Simultaneous continuous monitoring of the drilling-fluid friction factor and density

This paper introduces a method to enable continuous automatic online updates of the density and frictional effects of the drilling fluid during drilling operations. The placement of differential- pressure sensors along the circulation path from the rig pump to the connection to the drillstring enables the fluid properties to be examined more thoroughly at various flow rates, pressures, and temperatures. The paper presents results from a full-scale test in which different fluids were examined. The results show that the method may give reliable data on the main drilling-fluid properties, which are important in all drilling operations, and especially in automatic modes. Copyright © 2013 Society of Petroleum Engineers.