Akrong Joseph

EFFECT OF PIPE ECCENTRICITY ON HOLE CLEANING AND
WELLBORE HYDRAULICS
A
THESIS
Presented to the Faculty of the
African University of Science and Technology
in Partial Fulfilment of the requirements for the
Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
By
AKRONG, Joseph Annung
Abuja, Nigeria
December, 2010
EFFECT OF PIPE ECCENTRICITY ON HOLE CLEANING AND
WELLBORE HYDRAULICS
by
Akrong Joseph Annung
RECOMMENDED: ............................................................
Chair, Professor Godwin A. Chukwu
..........................................................
Professor Olurinde E. Lafe
...........................................................
Professor Samuel Osisanya
APPROVED: .........................................................
Chief Academic Officer
.........................................................
Date
ABSTRACT
The consideration of pipe eccentricity and its impact on hole cleaning has not been widely reported
in literature. Pipe eccentricity affects the average velocity of the drilling fluid in the annulus which
is one of the most important factors considered in hole cleaning.
In this study, developed equations of motion for a couette flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluid
through an eccentric annulus are used to determine the effect of pipe eccentricity on hole cleaning.
A graph for the velocity profile in the annulus is developed and the average velocity of the drilling
fluid for each eccentricity factor is used to analyse the parameters that indicate hole cleaning
efficiency. Some of the parameters include transport velocity, carrying capacity index, cuttings
concentration, and equivalent circulating density.
From the analysis, hole cleaning is said to be less effective when deviating from concentric annulus
to highly eccentric annulus. Secondly high eccentricity can cause high losses of the drilling fluid
after fracturing of the formation especially when the difference between the fracture pressure and
the pressure of the formation is very small.
i
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT i
TABLE OF CONTENT ii
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TABLES vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT viii
CHAPTER ONE 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 3
1.2 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 APPROACH....................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER TWO 4
LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4

2.1 CUTTINGS REMOVAL..................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Cuttings Transport in Wells ......................................................................................... 4
2.2 PARAMETERS AFFECTING HOLE CLEANING ............................................................. 7
2.2.1 Pipe Eccentricity......................................................................................................... 8

2.2.2 Other Parameters ....................................................................................................... 9
2.3 COUTTE FLOW .............................................................................................................. 10

2.4 ECCENTRICITY EFFECTS ON ANNULUS PRESSURE DROP .................................... 11
2.5 HOLE CLEANING INDICATORS ................................................................................... 14
ii
2.5.1 Transport Ratio ......................................................................................................... 14
2.5.1 Carrying Capacity Index (CCI) ................................................................................. 15
CHAPTER THREE 16
DEVELOPMENT OF PERTINENT EQUATIONS 16
3.1 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS .................................................................................................. 16

3.2 GOVERNING EQUATIONS ............................................................................................ 16
3.3 GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ECCENTRIC ANNULUS ................................................ 17
3.4 DIMENSIONLESS EXPRESSIONS ................................................................................ 19
3.5 LEADING-ORDER EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS .................................................... 20
3.6 FIRST-ORDER EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS ........................................................... 22
3.7 FLOW RATE.................................................................................................................... 23
3.8 MOORES CORRELATION FOR VS DETERMINATION ............................................... 25
CHAPTER FOUR 27
APPLICATION OF EQUATIONS 27
4.1 DIMENSIONLESS VELOCITY DETERMINATION ...................................................... 27

4.2 SLIP VELOCITY DETERMINATION USING MOORES CORRELATION ................ 36
4.3 AVAILABLE DATA (LIAO, 1993 AND CHUKWU, 2009)................................................... 37
CHAPTER FIVE 38
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 38
5.1 VELOCITY PROFILE IN THE ANNULUS ................................................................... 38

5.2 TRANSPORT VELOCITY ............................................................................................ 38
5.3 CARRYING CAPACITY INDEX .................................................................................. 40
5.4 CUTTING CONCENTRATION .................................................................................... 41
5.5 EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY................................................................... 42
5.5.1 Sample Problem ..................................................................................................... 43

iii
CHAPTER SIX 46
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 46
6.1 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................... 46

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................... 46
NOMENCLATURE 48
REFERENCES 51
APPENDIX 55
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig.2.1: Pipe eccentricity ................................................................................................................. 8
Fig.2.2. Effect of hole angle and weight on bit on eccentricity. ........................................................ 9
Fig 2.3: Effect of eccentricity on annulus pressure loss gradient for Newtonian fluid..................... 12
Fig 2.4: Relative pressure loss vs pipe eccentricity for five pipe rotation speeds; flow rate = 757
lt/min ............................................................................................................................................ 13
lt/min ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Fig 2.6: Pipe rotation vs relative pressure loss for three different eccentricities; flow rate = 757
lt/min ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Fig 3.1 Geometric representation of an eccentric annulus .............................................................. 18
Fig.4.1. Dimensionless velocity against angle for dimensionless coordinate, x = 0.1 ..................... 29
Fig.4.6. Dimensionless velocity against dimensionless coordinate, x for angle, = 0.0o ................ 34
Fig.4.7: Dimensionless velocity against dimensionless coordinate, x for angle, = 15.0o .............. 35
Fig.5.1: Effect of eccentricity on transport velocity ....................................................................... 39
Fig.5.2: Effect of eccentricity on carrying capacity index .............................................................. 41
Fig.5.3: Effect of eccentricity on cuttings concentration ................................................................ 42
Fig.5.4: Effect of eccentricity on ECD........................................................................................... 43
Fig.A-1: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.0................................................ 60
v
Fig.A-10: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.9 .............................................. 69
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1: Slip velocity determination ......................................................................................... 37
Table 5.1: ECD for different eccentricities .................................................................................. 45
Table 5.2: Hole Cleaning Indicators............................................................................................ 45
Table A.1: Velocity profile determination for concentric annulus ( = 0) ..................................... 55
Table A.2: Velocity profile determination for eccentric annulus ( = 0.50) .................................. 57
vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Pursuing masters degree is both a painful and an enjoyable experience. The eighteen months of
study in this institution has been accompanied with bitterness, hardships, frustration,
encouragement and trust and with so many peoples kind help. Though it will not be enough to
express my gratitude in words to all those people who helped me, I would still like to appreciate a
few whose contributions to successfully complete this study cannot be left out.
First of all, Id like to give my sincere thanks to the almighty God. He gave me life, strength and
peace during my studies.
Special thanks go to my honorific supervisor, Prof. G.A. Chukwu, who accepted me as his MSc.
student without any hesitation when I expressed interest to work with him. He offered me advice,
patiently supervising me, and always guiding me in the right direction. Ive learned a lot from him,
without his help I could not have finished my project successfully.
I also appreciate the input of the committee members, Prof. Olurinde Lafe, and Prof. Samuel
Osisanya for their critical comments, which enabled me to improve my work.
Last but not the least, I am greatly indebted to all the professors who taught me for the knowledge I
gained from them and to my family and friends especially Michael Akrong, Emelia Akrong, Dorcas
Karikari, Ebenezer Parker, Nii Odai and Mark Owusu, for their support through the period of my
study at AUST.
viii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Hole cleaning is the process of removing solid particles from the wellbore to the surface. These
solid particles are acted upon by four factors. They are Gravity, Viscous Drag, Impact and
Buoyancy. The transportation medium used to effect the removal of drilled solids is the drilling
fluid. Ability to lift particles of various sizes out of the hole is one of the most important functions
of drilling fluids. The factors which affect the carrying capacity of the fluid includes: fluid density
and rheology, annular velocity and flow regime, pipe rotation, cuttings density, size and shape of the
cutting, and annulus size and eccentricity. An optimum drilling fluid is expected to lift cuttings from
the wellbore and suspend them when circulation is stopped (Chukwu, 2009). The annulus size and
eccentricity is of great consideration in this study.
Effective hole cleaning is of great importance in oil well drilling operations, because inadequate
hole cleaning can lead to, but not limited to the following severe problems: fill, packing off, stuck
pipe and excessive hydrostatic pressure. Initially, it was considered that the primary purpose of the
mud was to remove the cuttings continuously (Chukwu, 2009).
Pipe eccentricity, usually expressed as a percentage, is a term that describes the deviation-from-
centre of a pipe within another pipe or open hole. A pipe is considered to be fully (100%) eccentric
if it lies against the inside diameter of the enclosing pipe or hole and concentric (0% eccentric) if it
is perfectly centred in the outer pipe or hole. One of the most important factors that affect the
carrying capacity of mud is the velocity profile in the annulus. The velocity profile, in turn, depends
on the annulus cross-sectional area, and the eccentricity of the inner core and its rotation. This work
involves the use of couette flow analysis to determine eccentricity. (Anon, 2010)
Couette flow is the phenomenon whereby the fluid is confined between two coaxial cylinders one of
which is stationary and the other is moving at a uniform velocity. This flow characteristic is
representative of flow in the wellbore annulus where the wall of the wellbore is represented by the
stationary cylinder and the drill string or casing pipe is represented by the moving cylinder. The
fluid average velocity is dependent on the velocity of the moving cylinder or pipe (Chukwu, 2009).
1
A real wellbore annulus is highly unlikely to be concentric and uniform through its entire length
especially in deviated wells in which the drill pipe lies along the low side of the wellbore annulus,
thereby creating extreme eccentricities. The eccentricity varies along the portions of the drill string
and it depends on the hole depth and its inclination angle with the vertical (Jawad and Akgun,
2002).
Hole cleaning is a more severe problem in high-angle holes than in vertical holes. It is not only
more difficult to carry the cuttings out of the hole, but they need to settle only to the low side of the
hole and causes problems like stuck pipe. Consequently, more attention should be paid to hole
cleaning requirements in directional holes (Annis and Smith, 1996).
From Zamora and Hanson (1991), four zones (0o-10o, 10 o-30 o, 30o-60o and 60o-90o) were
distinguished for critical hole cleaning and the zones where cleaning is most difficult are between
30 o to 60 o. This is due to slip of the cuttings bed and sagging. The experimental results confirmed
that probability of stuck pipe while drilling is higher when the angle is between 30 o to 60o
(Saintpere and Marcillat, 2000). Tomren et al. (1983) also stated that increase in hole angle greatly
decreases the cuttings transport efficiency. He reported that 40o degree from vertical was found to
be the most difficult angle for hole cleaning (Zhou, 2006). Published experimental observations
(Jawad and Akgun, 2002) emphasized that during the transportation of cuttings in the annulus,
phase segregation occurs in the annulus. This causes cuttings accumulation on the low side of the
annulus, and leads to the cuttings bed formation in some drilling operations. Also, for the same
drilling conditions, the directional well requires higher flow rate than that of the vertical well to
obtain the same cleaning efficiency in both wells (Jawad and Akgun, 2002).
2
1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
In an eccentric annulus, fluid flows preferentially through the larger annulus which means that
varying the eccentricity will result in different rates at which the hole is cleaned. Increasing the
velocity of the fluid in the annulus is a way of trying to clean the hole efficiently. However, this
approach results in higher equivalent circulating density (ECD) which can lead to uncontrollable
losses after fracturing. There is therefore the need to investigate the effect of increasing or
decreasing eccentricity, on hole cleaning taking into consideration the actual mechanism of cutting
transport through an eccentric annulus.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this work are to:

1. Determine the velocity profile in the annulus for different eccentricities
2. Determine the effects of eccentricity on some hole cleaning indicators
3. Determine the effect of eccentricity on equivalent circulating density (ECD) and its impact
on hole cleaning.
1.3 APPROACH
The proposed approach consists of;

1. using the Couette flow analysis of Power-law fluids to determine the velocity for different
eccentricities
2. applying Moores correlation to determine slip velocity for different eccentricities
3. using graphical relationships to evaluate the impact of eccentricity on some hole cleaning
indicators
3
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The study of hole cleaning in deviated holes requires an understanding of the flow behaviour of
drilling fluids not only in a concentric annular geometry but also in an eccentric annular geometry
as well as the phenomena of transport of solids by fluids. Cuttings are mobilized and suspended
when the driving fluid forces acting on the solids are greater than the opposing gravitational and
frictional forces. These forces are dependent on the area open to flow and this area is a function of
eccentricity. Hence the study of hole cleaning in deviated wells requires an understanding of the
positioning of the inner pipe in the outer one (hole).
In this chapter, the existing literatures are reviewed. It should be noted that some important aspects
of hole cleaning like cuttings characteristics (density, shape and size) which are not within the scope
of this work are not discussed in details in this study.
2.1 CUTTINGS REMOVAL
2.1.1 Cuttings Transport in Wells
Early works to understand rheological effects on cutting transport in deviated wells were guided by
the successful approach employed in the cuttings transport study of vertical wells. In vertical wells,
the settling of the cuttings is opposed by the fluid drag force acting on it. This led to the
development of indices such as transport ratio and carrying capacity index, which in turn depend
on the knowledge of settling velocities of the cuttings through the drilling fluid, and the annular
velocity of the fluid through the bore hole. When the well is deviated from the vertical, it alters the
flow distribution around the annuli. This is due to the presence of settled cuttings and eccentricity of
the bore hole due to sagging of the drill string. (Vinod, 1994)
The Critical Transport Velocity (CTV) is defined as the minimum fluid velocity required to maintain
a continuous upward movement of the cuttings either by rolling or in full suspension. It is one of the
4
criteria used to evaluate efficiency of cuttings transport. Below this velocity, either a cuttings bed
will be formed or the cuttings will slide downwards towards the bottom of the hole. Cuttings
transport studies in deviated wells can be broadly classified as experimental, multi-layer modelling
and microscopic studies. The experimental studies focus on the simulation of the well bore
conditions in an experimental set up to understand the effect of the most relevant factors affecting
the carrying capacity of the fluid. These include fluid annular velocity, hole inclination, drilling
fluid rheology, rate of penetration of the drill bit, down hole geometry, particle size, density and
geometry and drill pipe rotary speed. In the multilayer modelling studies the problem is modelled as
a multiphase flow system, with the cuttings acting as the second phase. Microscopic studies involve
the estimation of the forces acting on an individual particle and evaluation of these forces as a
function of the microscopic variables (Vinod, 1994). A detailed description of the salient features of
these studies is attempted here.
Tomrem et al.(1983), from their experimental study have concluded that the major factors affecting
the carrying capacity of drilling fluids are fluid velocity, hole inclination and mud rheology. Actual
drilling fluids were used in their study and the cuttings concentration in the annulus was used as an
index for the evaluation of the carrying capacity of the fluid. Peden et al. (1990) and Ford et
al.(1990) from their experimental studies using clear model drilling fluids of the power law type
(Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC)/ Xantham Gum Bio-polymer (XC)) determined the minimum
transport velocities for various hole inclinations, inner pipe rotary speed and cuttings size. They
observed that the hole cleaning efficiency was dependent on the flow regime and the CTV appears
to pass through a maximum value for increasing viscosity. Hemphill and Larsen(1993), from their
experimental study of oil-based and water-based drilling fluids have concluded that fluid velocity
and the power law index of the fluid n are the significant factors affecting hole cleaning. The
study by Becker et al.(1991), which compared the effect of mud rheological properties on annular
drill cuttings build up in deviated wells, showed that the best correlations between mud rheological
parameters and cuttings transport performance were obtained with the low dial readings of the Fann
V-G meter. These results were consistent with the observations by Zamora and Hanson that drilling
fluids with higher low shear rate viscosities have better hole cleaning capabilities. (Zamora and
Hanson, 1991)
The multilayer models consider the shear stress at the solid-liquid interface as the driving force for
5
cuttings transport. The basis of the model is similar to the two phase liquid-liquid flow in pipes.
Wilson and Tse (1984) and Wilson (1976) have extended this approach to solid-liquid systems in
inclined pipes. It is assumed that the solids form a bed in the lower part of the annulus. The solids
are considered as one phase and the liquid as the other phase. The solids are assumed to move with
the fluid when the interfacial force at the solid-liquid interface and the pressure force at the end
overcome the friction force between the cuttings and the annulus wall. The solid phase was
modelled as two phases, the top layer moving in the direction of flow and the bottom layer near the
annular wall sliding down. Momentum equations for each phase (layer) are solved together with the
equations relating velocities, pressure drop and the thickness of each layer. Luo et al. (1990) using a
dimensionless group approach have shown that a modified version of Froude number and Reynolds
number based on local dynamic conditions near the cuttings bed can be used to correlate the flow
rate and cuttings concentration. The major drawback with these models is the evaluation of the
interfacial friction between cuttings and the liquid, and the cuttings and the annular wall. The
accuracy of these models depends on the accuracy of the equations used to describe these friction
coefficients. At present suitable values for these coefficients are chosen to fit the experimental data,
which imposes a restriction on extrapolating the information obtained from these models to other
experimental situations. (Vinod, 1994)
Rasi (1994) developed a hole cleaning criteria based on the free height above the cuttings. The
validity of the model was demonstrated with the help of experimental and field data. However it
should be kept in mind that the author assumes the existence of a cuttings bed and a fully offset
(100% eccentricity) drill pipe which may not be valid in non-horizontal wells. Luo et al. (1992)
developed simple charts to determine hole cleaning requirements in deviated wells. The model was
validated with field and experimental data, and involved a single parameter called the Transport
Index (TI). The individual factors which determine TI, namely, Rheology Factor (RF), Angle Factor
(AF) and Mud Weight (MW) were determined from charts. As expected, RF depends on the annular
geometry and new charts may be necessary for wells with long wash out sections. Iyoho and
Takahashi (1993) modelled the unstable cuttings transport regime to predict pressure fluctuations in
the bore hole from known drilling variables. The authors stated that, even though the present model
only gives trends at low solid concentrations, it can be used for the design and analysis of hole
cleaning parameters in horizontal wells. It should be noted that the model is based on Bernoulli and
continuity equations and does not take into account the non-Newtonian rheology effects.
The microscopic models take into account the forces acting on an individual cutting and assume
6
that drag and lift forces are the driving forces for cuttings transport. The forces acting on an
individual particle are gravity, buoyancy, drag and lift. In an inclined annuli the gravity force is
opposed by buoyancy together with the vertical component of lift and drag forces. If buoyancy and
the vertical component of drag and lift forces together are lower than gravitational forces, a bed will
be formed. If the drag forces together with the axial component of buoyancy is greater than the axial
component of gravity the particles will be transported up the annulus. The gravity forces and
buoyancy forces can be calculated easily but the calculation of drag and lift forces are not straight
forward and the correlations are dependent on the flow regime and the fluid rheology. Pilehvari et
al. (1999) used an empirical formula to calculate drag coefficient from the knowledge of Reynolds
number. A similar expression for lift forces was also assumed. A suitable hydraulic radius was
defined for the annuli for the computation of Reynolds number using a quasi-dimensional analysis
approach by Peden et al. (1990). Drag and lift forces were assumed to be functions of dimensionless
ratios and the empirical constants involved were evaluated from experimental data. (Peden et al,
1990)
Wicks (1971) assumed the presence of a particle bed and took into account the forces necessary for
a particle to roll over the particles on which it rests. His analysis is valid only for horizontal pipes
but the analysis can be extended to inclined annuli as well. He also assumed a laminar flow near the
particle even if the flow is turbulent in the bulk. This is probably a reasonable assumption near the
bed surface. The formation of a bed occurs only at high angles from the vertical and hence this
analysis might not be valid in low angle cases. Bed formation can alter the fluid flow over the bed
but this effect is not significant for open channels and can be easily taken into account for pipes.
However, for the case of eccentric annuli, this can be a difficult task even if we do not take into
account the difficulties due to non-Newtonian behaviour. Also as mentioned earlier these models
have inherent limitation of knowledge of the contribution from lift forces for which good empirical
correlations do not seem to be available even for relatively simple situations. (Vinod, 1994)
2.2 PARAMETERS AFFECTING HOLE CLEANING
7
2.2.1 Pipe Eccentricity
It is the term used to describe how off-centred a pipe is within another pipe or the open hole. It is
usually expressed as a percentage. A pipe would be considered to be fully (100%) eccentric if it
were lying against the inside diameter of the enclosing pipe or hole and concentric (0% eccentric) if
it were perfectly centred in the outer pipe or hole as shown in Fig.2.1 (Anon, 2010). Eccentricity
becomes important in field operations in estimating casing wear, wear and tear on the dill-string,
and the removal of cuttings from the low side of an inclined hole which is of importance to this
work. In an eccentric annulus, fluid flows preferentially through the wider annulus.
Concentric Partially Eccentric Fully Eccentric
Fig.2.1: Pipe eccentricity. (Anon, 2010)
In the latter case, if the drill pipe lies on the low side of the hole (100% eccentric), the eccentricity
results in low-velocity fluid flow on the low side. Gravity pulls cuttings to the low side of the hole,
building a bed of small rock chips on the low side of the hole known as a cuttings bed. This cuttings
bed becomes difficult to clean out of the annulus and can lead to significant problems for the
drilling operation if the pipe becomes stuck in the cuttings bed, (Anon, 2010). Drill pipe
eccentricity was predicted as a function of hole inclination angle, weight on bit, and hole size. The
predicted values of eccentricity can be used to determine effective flow rate of the drilling fluid for
hole cleaning. It can also help in calculating the carrying capacity of the drilling fluid in the low
side of the annulus. Various hole angles were plotted versus eccentricities at different weights on bit
and for different hole sizes. It was concluded that as hole angle increases, eccentricity increases for
specific weights on bit. It was also observed that the drill pipe eccentricity is insignificant from
angles between 0 o and 30 o. However beyond this angle the drill pipe eccentricity is greatly affected
by the angle (Elsayed and Nasr El-Din, 2006). It was also shown that as the weight on bit increases
the drill pipe eccentricity decreases at any certain value of the hole inclination angle (Elsayed and
Nasr El-Din, 2006).This can be seen from the graph shown in fig. 2.2 below:
8
Eccentricity, %
Hole Angle, degrees
Fig.2.2. Effect of hole angle and weight on bit on eccentricity. (Elsayed and Nasr El-Din, 2006)
2.2.2 Other Parameters
Fluid density and rheology are factors that affect the carrying capacity of the drilling fluid. The
density of the drilling fluid helps not only in carrying the cuttings, but also helps by providing the
pressure required in controlling the formation fluid. Fluid density is mostly altered using powdered
high density solids or dissolved salts to provide a hydrostatic pressure against the exposed
formations in excess of the pressure of the formation fluids. Fluid densities range from that of air
(1.0-2.0 ppg) to > 20.8 ppg. Most drilling fluids have densities greater than that of water. To
increase the fluid density, solid salts (barite) can be used in saturated salt brines. These salts are
mostly ground and packaged in several particle size grades (Colin Barker et al, 2007). According to
the experiment performed by Hopkin (1967), increasing the mud density from 8.8ppg to 15ppg
should reduce the slip velocity of the particle to about 50% of the slip velocity in water. However
this procedure was probably an impractical solution to improving carrying capacity unless mud
9
weight is required to contain formation pressures.
Annular velocity and flow regime are other factors to be considered for carrying capacity or
cuttings removal. For cuttings to be removed efficiently, the annular flow velocity must be high
enough. The Critical Transport Velocity (CTV) is defined as the minimum fluid velocity required to
continuously maintain an upward movement of the cuttings either by rolling or in full suspension.
At velocities lower than the CTV, cuttings generated by the drill bit and other formation materials
will fall into the wellbore. The cuttings generated are transported up the annulus to the surface and
then separated. (Collin Barker et al., 2007)
Pipe rotation involves rotating the drill pipe during drilling. Limited laboratory test indicated that
thin, flat particles would turn on edge and result in a wide variation in their measured slip velocities.
From their results, rotating the drill pipe offset the torque effect and reoriented the particles to flat-
wise fall at rotary speeds as low as 35rpm (Hopkin, 1967).
Size and shape of the cuttings combined is one of the most important factors since it is the material
which is being carried from the bottom of the hole to the surface. The conclusions drawn from the
Wilson and Judge (1978) study for slurry flow in a single pipe are consistent with this study and
demonstrated that smaller particles are harder to clean out than larger ones when the particle size is
larger than 0.5mm but for the particles smaller than 0.5 mm, the smaller particles are easier to clean
out. The critical velocity required to transport different sizes of particles is also dependent on the
cuttings concentration and pipe eccentricity. (Walker and Li, 2000)
2.3 COUTTE FLOW
Fluid flow phenomenon whereby the fluid is confined between two coaxial cylinders one of which
is stationary and the other is moving at a uniform velocity is known as Couette flow. This flow
characteristic is representative of flow in the wellbore annulus where the wall of the wellbore is
represented by the stationary cylinder and the drill string or casing pipe is represented by the
moving cylinder. The fluid average velocity is dependent on the velocity of the moving cylinder or
pipe. The displacement of drilling fluid by the movement of the drill string or casing procedures
pressure variations in the borehole. The velocity of this displacement governs the magnitude of the
pressure change which can increase or decrease the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid, to
10
produce surge or swab pressure, respectively. (Chukwu, 2009)
2.4 ECCENTRICITY EFFECTS ON ANNULUS PRESSURE DROP
The effects of eccentricity on the annular fluid flow are well studied From these studies, because no
exact solution is possible, approximated solutions are used (Luo and Pedan 1987; Escudier et al.
2001). However, numerical simulations have been performed to analyze the eccentric effects on the
annulus fluid flow (Ajay and Robello, 2009). Fig. 2.3 shows a variation of the annulus pressure loss
gradient with different eccentricity (in %). Eccentricity is defined by Eq. 2.1 and the pressure loss
gradient decreases with increase in eccentricity.
e
= (2.1)
R0 Ri
Where
e = offset of the inner pipe from the axis of the outer pipe and
Ro, Ri = inner radius of the outer pipe and outer radius of the inner pipe.
11
Fig 2.3: Effect of eccentricity on annulus pressure loss gradient for Newtonian fluid. (Ajay and
Robello, 2009)
From a paper by Hemphill and Ravi (2006), pressure drop results were calculated for five levels of
pump output (Q) as functions of drill string eccentricity and rotational speed. In their work, pressure
drops in the annulus were calculated for a fluid whose rheological properties are calculated by the
Herschel-Bulkley rheological model. This model is now the new API standard of oil well drilling
fluid rheology and hydraulic. The pressure drop results were presented as functions of pipe
eccentricity, axial flow rate, and pipe rotation speed. To present the results in a simple form, all
pressure drop results were scaled so that the base case of 100% represents the calculated pressure
drop for axial flow only at zero (0) eccentricity. All other calculated cases are then scaled relative to
this base case value and hence are called Relative dP/dL. (Hemphil and Ravi, 2006)
Results were shown for Q = 757 lt/min (200 gal/min) in Figure 2.4 and Q = 1514 lt/min (400
gal/min) in Figure 2.5. The results generally showed an increase in relative dP/dL with increasing
rotation speed across the range of pipe eccentricity. Between = 0 and = 0.25, there is little
change in pressure drop with rotation and eccentricity. However, pressure drop does begin to
increase with eccentricity after = 0.25 for all rotation speeds. This can be explained by the
12
narrowing annular gap under the rotating pipe. With the reduced gap width, the effect of the
rotational component of the coupled fluid velocity is greater. (Hemphil and Ravi, 2006)
lt/min. (Hemphil and Ravi, 2006)
13
However, without rotation, it can be observed from their plot (Fig. 2.6) that relative pressure drop
decreases with increasing eccentricities. This also was true for very low rotational speeds up to
about 100 rpm. However, above this point, increasing the rotation speed increases the relative
pressure drop.
Fig 2.6: Pipe rotation vs relative pressure loss for three different eccentricities; flow rate = 757
2.5 HOLE CLEANING INDICATORS
2.5.1 Transport Ratio
Transport ratio is defined as the transport velocity (difference between the mean annular velocity
and the particle slip velocity) divided by the mean annular velocity. A positive value indicates that
some of the cuttings will be transported, and 100% indicates no cuttings remain in the hole(Bizanti
and Robinson, 1988). To optimize drill-cutting transport, the transport ratio should be maintained as
high as possible, though 100% in practice is not possible. To ensure adequate cutting transportation
to the surface, the drilling fluid velocity or the viscosity is usually increased depending on borehole
integrity.
14
Cuttings of different shapes move differently in the annulus. The fluid continuously move upwards
but the cuttings ride upward on different velocity profiles, rotate sideways, and fall downward. The
mathematical description of the process obviously is quite complicated. It involves the calculation
of slip velocity, models that describe transport constants, and descriptions of non-Newtonian flow in
annuli. (Robinson, 1993)
2.5.1 Carrying Capacity Index (CCI)
The three hole cleaning variables that can be controlled at the rig (mud weight, drilling fluid
viscosity, and annular velocity) improve hole cleaning when increased. Good hole cleaning is
indicated when the cuttings arrive at the surface with sharp edges. Rounded edges indicate tumbling
action in the annulus since the cuttings are not transported expediently to the surface (Robinson,
1993). In his studies he analyzed the cuttings removed by shale shakers for a period of 10 years and
came out with a dimensionless factor by multiplying the three drilling fluid parameters. For sharp
edge cuttings the factor was 400,000 and 200,000 for a round cuttings indicating that the particles
were grounded before they were transported to the surface. If the factor is about 100,000 or less it
gives an idea of small, almost grain sized particles. He used this concept to derive an equation for
the term carrying capacity index by dividing the product by 400000. This equation is shown below:
MW K Vs
CCI (2.2)
400,000
Good hole cleaning is expected when CCI equals 1 or above. The above equation is valid for
wellbore angle of deviation up to 35 0. Moreover, annular velocity for this equation should be the
lowest value encountered (e.g., for offshore operations, probably in the riser). The equation can be
rearranged if the value of CCI after the computation is low by assuming CCI to be one. Hence, the
value of K needed to transport cuttings to the surface can be predicted.
15
CHAPTER THREE
DEVELOPMENT OF PERTINENT EQUATIONS
3.1 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
Some basic engineering assumptions are required to determine the flow of non-Newtonian Power-
law fluids through an eccentric annulus. The eccentric annular geometry is represented by two
cylinders positioned so that the inner cylinder moves with a uniform velocity, and the outer cylinder
is stationary. The average fluid velocity in the eccentric annulus is computed relative to the moving
inner pipe velocity. During drilling, this pipe velocity can be assumed to be the rate of penetration.
The following assumptions are made in the derivation of the equations applied in this study:
1) steady-state, single phase, incompressible fluid flow;

2) the flow is flow is isothermal with constant fluid properties;
3) slip effect is not considered;
4) gravitational effect is not considered; and
5) closed end pipe, i.e, no communication between the inside of the inner pipe and the annulus
3.2 GOVERNING EQUATIONS
From first principle, the equation of motion for a steady-state, incompressible fluid flowing through
an eccentric annulus can be expressed in cylindrical coordinates as
1 1 *z P*
(r rz* ) 0 (3.1)
r r r z
Where P* is the dynamic pressure and z is measured axially in the direction of flow. The rheological
model that is used to represent power-law fluids in cylindrical coordinates can be written as
rz* * rz* (3.2)
16
*z * *z (3.3)
where the viscosity, * is defined by;

n 1
K
*

* 2
rz
* 2
rz
0.5
(3.4)
The shear tensor rate can be defined as

*
V z
rz* (3.5)
r *
*
* 1 V z
rz * (3.6)
r
Where Vz* is the local velocity of the fluid in the z-direction.
Considering a power-law fluid confined to the narrow space between two long cylindrical surfaces,
the inner one of which is eccentrically positioned and moving at a constant velocity, Vp, and the
outer cylinder (hole) is kept stationary. The equations below are the boundary conditions which
must be applied to solving these governing equations.
V z* ( Ri , ) V P (3.7)
V z* ( R * ( ), ) 0 (3.8)
Where Ri is the outer radius of the inner or moving pipe and R*() is the inside variable radius of
the outer or stationary pipe due to eccentricity.
3.3 GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ECCENTRIC ANNULUS
The geometry of the eccentric annulus is shown in the Figure 3.1. Iyoho and Azar (1981) presented
the equation below to determine the local annular clearance h*()
2
h * ( ) Ro e 2 sin 2 0 .5
Ri e cos (3.9)
17
Where e is the offset between the centres of the two pipes, Ro is the inner radius of the outer or
stationary pipe and the angle is the eccentric angle.
The analysis which follows is based on the simplifying approximation that the annular clearance
between the two pipes is everywhere small compared with the mean radius. It is equivalent to
treating the annulus as if it were a slot of variable width. Under this assumption;
Ro Ri
1 (3.10)
Ri
Fig 3.1 Geometric representation of an eccentric annulus. (Liao, 1993)
Expanding h*() in power series of e/Ro, we obtain

4
R Ri 2 R R
h( ) 1 cos o sin 2 o i
(3.11)
2 Ro Ro

Where is the fractional eccentricity and h () is the dimensionless annular clearance defined by
h * ( )
h( ) (3.12a)
Ro Ri
e Ro Ri (3.12b)
18
This value varies from 0 for a concentric annulus to 1 for a fully eccentric annulus. For a fully
eccentric operation (directional drilling),
e
(3.13)
Ro Ri
Equation 3.11 may be rewritten in powers of , as

h( ) ho ( ) h1 ( ) ( 2 ) (3.14)
Where is the perturbation parameter defined by the equation

Ro Ri
1 (3.15)
Ro
from equation 11, it can also be deduced that the dimensionless annular clearance terms are
ho ( ) 1 cos (3.16)
and
2 sin 2
h1 ( ) (3.17)
2
3.4 DIMENSIONLESS EXPRESSIONS
The following dimensional scales are defined:

Length scale, Lo Ro Ri (3.18.a)
n 1
V
Viscosity scale, P K (3.18.b)
Lo
n
V
Stress scale, P K (3.18.c)
Lo
Velocity scale, VP V P (3.18.d)
If we define a new dimensionless coordinate, x, then

19
r * Ri 1 x (3.19)
If equations 18.a-18.d are substituted into equation 1, then the equation of motion becomes
xz z
xz (3.20)
x 1 x
Where xz and z are dimensionless shear stresses and the dimensionless quantity is given by
2
Lo P *
(3.21)
VP z
In terms of these new dimensionless scale units, the constitutive equations 3.2 and 3.3 become
xz xz (3.22)
z z (3.23)
And the dimensionless viscosity, is given by

0.5 n 1

xz 2 z 2 (3.24)
The dimensionless shear rate tensor can be expressed as

V
xz (3.25)
x
V
z (3.26)
1 x
Where V is the dimensionless velocity and the following defines the boundary conditions;
V (0, ) 1 (3.27.a)
V (h( ), ) 0 (3.27.b)
3.5 LEADING-ORDER EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

20
For <<1, it is natural to employ the perturbation technique to seek a solution by expanding the
velocity term in powers of . Thus,
V Vo V1 ( 2 ) (3.28)
It then follows that the shear stress components take the form
xz xz 0 xz1 ( 2 ) (3.29.a)
z z 0 z1 ( 2 ) (3.29.b)
Substituting equations 3.29.a and 3.29.b into equation 3.20, and substituting the expansion
coefficients of which is zero (zero order), the equation below is obtained:
xz
(3.30)
x
Similarly, the shear rate components are obtained as

xz xz 0 xz1 ( 2 ) (3.31.a)
z z 0 z 1 ( 2 ) (3.31.b)
Where
V0 V V
xz 0 , xz 1 1 , z1 1 (3.31.c)
x x
Substituting equations 3.31.a and 3.31.b into the viscosity term of equation 3.24, and putting the
resulting expression for viscosity into equation 3.22 and 3.23, then equation 3.32 is obtained:
n 1
xz 0 xz 0 xz 0 (3.32)
By applying the boundary conditions given in equations 3.7 and 3.8 to equations 3.30-3.32, the
leading order solution is obtained as follows:
1 1 n
n 1 n
Vo ( x, ) ( ) x n ( ) n 1; x ( )
n
(3.33)
n 1
21
1
n 1 n 1 n

V o ( x, ) n x ( ) n h ( ) ( ) n ; x ( ) (3.34)
n 1
Where the implicit intermediary variable term, () is the value of x at which the value of xz0 = 0.
At x = (), equations 32 and 33 are equal and hence;
(1 n ) (1 n )

1 P ( ) n (h ( ) ( )) n 0 (3.35)

Where
1
n
P n (3.36)
1 n
At assumed values of P and n for a given value, the corresponding values of () can be
determined from equation 3.35
3.6 FIRST-ORDER EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS
By substituting equations 3.28.a and 3.28.b into equation 3.20 and also substituting the expansion
coefficients of in the order of 1, the following equation is obtained;
xz1
xz 0 0 (3.37)
x
Similar to equation 3.31 for a leading order, equation 3.41 is obtained for first-order expression of
shear stress;
n 1
xz1 n xz 0 xz1 (3.38)
Where xz1 is defined in equation 3.31.c
By applying the boundary conditions to the leading-order solution, the velocity distributions given
by equations 3.39 and 3.40 are obtained
22
1 1
1 2 n 1 2 n 1
1
V1 ( x, ) n ( ) x n ( ) n F
( ) x n ( ) n
;
2(2n 1) (3.39)
x ( )
1 2 n 1 2 n 1

2(2n 1) x ( ) n h0 ( ) ( ) n
1
V1 ( x, ) n ; x ( ) (3.40)
1 1
2 sin 2 1

F x ( ) n h0 ( ) ( ) n h0 ( ) ( ) n
2
Where the intermediary variable term, F can be determined from equation 3.41
2 n 1 2 n 1 2 2
1 sin 1

h0 ( ) ( ) n ( ) n h0 ( ) ( ) n

2(2 n 1) 2
F 1 1
(3.41)

h0 ( ) ( ) n ( ) n

3.7 FLOW RATE
The fluid volumetric flow rate can be evaluated from equations 3.42;
Ri h*( )
Q* rV z
*
dr d (3.42)
Ri
Let the dimensionless flow rate be defined by equation 3.43;

Q*
Q (3.43)
2Ri L0VP
Equation 3.44 can be employed to expand the dimensionless flow rate termd in powers of , thus,
Q Qo Q1 ( 2 ) (3.44)
For a leading-order solution, the dimensionless flow rate is obtained from

h0 ( )
1
Q Qo
V ( x, ) dx d
0 0
0 (3.45)
23
Substituting the dimensionless velocity terms of equations 3.34 and 3.35 into equation 3.45, the
dimensionless flow rate given by equation 3.46 is obtained:

1 1 1 s 1 s
Q0 ( ) Ph0 ( )h0 ( ) ( ) d (3.46)
0 2 s 2 s
Where
1
s (3.47)
n
For the first-order solution, the dimensionless flow rate is expressed as
Q Qo Q1 (3.48)
Where Q0 is obtained from equation 3.46 and Q1 is obtained from the equation below
h0 ( )
1
Q1
xV ( x, ) V dx d
0 0
0 1 (3.49)
Substituting the velocity terms of equations 3.39 and 3.40 into equation 3.49 and evaluating the
resulting integrals, the following expressions are obtained:

1
Q1
I
0
1 I 2 I 3 I 4 d (3.50)
Where
1 (4 s )(1 s ) ( ) 2
I1 ( ) 3 s (3.51)
2 (3 s )(2 s ) 2
h ( ) ( ) h ( ) ( )
I 2 P 0 0 h0 ( ) ( ) 2 s (3.52)
(3 s ) (3 s )(2 s ) 2
(1 s ) s
I 3 P sF ( )1 s ( ) 3 s (3.53)
2(3 s )
2 sin 2
sF h0 ( ) ( ) 1 s
h0 ( ) ( ) 1 s
2
I 4 P (3.54)
(1 s )s h ( ) ( ) 3 s
2(3 s) 0

(Liao, 1993)
24
3.8 MOORES CORRELATION FOR VS DETERMINATION
Moore proposed that solid particles will slip through a mud system at a rate given by Eqn.3.55
d s ( s f )
V s 92.4 (3.55)
Cd f
The drag coefficient is obtained from a graph of particle Reynolds number versus drag coefficient (Chukwu,
2009). This particle Reynolds number is computed from
f Vs d s
R p 15.47 (3.56)
a
For turbulent flow (Rp > 2000) and drag coefficient = 1.5. Hence using equation 3.57, Vs can be estimated.
d s (s f )
Vs 92.4 (3.57)
Cd f
For intermediate particle Reynolds number [(Rp > 3 < 300)] the drag coefficient is given by (transition from
laminar to turbulent).
22
Cd (3.58)
Rp
Substituting equation 3.58 and 3.56 into equation 3.55 gives the equation below
d s ( s f ) 0.667
Vs 175 (3.59)
a 0.333 f 0.333
For a particle Reynolds number of less than 3 (Rp 3) the flow is laminar, and the drag coefficient can be
determined from the equation:
40
Cd (3.60)
Rp
25
Substituting equations 3.60 and 3.56 into equation 3.55 gives the equation below
2
d s ( s f )
Vs 4980 (3.61)
a
Where the apparent viscosity a is given by
2
2.4 Va 2 n 1 200 K (d h d p )
a (3.62)
d h d p 3n Va

(Chukwu, 2009)
26
CHAPTER FOUR
APPLICATION OF EQUATIONS
4.1 DIMENSIONLESS VELOCITY DETERMINATION
The effect of pipe eccentricity on hole cleaning can be best described by analysing the fluid
behaviour in the annulus. In this section dimensionless velocity developed in the previous chapter is
determined for each eccentricity factor. In order to obtain these dimensionless values, the following
procedure was followed:
1. From the available data, Ri/Ro is estimated.
2. Dimensionless pressure P is then estimated using fig. A-1 to A-10 in the appendix, and
assuming a value of n, for each eccentricity, . The parameters, and are also determined.
3. The dimensionless leading order annular clearance term h0() is then estimated from
equation 3.16 for different values of .
4. Similarly, the dimensionless annular clearance term h() is also estimated from equation
3.11 for different values of .
5. The implicit intermediary variable term () is then determined numerically using wolfram
alpha software from equation 3.35 for different values of .
6. The intermediary variable parameter, F is calculated using equation 3.41
7. Knowing these parameters, the dimensionless leading order and first order velocities, V0 &
V1 respectively, are calculated for different and at different x using equations 3.33, 3.34,
3.39 & 3.40.
8. The dimensionless velocity, V is then calculated from the equation
27
V Vo V1 (4.1)
9. Steps 3 - 8 are then repeated for different eccentricities
Plots of dimensionless velocity (V) against angle (), and against dimensionless coordinate
(distance from moving pipe to stationary pipe or wall, x) for different eccentricities are
shown in figures 4.1 to 4.7 below;
28
0.8000
0.7000
0.6000
0.5000
Dimensionless Velocity
0.4000
0.3000
0.2000
0.1000
0.0000
-0.1000
-0.2000
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Angle,o
= 0 = 0.1 = 0.2 = 0.3 = 0.4

= 0.5 = 0.6 = 0.7 = 0.8 = 0.9
Fig.4.1. Dimensionless velocity against angle for dimensionless coordinate, x = 0.1
29
0.6000
0.4000
0.2000
0.0000
-0.2000
-0.4000
-0.6000
-0.8000
-1.0000
-1.2000
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Angle,o
=0 = 0.1 = 0.2 = 0.3 = 0.4

= 0.5 = 0.6 = 0.7 = 0.8 = 0.9
30
0.5000
0.0000
-0.5000
-1.0000
-1.5000
-2.0000
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Angle,o
= 0 = 0.1 = 0.2 = 0.3 = 0.4

= 0.5 = 0.6 = 0.7 = 0.8 = 0.9
31
32
0.5000
0.0000
-0.5000
-1.0000
-1.5000
-2.0000
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
-2.5000
Angle,o
= 0 = 0.1 = 0.2 = 0.3 = 0.4

= 0.5 = 0.6 = 0.7 = 0.8 = 0.9
33
Fig.4.6. Dimensionless velocity against dimensionless coordinate, x for angle, = 0.0 o
34
Fig.4.7: Dimensionless velocity against dimensionless coordinate, x for angle, = 15.0 o
35
4.2 SLIP VELOCITY DETERMINATION USING MOORES CORRELATION
The apparent viscosity of a fluid can be defined as the noticeable internal resistance a fluid offers to
the flow. It is a rheological property calculated from rheometer readings on drilling fluids. In
determining the apparent viscosity, in order to use the correct equations for given Reynolds number
the following procedure is followed:
1. The apparent viscosity of the fluid is determined using equation 3.62
2. The slip velocity is also determined using any of equations 3.57, 3.59 or 3.61
3. The particle Reynolds number is determined using the slip velocity (Vs) from the step
above. Equation 3.56 is employed in this step.
4. The calculated Reynolds number is compared to the range of the Rp in the particular Vs
(slip velocity equations used). If it falls within the Range of Rp, then the Vs calculated is
correct, otherwise use the Vs that matches the calculated Rp. Refer to table 4.1. below;
5. Hole cleaning indicators (transport velocity, carrying capacity index, etc) and equivalent
circulating density are then calculated for the different eccentricities.
The data above shows how the slip velocity was determined. Unlike the laminar and turbulent
column, Rp for intermediate corresponds to the initial guess and hence flow regime is intermediate.
36
Table 4.1: Slip velocity determination
Laminar Turbulent Intermediate

Average Apparent Slip Slip Slip
Eccentricity
Velocity Viscosity Velocity Rp Velocity Rp Velocity Rp
(%)
(ft/min) (cP) (ft/min) (ft/min) (ft/min)
0.00 188.99 13.52 400.20 1373.48 45.41 155.84 53.97 185.21
0.10 185.57 13.65 396.56 1348.63 45.41 154.42 53.80 182.97
0.20 179.74 13.87 390.28 1306.23 45.41 151.97 53.52 179.12
0.30 168.00 14.34 377.32 1220.95 45.41 146.93 52.92 171.24
0.40 157.17 14.83 364.95 1142.20 45.41 142.11 52.33 163.79
0.50 147.14 15.33 353.11 1069.30 45.41 137.50 51.76 156.75
0.60 136.73 15.90 340.40 993.67 45.41 132.55 51.13 149.27
0.70 124.13 16.69 324.33 902.10 45.41 126.29 50.32 139.95
0.80 109.91 17.73 305.19 798.74 45.41 118.84 49.31 129.05
0.90 96.68 18.91 286.23 702.59 45.41 111.46 48.27 118.48
4.3 AVAILABLE DATA (Liao, 1993 and Chukwu, 2009)
Di = 7 inch
Do = 10 inch
n = 0.5
Vp = 150 fpm
f = 10 ppg
s = 22 ppg
ds = 0.3 inch
Cd = 1.5
db = 7 1/8 inch
D = 40 ft
K = 0.3 lb-secn/100ft2
37
CHAPTER FIVE
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
From the appendices, the average annular velocity obtained from the excel spreadsheet for different
eccentricities was used to analyze the eccentricity effect on hole cleaning and some wellbore
hydraulics. This velocity was obtained by multiplying through the average dimensionless velocity
by the pipe velocity. The parameters analyzed include transport velocity, carrying capacity index,
cuttings concentration, and equivalent circulating density (ECD).
5.1 VELOCITY PROFILE IN THE ANNULUS
From figures 4.1 4.5, concentric annulus showed a uniform velocity profile from 0o-180 o. For a
concentric annulus, the area open to flow is uniform throughout the annulus and hence velocity
distribution is constant.
For eccentricity of 0.1, velocity increases as the angle increases from 0o-180 o. Initially, velocity for
eccentricity of 0.1 is smaller than that of concentric (0.0) which is due to the fact that area open to
flow is greater than that of concentric and hence lower velocity than that of concentric. However,
above 80o when the area open to flow for eccentricity of 0.1 has become less than that of the
concentric, the velocity becomes higher than that of concentric.
Similar results were obtained for the other eccentricity values. However, at higher eccentricities
(0.9), velocity becomes higher than that of concentric at about 40o. It can also be observed that at
higher eccentricities (above 0.7), there is a little decline between angles of 80o-120 o. This could be
due to introduction of turbulence. From the results obtained for the velocities, Rp showed an
intermediate flow regime which explains this effect.
5.2 TRANSPORT VELOCITY
38
From table 4.1, the slip velocity and particle Reynolds Number (Rp) were calculated for the
different flow regimes. From the table, the flow regime that best describes the annulus average
velocity was that of the intermediate. This is because the particle Reynolds Number obtained for
that velocity coincided with that of intermediate flow regime, The Rp for both turbulent regime and
laminar regime calculated were not in the range established from literature. Hence, slip velocity
calculated for intermediate flow regime was subtracted from the annular velocity in order to obtain
the transport velocity. From fig 5.1, it can be clearly observed that the transport velocity decreases
with increase in eccentricity.
160.0
140.0
120.0
Transport Velocity (fpm)
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
eccentricity (%)
Fig.5.1: Effect of eccentricity on transport velocity
39
This hole cleaning indicator implies that for a given depth, it will take less time for cuttings to reach
surface for a concentric annulus. As eccentricity increases, transport velocity decreases and hence,
cuttings take longer time to travel from bottom to surface. This can further be explained from
equation 5.1
distance
V (5.1)
time
5.3 CARRYING CAPACITY INDEX
One of the most important functions of a drilling fluid is the ability to transport the drilled particles
(cuttings) generated by the drill bit to surface through the wellbore annulus. This is commonly
referred to as the Carrying Capacity Index (CCI) of the drilling mud. This factor can be affected by
the velocity profile in the annulus.
From fig.5.2 and table 5.2, carrying capacity is shown to decrease as eccentricity increases. This
implies that the ability of the drilling fluid to lift cuttings from the bottom to surface is dependent
on the eccentricity. This eccentricity changes the fluids ability to carry the solids. The apparent
viscosity increases with increasing eccentricity as can be seen in table 4.1.
40
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
CCI
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
eccentricity (%)
Fig.5.2: Effect of eccentricity on carrying capacity index
5.4 CUTTING CONCENTRATION
From fig. 5.3 and table 5.2, cutting concentration increased as eccentricity increases. For concentric,
cutting concentration is about 7% and increased to about 20% for eccentricity of 0.9. When cuttings
in the annulus are at an equilibrium concentration, the volume of cuttings flowing out of the annulus
equals the volume of cuttings being liberated at the bit. Depending on the velocity of cuttings,
annular area and cutting concentration, this volume of cuttings leaving the annulus per unit time can
be calculated.
41
0.25
0.20
0.15
Ca
0.10
0.05
0.00
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
eccentricity (%)
Fig.5.3: Effect of eccentricity on cuttings concentration
From the results, it therefore implies that for a concentric annulus, the amount of cuttings left in the
annulus with respect to the amount of cuttings liberated at the bit is less than that of an eccentric
annulus. Similarly, that for the eccentric annulus increases as eccentricity increases. The equation
used to determine the cutting concentration is given by:
Ca
ROP d b 2 (5.2)
Va Vs d h 2 d p 2
5.5 EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY

42
Cuttings have a large effect on the effective circulating density and this is as a result of the excess
pressure due to the cuttings. From fig 5.4 and table 5.2, it can be observed that as the annular space
deviates from concentric, the pressure due to the cuttings increases which in effect causes an
increase in the equivalent circulating density.
For a depth of 40 ft and a fluid density of 10 ppg, the ECD recorded is about 10.8ppg for a
concentric annulus. This ECD increases to about 12.4 ppg for an eccentricity of 0.9. This implies
that, a formation with small mud weight window (offshore) can be fractured during drilling if
eccentricity effect is not considered.
Fig.5.4: Effect of eccentricity on ECD

5.5.1 Illustrative Example
43
At a depth of 6000ft, and with the available data given in chapter 4, determine the equivalent
circulating density at different eccentricities when drilling with a mud weight of 10ppg. If the
fracture gradient of the formation is 14.0ppg, what is the minimum eccentricity above which the
formation will be fractured? (Hydrostatic Pressure = Ph)
Solution
Ph 0.052 D MW
Ph 0.052 600010 3120 psi
Pressure drop due to cuttings (Pc) for concentric
Pc 0.052 D ( c f ) C a
Pc 0.052 6000 (22.07 10.00) 0.071
Pc 267.37 psi
Equivalent circulating density (ECD) for concentric
Pc
ECD MW
0.052 D
267.37
ECD 10.0
0.052 6000
ECD 10.85 ppg
Below is the table that summarises the ECD calculations for eccentricity from 0.0-0.9
44
Table 5.1: ECD for different eccentricities
pcuttings
eccentricity (%) Ca (psi) ECD (ppg)
0 0.071 266.457 10.854
0.1 0.072 273.039 10.875
0.2 0.076 285.044 10.914
0.3 0.083 312.625 11.002
0.4 0.091 343.198 11.100
0.5 0.100 377.241 11.209
0.6 0.112 420.337 11.347
0.7 0.129 487.440 11.562
0.8 0.158 593.719 11.903
0.9 0.197 743.199 12.382
For a fracture gradient of 11.5ppg, it can be observed from the table above that at eccentricity of 0.7
and above, using a drilling fluid with mud weight of 10.0ppg will fracture the formation.
Table 5.2: Hole Cleaning Indicators
Transport
eccentricity Average Slip Velocity Transport pcuttings ECD
(%) Velocity Velocity (fpm) Ratio CCI Ca (psi) (ppg)
0 188.992 53.966 135.026 0.714 1.285 0.071 1.776 10.854
0.1 185.573 53.802 131.771 0.710 1.262 0.072 1.820 10.875
0.2 179.738 53.517 126.221 0.702 1.222 0.076 1.900 10.914
0.3 168.004 52.919 115.085 0.685 1.142 0.083 2.084 11.002
0.4 157.168 52.335 104.833 0.667 1.069 0.091 2.288 11.100
0.5 147.136 51.763 95.373 0.648 1.001 0.100 2.515 11.209
0.6 136.729 51.135 85.595 0.626 0.930 0.112 2.802 11.347
0.7 124.129 50.318 73.811 0.595 0.844 0.129 3.250 11.562
0.8 109.908 49.309 60.599 0.551 0.747 0.158 3.958 11.903
0.9 96.677 48.267 48.410 0.501 0.657 0.197 4.955 12.382
45
CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 CONCLUSIONS
From the analysis and discussion of results, the following conclusions are made in this study.
1. At constant flow rate, velocity increases with increase in angle (decrease in annular space)
for an eccentric annulus. This is similar for an eccentric annulus however, the average
velocity in the annulus decreases with increase in eccentricity (Table 4.1).
2. Increase in eccentricity reduces drilling fluid cleaning efficiency. Deviating from concentric
to nearly full eccentric annulus (0.0-0.9) reduces the transport velocity of the fluid and ther
carrying capacity of the fluid by about 64% & 49% respectively, whereas cuttings
concentration in the annulus is increased by about 64% for eccentricity of 0.9.
3. The effect of eccentricity goes a long way to affect the equivalent circulating density. As the
annulus deviates from concentric to eccentric and higher, cuttings concentration increases
creating excess pressure drop due to the cuttings. This increases the equivalent circulating
density as shown in the sample problem in chapter 5.
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
For a better understanding of the effect of pipe eccentricity on hole cleaning, the following
recommendations should be considered.
1. Development of relationships for the case of unsteady state flow of power-law fluids to
estimate eccentricity effect on hole cleaning.
2. The use of other rheological models can be applied since power-law fluid is not the only
model used in the industry.
46
47
NOMENCLATURE
CCI carrying capacity index

Cd drag coefficient
D depth, ft
dh inner diameter of outer pipe or hole, inch
dp outer diameter of inner or moving pipe, inch
ds particle diameter, inch
e offset of the inner pipe from the axis of the outer pipe
F intermediary variable
f function
h*() annular clearance, inch
h() dimensionless annular clearance
hmin minimum annular clearance, inch
h0() leading order annular clearance, dimensionless
h1() first order annular clearance, dimensionless
K power-law fluid consistency index, lbf-secn/ft2
n power-law fluid index, dimensionless
P dimensionless quality
*
P surge or swab pressure, psi
P dimensionless pressure
Q dimensionless flow rate
Q* flow rate, ft3/sec
Q0 leading order flow rate, dimensionless
Q1 first order flow rate, dimensionless
R() dimensionless radius
*
R () variable radius of the outer pipe due to eccentricity, inch
Rc radius of coupling or centralizer, inch
Ri outer radius of inner pipe, inch
Ro inner radius of outer pipe, inch
Rp particle Reynolds number, dimensionless
48
r* polar coordinate
r dimensionless coordinate
s reciprocal of n, dimensionless
V dimensionless velocity
V0 leading order velocity, dimensionless
V1 first order velocity, dimensionless
Va average velocity in annulus, ft/sec
Vp pipe velocity, ft/sec
Vs slip velocity, ft/sec
*
Vz fluid flow velocity, ft/sec
x dimensionless coordinate
y intermediary variable
z coordinate along pipe axle
pipes radii ratio, dimensionless
*
rz shear rate, 1/sec
*
z shear rate, 1/sec
rz dimensionless shear rate for exact annular model
rz0 leading order dimensionless shear rate for exact annular model
rz1 first order dimensionless shear rate for exact annular model
xz dimensionless shear rate for narrow annular model
xz0 leading order dimensionless shear rate for narrow annular model
xz1 first order dimensionless shear rate for narrow annular model
z dimensionless shear rate
z0 leading order dimensionless shear rate
z1 first order dimensionless shear rate
perturbation parameter for narrow annular model, dimensionless
eccentricity, dimensionless
constant
dimensionless viscosity
a apparent viscosity
dimensionless viscosity scale
49
f density of the fluid
s density of the solid particle
intermediary variable
rz dimensionless shear stress for exact annular model
rz0 leading order dimensionless shear stress for exact annular model
rz1 first order dimensionless shear stress for exact annular model
xz dimensionless shear stress for narrow annular model
xz0 leading order dimensionless shear stress for narrow annular model
xz1 first order dimensionless shear stress for narrow annular model
z dimensionless shear stress
z0 leading order dimensionless shear stress
z1 first order dimensionless shear stress
dimensionless quality
perturbation parameter for exact annular model, dimensionless
50
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54
APPENDIX
Table A.1: Velocity profile determination for concentric annulus ( = 0)
V0, x = V1, x =
h0 () h () () F 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
0.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
10.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
20.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
30.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
40.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
50.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
60.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
70.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
80.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
90.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
100.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
110.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
120.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
130.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
140.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
150.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
160.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
170.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
180.0 1.000 1.000 0.580 0.070 1.000 0.299 -0.162 -0.435 -0.568 -0.612 -0.616 -0.602 -0.528 -0.344 0.000 0.000 -0.188 -0.238 -0.214 -0.165 -0.126 0.114 0.091 0.045 0.001 0.000
55
Table A.1: Velocity profile determination for concentric annulus ( = 0) contd
V, x =
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
0.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
10.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
20.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
30.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
40.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
50.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
60.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
70.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
80.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
90.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
100.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
110.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
120.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
130.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
140.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
150.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
160.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
170.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
180.0 1.000 0.219 -0.264 -0.527 -0.639 -0.666 -0.567 -0.563 -0.509 -0.343 0.000
56
Table A.2: Velocity profile determination for eccentric annulus ( = 0.50)
V0, x =
h0 () h () () F 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
0.0 1.500 1.500 0.801 0.144 1.000 0.017 -0.722 -1.251 -1.607 -1.823 -1.934 -1.975 -1.981 -1.975 -1.935 -1.826 -1.612 -1.260 -0.734 0.000
10.0 1.492 1.491 0.797 0.144 1.000 0.027 -0.703 -1.226 -1.575 -1.787 -1.894 -1.934 -1.939 -1.933 -1.891 -1.778 -1.560 -1.202 -0.669 0.000
20.0 1.470 1.465 0.786 0.145 1.000 0.056 -0.650 -1.152 -1.484 -1.682 -1.781 -1.814 -1.818 -1.810 -1.761 -1.639 -1.407 -1.031 -0.477 0.000
30.0 1.433 1.424 0.768 0.145 1.000 0.101 -0.566 -1.035 -1.342 -1.519 -1.604 -1.630 -1.631 -1.618 -1.560 -1.420 -1.165 -0.760 -0.170 0.000
40.0 1.383 1.368 0.745 0.145 1.000 0.158 -0.460 -0.888 -1.161 -1.313 -1.381 -1.398 -1.398 -1.377 -1.303 -1.140 -0.853 -0.408 0.231 0.000
50.0 1.321 1.299 0.718 0.144 1.000 0.223 -0.339 -0.720 -0.957 -1.083 -1.133 -1.143 -1.139 -1.107 -1.012 -0.818 -0.491 0.004 0.701 0.000
60.0 1.250 1.222 0.688 0.140 1.000 0.291 -0.213 -0.547 -0.747 -0.847 -0.881 -0.885 -0.877 -0.829 -0.708 -0.478 -0.104 0.448 1.213 0.000
70.0 1.171 1.138 0.657 0.134 1.000 0.357 -0.091 -0.381 -0.546 -0.623 -0.644 -0.645 -0.628 -0.562 -0.411 -0.141 0.284 0.897 1.734 0.000
80.0 1.087 1.050 0.628 0.125 1.000 0.417 0.018 -0.232 -0.368 -0.425 -0.437 -0.435 -0.408 -0.320 -0.139 0.173 0.648 1.322 2.231 0.000
90.0 1.000 0.963 0.603 0.113 1.000 0.467 0.109 -0.109 -0.222 -0.264 -0.270 -0.265 -0.226 -0.118 0.094 0.443 0.966 1.696 2.669 0.000
100.0 0.913 0.877 0.583 0.100 1.000 0.505 0.178 -0.017 -0.112 -0.144 -0.148 -0.138 -0.088 0.038 0.274 0.655 1.217 1.993 3.019 0.000
110.0 0.829 0.796 0.569 0.089 1.000 0.530 0.223 0.045 -0.040 -0.066 -0.068 -0.055 0.004 0.143 0.397 0.801 1.390 2.199 3.262 0.000
120.0 0.750 0.722 0.561 0.081 1.000 0.544 0.249 0.079 0.000 -0.023 -0.024 -0.009 0.055 0.202 0.467 0.884 1.489 2.316 3.401 0.000
130.0 0.679 0.657 0.558 0.078 1.000 0.550 0.260 0.094 0.017 -0.005 -0.005 0.011 0.077 0.227 0.497 0.920 1.532 2.367 3.461 0.000
140.0 0.617 0.601 0.557 0.077 1.000 0.552 0.263 0.098 0.022 0.001 0.000 0.017 0.083 0.234 0.505 0.930 1.544 2.382 3.478 0.000
150.0 0.567 0.558 0.557 0.077 1.000 0.552 0.263 0.098 0.022 0.001 0.000 0.017 0.084 0.235 0.506 0.931 1.545 2.383 3.480 0.000
160.0 0.530 0.526 0.557 0.077 1.000 0.552 0.263 0.098 0.022 0.001 0.001 0.017 0.084 0.235 0.506 0.931 1.545 2.384 3.480 0.000
170.0 0.508 0.506 0.556 0.077 1.000 0.552 0.263 0.099 0.023 0.002 0.001 0.018 0.085 0.236 0.507 0.932 1.547 2.385 3.482 0.000
180.0 0.500 0.500 0.556 0.077 1.000 0.552 0.264 0.099 0.023 0.002 0.002 0.018 0.085 0.236 0.507 0.933 1.547 2.386 3.483 0.000
57
Table A.2: Velocity profile determination for eccentric annulus ( = 0.50) contd
V1, x =
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
0.0 0.000 -0.364 -0.521 -0.539 -0.475 -0.376 -0.279 -0.210 -0.185 0.161 0.092 -0.004 -0.104 -0.169 -0.154 0.000
10.0 0.000 -0.355 -0.505 -0.518 -0.451 -0.351 -0.255 -0.187 0.164 0.138 0.068 -0.029 -0.128 -0.192 -0.173 0.000
20.0 0.000 -0.327 -0.458 -0.458 -0.385 -0.284 -0.189 -0.125 0.106 0.075 0.001 -0.099 -0.197 -0.254 -0.224 0.000
30.0 0.000 -0.286 -0.388 -0.371 -0.289 -0.185 -0.094 -0.038 0.024 -0.016 -0.097 -0.199 -0.293 -0.340 -0.289 0.000
40.0 0.000 -0.237 -0.306 -0.269 -0.179 -0.076 0.009 0.055 -0.067 -0.118 -0.205 -0.308 -0.395 -0.424 -0.341 0.000
50.0 0.000 -0.187 -0.224 -0.170 -0.075 0.025 0.099 0.132 -0.150 -0.211 -0.305 -0.405 -0.479 -0.480 -0.353 0.000
60.0 0.000 -0.143 -0.153 -0.088 0.009 0.100 0.162 -0.181 -0.210 -0.281 -0.377 -0.469 -0.520 -0.483 -0.297 0.000
70.0 0.000 -0.109 -0.102 -0.031 0.060 0.141 0.188 -0.200 -0.241 -0.318 -0.409 -0.485 -0.504 -0.415 -0.156 0.000
80.0 0.000 -0.088 -0.072 -0.004 0.078 0.145 0.178 -0.191 -0.240 -0.316 -0.397 -0.447 -0.424 -0.273 0.071 0.000
90.0 0.000 -0.079 -0.064 -0.003 0.067 0.121 0.141 -0.159 -0.211 -0.281 -0.343 -0.362 -0.290 -0.070 0.365 0.000
100.0 0.000 -0.079 -0.071 -0.020 0.038 0.080 -0.092 -0.115 -0.164 -0.223 -0.264 -0.247 -0.125 0.161 0.683 0.000
110.0 0.000 -0.085 -0.085 -0.044 0.005 0.038 -0.047 -0.070 -0.115 -0.163 -0.182 -0.136 0.029 0.371 0.962 0.000
120.0 0.000 -0.090 -0.097 -0.063 -0.020 0.008 -0.016 -0.039 -0.080 -0.118 -0.124 -0.056 0.135 0.513 1.148 0.000
130.0 0.000 -0.093 -0.102 -0.071 -0.031 -0.005 -0.002 -0.025 -0.064 -0.099 -0.098 -0.021 0.183 0.576 1.231 0.000
140.0 0.000 -0.092 -0.102 -0.071 -0.032 -0.006 -0.001 -0.024 -0.063 -0.096 -0.094 -0.016 0.191 0.588 1.247 0.000
150.0 0.000 -0.092 -0.101 -0.070 -0.031 -0.004 -0.002 -0.026 -0.064 -0.098 -0.097 -0.018 0.188 0.584 1.243 0.000
160.0 0.000 -0.092 -0.101 -0.070 -0.031 -0.005 -0.002 -0.025 -0.064 -0.097 -0.096 -0.017 0.190 0.586 1.246 0.000
170.0 0.000 -0.093 -0.103 -0.072 -0.033 -0.007 0.000 -0.023 -0.061 -0.094 -0.092 -0.012 0.195 0.593 1.254 0.000
180.0 0.000 -0.093 -0.103 -0.073 -0.034 -0.008 0.002 -0.021 -0.060 -0.093 -0.090 -0.010 0.198 0.597 1.259 0.000
58
Table A.2: Velocity profile determination for eccentric annulus ( = 0.50) contd
V, x =
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
0.0 1.000 -0.139 -0.945 -1.482 -1.810 -1.984 -2.053 -2.065 -2.060 -1.906 -1.896 -1.828 -1.657 -1.333 -0.800 0.000
10.0 1.000 -0.125 -0.920 -1.448 -1.769 -1.937 -2.004 -2.014 -1.869 -1.874 -1.861 -1.791 -1.615 -1.284 -0.743 0.000
20.0 1.000 -0.085 -0.846 -1.348 -1.649 -1.804 -1.862 -1.868 -1.773 -1.777 -1.761 -1.681 -1.491 -1.140 -0.572 0.000
30.0 1.000 -0.022 -0.732 -1.194 -1.465 -1.599 -1.644 -1.646 -1.621 -1.625 -1.601 -1.505 -1.291 -0.906 -0.294 0.000
40.0 1.000 0.057 -0.591 -1.003 -1.237 -1.346 -1.377 -1.375 -1.427 -1.428 -1.391 -1.272 -1.022 -0.589 0.084 0.000
50.0 1.000 0.143 -0.435 -0.793 -0.989 -1.072 -1.091 -1.086 -1.204 -1.198 -1.142 -0.992 -0.696 -0.202 0.550 0.000
60.0 1.000 0.230 -0.279 -0.585 -0.743 -0.804 -0.812 -0.962 -0.967 -0.950 -0.869 -0.679 -0.327 0.241 1.086 0.000
70.0 1.000 0.311 -0.135 -0.394 -0.521 -0.562 -0.563 -0.730 -0.731 -0.698 -0.586 -0.349 0.067 0.719 1.667 0.000
80.0 1.000 0.380 -0.013 -0.234 -0.335 -0.363 -0.361 -0.517 -0.510 -0.456 -0.309 -0.019 0.466 1.205 2.261 0.000
90.0 1.000 0.433 0.081 -0.110 -0.193 -0.212 -0.210 -0.333 -0.316 -0.238 -0.054 0.288 0.842 1.666 2.826 0.000
100.0 1.000 0.471 0.147 -0.025 -0.096 -0.110 -0.187 -0.187 -0.158 -0.058 0.161 0.549 1.163 2.062 3.311 0.000
110.0 1.000 0.494 0.187 0.026 -0.038 -0.050 -0.088 -0.085 -0.046 0.073 0.319 0.743 1.402 2.358 3.674 0.000
120.0 1.000 0.506 0.207 0.052 -0.009 -0.019 -0.030 -0.025 0.021 0.151 0.413 0.860 1.547 2.536 3.893 0.000
130.0 1.000 0.511 0.216 0.063 0.004 -0.006 -0.006 0.000 0.049 0.185 0.455 0.911 1.610 2.614 3.989 0.000
140.0 1.000 0.512 0.219 0.067 0.008 -0.002 0.000 0.006 0.056 0.193 0.464 0.923 1.626 2.633 4.012 0.000
150.0 1.000 0.513 0.220 0.068 0.009 -0.001 -0.001 0.006 0.056 0.193 0.464 0.923 1.625 2.633 4.013 0.000
160.0 1.000 0.513 0.220 0.068 0.009 -0.001 0.000 0.007 0.057 0.193 0.465 0.924 1.627 2.635 4.014 0.000
170.0 1.000 0.513 0.219 0.068 0.009 -0.001 0.001 0.008 0.058 0.196 0.468 0.927 1.630 2.639 4.020 0.000
180.0 1.000 0.512 0.219 0.067 0.009 -0.002 0.002 0.009 0.059 0.197 0.469 0.929 1.632 2.642 4.023 0.000
59
Fig.A-1: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.0, (Liao, 1993)
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EFFECT OF PIPE ECCENTRICITY ON HOLE CLEANING AND

Presented to the Faculty of the

African University of Science and Technology

in Partial Fulfilment of the requirements for the

AKRONG, Joseph Annung

Akrong Joseph Annung

LIST OF TABLES vii

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

2.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4

2.1.1 Cuttings Transport in Wells ......................................................................................... 4

2.2 PARAMETERS AFFECTING HOLE CLEANING ............................................................. 7

2.2.1 Pipe Eccentricity......................................................................................................... 8

2.3 COUTTE FLOW .............................................................................................................. 10

DEVELOPMENT OF PERTINENT EQUATIONS 16

3.1 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS .................................................................................................. 16

4.1 DIMENSIONLESS VELOCITY DETERMINATION ...................................................... 27

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 38

5.1 VELOCITY PROFILE IN THE ANNULUS ................................................................... 38

5.5.1 Sample Problem ..................................................................................................... 43

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 46

6.1 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................... 46

Fig.2.1: Pipe eccentricity ................................................................................................................. 8

Fig.2.2. Effect of hole angle and weight on bit on eccentricity. ........................................................ 9

Fig 3.1 Geometric representation of an eccentric annulus .............................................................. 18

Fig.5.1: Effect of eccentricity on transport velocity ....................................................................... 39

Fig.5.2: Effect of eccentricity on carrying capacity index .............................................................. 41

Fig.5.3: Effect of eccentricity on cuttings concentration ................................................................ 42

Fig.5.4: Effect of eccentricity on ECD........................................................................................... 43

Fig.A-1: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.0................................................ 60

Fig.A-3: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.2................................................ 62

Fig.A-4: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.3................................................ 63

Fig.A-5: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.4................................................ 64

Fig.A-6: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.5................................................ 65

Fig.A-7: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.6................................................ 66

Fig.A-8: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.7................................................ 67

Fig.A-9: Dimensionless pressure versus pipe radii ratio for = 0.8................................................ 68

Table 4.1: Slip velocity determination ......................................................................................... 37

Table 5.1: ECD for different eccentricities .................................................................................. 45

Table 5.2: Hole Cleaning Indicators............................................................................................ 45

Table A.1: Velocity profile determination for concentric annulus ( = 0) ..................................... 55

The objectives of this work are to:

The proposed approach consists of;

2.1 CUTTINGS REMOVAL

2.1.1 Cuttings Transport in Wells

2.2 PARAMETERS AFFECTING HOLE CLEANING

Concentric Partially Eccentric Fully Eccentric

Fig.2.1: Pipe eccentricity. (Anon, 2010)

Hole Angle, degrees

2.2.2 Other Parameters

2.3 COUTTE FLOW

2.4 ECCENTRICITY EFFECTS ON ANNULUS PRESSURE DROP

2.5 HOLE CLEANING INDICATORS

2.5.1 Transport Ratio

2.5.1 Carrying Capacity Index (CCI)

DEVELOPMENT OF PERTINENT EQUATIONS

3.1 BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

1) steady-state, single phase, incompressible fluid flow;

3.2 GOVERNING EQUATIONS

rz* * rz* (3.2)

where the viscosity, * is defined by;

The shear tensor rate can be defined as

Where Vz* is the local velocity of the fluid in the z-direction.

3.3 GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ECCENTRIC ANNULUS

Fig 3.1 Geometric representation of an eccentric annulus. (Liao, 1993)