Cuttings Transport Mechanisms in Slimhole Horizontal Wells Considering Drill String Eccentricity

doi:10.12388/j.issn.1673-2677.2025.04.004

Xinjiang Oil & Gas ›› 2025, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (4): 24-33.DOI: 10.12388/j.issn.1673-2677.2025.04.004

• OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT • Previous Articles Next Articles

Cuttings Transport Mechanisms in Slimhole Horizontal Wells Considering Drill String Eccentricity

AN Jingtao¹^，²，LI Jun¹^，²，LAI Qiuxia³，HUANG Honglin⁴，WU Yanxian⁵，GONG Jiaqin⁵

1.College of Petroleum Engineering，China University of Petroleum （Beijing）；
2. Karamay Campus，China University of Petroleum （Beijing）；
3. Hainan Branch of Sino-French Bohai Geological Services Co.，Ltd.，；
4. Hainan Branch of CNOOC （China） Co.，Ltd.，；
5. Oil Production Technology Research Institute ，PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company.

Received:2025-03-20 Revised:2025-07-08 Accepted:2025-09-30 Online:2025-11-17 Published:2025-11-17

考虑钻柱偏心的小井眼水平井岩屑运移规律分析

安锦涛¹^，²，李军¹^，²，赖秋霞³，黄洪林⁴，吴彦先⁵，巩加芹⁵

1.中国石油大学（北京）石油工程学院；
2.中国石油大学（北京）克拉玛依校区；
3.中法渤海地质服务有限公司海南分公司；
4.中海石油（中国）有限公司海南分公司；
5.中国石油新疆油田公司采油工艺研究院。

作者简介:安锦涛（1990-），2023年毕业于中国石油大学（北京）油气井工程专业，博士，副教授，主要从事井筒多相流、井壁稳定等方面研究。（E-mail）2665448696@qq.com
基金资助:
1.国家自然科学基金青年基金“深层煤岩气水平井井壁失稳机理研究”（52404015）；

2.中国石油天然气股份有限公司战略合作科技专项“准噶尔盆地玛湖中下组合和吉木萨尔陆相页岩油高效勘探开发理论及关键技术研究”（ZLZX2020-01-01）；

3.中国石油天然气股份有限公司科技项目“深地煤岩气优快钻完井技术研究”（2023ZZ18YJ05）

Abstract

Abstract:

The narrow annulus in slimhole horizontal wells leads to significant differences in Cuttings transport，compared to conventional horizontal wells. To investigate the cutting transport mechanisms in slimhole horizontal wells，a CFD-based numerical model accounting for drill string eccentricity was developed for solid-liquid two-phase flow in the annulus. This study analyzed the effects of key factors，including flow rates，drill pipe rotation speeds，well inclination angles，and drilling fluid properties，on cutting transport in slimhole horizontal wells. The results showed that increasing the drill pipe rotation speed enhances the tangential and axial velocities of the annular fluid and expands the "viscous coupling" region. This facilitates the upward movement of cuttings from the lower side to the upper side of the annulus，thereby improving transport efficiency. Critical thresholds for "rotation speeds" and "flow rates" were identified in highly inclined sections，where cutting transport becomes the most challenging with the two parameters both below the thresholds，and in horizontal sections，where transport becomes more difficult with the two parameters both exceeding the thresholds. Increasing the drilling fluid density enhances the buoyancy acting on cuttings and reduces deposition. The effects of drilling fluid rheological parameters on wellbore cleanup exhibit non-linear trends，with an optimal range existing under different flow rates and rotation speeds. The findings of this research provide theoretical support for optimizing hydraulic parameters in slimhole horizontal wells and preventing issues like drill string sticking.

Key words:

CFD simulation, slimhole horizontal well, cutting transport, two-phase flow

摘要：

小井眼水平井环空窄，岩屑运移模式与常规水平井存在显著差异。为探究小井眼水平井的岩屑运移规律，建立了基于钻柱偏心与计算流体动力学（CFD）的环空固-液两相流数值模型，研究分析了排量、钻杆转速、井斜角以及钻井液性能等关键因素对小井眼水平井中岩屑运移的影响。研究结果表明，提高钻杆旋转速度能够增强环空流体的切向和轴向速度，扩大“黏性耦合”区域，从而促进岩屑从环空下侧向上侧运动，提高岩屑运移效率。在小井眼环空中存在“临界旋转速度”和“临界排量”，当两者均低于临界数值时，在高度倾斜段岩屑运移最为困难；当两者均高于临界数值时，在水平段岩屑运移更为困难。提高钻井液密度能够增强岩屑的浮力，减少岩屑沉积。钻井液流变参数对井眼清洁效率的影响呈现非线性趋势，在不同排量和钻杆旋转速度下存在最佳性能范围。研究成果为小井眼水平井水力参数优化、防止钻柱卡钻提供理论支持。

关键词:

CFD模拟, 小井眼水平井, 岩屑运移, 两相流

CLC Number:

TE242

AN Jingtao, LI Jun, LAI Qiuxia, HUANG Honglin, WU Yanxian, GONG Jiaqin.

Cuttings Transport Mechanisms in Slimhole Horizontal Wells Considering Drill String Eccentricity [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2025, 21(4): 24-33.

安锦涛, 李军, 赖秋霞, 黄洪林, 吴彦先, 巩加芹.

考虑钻柱偏心的小井眼水平井岩屑运移规律分析

[J]. 新疆石油天然气, 2025, 21(4): 24-33.

References

［1］周晨. 工厂化小井眼钻井工艺技术研究与应用［D］. 山东青岛：中国石油大学（华东），2020.ZHOU Chen. Research and application of factory slim hole drilling technology［D］. Qingdao，Shandong：China University of Petroleum （East China），2020.

［2］王忠良，周扬，文晓峰，等. 长庆油田小井眼超长水平段水平井钻井技术［J］. 石油钻探技术，2021，49（5）：14-18.WANG Zhongliang，ZHOU Yang，WEN Xiaofeng，et al. Drilling technologies for horizontal wells with ultra-long horizontal section and slim hole in Changqing oilfield［J］. Petroleum Drilling Techniques，2021，49（5）：14-18.

［3］张小宁，于文华，叶新群，等.加拿大白桦地致密气超长小井眼水平井优快钻井技术［J］. 中国石油勘探， 2022，27（2）：142-149.ZHANG Xiaoning，YU Wenhua，YE Xinqun，et al. Optimal and fast drilling technology of ultra-long slim hole horizontal well in Groundbirch Tight Gas Field，Canada［J］. China Petroleum Exploration，2022，27（2）：142-149.

［4］李振川，姚昌顺，胡开利，等. 水平井井眼清洁技术研究与实践［J］. 新疆石油天然气，2022，18（1）：48-53.LI Zhenchuan，YAO Changshun，HU Kaili，et al. Research and practice of horizontal wellbore cleaning technology［J］. Xinjiang Oil & Gas，2022，18（1）：48-53.

［5］孙明光. 顺北油田超深小井眼水平井定向钻井技术［J］. 钻采工艺，2020，43（2）：19-22.SUN Mingguang. Directional drilling technology for ultra-deep slimhole horizontal wells in Shunbei Oilfield ［J］. Drilling & Production Technology，2020，43（2）：19-22.

［6］袁兰峰. 考虑钻柱旋转和屈曲的超并小井眼环空压力研究［D］. 四川成都：西南石油大学，2015.YUAN Lanfeng. Research on annular pressure of slim hole in ultra deep well considering drill string rotation and buckling［D］. Chengdu，Sichuan：Southwest Petroleum University，2015.

［7］郭勇，熊超，李渊，等. 玛131示范区水平井井眼清洁技术研究［J］. 新疆石油天然气，2019，15（4）：43-47.GUO Yong，XIONG Chao，LI Yuan，et al. Research on horizontal well wellbore cleanup technology in Ma 131 demonstration area ［J］. Xinjiang Oil & Gas，2019，15（4）：43-47.

［8］安锦涛. 小井眼长水平井岩屑运移与井筒压力预测模型及控制方法研究［D］. 北京：中国石油大学（北京），2023.AN Jingtao. Research on the prediction model and control method of cuttings transport and wellbore pressure in long horizontal wells with slim hole［D］. Beijing：China University of Petroleum （Beijing），2023.

［9］安锦涛，李军，黄洪林，等. 考虑井眼清洁条件下的小井眼钻井液性能优化研究［J］. 钻井液与完井液，2022，39（6）：700-706.AN Jingtao，LI Jun，HUANG Honglin，et al. Performance optimization of slim-hole drilling fluids under hole cleaning condition［J］. Drilling Fluid & Completion Fluid，2022，39（6）：700-706.

［10］DUAN M Q，MISKA S，YU M J，et al. Critical conditions for effective sand-sized-solids transport in horizontal and high-angle wells［J］. SPE Drilling & Completion，2009，24（2）：229-238.

［11］陈修平，王明波，仲冠宇. 大斜度井段小尺寸岩屑临界再悬浮速度力学模型［J］. 断块油气田，2013，20（4）：498-501.CHEN Xiuping，WANG Mingbo，ZHONG Guanyu. Mechanics model of critical re-suspension velocity for small-sized cuttings transport in hole section with high inclination［J］. Fault-Block Oil and Gas Field，2013，20（4）：498-501.

［12］相恒富，孙宝江，李昊，等. 大位移水平井段岩屑运移实验研究［J］. 石油钻采工艺，2014，36（3）：1-6.XIANG Henfu，SUN Bojiang，LI Hao，et al. Experimental research on cuttings transport in extended-reach horizontal well［J］. Drilling & Production Technology，2014，36（3）：1-6.

［13］董长银，邓珊，李爱萍，等. 大斜度井筒条件下沉积砂床表面颗粒起动临界条件研究［J］. 石油钻探技术，2010，38（3）：22-26.DONG Changyin，DENG Shan，LI Aiping，et al. Research of critical condition for grains at bed surface in highly deviated wells［J］. Petroleum Drilling Techniques，2010，38（3）：22-26.

［14］汪志明，张政. 水平井两层稳定岩屑传输规律研究［J］. 石油大学学报（自然科学版），2004，28（4）：63-66.WANG Zhiming，ZHANG Zheng. A model for two-layer cutting transport in horizontal wells［J］. Journal of China University of Petroleum （Edition of Natural Science），2004，28（4）：63-66.

［15］CHENG R C，WANG R H. A three-segment hydraulic model for annular cuttings transport with foam in horizontal drilling［J］. Journal of Hydrodynamics，2008，20（1）：67-73.

［16］MARTINS A L，SANTANA M L，CAMPOS W，et al Evaluating the transport of solids generated by shale instabilities in ERW drilling［J］. SPE Drilling & Completion，1999，14（4）：254-259.

［17］OFEI T N，IRAWAN S，PAO W. CFD method for predicting annular pressure losses and cuttings concentration in eccentric horizontal wells［J］. Journal of Petroleum Engineering，2014，2014：1-16.

［18］HEYDARI O，SAHRAEI E，SKALLE P. Investigating the impact of drillpipe's rotation and eccentricity on cuttings transport phenomenon in various horizontal annuluses using computational fluid dynamics （CFD）［J］. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering，2017，156：801-813.

［19］PANG B，WANG S，WANG Q，et al Numerical prediction of cuttings transport behavior in well drilling using kinetic theory of granular flow［J］. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering，2018，161：190-203.

［20］康伟. 水平井岩屑沉降及运移规律模拟研究［D］. 北京：中国石油大学（北京），2017.KANG Wei. Simulation study on the sediment and migrant rules of cuttings in horizontal well［D］. Beijing：China University of Petroleum （Beijing），2017.

［21］GIDASPOW D. Multiphase flow and fluidization：Continuum and kinetic theory descriptions［M］. New York：Academic Press，1994.

［22］CAO J，AHMADI G. Gas-particle two-phase turbulent flow in a vertical duct［J］. International Journal of Multiphase Flow，1996，21（6）：1203-1228.

［23］SIMONIN O. Continuum modeling of dispersed two-phase flows，in Combustion and Turbulence in Two-Phase Flows［J］. Von Karman Institute of Fluid Dynamics Lecture Series，1996，2.

［24］HAN S M，HWANG Y K，WOO N S，et al. Solid-liquid hydrodynamics in a slim hole drilling annulus［J］. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering，2010，70（3）：308-319.

[1]	WU Yicheng, LIU Peng, CAO Qingtian, CHANG Huipan, LI Shuai, ZHANG Bin. Oil-Based Drilling Fluid Anti-Collapse Technology for Long Openhole Wellbore of Jimsar Shale Oil [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2025, 21(1): 32-40.
[2]	SONG Xuefeng , LI Zhibin, , LIU Jinming , WANG Jiangshuai , DING Yida , QIAN Xuesen. Development Status of Wellbore Integrity Inspection Technology for Deep Strata and Deep Wells [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2024, 20(4): 8-18.
[3]	. Current Status and Suggestions for Drilling Technology of CNPC Continental Shale Oil Reservoirs [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2024, 20(3): 1-14.
[4]	LI Gensheng, MU Zongjie, TIAN Shouceng, HUANG Zhongwei, SUN Zhaowei. Research Status and Development Proposal of ROP Improvement Technology with Percussion Rock-Breaking Method [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2024, 20(1): 1-12.
[5]	WANG Dian, LI Jun, ZHANG Wei, LIAN Wei. Performance Evaluation of the Cement Sheath in Jimsar Shale Oil Wells [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(4): 49-55.
[6]	LIU Wei, FENG Chaochao, WAN Xuxin, ZHANG Zengbao, WEI Jiusen, GAO Deli. Design of Shaped Cutter PDC Bit for Deep Hard Plastic Mudstone [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(3): 1-9.
[7]	GAN Quan, ZHANG Maolin, ZHANG Chen, WEI Qiang, LI Bingqing, ZHANG Dong. Analysis of the Effects for Reamer Size under Different Operation Conditions：a Case Study of Well H101 in the Southern Margin of Junggar Basin [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(3): 10-20.
[8]	DENG Zhengqiang , OU Meng , BAI Hailong , JING Yujuan , HUANG Ping , SHAO Ping. Development of Viscosity Reducer for High Density Water-Based Drilling Fluid and Its Application#br# [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(3): 33-37.
[9]	LIU Wei, XI Yan, ZHA Chunqing, GUO Qingfeng, XU Zhaohui, Wang Wei. Study on Penetration Depth and Rock Breaking Mechanism of PDC Cutter in Different Percussion Drilling Methods [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(2): 17-23.
[10]	SHEN Xinpu, XIANG Dongmei, WU Xingyong. Integration of 1D Geomechanics and 3D In-Situ Stress Numerical Computation：Methodology and Application [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(2): 40-48.
[11]	LIANG Hongjun, LIU Hongtao, YAN Hui, CHEN Kaifeng, YANG Junqi, ZHOU Zhi. Application of Deflection Control While Fast Drilling in Kuqa Foreland Area [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2023, 19(2): 49-55.
[12]	WANG Ting, WANG Yingjie, MA Nengliang, WANG Yuezhi, LI Mingliang, LIU Yang. Optimal Design of Anti-Inclination Bottom Hole Assembly in Mahu Area，Junggar Basin [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2022, 18(3): 44-53.
[13]	. Wellbore Instability Mechanism and Countermeasures of High-Temperature Organic-Matter-Rich Reservoirs in the Southern Margin of Junggar Basin [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2022, 18(1): 26-31.
[14]	WANG Xindong, WU Zhi, YAO Changshun, LI Yingxin, ZHANG Wutao, XIE Zhengsen. Study and Test of Individualized Bit for the Horizontal Sections of Glutenite in Xinjiang Oilfield [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2022, 18(1): 54-58.
[15]	CHENG Pengfei. Study on the Application of Key Horizontal Well Drilling Technologies in Water-Sensitive Channel Sand Reservoir [J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2022, 18(1): 59-65.

Cuttings Transport Mechanisms in Slimhole Horizontal Wells Considering Drill String Eccentricity

考虑钻柱偏心的小井眼水平井岩屑运移规律分析

PDF (PC)

Knowledge

Abstract

Cite this article

share this article

References

Related Articles 15

Recommended Articles

Metrics