Optimal determination of rheological parameters for Herschel-Bulkley drilling fluids and impact on pressure drop, velocity profiles and penetration rates during drilling

Solid surfactant suspension compositions are formed by combining solid surfactants, such as alpha-olefin sulfonates, with an organic base fluid, such as diesel. Solid surfactant suspensions may be combined with an aqueous carrier fluid to form surfactant-containing fluids suitable for, among other things, forming foams or for water wetting surfaces. Solid surfactant suspensions may also be combined with additive materials, such as polymer particles, to form a dispersion or emulsion. Polymer-containing solid surfactant suspensions may also be combined with aqueous carrier fluids to form, for example, viscosified, gelled, or foamed fluids. Concentration of solid surfactant materials contained in a solid surfactant suspension may be varied to affect the function the solid surfactant suspension. For example, the solid surfactant material may function as a polymer surface wetting agent, an emulsifier, a dispersant, a viscosifier, and/or a foamer in well completion and remedial and/or workover fluids.

Surfactant compositions and uses therefor

One exemplary embodiment presents a unified approach in the form of an Interactive "Visulation" (simultaneous visualization and simulation) Environment (IVE) designed to efficiently segment geologic features with high accuracy. The IVE unifies image structure analysis and implicit surface modeling as a surface-driven solution that assists analysts, such as geoscientists, in the segmentation and modeling of faults, channels, and other geobodies in 3-D data, such as 3-D seismic data.

Visulation of geologic features using data representations thereof

Experimental study and predictions of pressure losses of fluids modeled as Herschel–Bulkley in concentric and eccentric annuli in laminar, transitional and turbulent flows

Review of fundamental studies on lost circulation and wellbore strengthening

A visualization system for a wellbore environment includes a graphics processor for creating a computer rendered visual model of a well, and optionally a drill string, based on data sets of depth-varying and/or time-varying parameters of the well. The model is then displayed on a graphics display. A user interface facilitates user navigation along the length of the well to any selected region therein, and further permits user adjustment of orientation of the displayed renderings as well as a temporal selection of the time-varying data to be displayed. Simulated, real, or a combination of simulated and real wellbore data, which may be steady state, transient, or real-time data, may be visually depicted at any selected region. This provides the user with a visual indication of the wellbore environment as the user navigates the visualization spatially and temporally.

Three-dimensional wellbore analysis and visualization

A visualization system for a wellbore environment includes a graphics processor for creating a wire mesh model of a well and optionally a drillstring based on datasets of depth-varying parameters of the well. A graphics system maps appropriate textures to the wire mesh models, which are then displayed on a graphics display. A user interface facilitates user navigation along the length of the well to any selected location therein, and further permits user adjustment of orientation of the displayed renderings. Simulated, real or a combination of simulated and real wellbore data may be visually depicted in the wellbore at any selected location. This provides the user with a visual indication of the wellbore environment as the user navigates the visualization along the length of the wellbore.

Three-dimensional wellbore visualization system for drilling and completion data

Field data have been collected and anlyzed to 1) identify the characteristics of a drilling fluid that enhance rate of penetration, and 2) quantify the impact of particular fluid properties on rate of penetration. The information is being used to evaluate the economics of a fluid treatment program in order to deliver optimal drilling performance and minimum drilling cost, rather than minimum fluid cost. Additionally, it is demonstrated how bit hydraulics can be improved through rheological modification without adjusting flow rate or nozzle size.

Mario Zamora

Papers

Three-dimensional wellbore analysis and visualization

Three-dimensional wellbore visualization system for drilling and completion data

The Effect of Rheology on Rate of Penetration

Barite Sag: Measurement, Modeling, and Management

Drilling-Systems Automation: Current State, Initiatives, and Potential Impact