The effect of the inner cylinder rotation on the fluid dynamics of non-Newtonian fluids in concentric and eccentric annuli

Abstract

Helical flow in an annular space occurs during oil drilling operations. The correct prediction of flow of drilling fluid in an annular space between the wellbore wall and the drill pipe is essential to determine the variation in fluid pressure within the wellbore. This paper presents experimental and CFD simulation results of the pressure drop in the flow of non-Newtonian fluids through a concentric annular section and another section with fixed eccentricity (E = 0.75), using aqueous solutions of two distinct polymers (Xanthan Gum and Carboxymethylcellulose). The hydrodynamic behavior in this annular system was analyzed based on the experimental and CFD results, providing important information such as the formation of zones with preferential flows and stagnation regions.