# The impact study of variable diameter stabilizer on drilling fluid and cuttings transport

## TL;DR

This study uses simulations to explore how variable diameter stabilizers affect drilling fluid and cuttings transport during drilling operations.

## Contribution

The study introduces a numerical simulation approach to analyze flow field characteristics of variable diameter stabilizers under different operational conditions.

## Key findings

- Higher flow rates increase average axial velocities, aiding drilling fluid and cuttings transport.
- Increased rotational speed raises pressure differences between sections, enhancing fluid transport.
- Vortex zones behind the stabilizer cause cuttings accumulation, impacting tool performance.

## Abstract

Through numerical simulation, this study investigates the flow field characteristics of the variable diameter stabilizer in drilling tools under various conditions. It analyzes the influence of different flow rates and speeds on axial velocity and pressure distribution. The results indicate that more significant flow rates correspond to higher average axial velocities across sections, facilitating the transport of drilling fluid and cuttings. Increasing rotational speed leads to greater pressure differences between adjacent sections, consequently elevating the overall pressure drop of the tool, which, to some extent, aids in transporting drilling fluid with cuttings. During rotation, the vortex zone on the backside of the stabilizer creates a hovering and accumulation of cuttings, causing mud agglomeration, thereby affecting tool performance. During structural optimization of the tool, priority should be given to a transitional design of the outlet area in the functional core zone, aiming to alleviate the impact of abrupt structural expansions on cuttings transport.