Link for citation: Korolev A.S., Minaev K.M., Sagitov R.R. Analysis of an alternative technology for preparing and applying pills in well drilling. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 1, рр.43-53. In Rus.

The relevance. Drilling engineers often use various types of pills that perform a variety of functions in well drilling, such as preventing different fluids in the well from contact, cleaning the wellbore, reducing friction forces, and eliminating drilling problems. In the vast majority of cases, only one method of preparing such liquids is used – advance preparation of pills in mud tanks, followed by pumping them in the well. The main disadvantages of this method are low manufacturability, the need to attract an additional fleet of tanks and increased consumption of reagents. Taking into account the widespread use of pill pumping technology during drilling, even minor optimization will reduce the cost of these operations. Weak publication activity on this topic necessitates more active study and coverage in the scientific and educational literature of traditional and alternative technologies for preparation and use of pills in well drilling. The main aim of the research is to consider the technology of sticks usage for pills preparation when drilling wells and to highlight the scope and limitations of this technology. The object: sticks for pills preparation in well drilling. Methods: analysis of pills varieties used in well drilling to highlight the requirements for their use and preparation, analysis and evaluation of traditional technology for pills preparation, analysis and evaluation of alternative technology for pills preparation using sticks. Results. The authors identified the main types of pills used in well drilling, highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of stick usage for pills preparation, as well as their application areas according to the limitations.