National Oilwell Dht, L.p.

Brad Applewhite

William Leo Koederitz

Christopher J Jeffery

Mark W Hutchinson

William L Koederitz

Systems, methods, computer-readable media having computer programs, and electronic interfaces to detect and mitigate drill cuttings build-up in borehole drilling for hydrocarbon wells are provided. Embodiments include determining annular pressure at downhole sensors when pumping a drilling fluid into the borehole. Then one or more measures of a decrease in pressure in the borehole between a first sensor and a second sensor that is attributable to build-up of drill cuttings between the first sensor and the second sensor can be determined. Portions of effective density of the drilling fluid that are attributable to build-up of drill cuttings between the sensors also can be determined. Drill cuttings and fluid flow in an interval of the borehole between the first sensor and the second sensor can be analyzed. Whether drill cuttings limit fluid flow in an interval of the borehole between the first sensor and the second sensor then can be determined.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Brad Applewhite