Study of Friction Factor and Equivalent Diameter Correlations for Annular Flow of Non-Newtonian Drilling Fluids

Abstract

Published annular pressure drop field data have been compared with values predicted by the Bingham plastic and power law models. Several different equivalent diameter equations and friction factor correlations were utilized to estimate the frictional pressure gradients. The estimated frictional pressure drop gradients were then compared with the experimental gradients statistically to determine which combination of friction factor correlation and equivalent diameter equation predicted the experimental data best. Finally, new correlations for friction factors were developed. These new correlations predict the field data better than previously published correlations.