Brine Density with Temperature Correction Calculation

Temperature has an effect on brine density so it is very critical to compensate loss of density due to temperature. Higher wellbore temperature will reduce the brine density more.  The calculation below demonstrates how to determine brine weight to mix on surface in order to get required brine density at a wellbore condition.

Brine weight with temperature correction equation is listed below;

Brine Density to Mix = Brine Density at Average Wellbore Temp + (Average Wellbore Temp – Surface Temp) x Weight Loss Factor

Where;

Brine Density to Mix = ppg

Brine Density at Average Wellbore Temp = ppg

Average Wellbore Temp = F

Surface Temp = F

Weight Loss Factor = ppg/F

Weight Loss Factor can be found in the table below;

Determine the weight of brine that you need to mix on surface based on the following information.

Surface temperature = 90 F

Wellbore temperature at TD = 300 F

Density of brine required for this well = 10.0 ppg

Solution

Average Wellbore Temp = (Surface Temperature + Wellbore Temperature) ÷ 2

Average Wellbore Temp = (90 + 300) ÷ 2= 195 F

According to the table, the weight loss factor for this case is 0.0025 ppg/F. This figure is selected because the desired weight is 10.0 ppg.

Brine Density to Mix = Brine Density at Average Wellbore Temp + (Average Wellbore Temp – Surface Temp) x Weight Loss Factor

Brine Density to Mix = 10 + (195 – 90) x 0.0025

Brine Density to Mix = 10.26 ppg

The brine density on surface must be 10.3 ppg (round up figure) to suit with this condition.

Ref books: 

Lapeyrouse, N.J., 2002. Formulas and calculations for drilling, production and workover, Boston: Gulf Professional publishing.

Bourgoyne, A.J.T., Chenevert , M.E. & Millheim, K.K., 1986. SPE Textbook Series, Volume 2: Applied Drilling Engineering, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Mitchell, R.F., Miska, S. & Aadny, B.S., 2011. Fundamentals of drilling engineering, Richardson, TX: Society of Petroleum Engineers.