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Cutting slip velocity is velocity of cutting that naturally falls down due to its density. Cutting movement is
counteracted by annular velocity of drilling mud and mud properties which acts in the opposite way of
cutting. In order to effectively clean the hole, effect of mud flow upward direction and mud properties
must be greater than settling tendency of cuttings. Otherwise, cutting will fall down and create cutting
bed.

Let’s take a look at Strokes’ Law for setting velocity in Newtonian fluid.

Vs is the cutting slip velocity.

K is constant.

Ρs is density of cutting.

Ρf is density of drilling fluid.

D is average diameter of cutting.

µ is mud viscosity.

Simple equation from the Strokes’ Law and I would like to point out some interesting point from this
equation.

1) What should you do if you would like to reduce the cutting slip velocity?

Answer- According to the Stroke’s Law, there are three parameters that you are able to adjust in order
to control cutting slip velocity. The following parameters are listed below:

A) Increase mud weight – the more mud weight you have, the less Vs will be because
higher mud weight has more buoyancy factor.
B) Increase mud viscosity – the cuttings tend to slow down settling effect in viscous mud.
C) Decrease average diameter of cutting – the small diameter of cutting, the less slip
velocity because force due to suspension has more effect.

Cutting slip velocity is velocity of cutting that naturally falls down due to its density. In order to
effectively clean the hole, effect of mud flow upward direction and mud properties must be greater than
cutting slip velocity (settling tendency of cuttings). Otherwise, cutting will fall down and create cutting
bed.

This calculation will show annular velocity, cutting slip velocity and net velocity so you can use as a
reference for you hole cleaning indication. There are 2 calculation methods and I will show the first
method via this topic.

2) Determine annular velocity with following equation:

Where;

AV is annular velocity in ft/min.

Q is flow rate in gpm (gallon per minute).

Dh is diameter of hole in inch.

Dp is diameter of drill pipe in inch.

3) Determine cutting slip velocity with following equation:

Where; Vs is cutting slip velocity in ft/min.

PV is plastic viscosity in centi-poise.

MW is mud weight in ppg.

Dp is diameter of cutting in inch.

DenP is cutting density in ppg.

4) Determine net rise velocity with following equation:

Net rise velocity = AV – Vs

Where; AV is annular velocity in ft/min.

Vs Cutting Velocity in ft/min.

This figure indicates that cuttings are being lifted by mud or are still falling down. If net rise velocity is
positive, it means that you have good flow rate which can carry cutting in the wellbore.

On the other hand, If net rise velocity is negative, your current flow rate is NOT enough to carry cuttings.

1) Example: Please use the following information to determine annular velocity, cutting slip
velocity, net rise velocity, and tell us if the flow rate is good for hole cleaning.

Given

Flow rate = 300 gpm, Hole Diameter = 6.3 inch, Drillpipe OD = 4 inch, PV = 15 cps, MW = 10 ppg,
Diameter of cutting = 0.20 inch, Density of cutting = 20.0 ppg

1. Determine annular velocity:

AV = 310.3 ft/min

2. Determine cutting slip velocity:

Vs = 35.4 ft/min

3. Determine net rise velocity with following equation:

Net rise velocity = AV – Vs

Net rise velocity = 310.3 – 35.4 = 274.9 ft/min

Conclusion: This flow rate is GOOD for hole cleaning practice because annular velocity is more than
cutting slip velocity.