Drilling optimization of petroleum wells

Abstract

The petroleum industry is already demanding lowering exploration costs, which reflects in needs of reducing drilling operational costs, which can be achieved through implementation of more efficiency in operations. Researches have shown that scientist and companies are already experiencing different approaches aiming at boosting drillability. One method not well implemented is variation of flow-rate as a mechanical specific drilling parameter, given its complexity and relation to well integrity. This paper details the influence in flow-rate and related parameters in rate of penetration, showing how DHAP, ECD, Flow-rate and ROP are related to each other. It can be seen that by increasing a flow-rate, an increase in ROP is possible, but that flow-rate changes also influence the down-hole pressure and ECD, what imply in possible downhole differential pressure variation. The higher the down-hole differential pressure, the less will be the implied ROP. All these have influence on drilling efficiency.