MECHANICS OF THE DISPLACEMENT PROCESS OF DRILLING MUDS BY CEMENT SLURRIES USING AN ACCURATE RHEOLOGICAL MODEL

Abstract

This study deals with the development of a mathematical model to describe the miscible displacement of drilling muds by cement slurries under laminar flow conditions. The model accounts for the effects of differing properties, geometry, and displacement rates. The model assumes that mixing in the displacement zone by molecular diffusion is minimal, and uses the Robertson-Stiff model to describe the rheological properties of both the drilling fluid and the cement slurry. The application of the model to a range of displacement conditions (densities, viscosities, yield stresses, displacement rates, etc.) indicates the conditions under which optimal or near optimal displacements are possible, and hence, provides a basis for designing efficient cementing operations from simple material property characterizations. Of special interest is the effect of the yield stress. These parameters are found to strongly affect the displacement efficiency, particularly the formation of cement channels. Such results are described quantitatively in the study. The effects of the other rheological properties, the densities, and the displacement rates are also described. 17 references.