Assessing filter cake strength via discrete element method simulations

• Published in: Chemical engineering research & design Vol. 173; pp. 215 - 223
• Main Authors: Falahati, Nikzad, Chellappah, Kuhan, Routh, Alexander F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rugby Elsevier B.V 01.09.2021; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: DEM; Discrete element method; Drilling muds; Filter cake; Filter cakes; Filters; Finite element analysis; Liquid bridges; Motional resistance; Particle size; Simulation; Simulations; Strength; Studies; Well construction; Yield strength; Yield stress; Simulations; Filter cakes; DEM; Strength
• ISSN: 0263-8762; 1744-3563
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2021.07.016

•DEM simulation of plunger moving through filter cake.•Resulting stress-strain curves compared with experiment.•Effect of particle size and porosity on the energy required to break cake.•Scaling argument links numerical and experimental results.•Evidence that particles are being sheared in a cylindrical plane under plunger. The strength of drilling mud filter cakes is a parameter of practical relevance during well construction. This work simulates a ‘hole punch test’ experiment to determine filter cake yield stress. The discrete element model is used to predict the energy needed to push a plunger through the cake. The theoretical data is compared with experimental measurements for cakes with varying particle size and shape. The simulations and experiments both show an increase in yield stress and required energy with decreasing cake porosity and particle size. Adhesion due to liquid bridges was found to contribute significantly to cake strength. A scaling argument is established which indicates that the resistance to plunger motion comes from the particles sheared at the edge of the plunger.