Drilling EngineeringWell Control
Open-Ended Pipe Buoyed Weight Formula
Open-Ended Pipe Buoyed Weight calculates buoyed weight of open-ended pipe for well control workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (W_air, BF) are known and the assumptions behind the cited well control 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, W_buoyed_open equals 16.518349 lb/ft.
W_airlb/ft
19.5
BFunitless
0.8470948012232417
Inputs
W_air
lb/ftPipe Weight in Air
BF
unitlessBuoyancy Factor
Outputs
W_buoyed_open
lb/ft
Buoyed Weight of Open-Ended Pipe
W_air
lb/ft
Pipe Weight in Air
BF
unitless
Buoyancy Factor
Source and review
reviewedIADC WellSharp Formula Sheet, field units, well completion/workover formula sheet.
Source