1

SKM 3413 - DRILLING ENGINEERING

Chapter 3 - Drilling Hydraulics

Assoc. Prof. Abdul Razak Ismail

Petroleum Engineering Dept.

Faculty of Petroleum & Renewable Energy Eng.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
 Contents
• Review of flow in pipes (Fluid Mechanics)
• Drilling mud flow (circulating) system
• Newtonian fluid flow calculations
• Bingham plastic fluid flow calculations
• ∆p across bit nozzles
• ∆p calculation for typical system
 3

Review of flow In Pipes

 Real fluid flow is much complex compare to perfect fluid flow.
Between fluid particles
 Shear stress fluid
Between fluid particles
and pipe’s wall
 Energy equilibrium principles are used to solve the problems.
 Partial differential equation (Euler’s equation) has no general
solution to solve problems.
 Results from experiment (analytical) and semi-empirical method
needs to be used to solve flow problems.
 There are 2 types of steady flow of real fluid exists:
 Laminar flow
 Turbulent flow
 4

Dye
This one?
Laminar (viscous) flow
or

this one?
Transition flow
or

this one?
Turbulent flow

 All three types of flow actually do occurred in real fluid flow.

 Laminar flow  v 
 Turbulent flow  v 
 The problem is: what is v  and v  .Why we need to know?
 5

 This phenomenon was first investigated in 1883 by Osborne

Reynolds in an experiment which has a classic in fluid mechanic.

Laminar flow

Transition flow

Turbulent flow

 After a few experiments, he found out a mathematical relationship:

 vd

 6

 This mathematical relationship can be used to determine the types

of flow.
 vd
  2000 laminar flow

 vd
 2000   4000 transition flow

 vd
  4000 turbulent flow

 Subsequently until now, this mathematical relationship is known as
Reynolds number, Re (or NRe ).
 vd
Re   dimensionless

 laminar flow : Re  2000
 transition flow : 2000  Re  4000
 turbulent flow : Re  4000
 7

 vd

where:
  fluid density
v  fluid average velocity
d  pipe inside diameter
  fluid absolute viscosity

 If kinematic viscosity, , is inserted in the equation:





Re  vd

 8

 Fluid velocity profile in a pipe:

vmaks v  vavg  12 vmaks

Q
Laminar flow
Q
v  vavg 
A

Q Q
Turbulent flow v  vavg 
A
 9

Mechanical Energy of a Flowing Fluid

 Consider the situation below:
element ( mg )1 @ Station 1
HL
Qin v1
Turbine
element ( mg )2 @ Station 2
HE Pump
z1 v2 Qout
HA
Control volume z2
1 2
Datum
 The energy possessed by a flowing fluid consists of internal energy and energies due to
pressure, velocity, and position
energy at  energy  energy  energy  energy at
section 1 added lost extracted section 2
 This equation, for steady flow of incompressible fluids in which the change in internal
energy is negligible, simplifies to
 p1 v12   p2 v22 

  2g  z1  H A  H L  H E     z 2
   2g 
 10

Energy Losses In Pipe

 Def.: Any energy losses in closed conduits due to friction, HL.
 This types of losses can be divided into 2 main categories:
 Major losses, HL-major, and
 Minor losses, HL-minor.
 From Bernoulli’s equation:
 p1 v12   p2 v22 
   2 g  z1   H A  H L  H E     2 g  z2 
   
 Energy added to the system, HA, is frequently due to pump fluid
head, HP, energy extracted, HE, is frequently due to turbine fluid
head, HT, Bernoulli’s equation can be simplify as:
p1 v12 p2 v22
  z1  H P    z2  H T  H L  major  H L  minor
 2g  2g
 11

Major Losses In Pipe

 Def.: The head loss due to friction in long, straight sections of pipe.
 The losses do happen in pipe, either in laminar or turbulent flow.
a. Laminar flow
 Problem solved analytically  derived purely from mathematical
relationship
 Hagen-Porseuille equation
32  vL
p f 
d2
in the forms of head loss, HL
32  vL
HL 
d2
 Darcy-Weisbach equation
 vd
by replacing Re  into Hagen-Porseuille equation
 2
HL  64 L v
Re d 2 g
 12

b. Turbulent flow
 From Darcy-Weisbach equation for laminar flow
2
HL  64 L v
Re d 2 g
2
HL  f L v
d 2g
64
 Where, for laminar flow, f  a simple mathematical relationship.
Re
 For turbulent flow, f has to be solved empirically  experiment need to be done.
 In laminar and turbulent flow, f is known as friction coefficient or friction factor.
 13

Friction Factor
a. Laminar flow

 Darcy-Weisbach equation
2
HL  f L v where f  64
d 2g Re

b. Turbulent flow
 In the literature (from 1900’s – current date), there are many studies that have been
conceded by various researchers.
 Blasius’s equation (1913)
 von Karman’s equation modified by Prandtl
 Nikuradse’s equation (for smooth and rough pipes)
 Colebrook-White equation (1940’s)
 Moody
 Barr’s equation (1975)
 14

Friction Factor ………. (cont. 2)

Laminar Turbulent

Transition

Complete Turbulent
f  64
Re

 vd
Re  vd 
 
Moody Chart
 15

Normal practice in determination of f

1. Calculate Re to determine the types of e is depend on pipe’s material, normally

flow. is given in tabular forms.
2. HL calculation: used Darcy-Weisbach Absolute roughness,
equation. Material (new)
2 ft mm
HL  f L v Riverted steel 0.003 - 0.03 0.9 - 9.0
d 2g Concrete 0.001- 0.01 0.3 - 3.0

3. For laminar flow: f  64 Wood stave 0.0006 - 0.003 0.18 - 0.9

Re Cast iron 0.00085 0.26
Galvanized iron 0.0005 0.15
4. For turbulent flow: Asphalted cast iron 0.0004 0.12

a. Determine pipe relative roughness, 

Commercial steel or wrought iron 0.00015 0.045
d Drawn tubing 0.000005 0.0015
Where: Glass 0.0 (smooth) 0.0 (smooth)
  pipes absolute roughness
d  pipe internal diameter b. Obtain f from Moody chart, @ Re, 
d

 d
 16

Attention

1. In this subject, SKM1043, the f that we are using, is the American friction factor, fAmerican.
2. The value of fAmerican is different to the one that used by the British

f American  4 f British

64 16
Re Re
needs to refer different Moody Chart

3. Sometimes:   f American  4 f British

 17

 Since the mud enters the drill string and leaves the annulus
at essentially the same elevation, the only pressure
required is to overcome the frictional losses in the system.
 Hence, the discharge pressure at the pump is defined by:

 pt   p s   p p   p c   pb   p ac   p ap ....... (3.1)

where:
∆pt = pump discharge pressure
∆ps = pressure loss in surface piping, standpipe, and mud hose
∆pp = pressure loss inside drill pipe
∆pc = pressure loss inside drill collars
∆pb = pressure loss across bit nozzles
∆pac = pressure loss in annulus around drill collars
∆pap = pressure loss in annulus around drill pipe
 18

 The solution of Eq. (3.1) is rather tedious; separate

calculations are needed for each section
 There are 4 different types of model used to calculate
frictional pressure losses in mud circulating system:
− Newtonian
− Bingham plastic
− Power-law
− API Power-law
 Due to the limitation of the syllabus, Power-Law and API
Power-Law models will not be discussed in this subject.
 All calculations will be focused on Newtonian and plastic
fluid models.
 19

Newtonian Fluid Flow Calculations

 Similar to generalized flow system approach, calculation of p for
pipe flow requires a knowledge of which flow pattern pertains to the
specific case, since different equations apply for each situation.
 Definition of the existing flow pattern is given by a dimensionless
quantity known as the Reynolds number (NRe ):
928  vd
N Re  .......... (3.2)
where:

N Re = Reynolds’s number
v = average velocity of flow, ft/sec
 = fluid density, ppg
d = pipe inside diameter, in.
 = fluid viscosity, cp
q = circulating volume, gal/min
 20

 Similar to generalized flow system approach, that if

 laminar flow : N Re  2000
 transition flow : 2000  N Re  4000
 turbulent flow : N Re  4000
 The p in laminar flow is given by the Hagan-Poiseuille law; this,
in practical units, is
 Lv
p  2
.......... (3.3)
where: 1,500d
p = laminar flow p, lb/in2
L = length of pipe, ft
 For turbulent flow, Fanning’s equation applies: turbulent flow
f  Lv 2
p  .......... (3.4)
25.8 d
where:
p = turbulent flow p, lb/in2
f = Fanning friction factor
 21

 The friction factor f is a function of and pipe

roughness, and has been evaluated experimentally
for numerous materials (see Fig. 7.1)
 p calculation for Newtonian fluid flow systems in
the following manner:
a. Calculate NRe from Equation (3.2).
b. If NRe < 2000, use Equation (3.3) to calculate the
pressure drop.
c. If NRe > 2000, use Equation (3.4). In this case the
friction factor f is obtained from Figure 7.1 or its
equivalent.
22
 23

Plastic Fluid Flow Calculations

 Drilling fluids is non-Newtonian fluid

 Newtonian fluid equations must be altered for application
to typical drilling mud systems
 24

Surface Equipment Losses ( ps)

● The surface equipment consist of standpipe, hose, swivel, kelly
joint, and the piping between the pump and standpipe.
● In practice, there are only four types of surface equipment; each
type is characterized by the dimensions of standpipe, kelly,
rotary hose and swivel. Table 3.1 summarizes the four types of
surface equipment.
Table 3.1: Types of surface equipment & value of constant E
Standpipe Hose Swivel, etc. Kelly Eq. length,
Type 3.826” ID E
ID Length ID Length ID Length ID Length
1 3” 40 ft. 2.5” 45 ft. 2” 20 ft. 2.25” 40 ft. 2,600 ft. 2.5 x 10-4

2 3.5” 40 ft. 2.5” 55 ft. 2.5” 25 ft. 3.25” 40 ft. 946 ft. 9.6 x 10-5

3 4” 45 ft. 3” 55 ft. 2.5” 25 ft. 3.25” 40 ft. 610 ft. 5.3 x 10-5

4 4” 45 ft. 3” 55 ft. 3” 30 ft. 4” 40 ft. 424 ft. 4.2 x 10-5

 25

To determine surface equipment losses ( ps):

Use the following formula:

ps  E  m0.8 q1.8  0.2

p .......... (3.5)

where:
ps = surface pressure losses, psi
q = flow rate, gpm
m = mud density, ppg
E = a constant depending on type of surface equipment used
p  mud plastic viscosity, cp
 Fluid Flow Inside the Pipe
A. Laminar Flow Region
4
144p  Yt  mv
3

Shearing stress or pressure

(True laminar flow)

Yb, Bingham yield

Transition from plug to laminar flow

Plug flow
Yt, True yield

Rate of shear or velocity

Fig. 3.1: Flow behavior of plastic and Newtonian fluids.
4
144p  Yt  mv
3
where:
144p = pressure drop, lb/ft2
4
3 Yt = Yb, lb/ft2
m = L/(1500d2), slope of linear portion (from Eq. (3.3))
26
 27

 For practical values of v , the behavior of plastic fluids may be

expressed as:

LYb  p vL
p  
300d 1500d 2 laminar flow
L  pv 
 p   Yb   .......... (3.6)
300d  5 d 
where:
 p = plastic viscosity, cp.
Yb = yield point, lb/100ft2.
 Eq. (3.6) may be used in cases where laminar flow exists
 Determination of flow characteristic (laminar or turbulent) is
made by comparing the actual velocity with a calculated critical
velocity
 28

Average Velocity Calculation

q ft 3 /sec
v
A ft 2
1 ft 3 1 min
q gal/min  
7.48 gal 60 sec

( /4)(d /12)2
q
v 2
....... (3.7a)
Avg. velocity 2.45 d OD
inside the pipe ID
Hole
q
Avg. velocity
v 2 2
....... (3.7b)
2.45 (d h - d p )
in the annulus
Drill pipe
where :
v  average velocity, ft/sec. Annulus
q = flow rate, gpm Annulus Area  Ah  Ap
d = diameter, in. 
 (d h2  d p2(OD ) )
4
 29

Critical Velocity Calculation

● If Eqs. (3.3) and (3.6) are equated, an equivalent Newtonian
viscosity in terms of d , v ,  p and Yb is obtained:
5dYb
  p
v
● Substituting the above Eq. for in the Reynolds’s number of Eq.
(3.2), equating the resulting equation to 2000, and solving for v
gives:
1.08  p  1.08  p2  9.3  d 2Yb
vc  .......... (3.8)
d
where:
vc = critical velocity, ft/sec, above which turbulent flow
exists and below which the flow is laminar.
● Eq. (3.8) assumes that turbulence occurs at NRe = 2000. Therefore,
if:
v  vc , flow is laminar
v  vc , flow is turbulent
 30

B. Turbulent Flow Region

● Before Fanning Eq. can be used, alteration to NRe expression have to
be done (after Beck, Nuss & Dunn)
p
t  .......... (3.9)
3.2
where:
t = turbulent viscosity of plastic fluids, cp

● Substitution of µ t, for µ in the general NRe expression (Eq. (3.2)) gives:

928 vd
NRe 
t
2,970vd
NRe  .......... (3.10)
p

● By using Fig. 7.1, determine f

● This f may then be used in Eq. (3.4) for calculation of pressure
 31

In summary, p calculation for plastic fluid flow systems can

be done as follows:
(1) Calculate the average velocity, v , from Eq. (3.7a) or (3.7b)
(2) Calculate vc from Eq. (3.8)
(3) If v  vc  flow is laminar, Eq. (3.6) applies
(4) If v  vc  flow is turbulent, requiring:
a. Calculation of NRe from Eq. (3.10)
b. Determination of f from Fig. 7.1 at the calculated
for the conduit in question
c. Calculation of pressure drop from Eq. (3.4)
 32

Example 3.1
Mud is flowing through 4 1/2 inch OD, internal flush drill pipe.
Calculate the frictional pressure drop per 1000 ft of pipe.

Mud properties
Mud density, m = 10 lb/gal
Pipe ID = 3.640 in.
Bingham yield, Yb = 10 lb/100 ft2
Circulating rate, q = 400 gal/min
Plastic viscosity, p = 30 cp
 33

q
Eq. (3.7a) : v 
Solution 3.1 2.45d 2

1.08  p  1.08  p2  9.3  d 2Yb

Eq. (3.8) : v 
c
d

400
(1) v  12.3 ft/sec
2.45(3.64)2

(1.08)(30)  (1.08) (30)2  (9.3)(10)(3.64)2 (10)

(2) vc   4.3 ft/sec
(10)(3.64)

(3) Since v  vc , flow is turbulent.

(2,970)(10)(12.3)(3.64)
(a) N Re   44,300
30
(b) f  0.0062 from Curve II, Fig. 3.1
(0.0062)(10)(1000)(12.3)2
(c) p p   100 psi/1000 ft
(25.8)(3.64)
 34

Hydraulically Equivalent Annulus Diameter

• For annular flow, it is necessary to use a hypothetical circular diameter,
da, which is the hydraulic equivalent of the actual annular system
• The hydraulic radius is defined as:
cross-sectional area of flow system
hydraulic radius, rh =
wetted perimeter of conduit Annulus

 (r12  r22 ) r1  r2
for an annulus  rh =  r2
2 (r1  r2 ) 2
r
 r2 r r1
for a circular pipe  rh = 
2 r 2
• The frictional loss in an annulus is equal to the loss in a circular pipe
having the same hydraulic radius; hence, in general terms:
re = r1  r2 or de = d1  d2 .......... (3.11)
where re and de are the hydraulically equivalent radius and diameter
 35

Pressure Drop Across Bit Nozzles

 Consider the diagram below for incompressible fluid:

Fig. 3.2: Schematic sketch of incompressible fluid flowing

through a converging tube or nozzle.
 Assuming steady state, adiabatic, and frictionless:

p1 v12 p2 v22
   .......... ( a)
where:  2g  2g
p1 , p2 = turbulent flow pressure drop, lb/ft2
 = density, lb/ft3
v1 , v2 = velocities at points 1 and 2, ft/sec
 36

p1 v12 p2 v22
   .......... (a )
w 2g w 2g
or
p v22  v12

 2g
 Practically, v22  v12  v22 , therefore:
p
v22  2 g .......... (b)

 The ideal rate of flow, qi  A2 v2 . The actual flow rate q is:
q  Cqi .......... (c)
where C is the flow or nozzle coefficient for particular design.
 37

 By substituting Eq. (c) into Eq. (b), and rearranging it, the equation
becomes:
 q2
p  2 2
.......... (3.12)
2 gC A2
 Altering Eq. (3.12) to practical units for mud flow, we:
q2 
pb  .......... (3.13)
7, 430 C 2 d e 4

where de = hydraulically equivalent nozzle diameter, in.

 The value of C is around 0.8 – 0.98.
 38

Multiple Nozzles

 The calculation of p across a multiple nozzle bit may be simplified

by substituting the sum of the nozzle areas for A in Equation (3.12).
 For single nozzle:
 q2
p 
2 gC 2 A2
 For several nozzles, each of area A1:
 q12
 pm 
2 gC 2 A12
 39

q
 For parallel flow, q1  , where n = number of nozzles.
n
therefore:
pm q12 A2 q12 A2
 2 2  2 2 2
p q A1 n q1 A1

 Cross sectional area of flow, A, is defined as

A2
2 2
1
n A1
 A2  n2 A12
or
A  nA1 .......... (3.14)
 40

 Similarly, for use in Eq. (3.13)

d e  nd 2 .......... (3.15a)
 If the multiple nozzles vary in size,
de  ad12  bd 22  etc. .......... (3.15b)
where:
a = number of nozzles having diameter d1.
b = number of nozzles having diameter d2.
d e = hydraulically equivalent single nozzle diameter, in.
 41

Example 3.2
A 10 lb/gal mud is being circulated at the rate of 500 gal/min.
through a tri-cone bit having three 3/8 in. diameter jets. What
is the pressure drop across the bit?
Solution 3.2
Drill string
p1
Hole
Nozzle

vn2 vn3
vn1 p2

de or d  3( 83 )2  0.65 in. (equivalent single nozzle diameter)

Using Eq. (3.13):
(500) 2 (10)
( p1  p2 ) or p  2 4
 2,100 psi
(7430)(0.95) (0.65)
 42

Pressure Drop Calculations for a Typical Systems

Example 3.3
Operating Data

Depth = 6,000 ft (5,500 ft drill pipe, 500 ft drill collars)

Drill pipe = 4 ½-in. internal flush, 16.6 lb/ft (ID = 3.826 in.)
Drill collars = 6 ¾ in. (ID = 2.813 in.)
Mud density, m = 10 lb/gal
Plastic viscosity, p = 30 cp
Bingham yield, Yb = 10 lb/100ft2
Bit = 7 7/8-in., 3 cone, jet rock bit
Nozzle velocity required = at least 250 ft/sec through each nozzle (this
value is obtained by a commonly applied rule of thumb). Assume C = 0.95
Surface equipment type = 2
What hydraulic (pump output) horsepower will be required for these conditions?
 43

Gbr ni tak perlu

ubah
Solution 3.3
Circulation rate: This is obtained from the
desired annular velocity necessary for
proper hole cleaning (cutting removal).
Assume that this is a fast drilling, soft rock
5,500 ft.
area and that 180 ft/min (3 ft/sec) upward
velocity based on a gauge hole is required
(i.e. annular velocity around the drill pipe).

The flow rate , q is:

q  (annulus area)  velocity

 2.45(d h2 - d p2 )v 500 ft.

 2.45  7 8    4 2  (3)
 7 2 1 2

 
 307 gpm
(a) Surface equipment losses ( ps) Eq. (3.16) ps  E  m0.8 q1.8  0.2
p

Table 3.1
Surface equipment type 2 E  9.6  10-5
 ps  (9.6  10-5 )(10) 0.8 (307)1.8 (30) 0.2  36 psi

(b) Pressure losses inside drill pipe ( pp)

The average velocity inside the drill pipe:
q 307
v 2
 2
 8.56 ft/sec
2.45d 2.45(3.826)

The critical velocity:

1.08p  1.08 p2  9.3 m d 2Yb
vc 
m d
1.08 (30)  1.08 (30) 2  (9.3)(10)(3.826)2 (10)

(10)(3.826)
 4.25 ft/sec
 45

v  vc   turbulent flow (use Eq. 3.4)

2,970 vd (2,970)(10)(8.58)(3.826)
NRe    32, 423  32, 400
p 30

N Re  32, 400 Fig. 7.1 f  0.0066

Curve II

Applying Eq. (3.4):

f  Lv 2 (0.0066)(10)(5,500)(8.56)2
pp    269 psi
25.8 d (25.8)(3.826)
 46

(c) Pressure losses inside drill collar ( pc)

The average velocity inside the drill collar:

q 307
v 2
 2
 15.84 ft/sec
2.45d 2.45(2.813)

The critical velocity:

1.08p  1.08 p2  9.3 m d 2Yb
vc 
m d
1.08 (30)  1.08 (30) 2  (9.3)(10)(2.813) 2 (10)

(10)(2.813)
 4.64 ft/sec
 47

v  vc   turbulent flow (use Eq. 3.4)

2,970 vd (2,970)(10)(15.84)(2.813)
NRe    44,112  44,100
p 30

N Re  44,100 Fig. 7.1 f  0.0062

Curve II

Applying Eqn. (3.4):

f  Lv 2 (0.0062)(10)(500)(15.84)2
pc    107 psi
25.8 d (25.8)(2.813)
 48

(d) Pressure losses through bit ( pb)

Three nozzles (one for each cone) will be used, hence 1/3 q will flow
through each. For v = at least 250 ft/sec through each nozzle,
q
1
q 307 / 3
d 3
  0.41 in.
2.45v (2.45)(250)

Nozzle sizes are sell in multiples of 1/32 in.

Therefore, the nearest stock nozzle available is
13/32 in. (i.e. 0.40625 in.):
1 1
 nozzle diameter of 13
32
in. is chosen 3
q 1
3
q 3
q

This nozzle allows an actual velocity of:

102
v 13 2
 252 ft/sec
2.45( 32 )
 49

Eq. (3.15a) d e  nd 2

Eq. (3.15b) de  ad12  bd 22  etc.

Using Eq. (3.15) or (3.15a), the actual nozzle diameter:

d  3 ( 13
32
) 2
 0.704 in.
q 2 m
Eq. (3.13) pb 
7, 430C 2 d 4
 Pressure drop across the bit, pb :

(307)2 (10)
pb  2 4
 573 psi
7, 430(0.95) (0.704)
 50

(e) Pressure losses around drill collar ( pac)

The average velocity around the drill collar:

307
v  7.62 ft/sec
(2.45)  (7 8 )  (6 4 ) 
7 2 3 2

The hydraulically equivalent diameter of the annulus:

d a  d1  d 2
d  7 78  6 34  1 18 in.

The critical velocity:

1.08 (30)  1.08 (30)2  (9.3)(10)(1 18 )2 (10)
vc  1
 7.26 ft/sec
(10)(1 ) 8
 51

v  vc   turbulent flow (use Eq. 3.4)

2,970 vd (2,970)(7.62)(1 18 )
NRe    8, 487  8,500
p 30
N Re  8, 400
Fig. 7.1 f  0.0098
Curve IV (for annuli
in uncased hole)

Applying Eqn. (3.4):

f  Lv 2 (0.0098)(10)(500)(7.62)2
pac   1
 98 psi
25.8 d (25.8)(1 8 )
 52

(f) Pressure losses around drill pipe ( pap)

The average velocity around the drill collar (as assume/given earlier):
v  3 ft/sec
The hydraulically equivalent diameter of the annulus:
d a  d1  d 2
d  7 78  4 12  3 83 in.
The critical velocity:

1.08(30)  1.08 (30)2  (9.3)(10)(3 83 )2 (10)

vc  3
 4.39 ft/sec
(10)(3 )
8

 pv 
v  vc   laminar flow (use Eq. 3.6) p  L  Yb  
300d  5 d 
5,500  30 (3) 
 pap  10  3 
 83 psi
300 (3 83 )  5(3 8 ) 
 53

(g) The total pressure drop in the system ( pt)

pt  36  269  107  573  98  83  1,166 psi

(h) Horsepower output at the pump

q p
HP  .......... (3.17)
1,714 v m
where :
q = flow rate, gpm
v = volumetric efficiency
m = mechanical efficiency
Assuming volumetric and mechanical efficiencies of the pump are 90% and 85%
respectively:
307 (1,166)
 HP   273 horsepower
1,714(0.90)(0.85)
 54

Summary
Bingham Plastic Model: Calculation Steps
 pt   p s   p p   p c   pb   p ac   p ap

 p vc v de
s
E q . (3 .1 6 ) o r F ig . 3 .3 Eq. (3.8) Eq. (3.7a ) or (3.7b) Eq. (3.15a) or (3.15b)

pb
(Eqn. 3.13)
No if Yes
(lam in ar)
v  vc (tu rb u len t)

p p , pc , pac , pap N Re

Eq. (3.6) Eq. (3.2)

f
(Fig. 7.1)

p p , pc , pac , pap

Eq. (3.4)
 55

 p 
0.14
m
p  pu  
Example 3.4 9.5  3.2(3) 
Using a data as in Example 3.3, calculate the circulating pressure required.
Solution 3.4
From Example 3.3: q = 307 gpm, bit = 3 13/32 in. nozzles
(a) Surface equipment losses ( ps)
q = 307 gpm Fig. 7.3
pu  27 psi
Curve type 2
0.14
10  30 
 ps  27   33 psi
9.5  3.2(3) 
(b) Pressure losses inside drill pipe ( pp)
q = 307 gpm Fig. 7.5 (for 4.5” d/p) 32
pu   5,500  176 psi
Curve 7 (assume ID = 3 ¾”) 1,000
0.14
10  30 
 p p  176    217 psi
9.5  3.2(3) 
 56

 p 
0.14
m
p  pu  
9.5  3.2(3) 
(c) Pressure losses inside drill collar ( pc)
q = 307 gpm Fig. 7.7 15
Curve 2 ¾ bore pu   500  75 psi
(assume ID = 2 ¾”) 100
0.14
10  30 
 pc  75    93 psi
9.5  3.2(3) 

m
(d) Pressure losses through bit ( pb) p  pu 
9.5
q = 307 gpm Fig. 7.9
pu  550 psi
3 13 "
32
nozzle (no viscosity effect)

10
 pb  550   579 psi
9.5
 57

 p 
0.14
m
p  pu  
(e) Pressure losses around drill collar ( pac) 9.5  3.2(3) 
q = 307 gpm Fig. 7.10 25
6 ¾ drill collar pu   500  125 psi
(bit size = 7 7/8”) 100
0.14
10  30 
 pac  125    154 psi
9.5  3.2(3) 

(f) Pressure losses around drill pipe ( pap)

q = 307 gpm Fig. 7.10 1.4
4 ½ drill pipe pu   5,500  77 psi
(bit size = 7 7/8”) 100
0.14
10  30 
 pap  77    95 psi
9.5  3.2(3) 

(g) The total pressure drop in the system ( pt)

pt  33  217  107  579  154  95  1,185 psi

 58

Comparison of p Calculation Methods

System Plastic flow calculation Hughes Tools Co. charts
component (psi) (psi)
Surface connections, ps 36 33

Inside drill pipe, pp 269 217

Inside drill collar, pc 107 107

Bit nozzles, pb 573 579

Outside drill collar, pac 98 154

Outside drill pipe, pap 83 95

Total circulating 1,166 1,185

pressure, pt
 59

Additional Information
 Besides Newtonian and Bingham Plastic Models, there are
several other model used to predict pressure losses in mud
circulating systems.
 Generally, each model is based on a set of assumptions which
cannot be completely fulfilled in any drilling situation.
 Power law, Herschel-Bulkley (Yield Power Law @ API Power
Law) models are the most widely used in the oil industry.
 Table 3.3 shows a summary of pressure loss equations