350 – MW F )
V I = ------------------------------------------
( 350 – MW I )

To calculate the pounds per barrel of weight material required per final barrel of mud:

[ ( 350 ) ( SG WM ) ] ( MW F – MW I )
Weight Material, lb/bbl = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ( 8.33 ) ( SG WM ) ] – ( MW I )

For barite, SGWM = 4.20, the equation becomes:

1470 ( MW F – MW I )
---------------------------------------------------
35.0 – MW I

Density Reduction
3. Water Addition

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V I ( MW I – MW F )
Volume of dilution water, bbl ( V ) = -------------------------------------------------------------
[ MW F – ( SG W × 8.33 ) ]
V = volume of mud to be reduced

Note: For pure water, SGW = 1. If the specific gravity of the dilution water is unknown,
density may be measured and substituted for (SGW x 8.33) in the equation.

4. Oil Addition

V I ( MW I – MW F )
Volume of dilution oil, bbl = ------------------------------------------------------------
[ MW F – ( SGO × 8.33 ) ]

Note: The specific gravity of diesel (SGO) is approximately 0.84. If the specific gravity
of the oil is unknown, density may be measured and substituted for (SG O x 8.33)
in the equation.

Concentrations - Weight Percent and Volume Percent

The concentrations of components in mixtures or solutions can be expressed as: Weight Percent or
Volume Percent.

Percentages of components in a mud can be calculated if the mud density and the specific gravity of
the components are known for a two-part system. An average specific gravity of solids must be
assumed for calculating percent solids in a mud. The following are general equations for volume per-
cent and weight percent.

Nomenclature
Volume Percent V%
Weight Percent W%
Specific Gravity Solids SGS
Specific Gravity Water SGW
Mud Density, lb/gal MW

Volume Percent Solids

12 [ ( MW ) – ( 8.33 ) ( SG W ) ]
Volume % Solids = ---------------------------------------------------------------------
( SGS – SG W )

Weight Percent Solids

( 8.33 ) ( SG S ) ( V% )
Weight % Solids = -------------------------------------------------
MW

EXAMPLE - Find the volume % and weight % of the solids given the following information:

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Given: Mud Density, lb/gal 10.4

Specific Gravity Seawater 1.04
Average Specific Gravity Solids 2.6

12 [ ( 10.4 ) – ( 8.33 ) ( 1.04 ) ]

Volume % = ------------------------------------------------------------------- = 13.36
( 2.6 – 1.04 )
( 8.33 ) ( 2.6 ) ( 13.36 )
Weight % = -------------------------------------------------- = 27.82
10.4

Parts Per Million and Milligrams Per Liter

Milligrams Per Liter is a weight per volume measurement. On the other hand, Parts Per Million refers
to a weight per specified weight measurement or a volume-per-volume measurement. Basically ppm is
a ratio. It is very important to understand the difference between the two units. The following equations
will contrast the difference in the two measurements.

Nomenclature
Water SGW
Parts per Million ppm
Milligrams per Liter mg/L

mg/L
ppm = -------------- or mg/L = ppm x SGW
SG W
SGW = 1 + [ (1.94 x 10-6) (CI-)0.95]

Where CI-, (chlorides) = mg/L

EXAMPLE - How many parts per million of sodium chloride are in 1 cm3 of filtrate that contains
140,000 mg/L chlorides?
SGW = 1 + [ (1.94 x 10-6) (140,000)0.95] = 1.1502
140, 000 = 121, 718
Chlorides, ppm =
1.1502
NaCl, ppm = (121,718) (1.65) = 200,835

Material Balance
Material balance concepts are useful to the mud engineer for solving many field problems that can be
represented as simple mathematical relationships. Applications for the material balance method are:
• Weight-Up
• Dilution
• Mixing Two Fluids
• System Building
• Solids Analysis
Many of the formulas commonly used in the oil field were derived from material balance equations.
Maintaining consistent units is the key to setting up and solving material balance equations. The gen-
eral material balance equation is written as follows:

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V1 D1 + V2 D2 + V3 D3 + etc. = VFDF

The following examples show how the material balance method is used for solving different types of
problems.

Nomenclature
Mud Density, lb/gal MW
Initial MWI
Final MWF
Density of Weight Material, lb/gal DWM
Density of Water, lb/gal DW
Specific Gravity of Weight Material SGWM
Average Specific Gravity Solids SGAVG
Sack SX
Volume V
Oil VO
Water VW
Solids VS
Weight Material VWM
Low Gravity Solids VLGS
Drill Solids VDS
High Gravity Solids VHGS
Mud System, bbl VMS
Initial Volume, bbl VI
Final Volume, bbl VF

Weight-Up of Water-Based Muds

No Volume Increase
Given:
(VIMWI) (VWMDWM) (VFMWF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
System Volume, bbl 500 X 500
System Density, lb/gal 9.5 35.0 10.0

The material balance approach means that to increase the density of 500 bbl of a 9.5 lb/gal fluid to
10.0 lb/gal, without increasing the total volume of fluid, the problem can be represented as follows:

Old Fluid + Weight Material = New Fluid

Or

VIMWI + VWMDWM = VFMWF

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Each of these materials will be represented in terms of the product density and volume. Since it is not
known how much barite (weight material) is needed, the volume of barite is represented by (x). The
volume of 9.5 lb/gal fluid is represented by (500 - x). The new fluid is 10.0 lb/gal, and the final volume
is 500 bbls. The starting fluid volume is the 500 bbl initial fluid volume minus the volume of barite which
will be added.

Old Fluid + Barite = New Fluid

(500 bbl-x) (9.5 lb/gal) + (x) (35.0 lb/gal) = (500 bbl) (10.0 lb/gal)

Solving the equation for x:

( V I ) ( MW I ) + ( V W M ) ( D WM ) = ( V F ) ( M WF )
( 500 – x ) ( 9.5 ) + ( x ) ( 35.0 ) = ( 500 ) ( 10.0 )
4750 – 9.5x + 35.0x = 5000
25.5x = 250
x = 9.8 bbl of barite

Then

500 – x = 500 – 9.8 = 490.2 bbl of mud

Thus, 9.8 bbl of old mud must be jetted and 9.8 bbl of barite added. One barrel of barite equals
1470 pounds. Therefore, 9.8 bbl of barite equals 1470 (9.8) equals 14,406 lb. Add 14,406 lb of barite
after jetting 9.8 bbl of mud. The amount of barite required can further be simplified as sacks of barite
required to add to the mud system as follows:

14, 406 lb barite

--------------------------------------------- = 144.065 sx barite ( 144 sacks )
( 100 lb/sx )

Volume Increase
Given:
(VIMWI) (VWMDWM) (VFMWF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
System Volume, bbl 500 X --
System Density, lb/gal 9.5 35.0 10.0

Again, using the material balance equation:

Old Fluid + Weight Material = New Fluid

Or

VIMWI + VWMDWM = VFMWF

Substitute the product density and volume for each term in the equation. Since it is not known how
much barite will be needed, the volume of barite is represented by (x). The volume of the 10.0 lb/gal

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fluid is equal to the Old Fluid volume plus the volume of barite added. Thus the New Fluid volume
equals: 500 + x.

Old Fluid + Barite = New Fluid

(500 bbl) (9.5 lb/gal) + (x) (35.0 lb/gal) = (500 bbl + x) (10.0 lb/gal)

Solving the equation for x:

( V I ) ( MW I ) + ( V WM ) ( D WM ) = ( V F ) ( M WF )
( 500 ) ( 9.5 ) + ( 35.0 ) ( x ) = ( 500 + x ) ( 10.0 )
4750 + 35x = 5000 + 10x
25.5x = 250
x = 10 bbl of barite

Then

500 + x = 500 + 10 = 510 bbl of new fluid

It is significant to note that by not jetting mud prior to weighting up, 10(1470) or 14,700 lb of barite are
needed. This increases the system volume by 10 bbl. When you compare the No Volume Increase
versus the Volume Increase weight up, the differences are:
• Weight-Up / No Volume Increase Requires 14,406 lb barite
• Weight-Up / Volume Increase Requires 14,700 lb barite
This is a difference of 294 lb of brite.

294 lb
-------------------------- = 3 extra sacks of barite
100 lb/sx

Three extra sacks of barite are required to weight up the Old Fluid allowing the total volume of fluid to
increase by 10 bbl. The decision to weight up either without a volume increase or with a volume
increase is based on economics, the type of available surface equipment, and environmental disposal
considerations. Another factor to consider is the total amount of drill solids in the Old Fluid versus the
total amount of drill solids in the New Fluid. In some cases, especially in heavily weighted fluids, solids
can have a detrimental effect on fluid properties. It is generally better to discard fluid and then weight
up the system.

Dilution of Water-Based Muds

Density Reduction/No Volume Increase
Once the material balance equations are mastered, density reduction becomes a simple problem. To
reduce density, a lighter fluid must be added to the existing fluid. In these examples, fresh water will be
used.

Given:
(VI,MWI) (VWM,DWM) (VF,MWF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
System Volume, bbl 500 X 500
System Density, lb/gal 9.5 8.33 9.0

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Again, using the material balance equation:

Old Fluid + Dilution Water = New Fluid

Or

(VI) (MWI) + (VW) (DW) = (VF) (MWF)

Substitute the product density and volume for each term in the equation. Since it is not known how
much water will be needed, the volume of water is represented by (x).

Old Fluid + Fresh Water = New Fluid

(500 bbl - x) (9.5 lb/gal) + (x) (8.33 lb/gal) = (500 bbl) (9.0 lb/gal)

Solving the equation for x:

( V I ) ( MW I ) + ( V W ) ( D W ) = ( V F ) ( MW F )
( 500 – x ) ( 9.5 ) + ( x ) ( 8.33 ) = ( 500 ) ( 9.0 )
4750 – 9.5x + 8.33x = 4500
– 1.17x = – 250
x = 214 bbl of Fresh Water

Thus, 214 bbl of the Old Fluid must be jetted and 214 bbl of Fresh Water must be added to have
500 bbl of 9.0 lb/gal fluid.

Density Reduction - Volume Increase

Given:
(VI,MWI) (VWM,DWM) (VF,MWF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
Volume, bbl 500 X --
Density, lb/gal 9.5 8.33 9.0

Using the same material balance approach, write an equation to represent the problem and substitute
representative values for the terms.

Old Fluid + Dilution Water = New Fluid

Or

(VI) (MWI) + (VW) (DW) = (VF) (MWF)

Substitute the product density and volume for each term in the equation. Since it is not known how
much water will be needed, the volume of water is represented by (x). The volume of the 9 lb/gal fluid
is equal to the Old Fluid volume plus the volume of water added. Thus, the New Fluid volume equals
500 + x.

Old Fluid + Barite = New Fluid

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(500 bbl) (9.5 lb/gal) + (x) (8.33 lb/gal) = (500 bbl + x) (9.0 lb/gal)

Solving the equation for x:

( V I ) ( MW I ) + ( V W ) ( D W ) = ( V F ) ( MW F )
( 500 ) ( 9.5 ) + ( x ) ( 8.33 ) = ( 500 + x ) ( 9.0 )
4750 + 8.33x = 4500 + 9.0x
– 0.67x = – 250
x = 373 bbl of water

The 500 bbl of Old Fluid, with a 9.5 lb/gal density will have a volume of 873 bbl when its density is
reduced to 9.0 lb/gal with fresh water. This is a volume increase of 373 bbl. For comparison purposes,
diluting a system without allowing a volume increase (see Density Reduction/No Volume Increase )
versus diluting a system and allowing the volume to increase results in a net volume difference of
159 bbl. Once again, availability of water, surface equipment, economics, and environmental consider-
ations (disposal costs) play a major role in deciding to decrease density with or without a volume
increase.

373 bbl - 214 bbl = 159 bbl

Mixing Two Fluids

Mixing two fluids to achieve specific results is another application for material balance concepts. Sim-
ple equations can be utilized for calculating desired parameters. The following examples should help
to clarify and demonstrate the use of the material balance approach.

Example Calculations
EXAMPLE #1 - A circulating system of 1000 bbl has a density of 12.0 lb/gal. There are 300 bbl of
10.0 lb/gal mud in storage on the rig site. How many barrels of 10.0 lb/gal mud are needed to reduce
the fluid density to 11.6 lb/gal?

Given:
(VI,MWI) (VS,MWS) (VF,MWF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
Volume, bbl 1000 X --
Density, lb/gal 12.0 10.0 11.6

Where:

(VI) (MWI) + (VS) (MWS) = (VF) (MWF)

MWF = Final Mud Density

MWI = Initial Mud Density
MWS = Stored Mud Density
VS = Volume Stored Mud to Add
VF = Final Volume
VI = Initial Volume

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This problem can be solved by representing everything in terms of material balance. In other words,
the total desired weight is equal to that of the combined systems. The equation is set up as follows:

Old Fluid + Stored Fluid = New Fluid

Or

(VI) (MWI) + (VS) (MWS) = (VF) (MWF)

Solving the equation for x (where x is volume of 10.0 lb/gal mud to be added):

( V I ) ( MW I ) + ( V S ) ( MW S ) = ( V F ) ( MW F )
( 1000 ) ( 12.0 ) + ( x ) ( 10.0 ) = ( 1000 + x ) ( 11.6 )
12, 000 + 10.0x = 11, 600 + 11.6x
– 1.6x = – 400
x = 250 bbl of10.0 lb/gal mud

EXAMPLE #2 - How much volume of 16.0 lb/gal mud with 0 volume % drill solids (VADA) must be
added to the old 16.0 lb/gal lb fluid with 8 volume % drill solids to reduce the drill solids in the resulting
new 16 lb/gal fluid to 5 volume %?

Given:
(VI,%SOLI) (VA,%SOLA) (VF,%SOLF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
Volume, bbl 1200 X --
Density, lb/gal 16.0 16.0 16.0
Drill Solids, % 8 0 5

Where:

VI (%SOLI) + VA (%SOLA) = VF (%SOLF)

V A = Volume of mud to add

%SOL A = Percent solids in fluid being added

Old Fluid + Mud to Add = New Fluid

Or

VI (%SOLI) + VA (%SOLA) = VF (%SOLF)

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Solving the equation for x (where x is volume of 16 lb/gal mud to be added):

( V I ) ( %SOLI ) + ( V A ) ( %SOL A ) = ( V F ) ( %SOL F )

( 1200 ) ( 0.08 ) + ( x ) ( 0 ) = ( 1200 + x ) ( 0.05 )
96 + 0x = 60 + 0.05x
0.05x = 36
x = 720 bbl new16.0 lb/gal mud

Checking the result:

8% = 0.08 fraction drill solids

Therefore, 8% of 1200 bbl = (.08) (1200)= 96 bbl of drill solids

The total resulting barrels of mud is 1200 + 720 = 1920 bbl

Therefore:

96 bbl
------------------------ = 0.05 or5 volume %
1920 bbl

EXAMPLE #3 - Using the same criteria as Example #2, but keeping the final volume at 1200 bbl, how
much 16.0 lb/gal mud must be added and how much 16.0 lb/gal Old Fluid with 8% drill solids must be
discarded?

Given:
(VI,%SOLI) (VA,%SOLA) (VF,%SOLF)
Old Fluid Weight Mat’l New Fluid
Volume, bbl 1200 X 1200
Density, lb/gal 16.0 16.0 16.0
Volume, Drill Solids, % 8 0 5

Old Fluid + Mud to Add = New Fluid

Or

VI (%SOLI) + VA (%SOLA) = VF (%SOLF)

Solving the equation for x (where x is bbl of 16 lb/gal mud to be added):

( V I ) ( %SOL I ) + ( V A ) ( %SOL A ) = ( V F ) ( %SOL F )

( 1200 – V A ) ( 0.08 ) + ( V A ) ( 0 ) = ( 1200 ) ( 0.05% )
96 + 0.08x + 0 = 60
– 0.08x = – 36
x = 450 bbl new16.0 lb/gal mud.
Before adding new mud,
dump 450 bbl of 16.0 lb/gal
mud with 8% drill solids.

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System Building
Building a drilling fluid system from scratch is nothing more than applying material balance concepts.
As long as the specific gravity or density, and volumes of the materials are known, any fluid system
can be built. All calculations should be carried to at least two decimal places. Field calculations are
normally rounded to whole barrels and the results may be slightly different.

The general material balance equations are:

V1D1 + V2D2 + V3D3 + etc. = VFDF

V1 + V2 + V3 + etc. = VF

Where:

DF = Final Fluid Density

The subscripts of V and D represent different volumes and densities of different components. The two
material balance equations may then be solved simultaneously for any two unknowns. See example
problems.

Example Calculations

EXAMPLE #1 - We want to build 400 bbl of 12.5 lb/gal fluid with 21 lb/bbl bentonite.

Given:

Specific Density Density

Additive Gravity lb/gal lb/bbl
Barite 4.2 35 1470
Water 1.0 8.33 349.86
Bentonite 2.6 21.66 909.72

The final volume will be 400 bbl which contains 21 lb/bbl bentonite. Thus, 8400 lb (21 lb/bbl x 400 bbl)
of bentonite will be needed. Since a barrel of bentonite weighs 909.72 lb, the volume of 8400 lb of ben-
tonite is 9.23 bbl (8400 lb/909.72 lb/bbl). Therefore, the volume of barite plus water must be 400 bbl -
9.23 of bentonite or 390.77 bbl. A material balance equation can now be used to represent the prob-
lem.

V1 D 1 + V 2 D2 + V 3 D3 = V F D F
Bentonite + Water + Barite = Final Fluid
( 9.23 bbl ) ( 21.66 lb/gal ) + ( 390.77 – x ) ( 8.33 lb/gal ) + ( x ) ( 35 lb/gal ) = ( 400 bbl ) ( 12.5 ppg )

Density and volume have been represented for each material. If the volumes for all three materials are
combined, the total volume is 400 bbl.

Solving the equation for x (where x is the volume of barite to be added):

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( 9.23 ) ( 21.66 ) + ( 390.77 – x ) ( 8.33 ) + ( x ) ( 35 ) = ( 400 ) ( 12.5 )

199.92 + 3255.11 – 8.33x + 35x = 5000
26.67x = 1544.96
x = 57.93 bbl of barite
390.77 – 57.93 = 332.84 bbl of water

57.93 bbl barite is equivalent to 85,157 lb of barite

85, 157 lb
--------------------------- = 852 sx of barite
100 lb/sx

Now, check the weight and volume for each material:

Total Total
Material Barrels Pounds
Water 332.84 116,447
Bentonite 9.23 8,399
Barite 57.93 85,157
Total 400.00 210,003

210, 003 lb
------------------------------------------------------------ = 12.5 lb/gal
( 400 bbl ) ( 42 gal/bbl )

Thus, the system contains 400 bbl of fluid with a density of 12.5 lb/gal.

EXAMPLE #2 - We want to build 650 bbl of 11.5 lb/gal fluid with 21 lb/bbl bentonite, 0.5 lb/bbl caustic
soda, and 3 lb/bbl Lignite.

Given:

Specific Density Density

Material Gravity lb/gal lb/bbl
Barite 4.2 35.00 1470.00
Water 1.0 8.33 349.86
Bentonite 2.6 21.66 909.72
Caustic Soda 2.1 17.49 734.71
Lignite 1.5 12.495 524.79

Representing final material volumes, in pounds and barrels:

Total System Total Total Volume

Material lb/bbl Barrels Pounds Barrels
Bentonite 21.0 650 13,650 15.00
Caustic Soda 0.5 650 325 0.44
Lignite 3.0 650 1950 3.71
Total 19.16

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To determine the total volume of each material, calculate by the following procedure:

Volume of Bentonite

13, 650 lb of bentonite

---------------------------------------------------------------- = 15.00 bbl
909.72 lb/bbl bentonite

Volume of Caustic Soda

325 lb of caustic soda

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- = 0.44 bbl
734.71 lb/bbl caustic soda

Volume of Lignite

1950 lb of Lignite
----------------------------------------------------------- = 3.72 bbl
524.79 lb/bbl Lignite

The total known volume of all materials (EXCEPT barite and water) is 19.16 bbl.

15.00 bbl + 0.44 bbl + 3.72 bbl = 19.16 bbl

Therefore, the volume of barite and water can be calculated by subtracting 19.16 bbl of bentonite,
caustic and lignite from the required volume of 650 bbl.
Now, let: x = Volume of barite
Therefore: 650 - 19.16 = 30.84 volume of water.
Representing the problem in terms of a material balance equation:

V1 D 1 + V 2 D2 + V 3 D3 + V 4 D4 + V 5 D5 = V F DF
Bentonite + Caustic + Lignite + Water + Barite = Final Fluid
( 15.00 ) ( 21.66 ) + ( 0.44 ) ( 17.49 ) + ( 3.72 ) ( 12.495 ) + ( 630.66 – x ) ( 8.33 ) + ( x ) ( 35 ) = ( 650 ) ( 11.5 )

Solving the equation for x:

325.00 + 7.700 + 46.42 + 5253.40 – 8.33x + 35x = 11.5 ( 650 )

26.67x = 1842.47
x = 69.08 bbl barite
( 69.08 bbl barite ) ( 1470 lb/bbl ) = 101, 551 lb of barite

Therefore

630.66 – 69.08 = 561.58 bbl water

( 561.58 bbl water ) ( 349.86 lb/bbl ) = 196, 474 lb water

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Now, check the volumes for each material:

Total Total
Material Barrels Pounds
Water 561.58 196,473
Bentonite 15.00 13,650
Caustic Soda 0.44 325
Lignite 3.72 1,950
Barite 69.08 101,551
Total 649.82 313,950

313, 950 lb
----------------------------------------------------- = 11.5 lb/gal
( 649.8 ) ( 42 gal/bbl )

Thus, the system contains 650 bbl with a density of 11.5 lb/gal.
EXAMPLE #3 - Find the quantities of each material required to build 1200 bbl of 14.5 lb/gal mud. Each
final barrel of mud should contain 2.5 lb/bbl CMC, 0.5 lb/bbl caustic, 23 lb/bbl bentonite, and 4 lb/bbl
Lignite.

Given:

Specific Density Density

Material Gravity lb/gal lb/bbl
Barite 4.20 35.000 1470.00
Seawater 1.03 8.580 360.36
Bentonite 2.60 21.660 909.72
Caustic Soda 2.10 17.490 734.71
Lignite 1.50 12.495 524.79
CMC 1.55 12.910 542.22

Representing final material volumes, in pounds and barrels:

Total System Total Total Volume

Material lb/bbl Barrels Pounds Barrels
Bentonite 23.0 1200 27,600 30.400
Caustic Soda 0.5 1200 600 0.817
Lignite 4.0 1200 4800 9.150
CMC 2.5 1200 3000 5.530
Total 45.84

To calculate the total volume of each material, calculate by the following procedure:

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Volume of CMC

3, 000 lb of CMC
---------------------------------------------------- = 5.53 bbl
542.22 lb/bbl CMC

Volume of Bentonite

27, 600 lb of bentonite

------------------------------------------------------------------ = 30.34 bbl
909.72 lb/bbl bentonite

Volume of Caustic Soda

600 lb of caustic soda

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- = 0.817 bbl
734.71 lb/bbl caustic soda

Volume of Lignite

4800 lb of lignite
--------------------------------------------------------- = 9.15 bbl
524.79 lb/bbl lignite

Therefore, the volume of barite and water can be calculated by subtracting the volumes of bentonite,
caustic and lignite from the required volume of 1200 bbl.

1200 bbl - 45.84 bbl = 154.16 bbl (volumes of barite and water)

The total known volume of all materials (EXCEPT barite and water) is 45.84 bbl.

Now, let x = Volume of barite

Then, (1154.16 - x) = Volume of water

Representing the problem in terms of a material balance equation:

V 1 D1 + V2 D 2 + V 3 D3 + V 4 D4 + V5 D 5 + V 6 D6 = VF DF
CMC + Caustic + Bentonite + Lignite + Barite + Seawater = Final Fluid
( 12.91 ) ( 5.53 ) + ( 0.82 ) ( 17.49 ) + ( 21.66 ) ( 30.4 ) + ( 12.495 ) ( 9.15 ) + ( 35 ) ( x ) + ( 8.58 ) ( 1154.16 – x ) = ( 14.5 ) ( 1200 )

Solving the equation for x:

71.39 + 14.34 + 658.46 + 114.3 + 35x + 9902.69 – 8.58x = 17, 400

10, 746.8 + 26.42x = 17, 400
26.42x = 6653.13
x = 251.8 bbl barite
( 251.8 bbl barite ) ( 1470 lb/bbl ) = 390, 0146 lb

Therefore

1154.16 bbl - 251.8 bbl barite = 902.40 bbl seawater

(902.40 bbl seawater) (360.36 lb/bbl) = 325,189.94 lb

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Now, check the volumes for each material:

Total Total
Material Barrels Pounds
Bentonite 30.340 27,600
Caustic Soda 0.817 600
Lignite 9.150 4800
CMC 5.530 3000
Barite 251.800 370,146
Seawater 902.400 325,189
Total 1200.00 731,335

731, 335 lb
--------------------------------------------------------------- = 14.5 lb/gal
( 1200 bbl ) ( 42 gal/bbl )

Thus, the system contains 1200 bbl with a density of 14.5 lb/gal.

Solids Analysis
Material balance concepts can easily be applied to solids analysis problems.

Nomenclature
Volume
Initial VI
Oil VO
Water VW
Solids VS
Low Gravity Solids VLGS
High Gravity Solids VHGS
Mud Density SX
Initial MWI
Final MWF

Example Calculations

EXAMPLE #1 (Weighted Muds) - Find the volume percent of high gravity solids and the volume per-
cent of low gravity solids in a 16.0 lb/gal mud with 32 volume % retort solids and 6 volume % oil.

Given:

Mud Density, lb/gal 16.0

Retort, volume %
Solids 32
Oil 6
Water 62

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Assume

Specific Density
Components Gravity (lb/gal)
Oil 0.84 7.0
High Gravity Solids 4.2 35.0
Low Gravity Solids 2.6 21.66
Water 1.03 8.6

Let x = VHGS

Then, 32 - x = VLGS

V HGS D HGS + V LGS D LGS + V O D O + V W D W = V F MW F

( x ) ( 4.2 ) ( 8.33 ) + ( 32 – x ) ( 2.6 ) ( 8.33 ) + ( 6 ) ( 7.0 ) + ( 62 ) ( 8.6 ) = ( 100 ) ( 16.0 )

Solving the equation for x:

( 34.986x ) + ( 693.056 – 21.66x ) + ( 42 ) + ( 533.2 ) = 1600

13.326x = 331.744
x = 24.89 V HGS
32 – 24.89 = 7.106 V LGS

Checking the results:

( 24.89 ) ( 4.2 ) ( 8.33 ) + ( 7.106 ) ( 2.6 ) ( 8.33 ) + ( 6 ) ( 7.0 ) + ( 62 ) ( 8.6 ) = ( 100 ) ( 16 )

( 871 ) + ( 154 ) + ( 42 ) + ( 533 ) = 1600
1600 = 1600

EXAMPLE #2 (Unweighted Muds) - An equation for calculating either the volume percent low gravity
solids or mud weight of an unweighted freshwater fluid is presented below:

x = 7.5 (MW - 8.33)

Where

x = %LGS

1. Using the above equation, determine the volume percent solids if the density of the mud is
10.0 lb/gal and all solids are low gravity solids having a specific gravity of 2.6.

x = 7.5 ( MW – 8.33 )
x = 7.5 ( 10.0 – 8.33 )
x = ( 7.5 ) ( 1.67 )
x = 12.5% low gravity solids

2. If solids are reduced by one percent, what is the resulting mud density?
Since the original volume percent solids is 12.5%, the reduced volume percent solids would be
11.5%. From the equation:

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11.5 = 7.5 ( MW – 8.33 )

11.5 = ( 7.5 ) ( MW ) – 62.475
( 11.5 ) + ( 62.475 ) = 7.5 ( MW )
73.975
------------------ = MW
7.5
MW = 9.86 lb/gal

3. How many barrels of water must be added to a 1000 bbl system to reduce the mud density from
10.0 lb/gal to 9.86 lb/gal?

Using the weight reduction formula:

V I ( MW I – MW F ) 1000 ( 10.0 – 9.86 ) 140

V W = ------------------------------------------- = ----------------------------------------------- = ----------- = 91.5 bbl water to add
MW F – 8.33 9.86 – 8.33 1.53

·
V W = 91.5 bbl water to add to1000 bbl to reduce the mud density .

Table 1
Drilling Fluid Components

Specific Specific
Component Gravity Component Gravity

Fresh Water 1.00 Gypsum 2.3

Sea Water 1.03 Caustic Soda, NaOH 2.1

Saturated Saltwater 1.20 Lignosulfonate 0.83

Diesel #2 0.84 Lignite 1.5

API Bentonite 2.6 Soda Ash, Na2CO3 2.53

API Barite 4.20 Salt, NaCl 2.16

API Hematite 5.05

Lime, Ca(OH)2 2.2

Calcium Carbonate

aragonite 2.71

calcite 2.83

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Calculating Maintenance and Treatment

Requirements for an Active Mud System
A mud system during drilling and circulation is undergoing continual change. Because of the change,
the mud must be treated to maintain its desired properties. In order to make the most economical treat-
ments, it is important to know the current component concentrations, and based on assumed or calcu-
lated losses, be able to calculate the amounts of materials required to maintain the system.
Utilizing material balance techniques, it is possible to estimate the quantities of materials needed to
maintain a mud system. Assumptions and known information will be utilized in developing the values
for the material balance problems. Known information includes hole size, penetration rate and nature
of the solids drilled. Assumed data includes losses to the formation through seepage and filtrate, hole
washout, and losses through solids control eqiupment. With this information, estimates of the daily
chemical consumption rates can be calculated.
For the purpose of this exercise, assume the following:
Hole size: 8.5 in.
Washout: 10%
Penetration rate: 35 ft/hr
Total circulating volume: 1000 bbls
Losses due to solids control equipment: 15 bbl/hr (1.5%/hr)
Losses due to filtration and seepage: 10 bbl/hr (1%/hr)
Losses due to adsorption on cuttings: 1 bbl/1hr (0.01%/hr)
The last analysis of the drilling fluid yielded the following data:
Mud weight: 12.0 ppg (1.44 SG)
Solids: 18.0% by volume
Water: 82.0% by volume
Determine the Average Specific Gravity of Solids (ASG):

( V 1 D 1 + V 2 D 2 = V F D F ) , where

V1 = Volume fraction of water (82%)

D1= Density of water (8.33)
V2 = Volume Fractino of solids (18.0%)
D2 = Density of solids (unknown)
VF = Volume fraction of mud (100%)
DF = Density of mud (12.0 ppg)
Substituting:

( 82 ) ( 8.33 ) + ( 18 ) ( D2 ) = ( 100 ) ( 12.0 )

683.06 + 18 D2 = 1200.0

18 D2 = 516.94

D2 = 28.72 ppg

28.72
ASG = --------------- = 3.45
8.33

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Determine the concentrations of low gravity and high gravity solids in pounds per barrel. Assume a
specific gravity of 2.65 and 4.20 for low gravity solids and barite respectively.

V1 D1 = V2 D2 + V3 D3

V1 = Volume fraction of all solids (18%)

D1= Average specific gravity of all solids (3.45)
V2 = Volume Fraction of high gravity solids (unknown)
D2 = Specific gravity of high gravity solids (4.20)
V3 = Volume fraction of low gravity solids = V1 - V2
D3 = Specific gravity of low gravity solids (2.65)
Substituting:

( 0.18 ) ( 3.45 ) = V 2 ( 4.20 ) + ( 0.18 – V 2 )2.65

0.18 ( 3.45 – 2.65 ) = ( 4.20 – 2.65 ) ( 0.18 – V 2 )

( 3.45 – 2.65 )
V 2 = 0.18 ----------------------------------
4.20 – 2.65

V 2 = 0.0929, or 9.29%

Therefore:

V 3 = 18% = V2
V 3 = 18% – 9.29% = 8.71

Pound/bbl barite: 4.2 (8.33) (42) (0.0929) = 136.51

Pound/bbl low gravity solids: 2.65 (8.33) (42) (0.0871) = 80.75
The composition of the mud is as follows:
Mud weight: 12.0 ppg
Soldis: 18.0% by volume
Low gravity solids: 80.75 ppb
Barite: 136.51 ppb
Average specific gravity of solids: 3.45
The next step is to calculate the daily maintenance requirements. The requirements will be related to
the additions of water required to maintain the mud properties within optimum limits. Water additions
will be regulated by hole size, rate of penetration, nature of solids drilled and removal of solids. As sol-
ids accumulate in the fluid, mud weight, plastic viscosity and yield point may increase, and the rate of
increase will be governed by the degree of hydration, swelling and dispersion of the solids which is
controlled by the chemical environment of the mud.
It is necessary to known the amount of solids generated, therefore, calculate the amount of solids
drilled per hour using the data supplied earlier.
Average hole size: Bit size + Washout
Average hole size: 8.5 in. + (8.5) (0.1) = 9.35 in.
Volume of hole/ft: (D)2 (0.000971)
Volume of hole/ft: (9.35)2 (0.000971) = 0.0848 or 0.085 bbl/ft

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Volume of hole/hr: (0.085) (35) = 2.975 bbl/hr

Therefore:

The volume of drilled solids generated each hour is 2.975 bbl. Assuming a specific gravity of 2.65 for
the solids, pounds per hour of drilled solids will be:

Low gravity solids, bbl/hr: (350) (2.65) (2.975) = 2,759 lb

Note: The figure 350 used above denotes the weight of 1 bbl of fresh water (42 gal/bbl x
8.33 ppg = 349.86, or 350 ppb).

We now need to calculate the rate at which water must be added to maintain a constant mud weight. If
the operating efficiency of the solids control equipment is known, those efficiency values will be used.
If the operating efficiency is not known, assumptions must be made. This exercise assumes an operat-
ing efficiency of 50%.

The material balance equation used to calculate the amount of water required is as follows:

V F D F = V 1 D 1 = V 2 D 2 + V 3 D 3 , where

VF = Volume of mud (V1 + V2 + V3)

DF = Final specific gravity (1.44)
V1 = Volume of low gravity solids, VN = (0.50) (2.975) + (0.0871) = 1.5746
D1= Specific gravity of low gravity solids (2.65)
V2 = Volume of water to add (unknown)
D2 = Specific gravity of water (1.00)
V3 = Volume of barite (0.0929)
D3 = Specific gravity of barite (4.20)
V4 = Volume of water (0.82)
D4 = 1.00 and,

V1 ( D 1 – DF ) + V3 ( D3 – DF ) + V4 ( D4 – D F )
V 2 = ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( DF – D 2 )

Substituting:

1.57 ( 2.65 – 1.44 ) + 0.0929 ( 4.2 – 1.44 ) + 0.82 ( 1.0 – 1.44 )

V 2 = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( 1.44 – 1.00 )

V 2 = 4.08 bbl H2O

Therefore, 4.08 bbl of water/hour must be added to maintain a constant mud weight of 12.0 ppg. At the
same time, low gravity solids are being incorporated into the mud at the rate of 1,380 lb/hr (remember
the solids control equipment is operating at 50% efficiency - 2759 x 0.5 = 1380). This is equivalent to
1.49 bbl/hr (2.975 x 0.5 = 1.4875). At these rates, the density of the mud will decrease due to the addi-
tion of the water and the mud properties will deteriorate due to the accumulation of low gravity drilled
solids. Additional water and barite must be added to maintin the desired properties and a 3.45 average
specific gravity of solids.

Calculate barite requirements to maintain a 3.45 ASG of solids using:

V F D F = V 1 D 1 + V 2 + D 2 + V 3 D 3 , where

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VF = Final volume of solids (V1 + V2 + V3)

DF = Final ASG of solids (3.45)
V1 = Volume of low gravity solids (1.57)
D1 = Specific gravity of low gravity solids (2.65)
V2 = Volume of high gravity solids (0.0929)
D2 = Specific gravity of high gravity solids (4.20)
V3 = Volume of high gravity solids to add (unknown)
D3 = Specific gravity of high gravity solids to add (4.20) and,

V1 ( D 1 – DF ) + V2 ( D2 – D F )
V 3 = ------------------------------------------------------------------------
( DF – D 2 )

Substituting:

1.57 ( 2.65 – 3.45 ) + 0.0929 ( 4.0 – 3.45 )

V 3 = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.45 – 4.20
1.57 ( – 0.8 + 0.0929 ( 0.75 ) )
V 3 = -----------------------------------------------------------------------
– 0.75
– 0.1256 + 0.0069675
V 3 = ---------------------------------------------------------
– 0.75
V 3 = 1.58 bbl

Converting to pounds of barite per hour:

(1.58 bbl) (1,470 lb/bbl) = 2323 lb/hr

Next the amount of additional water must be calculated. We know that 1380 lb of low gravity solids and
2323 lb of barite are being introduced into the system each hour.

Determine the amount of water required to maintain a 12.0 ppg mud weight using:

V1 ( D1 – D F ) + V2 ( D2 – DF )
V 3 = ------------------------------------------------------------------------ , where
( DF – D2 )

VF = Final mud volume (V1 + V2 + V3)

DF = Specific gravity of final mud (1.44)
V1 = Volume of solids added (3.07 bbl)
D1 = ASG of solids added (3.45)
V2 = Volume of water added (4.08 bbl)
D2 = Specific gravity of water added (4.08 bbl)
V3 = Volume of water to be added (unknown)
D3 = Specific gravity of water to be added (1.0)

Substituting:

3.07 ( 3.45 – 1.44 ) + 4.08 ( 1.00 – 1.44 )

V 3 = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( 1.44 – 1.00 )
V 3 = 9.94 bbl

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Therefore, the required additions of barite and water must be made to the system to maintain a con-
stant mud weight of 12.0 ppg and an ASG of 3.45 are:

bbl/hr lb/hr
Water 14.02 4905
Barite 1.58 2323
Low Gravity Solids 1.49 1380
Total 17.09 8608

This can be validated using the formula:

V 1 D2 + V2 D 2 + V 3 D3 + V 4 D4
V D = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- , where
VF

V1 = Volume of initial mud (1000 bbl)

D1 = Specific gravity of initial mud (1.44)
V2 = Volume of water added (14.02 bbl)
D2 = Specific gravity of water (1.0)
V3 = Volume of barite added (1.58 bbl)
D3 = Specific gravity of barite (4.2)
V4 = Volume of low gravity solids added (1.49 bbl)
D4 = Specific gravity of low gravity solids (2.65)
VF = V1 + V2 + V3 +V4
DF = Specific gravity of final mud (unknown)

Substituting:

( 1, 000 ) ( 1.44 ) + ( 14.02 ) ( 1.0 ) + ( 1.58 ) ( 4.2 ) + ( 1.49 ) ( 2.65 )

D F = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 000 + 14.02 + 1.58 + 1.49

DF = 1.44 specific gravity of final mud

(This calculation ignores the volume and density affects of other materials such as bentonite
and thinners required to maintain and control the muds properties.)

Next, determine the amount of new mud which must be mixed and added to the system to compensate
for:

Volume of new hole drilled

Losses to filtration and seepage
Losses through solids control equipment

Remembering our initial assumptions:

New hole volume: 2.975 bbl/hr

Losses to filtration and seepage: 10 bbl/hr
Losses through solids control eqipment and adsorption: 16 bbl/hr

The total volume lost per hour which must be replaced is 29 bbl less the 17 bbl of solids and water
added to the system while drilling and maintaining a mud weight of 12.0 ppg and an ASG of 3.45.

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Calculating the amount of barite and water required to build 12 bbls of 12.0 ppg mud per hour:

VF ( DF – D1 )
V 2 = --------------------------------- , where
( D 2 – D1 )

VF = Final volume (12 bbl)

DF = Specific gravity of final volume (1.44)
V1 = Volume of water (VF - V2)
D1 = Specific gravity of water (1.00)
V2 = Volume of barite (unknown))
D2 = Specific gravity of barite (4.20)
Volume of Barite:

12 ( 1.44 – 1.00 )
V 2 = -----------------------------------------
( 4.20 – 1.00 )

V 2 = 1.65

Volume of barite required: 1.65 bbl/hr

Pounds of barite required: 2426 lb/hr
Volume of Water:

V1 = 12 - 1.65

V1 = 10.35

Volume of water required: 10.35 bbl/hr

The last step is the determination of the amounts of other materials required to maintain the desired
properties for the system. This exercise assumes a fresh water mud having the following composition:

Chemical lb/bbl
Lignosulfonate 8.0
Lignite 4.0
Bentonite 20.0
Caustic Soda 2.5

The hourly additions of barite and water were calculated to be:

Barite: 4749 lb/hr
Water: 24.4 bbl/hr

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The consumption of the other materials will be based on the addition of 29 bbl of new mud volume per
hour at the concentrations stated above.

Chemical lb/hr lb/8 hr tour lb/12 hr tour lb/day

Barite 4749 37,992 56,988 113,976
Lignosulfonate 232 1856 2,784 5568
Lignite 116 928 1392 2.784
Bentonite 580 4460 6,960 13,920
Caustic Soda 72.5 580 870 1740

Converting the above to sacks:

Chemical sk/8 hr tour sk/12 hr tour sk/day

Barite 380 570 1,140
Lignosulfonate 38 56 112
Lignite 19 28 56
Bentonite 45 70 140
Caustic Soda 12 18 36

For the purpose of this exercise, the assumption was made that the solids contributed by bentonite
and barite which are not lost from a system due to filtration or seepage were deposited as wall cake,
and therefore removed from the system.
It must be emphasized that actual consumption rates will vary greatly depending on a number of differ-
ent factors such as:
Nature of formation being drilled
Efficiency of solids control equipment
Composition of the drilling fluid
Physical and chemical properties of the drilling fluid
Hole size and penetration rates

Barite Reclamation
A decanting centrifuge will normally process 12.0 ppg mud at the rate of 18 gpm and recover approxi-
mately 70% of the barite in the mud processed. Using this assumption, the amount of barite recover-
able from the system can be estimated.
The amount of barite contained in this 12.0 ppg mud was calculated to be 136.51 ppb. The centrifuge
will process 25.7 bbls of mud per hour.

(18 gpm) (60 min/hr) (0.0238 bbl/gal) = 25.70 bbl/hr

At 70% efficiency, the amount of barite recovered = (136.51 ppb) (25.70 bbl/hr) (0.70) = 2456 lb/hr.
Converting to barrels of barite/hr:

2.456
--------------- = 1.67 bbl/hr of barite recovered
1470

Determining the amount of water, low gravity solids and chemicals discarded:

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25.70 - 1.67 = 24.0 bbl/hr discarded

The amount of additional water required to maintain a constant mud weight of 12.0 ppg due to the bar-
ite being returned to the system via the centrifuge must also be calculated using:

V1 ( D1 – DF )
V 2 = -------------------------------- , where
( DF – D2 )

VF = Final volume of barite and water (V1 + V2)

DF = Specific gravity of final volume (1.44)
V1 = Volume of barite (1.67)
D1 = Specific gravity of barite (4.2)
V2 = Volume of water to add (unknown)
D2 = Specific gravity of water (1.00)

1.67 ( 4.2 – 1.44 )

V 2 = ------------------------------------------
( 1.44 – 1.00 )

V2 = 10.48

Volume of water to add to maintain a mud density of 12.0 ppg is 10.48 bbl/hr

Total volume returned to system while centrifuge is running is equal to the volume of barite returned
plus the water added to the system.

Volume returned = 10.48 + 1.67 = 12.15 bbl/hr

The centrifuge is processing 25.70 bbl of mud per hour and 12.15 bbl is being returned to the system.
New volume must be added to the system equal to the difference between the processed volume and
the returned volume.

New volume = 25.70 - 12.15 = 13.55 bbl/hr

Barite and water additions to build 13.55 bbl of new mud per hour.

VF ( DF – D1 )
V 2 = --------------------------------- , where
( D 2 – D1 )

VF = Final volume of barite and water (13.55)

DF = Density of final volume (1.44)
V1 = Volume of water (VF - V2)
D1 = Specific gravity of water (1.0)
V2 = Volume of barite (unknown)
D2 = Specific gravity of barite (4.2)

13.55 ( 1.44 – 1.0 )

V 2 = ----------------------------------------------
( 4.2 – 1.0 )

V2 = 1.86
V1 = 13.55 - 1.86
V1 = 11.69

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The additions of barite and water that must be added to the system each hour.

Barrels Pounds Sacks

Barite 1.86 2,734 28
Water 11.69 -0- -0-

Other materials must again be added to maintain the desired properties. The total volume,
25.70 bbl/hr, processed by the centrifuge and replaced by discharged barite and added water will need
to be treated.

Chemical sk/8 hr tour sk/12 hr tour sk/day

Barite 287 430 861
Lignosulfonate 33 50 99
Lignite 17 25 50
Bentonite 41 62 124
Caustic Soda 11 16 31

Daily Maintenance of Polymer Systems

Daily maintenance treatments for polymers consist of the polymer required to build new volume and
replace polymer lost through filtrate invasioon and solids removal.

In addition to normal maintenance, the polymer and a 10% loss of polymer while drilling, we can calcu-
late the required daily maintenance.

PL = PCVM %p, where

PL = Pounds polymer lost while drilling per day, lb/day (unknown)

PC = Concentration of polymer to maintain, ppb (0.5)
VM = Volume of mud, bbl (1000)
%p = Percentage of polymer lost from ssytem each day (0.10)

Substituting:

PL = (0.5 ppb) (1000 bbl) (0.10)

PL = 50 lb

To replace polymer lost from ssytem, we must add 50 lb of polymer each day.

In our previous calculations we found it necessary to create 54.88 bbl of new volume per hour.

PA = VNPC, where:

PA = Polymer to be added to maintain required concentration in new volume, lb (unknown)

VN = New volume added to system, bbls (54.8)
PC = Required concentration of polymer, ppb (0.5)

Substituting:

PA = (54.8 bbl) (0.5 ppb)

PA = 27.4 lb

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27.4 lb of polymer will need to be added each hour to maintain a concentration of 0.5 ppb in the new
mud volume. The total polymer to be added each hour is that required to replace lost polymer (2.1
lb/hr) and that required to build new volume (27.4 lb/hr). 29.5 lb/hr of polymer is required each hour as
a maintenance treatment. Converting the maintenance treatment to 50 lb sacks:

sk/8 hr tour sk/12 hr tour sk/day

5 7 15

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The Drilling Mud Report

The following example problems introduce some of the basic engineering calculations related to the
Drilling Mud Report. The drilling mud report is a good commuications tool and when filled out com-
pletely and accurately, can be used to anticipate potential problems and assist in future well planning.

Figure 1
Wellbore Configuration for
The Drilling Mud Report Example Problem

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Figure 2
Given Data

Given Data
Given:

a. Present ActivityDrlg @ 15,000 ft MD/TVD

b. Drilling Assembly
Bit Size .................................. 8-1/2 in. Smith F-2, Jets (11-11-11)
Drill Pipe ................................ 4-1/2 in., 16.60 lb/ft S-135 NC46(XH) TJ-6 in. OD
............................................... Length = 14,290 ft
............................................... Capacity = 0.01422 bbl/ft (tables)
............................................... Displacement = 0.00643 bbl/ft (tables)
............................................... ID = 3.826 in.
Drill Collar .............................. 6-1/2 in. x 2-1/2 in., Length - 710 ft

c. Casing
Hole, in. CSG, in. CSG WT, lb/ft Depth, ft
26 20 94 800
17-1/2 13-3/8 64 4500
12-1/4 9-5/8* 40 13,000
8-1/2 - - 15,000
*9-5/8 in. casing capacity = 0.758 bbl/ft, ID = 8.835"

d. Mud Volume
Pits......................................... 3 pits, each 30 ft x 12 ft x 9 ft
............................................... Pit level = 7 ft (pipe in hole)
............................................... In storage = 0
Mud........................................ 16 lb/gal, KOH/Lime

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e. Circulation Data
Pump......................................(2) National 10-P-130, 5-1/2 in. x 10 in.
...............................................110 SPM @ 94%E
...............................................pressure = 2000 psi circ.
f. Annular Pressure Loss........250 psi

Mud Pit Capacity

What is the total mud pit capacity (Mud Pitcap) for three rectangular pits, each one 30 ft x 12 ft x 9 ft?

a. ____ bbl Total

b. ____ bbl/ft per pit
c. ____ bl/in per pit
The general equation for calculating the capacity of the surface mud system or pit capacity is as fol-
lows:

( L )( W)( D )
Rec tan gular Mud Pits, ( bbl ) = ----------------------------
5.6146

( 30 ft ) ( 12 ft ) ( 9 ft )
a. - = 577 bbl/pit
-------------------------------------------------
( 5.6146 ft 3 /bbl )

Mud Pit cap = ( 577 bbl/pit ) ( 3 pits )

= 1731 bbl Total

577 bbl
b. --------------------- = 64.1 bbl/ft per pit
9 ft

64 bbl/ft
c. ----------------------- = 5.3 bbl/inch per pit
12 in./ft

Mud Volume in Pits

Each mud pit contains 7 ft of mud. With bit on bottom, what is the volume of mud in the pits?

a. ____ bbl

Mud Pit vol ( 30 ft ) ( 12 ft ) ( 7 ft )

- ( 3 pits ) = 1346 bbl
= -----------------------------------------------
( DS in hole ) 5.6146 ft 3 /bbl

Note: Total Pit Capacity is 1731 bbl and Total Mud Volume is 1346 bbl.

[See Figure 3]

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Figure 3
Mud Volume in Pits

Hole Volume
What is the volume of mud in the wellbore with no drill string in the hole if 9-5/8 in. casing is set at
13,000 ft and 8-1/2 in. hole to 15,000 ft?

a. _____ bbl

( 8.835 ) 2 ( 8.5 ) 2
Hole vol = ---------------------- ( 13, 000’ ) + ------------------ ( 2000’ )
1029.4 1029.4
= 985.8 + 140.4
= 1126.2 bbl

Drill String Displacement

What is the displacement of the drill string (DSdisp) when the bit is on bottom at 15,000 ft?

a. _____ bbl
The general equation for calculating the displacement of the drill string as follows:

DS disp = ( DP disp ) + ( DCdisp )

DP disp = ( 0.00643 bbl/ft ) ( 14, 290 ft ) = 91.9 bbl
( 6.5 ) 2 – ( 2.5 ) 2
DC disp = -------------------------------------- ( 710 ft ) = 24.8 bbl
1029.4

Therefore:

DSdisp = 91.9 bbl + 24.8 bbl = 116.7 bbl

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Drill String Capacity

What is the capacity of the drill string (DScap) when the bit is on bottom at 15,000 ft?
a. _____ bbl
The general equation for calculating the capacity of the drill string is as follows:

DS cap = Drill Pipe ( DP cap ) + Drill Collar Capacity ( DC cap )

DP cap = ( 0.01422 bbl/ft ) ( 14, 290 ft ) = 203.2 bbl
( ID ) 2 ( L ) ( 2.5 ) 2 ( 710 ft )
DP cap = ---------------------- = ------------------------------------- = 4.3 bbl
1029.4 1029.4

Therefore

DScap = 203.2 bbl + 4.3 bbl = 207.5 bbl

Mud Volume
In Pits/Pipe Out of Hole
What is the volume of mud in the pits when the drill string is out of the hole during a trip and the hole is
full of mud?
a. _____ bbl

Mud Pit Vol Mud Pit Vol

= – DS disp
( DS out of Hole ) ( DS in Hole )
= 1346 – 116.7
= 1229.3 bbl

In Hole/Closed End Pipe

What is the volume of mud in the hole when the pipe is on bottom with a closed end (float)?

a. ____ bbl

Hole Vol_CE = Hole Vol_O – DS disp – DS cap

= 1126.2 – 116.7 – 207.5
= 802 bbl

In Pits/Closed End Pipe

What is the volume of mud in the pits when the pipe is on bottom with a closed end (float)?
a. ____ bbl

Hole Vol_CE = Hole Vol_O – DS disp – DS cap

= 1346 + 207.5 + 116.7
= 1670.2 bbl

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In Hole/Open Ended Pipe

What is the volume of mud in the hole when pipe is on bottom with open end?
a. ____ bbl

Hole Vol_OE = Hole Vol_O – DS disp

= 1126.2 – 116.7
= 1009.5 bbl

(See Figure 4)

Total Circulating Volume

What is the total circulating mud volume with pipe on bottom?
a. _____ bbl

Total Circulating Volume = Hole Vol_OE + Mud Pit Vol

= 1009.5 + 1346
= 2355.5 bbl

Figure 4
Hole Volume and Total Circulating Volume

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Pump Output
Bbl/STK, Gal/STK
What is the pump output (Q) in barrels per stroke (bbl/STK) and gallons per stroke (gal/STK at 94%
volumetric efficiency?)
a. ____ bbl/STK
b. ____ gal/STK
A National 10-P-130 which has a 10-in. stroke (with a 5-1/2 in. liner at 100% volumetric efficiency) will
deliver 3.0996 gal/STK.

Table 2
Triplex Single Acting Mud Pump Capacities Per Cycle
Barrels per Stroke - 100% Volumetric Efficiency

Liner Stroke Length

Size 7 7-1/2 8 8-1/2 9 9-1/4 10 11 12
3 0.0153 0.0164 0.0175 0.0186 0.0197 0.0202 0.0219 0.024 0.0262
3-1/4 0.01795 0.0192 0.0205 0.0218 0.0231 0.0237 0.0257 0.0283 0.0307
3-1/2 0.0208 0.0223 0.0238 0.0252 0.0267 0.0276 0.0298 0.0326 0.0357
3-3/4 0.0238 0.0257 0.0273 0.0290 0.0307 0.0317 0.034 0.0376 0.0408

4 0.0271 0.029 0.0311 0.033 0.035 0.036 0.0388 0.0429 0.0467

4-1/4 0.0307 0.0328 0.035 0.0374 0.0395 0.0404 0.0438 0.0483 0.0526
4-1/2 0.0345 0.0369 0.0392 0.0419 0.0443 0.0455 0.0493 0.054 0.059
4-3/4 0.0383 0.0411 0.0438 0.0466 0.0493 0.0507 0.0547 0.0602 0.0657

5 0.0426 0.0455 0.0486 0.0517 0.0548 0.0562 0.0607 0.0669 0.0729

5-1/4 0.0469 0.0502 0.0535 0.0569 0.0602 0.062 0.0669 0.0736 0.0807
5-1/2 0.0514 0.044 0.0488 0.0624 0.0661 0.0678 0.0738 0.0807 0.088
5-3/4 0.0562 0.0602 0.0643 0.0683 0.0721 0.0743 0.0802 0.0883 0.0964
6 0.0611 0.0655 0.070 0.0743 0.0786 0.0809 0.0874 0.0961 0.105
6-1/4 0.0664 0.0712 0.0759 0.0807 0.0855 0.0878 0.0948 0.1043 0.1138
6-1/2 0.0719 0.0770 0.0821 0.0871 0.0924 0.0949 0.1026 0.1129 0.123
6-3/4 0.0774 0.083 0.0886 0.094 0.0995 0.1023 0.1107 0.1217 0.1328

7 0.0833 0.0893 0.0952 0.101 0.1071 0.11 0.119 0.131 0.143

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Table 3
Duplex Double-Acting Mud Pump Capacities Per Cycle
Barrels per Revolution - 90% Volume Efficiency - Rods Deducted
Diameter
Liner Area Stroke 12" Stroke 14" Stroke 15" Stroke 16" Stroke 18" Stroke 20"
Inches Sq. In. Rods 2" Rods 2" Rods 2-1/4" Rods 2-1/4" Rods 2-1/2" Rods 2-1/2"

4 12.566 0.0495 0.0577 — — — —

4-1/4 14.186 0.0562 0.0655 — — — —
4-1/2 15.904 0.0637 0.0743 0.0773 0.0868 0.0896 0.0996
4-3/4 17.720 0.0719 0.0838 0.0875 0.0934 0.1019 0.1133

5 19.635 0.0804 0.0938 0.0982 0.1047 0.1147 0.1275

5-1/4 21.647 0.0894 0.1042 0.1093 0.1166 0.1281 0.1424
5-1/2 23.748 0.0988 0.1151 0.1212 0.1292 0.1423 0.1581
5-3/4 25.967 0.1086 0.1268 0.1337 0.1423 0.1570 0.1745

6 28.274 0.1189 0.1388 0.1461 0.1560 0.1725 0.1916

6-1/4 30.680 0.1296 0.1513 0.1599 0.1703 0.1885 0.2095
6-1/2 33.183 0.1408 0.1640 0.1736 0.1852 0.2052 0.2280
6-3/4 35.785 0.1523 0.1777 0.1881 0.2006 0.2226 0.2474

7 38.484 0.1644 0.1917 0.2031 0.2166 0.2406 0.2674

7-1/4 41.282 0.1768 0.2062 0.2187 0.2332 0.2593 0.2882
7-1/2 44.179 — — 0.2348 0.2504 0.2787 0.3096
7-3/4 47.186 — — 0.2514 0.2682 0.2987 0.3319

Therefore, at 94% volumetric efficiency:

a. (30.0996 gal/STK) (0.94) = 2.90037 gal/STK
b. (0.0738 bbl/STK) (0.94) = 0.0694 bbl/STK [Figure 5]

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Figure 5
Pump Output

Bbl/Min, Gal/Min

What is the pump output for each pump at 110 SPM?

a. ____ bbl/min

b. ____ gal/min

The pump output (Q) for each pump at 110 SPM is equal to:

a. Q, bbl/min = ( SPM ) ( bbl/STK ) [Figure 5]

= ( 110 ) ( 0.0694 )
= 7.634 bbl/min

b. Q, gal/min = ( Q, bbl/min ) ( 42 gal/bbl ) [Figure 5]

= ( 7.5966 ) ( 42 )
= 320 gal/min

Annular Velocity
What is the annular velocity at 110 SPM on one pump, opposite:

a. Drill Collars/Open Hole (AVOH/DC) ____ ft/min

b. Drill Pipe/Open Hole (AVOH/DP) ____ ft/min

c. Drill Pipe/Casing (AVCSG/DP) ____ ft/min

The annular velocity defines the average velocity at which the mud passes through a specific annular
space and is normally expressed in units of ft/min.

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Pump Output, bbl/min

Annular Velocity ( AV ), ft/min = ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Annular Capacity, bbl/ft
Q
= ------------------------------------------------
Annular Capacity

The following annular velocities opposite specific intervals will be based on pump output at 110 SPM
and 94% volumetric efficiency.

a. Drill Collars/Open Hole, AVOH/DC

Q
AV OH/DC = ----------------------------
Ann OH/DC
( 8.5 ) 2 – ( 6.5 ) 2
Ann OH/DC = -------------------------------------- = 0.02914 bbl/ft
1029.4
( 7.634 bbl/min )
AV OH/DC = --------------------------------------------- = 262 ft/min
( 0.02914 bbl/ft ) [Figure 6]
b. Drill Pipe Open Hole, AVOH/DP
Q
AV OH/DP = ----------------------------
Ann OH/DP
( 8.5 ) 2 – ( 4.5 ) 2
Ann OH/DP = -------------------------------------- = 0.05051 bbl/ft
1029.4
( 7.634 bbl/min )
AV OH/DP = --------------------------------------------- = 151 ft/min
( 0.05051 bbl/ft ) [Figure 6]
c. Casing/Drill Pipe, AVCSG/DP
Q
AV CSG/DP = -------------------------------
Ann CSG/DP
( 8.835 ) 2 – ( 4.5 ) 2
Ann CSG/DP = --------------------------------------------- = 0.05616 bbl/ft
1029.4
( 7.634 bbl/min )
AV CSG/DP = --------------------------------------------- = 136 ft/min
( 0.05616 bbl/ft ) [Figure 6]

Bottoms-Up Time
What is the bottoms-up time with one pump operating at 110 SPM?

a. ____ min
Bottoms up time with one pump operating at 110 SPM is equal to the total annular capacity (drill string
in the hole) divided by the pump output in barrels per minute. In Problem #7, the total annular capacity
was calculated to be 802 bbl.

Ann cap , bbl

Bottoms Up = --------------------------------
Q, bbl/min
802 bbl
= --------------------------------------
7.634 bbl/min
= 105 min [Figure 6]

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Total Circulation Time

What is the total circulation time with one pump operating at 110 SPM?

a. ____ min
The total circulation time with one pump is equal to total active circulating volume divided by pump out-
put. In Problem #9, the total active circulating system volume was calculated to be 2355 bbl.

Total Mud System Circulation Tim

V MS , bbl
= ------------------------------
Q, bbl/min
2355 bbl
= --------------------------------------
7.634 bbl/min
= 308 min [Figure 6]

Figure 6
Annular Velocity and Cculation Time

Note: Total Circulation time should be used when blending mud, increasing mud density or adding a
chemical treatment so any addition is made uniformly to the entire mud system. For example,
if 60 sacks of a product were to be added to the mud system, it would have to be added at a
rate equal to 310 minutes divided by 60 sacks, or five minutes per sack.

Surface-to-Bit Travel Time

What is the surface-to-bit travel time with one pump operating at 110 SPM?

a. ____ min

The surface-to-bit travel time is equal to drill string capacity divided by the pump output. In Problem
#3, the DScap was calculated to be 207 bbl.

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DS cap , bbl
Surface to Bit = ------------------------------
Q, bbl/min
207 bbl
= --------------------------------------
7.634 bbl/min
= 27 minutes

Hydrostatic Pressure
What is the hydrostatic pressure, Ph, at:

a. 9-5/8 inch casing shoe, Ph ____ psi

b. 15,000 ft TD/TVD, Ph ____ psi

Hydrostatic pressure is a function of mud density (MW) and true vertical depth (TVD); but measured
depth must be used to calculate capacities.

Ph = (MW) (TVD) (0.052)

1) Ph at 9-5/8 csg shoe = (16 lb/gal) (13,000 ft) (0.052) = 10,816 psi

2) Ph at 15,000 ft = (16 lb/gal) (15,000 ft) (0.052) = 12,480 psi

Bottom Hole Circulating Pressure

What is the bottom hole circulating pressure at 15,000 ft if there is no imposed pressure and the annu-
lar pressure drop is 250 psi?

a. ____ psi

The bottom hole circulating pressure, PBHC is equal to the hydrostatic pressure, plus the sum of all the
annular pressure losses, plus imposed pressure, if any.

P BHC = P h + APL + P i
P h = Hydrostatic Pressure
APL = Annular Pressure Loss
P i = Imposed Pressure
P BHC = 12, 480 + 250 + 0 = 12, 730 psi

Equivalent Circulating Density

What is the equivalent circulating density (ECD) at 15,000 ft?

a. ____ lb/gal

ECD is equivalent to total circulating pressure expressed in pounds per gallon rather than psi at the
depth of interest.

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P BHC
ECD = -------------------------------------
( TVD ) ( 0.052 )
12, 730 psi
= --------------------------------------------------
( 15, 000 ft ) ( 0.052 )
= 16.32 lb/gal

Note: The actual mud weight is 16.0 lb/gal, but the formation at 15,000 ft has a force exerted on it of
16.32 lb/gal while circulating.

2-47 Rev. 6/94

“Proprietary - for the exclusive use of Amoco Production and other wholly owned subsidiaries of Amoco Corporation.”