Drilling EngineeringDrilling Hydraulics
Hydraulic Horsepower at Bit Formula
Hydraulic Horsepower at Bit calculates hydraulic horsepower for drilling hydraulics workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (P_s, Q) 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, HHP equals 1,050.175029 hp.
P_spsi
3000
Qgpm
600
Inputs
P_s
psiSurface Pressure
Q
gpmCirculation Rate
Outputs
HHP
hp
Hydraulic Horsepower
P_s
psi
Surface Pressure
Q
gpm
Circulation Rate
Source and review
reviewedLapeyrouse, N.J. Formulas and Calculations for Drilling, Production and Workover, 2nd ed., Page 170.
Source