Drilling fluids

Specifications of drilling fluids

One of the most important factors that influence Calculation of necessary flush capacity
drilling performance is the drilling fluid. Drilling
The velocity times the area gives the flow = flush
fluids, serve mainly the following purposes:
capacity.
• remove drill cuttings from the drill hole and Formula: Q = v x A
clean the drill bit. Q = m2/sec
• cool the drill bit v = m/sec
• lubricate the drill bit and the drill string A = m2
• stabilize and seal the walls of the drill hole. The drill fluid capacity is calculated as the
velocity of the fluid (or the up-hole velocity)
Drilling fluids can be gases, foams, liquids or
times the annular area.
suspensions. Clear water is in most cases the
best fluid. In difficult geological formations Formula in short for daily use: Q = v x k x (D2-d2)
different types of drilling muds and additives Q = Flushpump capacity in l/min
should be used. The criterion determining the v = Annular velocity in cm/sec
flushing capacity is the up-hole velocity required k = constant = 0,00047
in order to transport the cuttings. The necessary D = Drill bit size in mm
up-hole velocity should be substantially greater d = Drill string diameter in mm
than the sedimentation velocity of the cuttings.
Example:
Drill cuttings of ordinary rock material normally
Drill bit = 76 mm
have a sedimentation velocity of around
Drill string diameter = 50 mm
30 cm/sec in water. The velocity varies with the
Wanted flushing velocity = 40 cm/sec
size of the cuttings, their density and the
Q = Required flushpump capacity?
characteristics of the flush fluid. The normally
recommended flushing velocity is 40 cm/sec for Q = 40 x 0,00047 x (762 - 502) = 62 l/min
core drilling; and 50 cm/sec for rotary drilling. Required flushpump capacity = 62 l/min

1. Mud tank
2. Strainer
3. Suction hose
4. Flush pump
5. Pressure hose 9
6. Water swivel
7. Drill rig 8
8. Drill string
d
9. Drill bit
D
10. Recirculation hose
11. Hydraulic oil hoses
D. Drill bit diameter
d. Drill string diameter
7

8
10
1

6
AUT PEN BITF RPM
14.5 22.6 1850

1 0 0
1
0
2 1
2
2
3

3
3
10

10
10
4

4
9
9

9
5

8
5

8
5

6 7 8
6 7 6 7

1 0
0
2 1
2
3

10

10
4

9
9

8
5

8 7
6
6 7

5 3