Correlation of criteria for perforation and pore plugging by particles

Iscan A. G., Civan F.

JOURNAL OF POROUS MEDIA, vol.9, no.6, pp.541-558, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 9 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1615/jpormedia.v9.i6.40
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF POROUS MEDIA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.541-558
  • Keywords: plugging criteria, perforations, pores, drilling mud particles, particulate suspensions, TRANSPORT
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Particles at high concentrations and unfavorable flow conditions may plug pores and perforations by bridging across during various well operations including particle-containing water injections and workover activities. This study presents an experimental determination of the conditions leading to plugging and the criteria for effective plugging conditions. The charts of the perforation or pore size to particle size ratio versus the particle Reynolds number are shown to determine the conditions leading to perforation and pore plugging. The experimental data obtained using three water-based drilling fluids, and several reported experimental data are analyzed and correlated by means of the power- and exponential-law expressions. Both approaches adequately describe the conditions leading to perforation and pore plugging.