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Drill-Rate Model Penetration Rate Formula

R=K(Wdb)aWNaNR=K\left(\frac{W}{d_b}\right)^{a_W}N^{a_N}

Drill-Rate Model Penetration Rate calculates penetration rate for drilling operations and economics workflows in drilling engineering.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (d_b, K, N, W, a_W, a_N) are known and the assumptions behind the cited drilling operations and economics 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, R equals 57.994153 ft/h.

d_bin

8.5

Kempirical

0.0015

Nrev/min

120

Wlbf

30000

a_Wdimensionless

1

a_Ndimensionless

0.5

Inputs

d_b

in

Bit diameter

K

empirical

Drill-rate model proportionality coefficient

N

rev/min

Bit rotary speed

W

lbf

Applied bit weight

a_W

dimensionless

Bit-weight exponent

a_N

dimensionless

Rotary-speed exponent

Outputs

R

ft/h

Penetration rate

K

empirical

Drill-rate model proportionality coefficient

W

lbf

Applied bit weight

d_b

in

Bit diameter

N

rev/min

Bit rotary speed

Source and review

reviewed

Advanced Well Control, Watson, D., Brittenham, T., Moore, P.L. (2003)

Watson, D., Brittenham, T., and Moore, P.L. 2003. Advanced Well Control, Vol. 10, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Page 48.

source conflict
Source

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