What is it about?
This review explores the phenomenon of solid particle sedimentation in water- and oil-based drilling fluids, a key challenge in the oil and gas industry. It summarizes both classical laboratory approaches (such as bottle tests and rheological monitoring) and recent advances including gamma-ray attenuation, ultrasound, optical imaging, and digital image processing. The article also highlights how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be applied to predict and mitigate sedimentation problems.
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Why is it important?
Sedimentation of solids during drilling operations can cause severe operational problems such as wellbore instability, stuck pipe, and increased costs due to non-productive time. By reviewing and comparing the most relevant analytical techniques, this work provides engineers and researchers with clear guidance on how to select and apply methods for different conditions. It also opens new directions for developing safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible drilling practices.
Perspectives
This review provides a foundation for the development of new strategies to monitor and control sedimentation in drilling fluids. Beyond summarizing current analytical methods, it emphasizes the role of digital imaging and artificial intelligence as transformative tools for the field. The perspectives include extending these approaches to high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) conditions, integrating experimental and computational techniques, and supporting the design of more stable and sustainable drilling fluids.
Raquel Stavale Schimicoscki
Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Recent advances in analytical techniques for solid sedimentation in drilling fluids: A review, Physics of Fluids, August 2025, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0280983.
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