Radial flow of yield-power-law fluids: Numerical analysis, experimental study and the application for drilling fluid losses in fractured formations

A theoretical solution for radial flow of Yield-Power-Law (Herschel–Bulkley) fluids between two parallel disks is presented. The fundamental equations are based on momentum balance in radial coordinates. The solution encompasses the Newtonian, Bingham Plastic and Power-Law fluids as special cases. The numerical solution has been compared with experimental data obtained from radial flow between two parallel disks.Upon application of mathematical simplifications, a closed form expression for pressure drop for radial flow of Yield-Power-Law (YPL) fluids is obtained and presented as an “approximate analytical” solution. The validity of the approximate solution is examined versus numerical solution. The application of the approximate solution to the prediction of drilling fluid losses in fractured formations is discussed.