Fundamentals of Horizontal Wellbore Cleanout

Increased number of horizontal wells over the past several years has led to more challenges in hole cleanout. Technology and products have improved but there is emerging research that is not fully commercialized. To keep up to date, Fundamentals of Hole Cleaning in Horizontal Wells delivers the latest methods and knowledge around effective sand cleanout tools in horizontal wellbores. Providing the most relevant information, including sand bed formation, sand settling velocity, friction, and hydraulics, the reference covers the most effective tools and emerging technologies. Starting with the settling characteristics of sand, the effects of particle shape and size on drag coefficient are investigated. New models for drag coefficient are developed using experimental data. Numerical studies on sand transport efficiency as well as prediction models of sand concentration and evaluating friction between pipe and sand bed are also included to help build future models and pilot test cases. Further case studies include cleanout with varying nozzle assemblies leading to optimum design on operation procedures, bottomhole assembly, and other lessons learned from known field experience. Rounding out with future research on cost-saving strategies including CO2 used as a washing fluid in water-sensitive formations, Fundamentals of Hole Cleaning in Horizontal Wells gives today’s petroleum and drilling engineers alternative methods to hole cleaning in today’s horizontal wells. Learn from flowcharts, methods, and field studies to develop cost-saving strategies and optimal performance Build your own models using experimental data provided Advance your research and operation capabilities with extensive literature reviews and references provided