Two Aplication Of Solids Remove For Drilling Optimization to Overcome High Torque

Fine solids resulted from formation cuttings were contaminants that mostly caused unstable mud performance. Combination of batch drilling sequence and unsuitable solids removal treatment, led to fine particle accumulation. This is one of the root causes of excessive torque and high ECD throughout the drilling operation.

From drilling fluid properties point of view, it is beneficial to minimize drilled solids content. This can be achieved by mechanical treatment, chemical treatment, dilution, and/or mixing new mud. All the above methods, will lead to additional cost impact. Thus, utilization of proper solids removal was required to balance between mechanical treatment and dilution method to reduce solids at acceptable cost.

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Drilling Fluid Cleaner

Drilling fluid cleaners were equipment of solids control, also called mud cleaner or mud conditioner, etc..  Drilling fluid cleaner was evolved in the early 1970s to remove fine drilled solids from medium weighted mud without excessive loss of barite and fluid. It is also proved valuable tools in drilling loop closed systems and other applications (dispersed weighted). Drilling fluid cleaner use a combination of desander and/or desilter hydrocyclones and very fine mesh vibrating screens (120~400 mesh) to remove fine drilled solids while returning valuable mud additives and liquids back to the active mud system.

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Drilling Cuttings Separation

Mineralogy of Cuttings

Drill cuttings are particles of crushed rock produced by the grinding action of the drill bit as it penetrates into the earth. Drill cuttings range in size from clay-sized particles (~ 2 μm) to coarse gravel (> 30 mm) and have an angular configuration. Their chemistry and mineralogy reflect that of the sedimentary strata being penetrated by the drill.

Figure 1. Separation of WBM and cuttings is mainly based on particle size and relies on shale shakers, hydrocyclones (mud cleaner), and occasionally a decanting centrifuge. Most cuttings are sand/gravel-sized and are easily recovered on the shale shaker. However, silt- and clay-sized cuttings are difficult to separate from the barite and bentonite of WBM; hydrocyclones and centrifuges may be required.

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