**Author details**

The hook load chart indicated that P/U weight was concentrated at 0.2 FF but occasionally exceeded 0.2 FF. Good control of mud return and consistent distribution flow to solid control system allowed effective solid particles separation. S/O weight of the drill string was observed tabulated below the 0.2 FF but occasionally exceeded 0.2 FF. This indication represented that the hole was not piled up with drilled cuttings. Less axial force was required to move the drill

A new solid control system was developed with detailed studies on the effect of drilled solids to mud properties and drilling performance. The following conclusion can be drawn from

**1.** The installation of mud distributor tank enhance the flow stability and regulate the circula-

**2.** Comparing the old design while drilling 12.25-inch hole section, the new design improved

**4.** New design improved average ECD margin by reducing additional pressure exerted using original mud from 4.9 to 2.9% at 12.25 inch. High ECD margin is not recommended

**5.** Drill string drag effect to the hook load for P/U and S/O at Old design were tabulated between 0.2 and 0.3 FF while drilling the section with New design were mostly tabulated at

The authors wish to thank UTP for providing the resources and opportunity to conduct this

**3.** New design improved the ROP by 20% while drilling the 12.25-inch hole section.

string as there was no severe contact of drilled cuttings with the string (**Figure 13**).

this investigation and as an improvement of the rig solid control system.

the mud properties of PV by 14%, YP by 17% and LGS by 25%.

**6. Conclusion**

102 Drilling

tion of mud from the well.

0.2 FF and less.

**Acknowledgements**

research.

**Nomenclature**

PV plastic viscosity

ROP rate of penetration

YP yield point

because it can break the weak formation.

Sonny Irawan\* and Imros B. Kinif

\*Address all correspondence to: drsonny\_irawan@utp.edu.my

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
