In other words, they have to wieght up a total of 1475 PSI over the original ud weight or they will never kill this well. Assuming a straight hole they would need 16.4 PPG. I noted in an earlier post they should go with 17 PPG to ensure kill.[QUOTE=bigmoose;33899]CM1, You got me thinking on this. As a boundary case, let’s assume a static condition, no flow, and no choke on the seafloor mud manifold/skid. In this case, I believe the static pressure would reflect the 5000 ft of mud pressure weight in the mud pipe from the seafloor mud skid to the frac boats. Under no flow conditions, I believe a 1 inch diameter pipe to the surface and a 21 inch pipe would both generate the same gravitational pressure head in psi at the seafloor.
Now with mud flowing in small lines, there is the frictional loss which will eat pressure head. I assume they figured this out with the main pipe/hose from the frac boat to the skid so that the flow velocity in the pipe is manageable. Then we have the friction loss in the 3 inch hoses, valves etc, until the mud hits the well bore. I am assuming they have computer codes to figure the frictional flow losses to pressure head… at least I sure hope they didn’t miss that!
Of course if the mud skid is choking or regulating the flow, that would be the determining pressure.
Disclaimer: I am no oil man, just a physicist trying to learn like all the rest of us. Corrections appreciated.[/QUOTE]