Best Practices for Real-Time Hydraulics and Pressure Drop Prediction while Drilling

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of an open source simulator for real-time prediction of hydraulic parameters during oil well drilling. In the oil industry, the drilling operation is inherently complex and requires accurate monitoring of drilling fluids to ensure drilling efficiency and safety. The simulator, developed in Python, integrates the Herschel-Bulkley rheological model, as well as the effects of rotation, drill pipe buckling and eccentricity in all annular sections, facilitating the calculation of critical hydraulic parameters. In the oil well drilling industry, updating and monitoring hydraulic parameters are essential to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. However, current methods often lack accuracy and do not allow real-time adjustments, which can result in unplanned downtime and increased operational risks. This work aims to develop an open source simulator that allows real-time prediction of hydraulic parameters while drilling, thus improving decision making and operational efficiency. The project has demonstrated that by simulating and calculating hydraulic parameters and pressure drops, it is possible to identify and predict problems during drilling, thus improving the efficiency and safety of operations. To improve the accuracy and usefulness of the simulator, it is recommended that data from several wells be collected and analyzed to validate real-time predictions. In addition, the integration of more advanced rheological and hydraulic models should be explored. It is also crucial to allow customized modifications to the simulator based on user experience and specific design criteria, thus providing a flexible and adaptable tool for various drilling conditions.