Bit balling is one of the drilling operational issues which can happen anytime while drilling. This issue can cause several problems such as reduction in rate of penetration and surface torque, increase in stand pipe pressure. Personnel may eventually need to pull out of hole the BHA in order to clear the balling issue at the bit. This article will teach you about the bit balling and how to prevent it in the planning phase and how to effective detect and clear the balled up bit before it becomes a worse problem.
How You Recognize the Bit Balled Up While Drilling
Drilling Torque – Drilling torque will be lower than normal drilling torque since most of the cutters are covered up by cuttings.
Rate of Penetration – The ROP will decrease more than projection. If you drill 100 fph and later on the ROP drops to 50 fph without any drilling parameters changed, this might be this problem.
Standpipe Pressure – Standpipe pressure increases with no changes in flow rates or drilling parameters. Balling up around the bit reduce annular flowing area resulting in increasing pressure.
