What Does
Solid Content Mean?
The solid content in the context of drilling fluid is the soluble and insoluble solids present in the drilling mud. As drilling progresses, the solid content increases because of drill cuttings. A high amount of solids in drilling mud can affect its properties and cause downhole issues contributing to poor rig performance and higher operating costs.
The reduction of excessive solid content in the drilling mud can help increase the rate of penetration (ROP), prevent lost circulation and improve wellbore stability. Control can be achieved using a mechanical solid control system.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Solid Content
The solid content in drilling fluid can be both soluble and insoluble and include chemical additives, weighting agents and drill cuttings. Solid content can be divided into three types;
Soluble solids: These are salts that are added to the drilling mud to stabilize the well and stimulate the formation of the filter cake.
Insoluble high gravity solids: These include weighting agents such as barite, calcium carbonate, and hematite that are added to adjust the mud density.
Insoluble low gravity solids: These are solids such as cuttings that are generated during the drilling process.
Solid content can impact drilling operations by affecting factors such as ROP, drilling fluid circulation, and surge and swab pressures. The insoluble low-gravity solids in excess can impact the drilling fluid in a negative way by depreciating the mud properties. It is recommended that the concentration of drilled solids in the drilling mud should not exceed 6 to 7%, and the level of drilled solids in the mud should be tested twice daily.