Numerical modeling of a fluid temperature during drilling operations

Abstract

Having accurate information about the temperature of drilling fluids is a critical process when planning drilling operations. Hence, one of main parts of the PFE project is to develop a computer code under MATLAB environment "Well-temp". This code is based on an algorithm which takes into account on the real parameters of the drilling such as the energy sources and the dependence of the density and the viscosity on the temperature and on the pressure. The implemented temperature model is firstly validated, then a sensitivity analysis is secondly conducted. A nonlinear geothermal gradient as a function of the inclination of the wellbore is also introduced to extend the model to deviated wellbores. The main area of application of this model is related to the optimization of the design parameters of the drilling fluid, which ultimately leads to safe and profitable drilling operations.