USEFUL FORMULAS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 CEMENT VOLUME to SQUEEZE OFF PERFORATIONS (Rule of Thumb)

1.2 COMPRESSIBILITY of FLUIDS

1.2.1 Compressibility of Water

1.2.2 Compressibility of Oil Base Mud
1.2.3 Compressibility of Water Base Mud

1.3 BALANCED CEMENT PLUG

1.4 BUOYANCY of STEEL in a FLUID

1.5 DRILLING FLUID HYDRAULICS EQUATIONS

1.5.1 n and K - Pipe Flow

1.5.2 n and K - Annular Flow
1.5.3 Average Fluid Velocity - Pipe Flow
1.5.4 Average Fluid Velocity - Annular Flow
1.5.5 Critical Velocity - Pipe Flow
1.5.6 Critical Velocity - Annular Flow
1.5.7 Interval Pressure Loss - Turbulent Pipe Flow
1.5.8 Interval Pressure Loss - Laminar Annular Flow
1.5.9 Bit Nozzle Pressure Loss
1.5.10 Bit Hydraulic Horsepower
1.5.11 Jet Impact Force
1.5.12 Jet Velocity
1.5.13 Equivalent Circulating Density

1.6 DRILL STRING FREE POINT CALCULATION

1.7 TEMPERATURE EFFECT on BRINE FLUIDS

1.8 PERCENT SOLIDS in MUD

1.9 FEET of HEAD

1.10 VOLUMETRIC CAPACITIES of PIPE and CASING

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1.1 CEMENT VOLUME to SQUEEZE OFF PERFORATION (Rule of Thumb)

The following equation can be used to make a rough approximation of the volume of cement that will be necessary to
squeeze off an interval of open perforations. The volume of cement calculated using this equation should then be
compared with the casing through the perforated interval to be certain the volume of cement used is at least as great as the
casing capacity.

Cubic feet of cement required = (Injection Rate x 115,000) (Surface Pressure)

Where the injection rate is in barrels per minute and the surface pressure is in pounds per square inch.

Example:

It is desired to squeeze off an interval of perforations in 9-5/8" casing. An injection rate into the formation is established at
1.5 bpm with a corresponding surface pressure of 2000 psi. What volume of cement is required?

Cubic feet of cement required = (1.5 x 115,000) (2000) = 86.25 cuft.

The actual volume of cement pumped should be rounded up from this figure. In this example, the required volume of
cement should be rounded up to 100 cuft.

1.2.1 Compressibility of Water

The compressibility of water can be estimated using the following equation. It should be noted that this equation is only an
approximation and should be used by field personnel in estimating the volume of fluid necessary to achieve a specific
pressure or vica versa (e.g., volume of water to pump in order to pressure test a pack-off).

Vw = 2.8 x 10-6 x P x Vc

Where:

Vw = volume of water pumped, bbls

P = applied pressure, psi
VC = volume of water to be pressured up, bbls

Example:

Assume that a casing hanger pack-off is to be pressure tested on a semi-submersible rig and that the volume of the kill line
from the cementing unit to the pack-off is 3.0 bbls. If a test pressure of 6500 psi is required, what volume of water must be
pumped to achieve this test pressure?

Vw = 2.8 x 10-6 (6500)(3.0) = 0.0546, bbls

Therefore, only a fraction of a barrel of fluid would be required to pressure up against the pack-off, which is what is
actually experienced in practice.
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1.2.3 Compressibility of Water Base Mud

In a manner similar to that used above for oil base muds, an estimate of the volume of water base mud that must be
pumped to achieve a given pressure can be determined using the following equation (taken from Occidental's Well Control
Manual, Section 12.3).

Vm = P Vc (2.8 x 10-6Fw + 0.2 x 10-6Fs)

Where:

Vm = volume of mud pumped, bbls

P = applied pressure, psi
Vc = volume of mud in casing, bbls
Fw = volume fraction of water, dimensionless
Fs = volume fraction of solids, dimensionless

Example:

Assume that 9000' of 47 ppf, 9-5/8" casing will be pressure tested to 6000 psi using a water base mud. What volume of
mud must be pumped to achieve the test pressure?

Casing I.D. = 9.681"

Casing Capacity = 0.0732 bbl/ft
Casing Volume = (0.0732 bbl/ft) x 9000 ft = 658.8 bbls
Fw = 0.95
Fs = 0.95

Vm = (6000)(658.8)(2.8 x 10-6) 0.95 + (0.2 x 10-6)0.05)

Vm = 10.5 bbls

Therefore, it would require approximately 10.5 bbls of mud to pressure up the casing to 6000 psi.

1.3 BALANCED CEMENT PLUG

The equation presented in this section is to be used to calculate the height of a balanced column of cement that will be
spotted using a cementing string. The general equation for cement height (with the cementing string on bottom) is given as
follows.

Vcmt
Hc = ____________
Vp + Va

Where:

Hc = height of cement column with work string in place, feet

Vcmt = volume of cement to be pumped, cuft.
Vp = volumetric capacity of cementing string, cuft/ft
Va = volumetric capacity of annulus between casing or open hole and cementing
string, cuft.ft
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It should be noted that the volumetric capacity of the cementing string and the cementing string annulus ARE NOT to be
calculated using the nominal inside and outside diameters of the cementing string and casing. For example, in the case of
5", 19.5 ppf drill pipe, do not use a nominal I.D. of 4,276" to calculate the volumetric capacity of the cementing string, V p.
This procedure will result in over-estimation of the volumetric capacity, since the restricted I.D. through the tool joints will
not have been taken into account. This will subsequently result in calculation of a lower cement height and, therefore, a
greater displacement volume. the correct volumetric capacities can be calculated using the equations given in Section IV,
Part 1.10, VOLUMETRIC CAPACITIES of PIPE and CASING.

Example:

It is desired to place a 110 cuft balanced cement plug in the bottom of an 8000' string of 7", 26 ppf casing using
2.875" tubing. The cement column is to be exactly balanced. The well bore fluid and displacement fluid will be
drill water. Assume that Vp = 0.0325 cuft/ft and that Va - 0.1697 cuft/ft. Therefore:

Vcmt 110
Hc = ____________ = _______________ = 544 feet
Vp + V a 0.0325 + 0.1697

Therefore the height of the cement column (with the cementing string in the well) would be approximately 544 feet. The
volume of water to pump behind the cement can now be determined by taking the difference between the depth of the
cementing string and the height of cement and multiplying by the volumetric capacity of the cementing string. This would
be (8000' -544') 0.0325 = 242.32 cuft or 43.19 bbls.

If it is necessary to pump a cementing space ahead of and behind the cement plug, then the necessary volumes of spacer
can be determined by using the ratio of the annulus volumetric capacity to the volumetric capacity of the pipe. This can be
expressed as follows:

Va bbl
Spacer Ratio = ____ , ___
Vp bbl

Using this example in this section, the spacer ratio would be:

0.1697 bbl
Spacer Ratio = ______ = 5.22 ____
0.0325 bbl

Therefore, for every 5.22 bbls of spacer pumped ahead of the cement plug 1.0 bbls of spacer must be pumped behind the
cement plug.
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1.4 BUOYANCY of STEEL in a FLUID

The buoyancy factor for steel immersed in a fluid of known density can be determined using the following equation.

Mud Weight (ppg)

BF = 1.0 - ________________
65.5

Using the buoyancy factor, the buoyed weight of steel drilling tools can be determined by multiplying air weight by the
appropriate buoyancy factor.

Example:

If a drilling assembly is calculated to weigh 84,000 lbf in air, what will it weigh in an 11.7 ppg drilling fluid?

11.7
BF = 1.0 - ______ = 0.821
65.5

Therefore the buoyed weight would be 0.821 x 84,000 lbf = 68,964 lbf.

1.5 DRILLING FLUIDS HYDRAULICS EQUATIONS - POWER LAW FLUIDS

The equations used in the following sub-sections for the calculation of Power Law drilling fluid hydraulics are detailed in
Section III, Part 5.4.2, Circulating Pressure Losses & Critical Velocities. This section provides a worked example
using these equations.

Well Data

Well Depth : 9500'

Drill String : 9500' x 5" x 19.5 ppf x 4.276" I.D. drill pipe
Mud Weight : 10.5 ppg

6 : 9 lbf/100 sqft

100 : 23 lbf/100 sqft

300 : 48 lbf/100 sqft

600 : 75 lbf/100 sqft
Pump rate : 775 gpm
Hole Size : 12-1/4"
Bit Nozzles : 3 x 16/32" (Area - 0.5891 sqin.)

Assume that the drill pipe has been run in the hole with nothing more than a bit on the end and that it is planned to
circulate the hole. Also assume that the average hole size is 12-1/4" from surface to total depth.
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1.5.1 Calculate n and K - Pipe Flow

For flow down the drill string, the Fann viscometer readings at 300 and 600 rpm are to be used for calculation of n and K.

0600 75
n = 3.32 log ____ = 3.32 log ___ = 0.643
0300 48

0300 48
K= _____ = _______ = 0.870
511n 5110.643

1.5.2 Calculate n and K - Annular Flow

For annular flow, the Fann viscometer readings at 6 and 100 rpm are to be used for the calculation of n and K assuming, of
course, that the velocity profile is laminar. If the velocity profile is turbulent, the equations given in Part 1.5.1 above
would have to be used.

0100 23
n = 0.82 log ____ = 0.82 log ___ = 0.334
06 9

0100 23
K= _____ = _______ = 4.14
170n 1700.334

1.5.3 Calculate Average Fluid Velocity - Pipe Flow

The average fluid velocity down the drill pipe is calculated as follows:

24.5 Q (24.5)(775)
V = ______ = _________ = 1038, ft/min
D2 (4.276)2

1.5.4 Calculate Average Fluid Velocity - Annular Flow

The average fluid velocity in the drill string annulus is calculated as follows:

24.5 Q (24.5)(775)
V = _______ = ____________ = 151.8, ft/min
Dh2 - Dp2 (12.25)2 - (5)2
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1.5.5 Calculate Critical Velocity - Pipe Flow

Using the calculated values of n and K for pipe flow determined in Part 1.5.1 above, and the well data given previously,
the critical velocity pumping down the drill string can be calculated as follows.

1 n

5(3470 - 1370n)K _____ 1.6 (3n + 1) _____

Vc = 1.969 _______________ (2 - n) ____________ (2 - n)

MW D 4n

5(3470 - 1370(0.643)0.870 _______

= 1.969 ______________________ 2 - 0.643
10.5

0.643

1.6 (3(0.643) + 1) _______

X ______________ 2 - 0.643

4.276 4(0.643)

= 1.969 (1072.6)0.737 (0.426)0.474

= 1.969(171.17)(0.667)

Vc = 224.8 ft/min.

Therefore, since the critical velocity is less than the average fluid velocity down the drill pipe (calculated in Part 1.5.3), the
fluid velocity profile is turbulant.
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1.5.6 Calculate Critical Velocity - Annular Flow

Using the calculated values of n and K for annular flow determined in Part 1.5.2 above, and the well data given previously,
the critical velocity pumping up the drill pipe annulus can be calculated as follows.

1 n

4.08(3470 - 1370n)K ____ 2n + 1 _____

Vc = 1.969 ________________ (2 - n) ____________ (2 - n)

MW 0.64(Dh - Dp)n

4.08(3470 - 1370(0.334)4.14 _______

= 1.969 ______________________ 2 - 0.334

10.5

0.334

2(0.334) + 1) _______
X _________________ 2 - 0.334
0.64(12.25 - 5)0.334

= 1.969 (4846)0.60 (1.076)0.20

Vc = 1.969(162.6)(1.01) - 323.4, ft/min.

Since the average fluid velocity in the annulus of 151.8 ft/min (calculated previously in Part 1.5.4) is less than the critical
velocity, the annular flow profile is laminar.
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1.5.7 Calculate Interval Pressure Loss - Pipe Flow

The interval pressure loss inside the drill string is to be calculated using either the laminar or turbulent flow equations.
Following on with the example presented in this section, flow down the drill pipe is turbulent based on the critical velocity
calculations performed previously. Therefore, the turbulent flow pressure loss down the drill pipe is determined as
follows:

1.4 - log n
0.4V 3n + 1 n _________
19.36 K __________ 7

(log n + 2.5)MW V2 L D n
PT = __________________ __________________
4645029 D MW V2

(log 0.643 + 2.5)(10.5)(1038)2(9500)

= ______________________________
4645029(4.276)

.4 - log 0.643
0.4(1.038) 3(0.643) + 1 0.643 _____________

19.36(0.87) ___________________ 7

X 4.276 0.643
___________________________________
(10.5)(1038)2

lbf
PT = (12490)(7.48 x 10-5)0.2274 = 1439.75, ____
sqin

If the fluid velocity profile down the drill pipe were laminar, the equation for laminar pipe flow given in Section III, Part
5.4.2 (A)(4) would have to be used, with calculations performed in a similar manner to those presented here.
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1.5.8 Calculate Interval Pressure Loss - Laminar Annular Flow

Since the annular velocity profile was previously determined to be laminar, the following equation for laminar flow
interval pressure loss is to be used. If the flow profile was determined to be turbulent, the equation given in Section III,
Part 5.4.2(B)(3) would be used, with calculations performed in a similar manner to those presented here.

0.8V 2n + 1 n KL
PL = ____________ ___________
Dh - Dp n 300(Dh - Dp)

0.8(151.8) 2(0.334) + 1 0.334 (4.14)(9500)

= ___________________ ____________
12.25 - 5 0.334 300(12.25 - 5)

lbf
PL = (4.386)(18.08) = 79.3, ____
sqin

1.5.9 Calculate Bit Nozzle Pressure Loss

Using the data given previously, the pressure drop across the jet nozzles is calculated as follows. In this example the
nozzle coefficient, Cn, has been taken as 0.95.

MW Q2 (10.5)(775)2 lbf
PB = __________ = __________________ = 1694, ____
11884 Cn A2 (11884)(.95)2(.5891)2 sqin

1.5.10 Bit Hydraulic Horsepower

Using the previously calculated pressure drop across the bit, the bit hydraulic horsepower can be calculated as follows.

Q PB (775)(1694)
HHPB = ______ = __________ = 766, hp
1714 1714

1.5.11 Jet Impact Force

The jet impact force generated through all of the nozzles in the bit is calculated as follows.

MW Q2 (10.5(775)2
IFJ = _________ = _____________ = 1778.6, lbf
6019 An (3.125)(.5891)
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1.5.12 Jet Velocity

The average jet velocity through the bit nozzles is calculated as follows.

Q (775) ft
VJ = _________ = ____________ = 421, ____
3.125 An (3.125)(.5891) sec

1.5.13 Equivalent Circulating Density

The equivalent circulating density in the drill string annulus is to be taken as the sum of the mud weight, annular
circulating pressure loss and density increase due to formation cuttings in the drilling fluid. The general equation for
performing this calculation is as follows.

6.8 x 10-4 Dh ROP (20.86 - MW) PL

ECD = MW + ___________________________ + ______
Q 0.052 L

Where:

ECD = equivalent circulating density, ppg

MW = mud density, ppg
Dh = hole size, inches
ROP = rate of penetration, ft/hr
Q = circulation rate, gpm
PL = annular circulating pressure loss, psi
L = measured depth, feet (bit to surface)

Example:

From the example problem worked in Part 1.5:

Well depth : 9500'MD

ROP : 25 ft/hr
Pump Rate : 775 gpm
PL : 79.3 psi
Hole size : 12-1/4"
Mud weight : 10.5 ppg
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6.8 x 10-4 (12.25)(25)(20.86 - 10.5) 79.3

ECD = 10.5 + ______________________________ + _____________
775 0.052 (9500)

ECD = 10.5 + 0.003 + 0.16 = 10.66, ppg

1.6 DRILL STRING FREE POINT CALCULATION

Detailed procedures and an example calculation for determining the free point of stuck drilling assemblies are given in
Section III, Part 10.12, TOOL JOINT BACK-OFF PROCEDURES.

1.7 TEMPERATURE AFFECT on BRINE FLUIDS

Detailed procedures for determining the reduction in density of brine formulations based on an increase in the average fluid
temperature are given in Section III, Part 14.5.3, Completion/Kill Fluid Requirements.

1.8 PERCENT SOLIDS in MUD

Detailed procedures for determining the percent solids in drilling fluids are contained in Section III, Part 5.3.2, Water
Base Drilling Fluids: Field Testing Requirements.

1.9 FEET of HEAD

The operating pressure requirements of hydrocyclones will generally be expressed in feet of head. For example, the
specification for a desilter fitted with 4" hydrocyclones may state that the unit is to be operated at a feed head of 75 feet,
regardless of mud density. If it was desired to determine the correct operating pressure of the unit when using a 10.5 ppg
mud, the following calculation can be performed.

P = 0.052 x HEAD x MW

Where:

P = measured feed pressure, psi

HEAD = operating head requirement, feet
MW = mud weight, ppg

Therefore:
lbf
P = 0.052 x 75 x 10.5 = 40.95 , ____
sqin
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In a similar manner, the operating head can be calculated knowing the operating pressure by using the following equation.

P lbf
HEAD = _________ , _____
0.052 MW sqin

Using the data from the example above, if the operating pressure were 60 psi, the equivalent feet of head would be:

60 lbf
HEAD = __________ = 109.9, _____
(0.052)(10.5) sqin

1.10 VOLUMETRIC CAPACITIES of PIPE and CASING

The volumetric capacity per linear foot inside pipe and in the annulus between the casing I.D. and pipe O.D. can be
estimated using the following equations. It should be noted that these equations are only a close approximation based on
the nominal dimensions of the pipe and casing. If more accurate figures are available from pipe manufacturers, their
figures should be used.

Note: DO NOT use the volumetric capacities given in the Halliburton "Red Book", BJ Decimal Book or Dowell Field
Data Handbook, as the figures presented do not take account of tool joint dimensions. This could result in significant
errors in spotting cement plugs, particularly on deep wells.

Pipe Capacity

The capacity per foot of pipe can be calculated as follows:

1 ID2TJ LTJ + ID2PB LPB bbls

VP = _______ __________________ , ____
1029.41 LTJ + LPB ft

Where:

VP = volumetric capacity of pipe, bbls/ft

IDTJ = tool joint inside diameter, inches
IDPB = pipe body inside diameter, inches
LTJ = tool joint length (box + pin), feet
LPB = pipe body length, feet
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Example:

Calculate the volumetric capacity of 5", 19.5 ppf drill pipe with the following dimensions:

IDTJ = 2.875"
IDPB = 4.276"
LTJ = 3.0' (box + pin)
LPB = 28.0'

1 (2.875)2 3.0 + (4.276)2 28.0 bbls

VP = _______ ________________________ = 0.01682 ____
1029.41 (3.0 + 28.0) ft

Annulus Capacity

The capacity of the annulus between the pipe and open hole or pipe and casing can be calculated as follows:

1 (ID2CSG - OD2TJ) LTJ + (ID2CSG - OD2PB) LPB bbls

Va = ________ ____________________________________ , ____
1029.41 LTJ + LPB ft

Where:

Va = volumetric capacity of annulus, bbls/ft

IDCSG = casing inside diameter or hole size, inches
ODTJ = tool joint outside diameter, inches
ODPB = pipe body outside diameter, inches
LTJ = tool joint length (box + pin), feet
LPB = pipe body length, feet

Example:

Calculate the annulus capacity per foot of 5" drill pipe inside 9-5/8", 47.0 ppf casing.

IDCSG = 8.681"
ODTJ = 6.500"
ODPB = 5"
LTJ = 3.0'
LPB = 28.0'

1 (8.681)2 - (6.5)2 (3.0) + (8.681)2 - (5.0)2 (28.0)

Va = ________ ______________________________________
1029.41 (28.0 + 3.0)

bbls
= 0.0473 _____
ft

CONVERSION FACTORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 UNITS OF LENGTH

2.2 UNITS OF AREA

2.3 UNITS OF VOLUME

2.4 UNITS OF MASS

2.5 UNITS OF DENSITY

2.6 UNITS OF PRESSURE

2.7 TEMPERATURE CONVERSIONS

2.8 USEFUL OIL FIELD CONVERSIONS

 CONVERSION FACTORS

2.1 UNITS OF LENGTH

Imperial Units Metric Units

1 in (0.0833 ft) = 2.540 centimetres

1 foot (12 in) = 30.480 cm (0.3048 metre)

1 yard (3 ft) = 91.440 cm (0.9144 metre)

1 US statute mile = 1.609 kilometre (1609 metres)

(5280 ft)

1 nautical mile = 1.853 kilometre (1853 metre)

(6080 ft)

2.2 UNITS OF AREA

Imperial Units Metric Units

1 sq inch = 6.4516 sq cm

1 sq foot (144 sq in) = 929.034 sq cm (0.0929 sq metre)

1 sq yard (9 sq ft) = 8361.307 sq cm (0.8361 sq metre)

1 acre (43560 sq ft) = .004047 sq km (4046.873 sq metre)

2.3 UNITS OF VOLUME

Imperial Units Metric Units

1 cubic inch = 16.387 cu cm (cc)

1 cubic foot = 0.02832 cu metre

(1728 cu in) (.1781 bbls)

1 cubic yard = 0.76455 cu metre

(27 cu ft) 4.0889 bbls)

1 US gallon = 3.875 litres (3785.434 cc)

(.83267 imp gal)

1 imperial gallon = 5.54596 litres (5546 cc)

1 barrel (42 gals) = 158.99 litres

CONVERSION FACTORS
2.4 UNITS OF MASS (WEIGHT)

Imperial Units Metric Units

2.2046 pound = 1.0 kilogram

avoirdupois

1 pound avoirdupois = 0.45359 kilograms

1 short ton = 0.907 metric tons

(2000 lbs)

1 long ton (2240 lbs) = 1.01605 metric tons

2204.62 lbs = 1.0 metric ton

2.5 UNITS OF DENSITY

Imperial Units Metric Units

1 pound/gallon = 0.1198 gram/cc (119.8 kg/c metre)

(.052 psi/ft)
(7.48 lb/cu ft)

62.366 lb/cu ft = 1.0 Specific Gravity

(8.337 lb/gal)

2.6 UNITS OF FORCE PER AREA (PRESSURE)

Imperial Units Metric Units

1 pound/sq in (psi) = 2926.6 gram/sq cm

14.6969 psi = 1.0 Atmosphere = (1.013 bar)

7.03 psi = 1.0 kilopascal

2.7 TEMPERATURE

Degrees Fahrenheit (F) = (1.8 x (degrees C) + 32

Degrees Centigrade (C) = 5/9 x (degrees F - 32)

Degrees Rankine (R) = degrees F + 459.7

Degrees Kelvin (K) = degrees C + 273.16

 CONVERSION FACTORS

2.8 USEFUL OILFIELD CONVERSIONS

1 barrel = 42 U.S. gallons

1 barrel = 5.614583 cubic feet

1 barrel = 9702.0288 cubic inches

(diameter in inches)2 x 0.005454 = cubic feet/ft

(diameter in inches)2 x 0.00097143= barrels/ft

0.73756 Foot-lbf = 1.0 Newton-Meter