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An implicit unsteady hydraulic solver for suspended cuttings transport in managed pressure wells

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Abstract

We present a simulation tool for transient events in complex hydraulic networks. The code includes modelling of the transport of suspended cuttings in near-vertical wells. An unstructured finite volume formulation with implicit time integration has been chosen. The unconditional stability of the integrator makes the method suitable for the simulation of transient events over a wide range of characteristic timescales. It handles both very fast transients (e.g. fluid hammer events) and the long-term evolution of the well (e.g. hole cleaning operations). The software has been developed to address the need of the oil industry for a robust and efficient predictive tool allowing effective well control in managed pressure drilling operations. The physical modelling follows the standard practices accepted by the industry (e.g. mud rheology computations). The mathematical foundation of the algorithm is described followed by validation cases that illustrate its capabilities and accuracy. Finally, a practical industrial application example is provided to demonstrate the real-world performance of the software.

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Acknowledgements

This research was partially funded by Weatherford International.

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Author notes

  1. D. Simpkins: Formerly Weatherford International, Houston, Texas, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), C/Gran Capitán s/n, 08034, Barcelona, Spain

    R. Flores & E. Oñate

  2. Serra Hunter professor at Escola Superior d’Enginyeries Industrial, Aeroespacial y Audiovisual de Terrassa, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (ESEIAAT-UPC), C/Colom 11, 08222, Terrassa, Spain

    E. Ortega

  3. Weatherford International, 11909 FM 529 Road, Houston, TX, 77041, USA

    A. Ilin & D. Simpkins

Authors
  1. R. Flores
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  2. E. Ortega
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  3. A. Ilin
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  4. D. Simpkins
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  5. E. Oñate
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Correspondence to R. Flores.

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Flores, R., Ortega, E., Ilin, A. et al. An implicit unsteady hydraulic solver for suspended cuttings transport in managed pressure wells. Comp. Part. Mech. 6, 163–175 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40571-018-0204-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40571-018-0204-9

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