Method for determining sweep efficiency for removing cuttings from a borehole
US6662884B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A new method for evaluating the efficiency of a sweep for removing cuttings from a borehole in a subterranean formation during a drilling operation. The method evaluates sweep efficiency on a “mass in” versus “mass out” basis. The method uses downhole density readings taken with a pressure-while-drilling tool inserted in the drill string. Measurements of hydrostatic pressure are converted into equivalent circulating density measurements which in turn are used in calculating the sweep efficiency. The method affords real time estimates at the wellsite of the quantity of formation cuttings brought out of a wellbore by a sweep.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.