SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS

DRILLING FLUIDS

Problem 2-1. Using viscometer – related equations, determine the PV and yield values for a
Bingham mud. The following data are given:

Fann V-G Corresponding Shear Rate

Meter Dial Reading (s)
340
510

Problem 2-2. A kick was taken as indicated in figure 2-17 while drilling with 12 lbs/gal mud.
The shut-in drill pipe and casing pressures were recorded at 800 psi and 1,150 psi,
respectively. Determine the cost of additional barite required in order to drill the encountered
high-pressure zone at a differential pressure of 500 psi. Barite weight: 36 lbs/gal; barite cost:
$8.50/100 lbs.

Fig. 2-17. Kick encountered in problem 2-2.

Problem 2-3. You are given the following well data:

 Intermediate casing set at depth = 10,000 ft
 Drill collar length = 1,200 ft
 Maximum anticipated induced friction pressure losses in annulus during normal
drilling:
- ∆ρfadc = 0.05 psi/ft (behind drill collar)
- ∆ρfadc = 0.012 psi/ft (behind drill pipe)
 Maximum anticipated surge and swab pressures during tripping:
- ∆ρswab = 0.02 psi/ft
- ∆ρsurge = 0.02 psi/ft
 Required differential pressure = 400 psi
Select the required mud weight to drill the interval, from 10,000 to 14,000 ft. Under the
anticipated conditions (see fig. 2-18), show whether there will or will not be problems that
could cause possible well blowouts.
 Pressure (equivcalente ppg)
8 13 18 23
0

5,000 Fracture
Gradient

Depth (feet)
Formation
Pressure
10,000

15,000

Fig. 2-18. Drilling in problem 2-3

Problem 2-4. Find the value for k in the equation P = kγmD if P is given in psi, m is the
specific gravity, and D is given in if.

Problem 2-5.
a) List the functions of mist drilling fluid.
b) List at least their types of inhibitive mud systems.
c) List drilling-fluids selection criteria.
d) When can dry-air drilling be used?

Problem 2-6. It is desired to mix a volume Vf of mud with weight density γm . The mud
composition is as follows liquid (V, γ), barite (Vb , γ b ), and bentonita (Vc , γ c ), Weight
fraction of barite in added solids is denoted a. Develop (derive) the equations that will allow
you to make up the mud system.

Problem 2-7. Kick was taken in the well shown in figure 2-19. The BOP stack was closed.
Shut-in casing pressure is 900 psi, and shut-in drill pipe pressure is zero. Explain why.

Problem 2-8. Determine the amount (in lbs/bbl) of weighing material with specific gravity of
5.2 that must be added to a mud system to increase is pressure gradient from 0.52 psi/ft to
0.624 psi/ft.

Problem 2-9. It is desired to mix X barrels of γm lbs/gal water mud. Bentonite (weight: γa ,in
lbs/gal), and barite (weight : γb ,in lbs/gal), are to be added in the ratio of a lbs of bentonite to
b lbs of barite. Determine the amounts of water (Vw), bentonite (Vc),and barite (Vw) needes to
make up the mud system.
 Fig.2-19. Kick encountered 2-7 and 2-15

Problem 2-10. In the dilution of mud with a liquid, it is necessary to know the resulting mud
density for a given amount of liquid added. On the basis of the weight and volume balance
concepts of materials, derive an expression for the resulting density of the diluted mud. Show
the derivations.

Problem 2-11. You are given the following data:

Rpm Fann V-G Meter

Dial Readings
Ni θi
Nj θj

Determine expressions for the proprieties of a Newtonian fluid and a Bingham fluid in terms
of N and θ.

Problem 2-12. The spurt loss of a mud is known to be 2 cc. I a filtrate of 10 cc is collected in
15 min using a filter press, what is the standard API filtrate for this mud?

Problem 2-13. It is desired to increase a mud weight from 12 labs/gal to 0.78 psi/using barite
having a specific gravity of 44. Determine the cost owing to mud weight increase, assuming
barite cost is $101/100 lbs.
Problem 2-14. List the following:
a) Seven criteria used in the selection of drilling fluids.
b) The three basic types of drilling fluids.
c) Functions of dry-air drilling fluids.
d) The composition of drilling muds.
Problem 2-15. A kick was taken at the indicated depth for the well shown in figure 2-19
while drilling with 12 lbs/gal mud. The recorded shut-in casing and shut-in drill pressures
were 600 psi and 800 psi, respectively. How much barite must be added to bring the well
under control and maintain a 400-psi differential pressure while drilling the interval?