METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR SWEEP OF CUTTINGS BEDS IN A DEVIATED BOREHOLE

摘要

A sweep material is disclosed comprising barium sulfate that has been ground and sieved, preferably in the range of about -95% 30 mesh to about +95% 100 mesh . The sweep material is added to and circulated with the drilling fluid during drilling of a deviated, directional or horizontal well to remove cuttings beds accumulated on the lower side of the well. After the drill cuttings are dislodged, the drilling fluid is sieved o r screened to remove the barium sulfate to avoid a change in density of the fluid. The drilling operation does not have to be stopped during the sweep or cleaning treatment.