Drilling and completion fluid rheology (ENP160)
Course description for study year 2025-2026
Facts
Course code
ENP160
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Time table
Admission requirements
Higher engineering education (HING)
Content
NB! This is an elective course and may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students are enrolled by August 20th.
NB! This is an optional subject and if there are fewer than 10 students registered per 20 August, this may result in the course not being offered.
- General about viscosity, including:
- Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids (shear thinning and shear thickening)
- Viscosity models
- General on rheology, including:
- Viscoelasticity
- Gelling and time-dependent viscosity (thixotropy)
- Rheology in other disciplines
- Drilling and well fluid rheology:
- Water-based and oil-based drilling fluids
- Bentonite-based drilling fluids, polymer solutions, and emulsions
- Laboratory exercises for mixing and analysis of drilling fluids
- Viscosity
- Rheology properties
- Other fluid properties relevant to rheology
Learning outcome
Students will:
- learn general theory in rheology and viscosity, as well as how this affects everyday and industrial processes
- become able to use field instruments for measuring and characterizing fluid properties related to rheology
- understand the functions of the drilling fluid in a well and be able to contribute to the design of simple drilling and well fluids for real wells
- be able to make calculations related to pressure control, prevent loss of fluid and transport cuttings
Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Recommended prerequisites
General Mathematic, General Chemistry, Physics, Fluid mechanics, Excel or similar softwares.
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | Valid calculator |
A final written exam with pen and paper is held on campus (an aid is an approved calculator).
Coursework requirements
Laboratory exercises
The laboratory exercises are a mandatory work requirement; admission to the exam requires approval of this work requirement.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Alf Kristian GjerstadCourse teacher:
Jorunn Hamre VrålstadCourse teacher:
Jostein DjuveCourse teacher:
Arild SaasenMethod of work
The course is carried out with lectures that provide an introduction and theory as well as laboratory exercises (approx. 4 hours per exercise).
Open for
The course is also available for students at the Department of Quality and Health Technology at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Course assessment
The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.
