Cutting transport efficiency prediction using probabilistic CFD and DOE techniques

The results of study based on probabilistic CFD calculations using DOE and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) show that respectively factors of mud velocity, cutting weight, pipe rotational speed, mud weight, cutting diameter, mud viscosity, and drilling rate of penetration have the greatest impact on transportation of drilled cuttings from bottom of the well to the surface. In addition, result of MCS based on analysis of total variance reveals that 86.3% of cutting transport efficiency variation could be controlled by three factors of mud velocity, cutting weight and pipe rotational speed. Therefore, these factors should be carefully characterized during drilling and hole cleaning to maximize the cutting transport efficiency.