A Study on the Thickness of a Cutting Bed Monitor and Control in an Extended Reach Well

Abstract Based on solid–liquid flow mechanics, considering the interaction between layers, the slip between solid and liquid phase, and the effect of drillpipe rotation, a dynamic three-layer cutting transport model was developed. By orthogonal experiment regression, a formula for calculating the thickness of the cutting bed was developed that is suitable for field application. The dynamic thickness of the cutting bed can be predicted by measured equivalent circulating density (ECD). Research has shown that the field equipment cannot attain the capability to keep the borehole clean, and when the thickness of the cutting bed exceeds 10%, a flushing method must be used to keep the borehole clean.