Method for determining the installation interval of vortexing cuttings removal tool and its mechanism

Recent advancements in drilling technology have driven substantial progress in cuttings removal tool development, particularly for addressing borehole cleaning challenges in highly deviated directional critical factors in operational safety and efficiency improvement. Despite these innovations, two fundamental challenges persist: an incomplete understanding of mechanistic cuttings removal processes and an insufficient methodological framework for optimal tool installation. Studying the installation positions and assessing the effects of two cuttings removal are essential steps to advance the application of such tools. This investigation was initiated with a comprehensive analysis of particle settling dynamics and migration behaviors in annular wellbore spaces. Building upon Moore's terminal settling velocity equation, a modified model was developed to characterize the transport patterns of cuttings. Through model integration, the precise positioning of the efficient Vortex Cuttings Removal Tool (VCRT) was determined at 188 m from the bit. Subsequently, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation was employed to reveal distinct annular flow field characteristics between VCRT and conventional drilling tools. Field validation in Well Z401X demonstrated a strong correlation between empirical measurements and simulated predictions, with pressure drop deviations of 6.25% and rotational speed variances limited to 7.50%. Analytical results confirmed VCRT's superior performance, exhibited 36.43% reductions in cuttings accumulation at the wellbore's lower quadrant compared to conventional drilling tools. The application of VCRT accelerated cuttings migration velocity in the annular space, significantly increasing the volume of returned onsite cuttings. Friction resistance decreased by approximately 35.90%, indicating higher cuttings removal efficiency than conventional drilling tools.