Simulation of Particles Transport in Fluids with the Particle Finite Element method: Application to Drilling Cuttings in Wellbores

The proposed paper will present a new method used to track particles in fluid . The approach consists of embedding small particles (smaller than mesh size) on a PFEM [1] fluid mesh, considering the particle as a prevalent, not removable, node of the mesh. The particle is subject to the corresponding forces of weight, buoyancy and drag, while the fluid is perturbed by the same drag force. The method is valid both for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids and for non-spherical shapes. The Newtonian approach uses the traditional calculation of a Drag Coefficient, while the non-Newtonian approach is based on the method proposed by Shah et al. [2]. The shape is considered via ‘sphericity’ parameter. It is important for oil companies to know the details of the cutting behavior along wellbores as they are lifted to the surface by the mud. Several applications of the method presented show its capabilities to reproduce the phenomena associated with the drilling process and hole cleaning, including the effects of the eccentricity and rotation of the drilling pipe (Fig 1). Also, several validation tests have been carried out to prove the quality of the results.