Effects of Drilling Fluid Rheological Properties on Drill Cuttings Transport

During well drilling process, drill cuttings were produced. Drill fluid (or mud) has been used to remove the drill cuttings that are produced in the well by transporting it to the surface. The removal of drill cuttings is important in ensuring a smooth drilling process. In order for the drilling fluid to transport the drill cuttings effectively, the rheological properties of the drilling fluid such as viscosity, suspension, yield stress and velocity must be taken into consideration. Biopolymers such as xanthan gum and scleroglucan have been widely used as additives to improve the rheological properties of the cutting fluid. This project is about studying the Effects of Drilling Fluid Rheological Properties on Drill Cuttings Transport. The project consists of rheological data gathering of the drilling fluids, performing numerical simulations of the drilling fluids, and study of the relationship between the drill cuttings accumulation and the drilling fluid rheology in achieving optimum drill cuttings management. This report will describe in detail the background study of the project, the problem statement that leads to the objectives of this project, the objectives, the scope of studies during this project, literature review, methodology or steps taken to complete this project, results, discussions and recommendations