Numerical Simulation of Nonlinear Processes in the “Thruster—Downhole Motor—Bit” System While Extended Reach Well Drilling

Abstract

The relevance of the application of hydraulic thruster technology is determined by the technological limitations of drilling both vertical and horizontal wells. The existing experimental studies confirm the effectiveness of the technology, but its widespread implementation is hindered by the lack of scientific foundations for its operation in combination with a downhole motor and bit. Our research methodology includes methods for analyzing scientific and technical information as well as methods of numerical modeling using programming languages and ready-made software packages for CFD calculations. Verification of the simulation results was carried out on the basis of the experimental field studies previously conducted with the participation of the authors of the article. This article presents the results of the analysis of the current state of the problem and computer physical and mathematical modeling of the work of the thruster together with the bit and downhole motor when drilling a deviated section of a well. Based on the simulation results, the expediency of using hydraulic thrusters in the practice of drilling wells with the possibility of predicting and operatively regulating the operation parameters of the “Hydraulic Thrusting Device—Downhole Motor—Bit” system is theoretically substantiated and scientifically confirmed.

Keywords

• ERD wells
• weight on the bit
• vibration reduction
• drilling efficiency
• computational fluid dynamics
• PDC bits