Frictional pressure losses of Non-Newtonian fluids in helical pipes: Applications for automated rheology measurements

摘要

Frequent and accurate drilling fluid measurements are critical to optimum well construction. Proper management of drilling fluid properties such as density and rheology optimizes the fluid's hydraulic and hole cleaning ability while maintaining the fluid in its role as primary well control barrier. In current practice, these measurements are typically done only once or twice a day using the methods described by American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. Moreover, taking the measurements is labor-intensive, and the data quality and reliability are highly dependent on the practicing engineer. An automated, continuous, and practical way of measuring and monitoring drilling fluid properties is therefore needed.