Effect of Drilling Mud Density and Flow Rate on Tri-Cone Bit Pressure Drop

Abstract

In this study, non Newtonian turbulent flow simulation was obtained through a drill bit to show the effect of flow rate, drilling mud density, and nozzle size on the tri-cone bit pressure drop calculations. Nozzle sizes of 7/32, 9/32, 10/32, and 11/32 inch were selected, and three nozzles of equal size were used in each solution. Eight drilling mud was selected and Herschel-Bulkley rheological model employed. Rheological data were obtained using a Fann viscometer. The calculated pressure drops from simulations were compared to experimental data. The results show that flow simulation model has the good prediction of pressure drop with a percent error of 7.67. The results indicate pressure drop increase as the nozzle size decreases, while the flow rate and drilling mud density increases.