WHAT’S SOOMTH OPERATION

Smooth operations of solids-separation equipment are accomplished with proper planning and utilization of the needed equipment to efficiently and effectively remove drilled solids from a drilling fluid. This chapter provides guidelines to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of solids-removal equipment and associated drilling-fluid equipment. This chapter is primarily directed toward rig personnel as a practical guideline for better drilling practices. Many of these suggestions and guidelines are discussed in much greater detail in other chapters of this book. This chapter consists of three sections: Solids Control Equipment Guidelines and operations of the various solids-removal equipment; Equipment Guidelines and additional thoughts and considerations for smooth operations of the various drilling-fluid handling equipment and tankage; Solids Management Checklist and questions to consider for proper sizing, selection, and operation of a solids-management system.

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UNDERBALANCED DRILLING SOLIDS-CONTROL POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

Shale

In general, thick shale sections cause problems with UBD. They slough or cave into the hole. This is probably due to thick shale sections having some elements of laminating, geo pressuring, or sensitivity to water. As a general rule, thick shale sections should not be drilled underbalanced. In the special case of air/gas drilling, shale usually remains stable as long as it is kept dry. Even the small amount of water in mist drilling will destabilize most shale. These formations need to be put behind casing within a few days. Watch out for excessive caving and especially long, thin cuttings. Once caving starts, it cannot be controlled with under-balance operations.

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SOLIDS-CONTROL SYSTEM FOR UBD

The destination, or method of disposal, is one of the major factors in designing the solids-control system for UBD. In the best of all cases, produced oil and water can be skimmed off, cleaned, and sent into the field production system. The solids can be partly dewatered for appropriate disposal. On the other hand, if annular cuttings injection is possible, the volume of waste generated will not be as critical. In this case the waste stream should be kept as wet as possible.

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