A New Heat Transfer Model for Multi-Gradient Drilling with Hollow Sphere Injection.

Multi-gradient drilling is a new offshore drilling method. The accurate calculation of the related wellbore temperature is of great significance for the prediction of the gas hydrate formation area and the precise control of the wellbore pressure. In this study, a new heat transfer model is proposed by which the variable mass flow is properly taken into account. Using this model, the effects of the main factors influencing the wellbore temperature are analyzed. The results indicate that at the position where the separation injection device is installed, the temperature increase of the fluid in the drill pipe is mitigated due to the inflow/outflow of hollow spheres, and the temperature drop of the fluid in the annulus also decreases. In addition, a lower separation efficiency of the device, a shallower installation depth and a smaller circulating displacement tend to increase the temperature near the bottom of the annulus, thereby helping to reduce the hydrate generation area and playing a positive role in the prevention and control of hydrates in deepwater drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]