Limiting Key Drilling Parameters to Avoid or Mitigate Mud Losses in the Hartha Formation, Rumaila Field, Iraq

Abstract

Wells drilled in Rumaila field are highly susceptible to lost circulation problems when drilling through the Hartha formation. This paper presents an extended statistical work and sensitivity analysis models of lost circulation events in more than 100 wells drilled in Rumaila field. Lost circulation data are extracted from daily drilling reports, final reports, and technical reports. The volume loss model is conducted to predict the mud losses in the Hartha formation. Observations that are made from the volume loss model are ECD, MW, and Yp have a significant impact on lost circulation respectively; however, SPM, RPM, and ROP have a minor effect on the mud losses. Equivalent circulation density model is obtained to estimate ECD in the Hartha zone, and from this model can be deduced that MW, ROP, and Q have a significant impact on ECD respectively; nevertheless, RPM and Yp have a minor impact on the ECD. The rate of penetration model is made to estimate ROP in the Hatha zone. It is concluded that WOB, RPM, and SPM have a significant impact on the ROP respectively. Due to the lack of published studies for the Hartha formation, this work can serve as a practical resource for drilling through this formation.