1.

SWEEP STRATEGY
1.1 SWEEP FUNCTION The primary sweep function is to reduce slip velocity of the cuttings and to lift / erode any build up of cuttings beds. The sweeps should be designed to have minimal impact on the drilling fluid design properties. The sweep should by design have different carrying parameters to those which are inherent with the mud system

1.2 SWEEP OPTIONS: Low Viscosity: promotion of flow under drill pipe with high eccentricity. This sweep is particularly effective when drilling with muds with relatively higher rheological properties. Generally this sweep is pumped in tandem with a high viscosity push pill. Most effective in higher angled well profiles. Composition: Active mud, diluted back with base water for a yield point 2 less than 10 lbs/100 ft .

High Viscosity to increase carrying capacity. High viscosity refers to a viscosity level significantly higher than the incumbent mud system. This sweep is most effective in low angled well profiles (typically o less than 30 .) Generally this sweep will have limited effectiveness on its own 2 when pumped with drilling fluids already with high yield points (> 40 lbs/100 ft ). High viscosity sweeps can be counter productive (reduce flow under the drill pipe) in high angled wells unless chasing a low viscosity or scouring fibrous sweep. Composition: Active mud, conditioned with bio-polymer (1 to 2) ppb for a yield point significantly higher than the incumbent mud. High Fiber: scouring / sieving action to assist with cuttings transportation. BAROFIBRE (or similar) can be added to high viscosity or weighted sweep types to assist with the cuttings transport potential. If added to a low viscosity sweep, ensure the yield point has not been reduced to a level whereby the sweep cannot support the BAROFIBRE. It is crucial to ensure that the BAROFIBRE has been homogeneously mixed into the sweep to minimize potential down-hole plugging of tools. Composition: High viscosity or high density sweep, conditioned with 10 to 17 ppb BAROFIBRE.

High Density to increase carrying capacity through buoyancy; to force sweep to lower side of hole. Sweep density is targeted at 1.5 to 2.5 ppg) above the circulating mud system density. The higher, the better, after consideration of ECD effects. Sweep rheological properties should be adjusted with full consideration of the mud system rheological parameters (low viscosity or a step change is preferable). Mix this sweep with BAROFIBRE at 3050 kg/m3, for maximum effectiveness. Weighted sweeps are effective at displacing particles from under drill pipe with high eccentricity and are most effective in higher angled well profiles. However, sweep volume and circulation parameters must be carefully engineered so as to minimize ECD spikes as the sweep plus cuttings move up the annulus.

Composition: Active mud, adjust rheology, condition with barite (for 0.150.3 sg density increase) and 10 to 17 ppb BAROFIBRE

Tandem Sweeps combination of two of the above Most common tandem sweep would be a low viscosity (to stir up cuttings under the high eccentric drill-pipe) chased with high viscosity (to suspend and carry the stirred up cuttings). This sweep combination is usually most effective in high angle well profiles. 1.3 SWEEP SELECTION CRITERIA: The objective of a hole cleaning sweep is to change the flow characteristics / carrying capacity that is inherent with the circulating mud system in the specific well geometry. This in an attempt to carry out cuttings that have either (1) settled on the low side of the hole or (2) that are not being removed (avalanching) by the incumbent mud. The wellbore geometry, mud system rheological parameters and mud system density are critical factors in the selection of a sweeping policy. The above sweep descriptions have provided guidelines for sweep application, however, the rule should be: Select sweeps based upon measured proven success! 1.4 SWEEP SIZE: The sweep should be sized specific to the well geometry (not based upon pill pit capacity). Target 325 to 400 feet of annular coverage. Sweep size will vary considerably between 12 and 6 intervals. Guidelines:

ANNULUS SIZE

RECOMMENDED SWEEP SIZE (bbl) 60100 4560 2030 2030 1530 1530

17 (5 DP) 12 (5 DP) 8 (5 DP) 8 (5 DP) 1 6 /8 (4 DP) 6 (4 DP) Cautionary Notes:

If pumping a high density sweep in small annular intervals, a sweep sized at the lower end of the recommended range (325 ft coverage) should be preferred to minimize potential ECD spikes as the pill is circulated around the backside. For higher pipe RPM, a smaller volume sweep can be pumped. Target 325 ft coverage for high pipe RPM and 400 ft coverage for low pipe RPM. Be aware of the entire well bore geometry. Drilling a 6 hole through a 7 liner that is not tied back to surface (ie set in 9 casing) will require the pill to be sized for the largest annular size, in this case 9 by 4 DP (20 to 40 bbl).

1.4.1

Circulating Technique: If possible, pump the sweep without a break in circulation or pipe rotation all the way around the hole. Maximize pipe rotation for the best effect. Reciprocate the pipe if circulating at TD or during a period of non-drilling. To minimize the risk of washing out the hole through excessive circulation at the same depth, (1) reciprocate the pipe where feasible; (2) pull the pipe the stand length as the sweep is circulated around; (3) strategically select the formations at which depth circulation is planned.

1.5 SWEEP EFFECTIVENESS: Monitor the PWD log (if available) before and after to capture ECD levels to assist in gauging sweep effectiveness (cuttings related ECD should clearly decrease for a successful sweep application, unless the hole is already clean). Record cuttings load at the shale shakers before, during and after the sweep is circulated to capture any increase in loading and describe the cuttings brought to surface. Torque and drag levels are another indication of sweep success. Select sweeps based upon measured proven success! Cautionary Notes: No extra cuttings at the shakers does NOT always mean the hole is clean or the sweep was unsuccessful. The sweep may have only been successful in moving a bed further up the hole and another sweep may be necessary.

1.6 FREQUENCY: Pumping sweeps that are not necessary can have a detrimental effect upon mud properties. Use PWD (if applied), torque and drag levels, cuttings load at the shakers (lack of as well as excessive) to gauge sweep effectiveness as a basis for pumping frequency. Use sweep reports (see attached) to document and track performance for learning and as a future decision making reference.

Example Sweep Sheet. Well Specifics Well Name: Date/Time: Hole Size: Last Casing Size Drill-pipe Size Current Depth Current Formation Hole Angle Sweep Specifics Sweep Type (circle all relevant) 3 Sweep Volume Pumped (m ) Sweep Density

Lo

Hi

Weighted

Fibre

Other

Mud System Before Mud Density Mud Rheology

600 300 200 100 6 3

Sweep Properties

Mud System After

Drilling Parameters Before Pump Rate, lpm Pipe, RPM ROP Sweep Performance Before Cuttings Volume at shakers
Description (steady flow?) % increase / decrease

While Pumping Sweep

After

While Pumping Sweep

After

Cuttings Description
Angled? Round Edged? Consistency (pressured, dry, mushy?) Size

ECD Torque / Drag Levels Hole Condition Discussion on wellbore condition

Next wiper trip / next bit trip? (smooth, tight, weight indicator, ledges?)