Drilling EngineeringDrilling Hydraulics
Cuttings Carrying Capacity Index Formula
Cuttings Carrying Capacity Index calculates cuttings carrying capacity index for drilling hydraulics workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (MW, AV, K_eff) are known and the assumptions behind the cited drilling hydraulics relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, CCI equals 1.125 dimensionless.
MWppg
12
AVft/min
150
K_effeffective cP
250
Inputs
MW
ppgMud Weight
AV
ft/minAnnular Velocity
K_eff
effective cPPower Law Consistency Index
Outputs
CCI
dimensionless
Cuttings Carrying Capacity Index
MW
ppg
Mud Weight
AV
ft/min
Annular Velocity
K_eff
effective cP
Power Law Consistency Index
Source and review
reviewedIADC Drilling Manual drilling-fluid processing preview, carrying capacity index.
Source