Inventors:
Gary C. West - Spring TX
Rob Valenziano - Slidell LA
Karl A. Lutgring - Lafayette LA
Assignee:
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. - Duncan OK
International Classification:
C09K 704
E21B 704
E21B 2101
E21B 3700
Abstract:
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 or 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.