Multiphase flow can be present in all aspects of underbalanced drilling. This paper outlines the ways in which multiphase flow pressure loss calculations can be used by drilling engineers in the design and optimization of underbalanced drilling operations. Then, detailed field measurements for several horizontal wells drilled underbalanced with coiled tubing are used to evaluate the application of existing pressure loss calculation methods to this unique application.

Keywords:
pressure drop, society of petroleum engineers, drilling engineer, reservoir surveillance, gas injection rate, wellhead pressure, underbalanced drilling, production logging, calculation, drilling operation
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Pressure Management, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Artificial Lift Systems, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Formation Evaluation & Management, Information Management and Systems, Directional drilling, Underbalanced drilling
Copyright 1998, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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