
科学技术与工程

中国技术经济学会
Flow Model for Large Differential Annulus Wellbore Based on Flow Diversion Tool
Dong XIAO , Xuan-kun LI , Gui TANG , Ying-qiang YANG , Zhao-xi CHEN , Ya-chuan LIU
Science Technology and Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (13) : 5560 -5570.
"Large-difference annulus" is a common characteristic encountered in complex wellbore structures with "varying diameters" during (ultra-) deep well drilling. This characteristic leads to slow drilling fluid velocity in the upper large-diameter annulus, posing challenges for cuttings removal, while the higher velocity in the lower small-diameter annulus results in significant circulating pressure loss. To address these issues, a novel flow diverter tool was designed to carry cuttings in the upper section and the loss of circulating pressure in the lower section. However, the lack of a specific wellbore flow model tailored for this tool in current research has hindered its design and optimization. Based on the fundamental principles of fluid flow and hear transfer, a valid mathematical model was proposed to be compatible with the flow diverter tool. Then, via a case study on Well ZS102, the tool was proved to be effective and perform well in practice. The results show that with the installation of the flow diverter tool, the bottomhole pressure is lowered from 85.08 MPa to 80.30 MPa, the standpipe pressure is significantly reduced from 20.97 MPa to 7.22 MPa, and the annulus pressure loss is decreased from 7.16 MPa to 2.40 MPa. The research presents a novel approach for optimizing cuttings removal parameters and preventing leaks in complex wellbore structures during deep and ultra-deep well drilling operations, contributing significantly to the advancement of related drilling technologies.
large differential annulus / flow diversion tool / pressure profile / circulating pressure loss
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