E HYDRAULICS

Clickable list
(Use the hierarchical list under "Bookmarks" to navigate to the miscellaneous equations

Nomenclature

E-1

Pump outputs

E-2

Optimum bit hydraulics

E-3

Nozzle sizes & flow areas

E-4

Hole cleaning

E-5

Slip velocities

E-6

Miscellaneous equations (1)

E-7

Miscellaneous equations (2)

E-8

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

NOMENCLATURE
The following are the symbols and units used in this Section, except where otherwise
noted :
Units
Field
SI
An
= total area of bit nozzles
inches2
mm2
C
= coefficient of QN in equation for Ps
Dh
= diameter of hole
inches
mm
Dp
= diameter of drillpipe
inches
mm
D1
= small diameter
inches
mm
D2
= large diameter
inches
mm
D
= inside diameter (conduit or pump liner)
inches
mm
dc
= chip diameter or greatest dimension
inches
mm
HHPt = total hydraulic horsepower
hp
kW
HHPs = hydraulic horsepower expended in system
hp
kW
HHPb = hydraulic horsepower expended at bit
hp
kW
IF
= jet impact force
lbs
N
J/ "
J
= nozzle size (e.g. 12, 14 etc.)
mm
32
L
= length of conduit
ft
m
or length of pump stroke
inches
mm
N
= exponent of Q in equation giving Ps
P1
= surface pressure losses
psi
kPa
P = pressure drop
psi
kPa
Pt = total pressure drop
psi
kPa
(or pump discharge pressure)
Ps = pressure drop in system
psi
kPa
Pb = pressure drop across bit nozzles
psi
kPa
PV = plastic viscosity
cp
cp
Q
= flow rate
galls/min
dm3/min
Rn
= Reynolds number
Va
= annular velocity
ft/min
m/min
Vp
= velocity of fluid inside circular pipe
ft/min
m/min
Vs
= slip velocity
ft/min
m/min
Vc
= critical velocity
ft/min
m/min
Vn
= jet velocity
ft/sec
m/sec
YP = yield point
lbs/100ft2
lbs/100ft2

= effective viscosity
cp
cp
df
= pressure gradient of drilling fluid
psi/ft
kPa/m
c
= pressure gradient of cuttings
psi/ft
kPa/m
(usually sg = 2.51)
Note: nozzle sizes are given as numbers (e.g. 12,14, etc.) meaning
in fact 12/32", 14/32", x/32", etc.

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

E1

PUMP OUTPUTS

Double Acting Duplex Pump

gal/min
bbl/min
ft3/min
L/min

=
=
=
=

0.00679
0.000162
0.000909
0.0257

x
x
L x (2D2 - d2) x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency
x
x

Single Acting Triplex Pump

gal/min
bbl/min
ft3/min
L/min

=
=
=
=

0.01020
0.000243
0.001364
0.0386

x
x
L x D2 x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency
x
x

All of the above equations are valid when the pump sizes are specified in inches, as is
normally the case even on rigs where SI units are standard.
When dimensions are quoted in millimetres the applicable equations to obtain the
output in SI units are :
Double Acting Duplex Pump
L/min

= 1.568 x 10-6 x L x (2D2 - d2) x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency

Single Acting Triplex Pump

L/min

= 2.355 x 10-6 x L x D2 x SPM x fractional volumetric efficiency

Note :
In pump calculations a stroke actually means one rotation of the pump crank. Thus a
triplex pump for example will deliver three piston pumping actions per stroke.

E2

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

OPTIMUM BIT HYDRAULICS

Two approaches can be used - either to optimise the bit hydraulic horsepower, which
will occur when Pb is approximately equal to 2/3 Pt , or to optimise the jet impact
force, which will occur when Pb is approximately equal to 1/2 Pt. Nozzles can then be
chosen to achieve the required result.
Note that the relationships quoted above are approximate and are presented to give a
feeling for the order of magnitude of the values required. For a more accurate estimate
of the required Pb the properties of the drilling fluid need to be taken into account - in
this case the parameters C and N in the equation Ps = C.QN. The procedure below
shows how to determine these, and how to apply them to calculate the optimum nozzle
sizes corresponding to each approach.
Note also, however, that the optimisation of bit hydraulics is often compromised by
other hydraulic requirements such as hole cleaning requirements and the pressure
drops / flowrate restrictions associated with certain pieces of downhole equipment.
In the approximations given above N has been taken as 2 for simplicity; however until a
better value has been determined, as follows, it is recommended to use 1.82 in
calculations.
Prior to pulling out of hole to change bit, determine the following:
1. Total Pressure Drop (Pt)
Observe Pt for two or three different pump outputs (Q), preferably close to the rate
used when drilling.
2. N & C values
a) Find the bit pressure drop (Pb) for different values of Q

Field units
df x Q2
Pb =
564 x An2

SI units
15.7 x df x Q2
Pb =
An2

b) Find the system pressure drop (Ps) for different values of Q

Ps = Pt - Pb
Ps1
Ps2
N=
Q
Log 1
Q2
Ps = C.QN
Log

and C =

Ps1 Ps2
=
Q1N Q2N

3. Nozzle area (An) for optimum use of available power

a) Pt (max) should be known
b) Find system pressure drop (Ps)

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

E3

To optimise Bit Hydraulic Horsepower -

Pt
N+1
2Pt
Ps =
N+2

Ps =

To optimise Jet Impact Force

c) Find pump output to give Ps

Qopt =

d) Find available bit pressure drop

Pb = Pt - Ps

s
(P
C )

1/N

so,

Field units
Qopt
An =
23.75

SI units
df
Pb

An = 3.962.Qopt

df
Pb

Nozzle sizes and flow areas

Nozzle
size
In
mm
7/32
5.5
1/4
6.4
9/32
7.1
5/16
7.9
11/32
8.7
3/8
9.5
13/32
10.2
7/16
11.1
15/32
11.9
1/2
12.7
9/16
14.3
5/8
15.9
11/16
17.5
3/4
19.0
7/8
22.3

E4

Nozzle
number
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
20
22
24
28

Flow area
of 1 nozzle
Inch2
mm2
0.0376
24.3
0.0491
31.7
0.0621
40.1
0.0767
49.5
0.0928
59.9
0.1104
71.2
0.1296
83.6
0.1503
97.0
0.1726 111.4
0.1963 126.6
0.2485 160.3
0.3068 197.9
0.3712 239.5
0.4418 285.0
0.6013 287.9

Flow area
of 2 nozzles
inch2
mm2
0.0752
48.5
0.0982
63.4
0.1242
80.1
0.1534
99.0
0.1856 119.7
0.2209 142.5
0.2592 167.2
0.3007 194.0
0.3451 222.6
0.3927 253.4
0.4970 320.6
0.6136 395.9
0.7424 479.0
0.8836 570.1
1.2026 775.9

Flow area
of 3 nozzles
inch2
mm2
0.1127
72.7
0.1473
95.0
0.1864 120.2
0.2301 148.4
0.2784 179.6
0.3313 213.7
0.3889 250.9
0.4510 291.0
0.5177 334.0
0.5890 380.0
0.7455 481.0
0.9204 593.8
1.1137 718.5
1.3254 855.2
1.8040 1163.9

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

HOLE CLEANING
Insufficient hole cleaning is a common cause of stuck pipe especially in deviated wells.
Good hole cleaning depends on the properties of the drilling fluid, the flow rate of the
drilling fluid and the procedures used. The ABC of Stuck Pipe, Supplement 2, Hole
Cleaning (EP94-1908) is a useful reference on this subject.
Remember ;
Holes between 30 and 60 degrees inclination are the hardest to clean due to the
formation of unstable solids beds on the low side of the hole. These unstable beds
can avalanche down the hole.
At greater than 60 degrees inclination stable beds form which are very difficult to
remove without some mechanical action. Pipe rotation is ideal for this even when
only slow rotation is possible.
If no other guide to the minimum annular velocity is available, then a rule of thumb
is to try to maintain a minimum of 45 m/minute. The best guide to hole cleaning is
what you see on the weight indicator and shakers.
Balanced combination pills are very effective for sweeping the hole. A low viscosity
low density pill is followed by a high viscosity high density (ca 2 kPa/m over the
existing fluid gradient) pill. Pumping must be continuous while the pills are in the
hole. Make sure the low density pill does not underbalance the well at any stage (eg
when opposite the BHA).
If possible rotate and reciprocate the string while circulating clean. The reciprocation
stroke should be greater than the length of a single to avoid building ridges on the
low side of the hole.
Solids beds move up the hole far slower than the fluid velocity in the middle of the
largest part of the annular space, perhaps 3 to 5 times slower. This means that
extra circulating time is needed when cleaning the hole.
Initial overpull when tripping should be limited to 10 to 15 kdaN (no rotation or circulation) if a hole cleaning problem is suspected. If this limit is reached more hole
cleaning should be considered prior to pullingout of hole.
Good drag charts are essential for spotting problems early.
A set of equations are presented on the next page that can be used to estimate the slip
velocity of cuttings under different circumstances. It is recommended that slip velocity
should be less than half the annular velocity (averaged across the cross-section).

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

E5

SLIP VELOCITIES

Turbulent flow - spherical chips

dc(c - df)
Where K = 9.41 for SI units and 156 for field units
Vs = K
df
Turbulent flow - flat chips
dc(c - df)
Vs = K
df

Where K = 3.66 for SI units and 60.6 for field units

Laminar flow - spherical chips

Kdc2(c - df)
Where K = 75.0 for SI units and 160,000 for field units
Vs =

(see below for the value of )

Laminar flow - flat chips
Kdc2(c - df)
Vs =

Where K = 29.1 for SI units and 62,100 for field units

(see below for the value of )

The value of in the laminar flow equations is given by :

= PV +

E6

K.YP(Dh - Dp)
Va

Where K = 4.79 for SI units and 399 for field units

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

MISCELLANEOUS EQUATIONS (1)

Pump output to give annular velocity
(D 2 - Dp2)
Q = Va h
K

Where K = 1,270 for SI units and 24.5 for field units

Fluid velocity inside pipe

Vp = KQ
D2

Where K = 1,270 for SI units and 24.5 for field units

Fluid velocity in annulus

Va =

KQ
(D22 - D12)

Where K = 1,270 for SI units and 24.5 for field units

Critical velocity inside pipe (RN = 2,000)

Vc =

K1(PV + PV2 + (K2 x D2 x YP x df))

df x D
Where K1 = 588 for SI units and 3.36 for field units
and K2 = 0.0163 for SI units and 238 for field units

Critical velocity in annulus (RN = 2,000)

Vc =

K1(PV + PV2 + (K2 x (D2 - D1)2 x YP x df))

df x (D2 - D1)
Where K1 = 588 for SI units and 3.36 for field units
and K2 = 0.0122 for SI units and 179 for field units

Compare Vc with Va or Vp for each section of the annulus, drill string and surface
equipment, thus determining whether flow is laminar or turbulent.
Pressure losses in system (Equations are those used for Hydraulic Slide Rules)
Turbulent flow in a circular pipe :
K x Q1.82 x df0.82 x PV0.18 x L
P =
D4.82
Where K = 794 for SI units and 8.65 x 10-4 for field units
Turbulent flow in an annulus :
K x Q1.82 x df0.82 x PV0.18 x L
P =
(D2 - D1)3 x (D2 + D1)1.82
Where K = 794 for SI units and 8.65 x 10-4 for field units
Laminar flow in a circular pipe :
L.YP L.PV.Vp
Where K1 = 0.392 for SI units and 225 for field units
P =
+
K1.D K2.D2
and K2 = 1.88 for SI units and 90,000 for field units
Laminar flow in an annulus :
P =

L.YP + L.PV.Va
K1(D2 - D1) K2(D2 - D1)2

Where K1 & K2 are as for the previous

equation

Repeat for all sections of annulus, drill string and surface equipment

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001

E7

MISCELLANEOUS EQUATIONS (2)

Bit pressure drop available

Pb = Pt - Ps or HHPb = HHPt - HHPs
where HHPt is the input horsepower x the mechanical efficiency of the pump
HHP = P x Q
K

Where K = 60,000 for SI units and 1,714 for field units

Note: Pt could be limited (2,000-2,500 kPa/3,000-3,500 psi)

Nozzle area to produce Pb

df
Where K = 3.96 for SI units and 0.0421 for field units
An = K.Q
Pb
K2.Q2.df
therefore : Pb =
An2
Jet velocity
Vn = K.Q
An

Where K = 16.7 for SI units and 0.32 for field units

Jet impact force

K.Q2.df
IF =
An

Where K = 0.0283 for SI units and 0.0032 for field units

Surface connection losses (P1)

P1 = E0.8Q1.8(PV)0.2
where E is a constant depending on the type of surface equipment and units used
Surface
equipment
type
1
2
3
4
Surface
equipment
type
1
2
3
4

E8

Value of E
Field units
2.7 x 10-3
1.0 x 10-3
5.6 x 10-4
4.5 x 10-4

Standpipe
Length
ID
ft
m
ins mm
40 12.19 3.0 76.2
40 12.19 3.5 88.9
45 13.72 4.0 101.6
45 13.72 4.0 101.6

SI units
1.4 x 10-4
5.3 x 10-5
2.9 x 10-5
2.3 x 10-5
Rotary hose
Length
ID
ft
m ins mm
45 13.72 2.0 50.8
55 16.76 2.5 63.5
55 16.76 3.0 76.2
55 16.76 3.0 76.2

Swivel
Length
ID
ft
m
ins mm
4 1.22 2.0 50.8
5 1.52 2.5 63.5
5 1.52 2.5 63.5
6 1.83 3.0 76.2

Kelly
Length
ID
ft
m
ins mm
40 12.19 2.25 57.2
40 12.19 3.25 82.6
40 12.19 3.25 82.6
40 12.19 4.00 101.6

SIEP: Well Engineers Notebook, Edition 2, January 2001