Total strokes are the cumulative number of pump strokes made by the mud pumps during circulation. Mud pumps are used to circulate drilling fluid (mud) down the drill string and back up to the surface, which helps remove cuttings, maintain pressure, and cool the drill bit.
Total Strokes can be Important for Calculating Several Operational Parameters
Total Volume of Mud Pumped - The number of pump strokes, along with the pump’s displacement per stroke, helps calculate the total volume of mud that has been circulated.
Well Control - During well control situations, tracking total strokes helps ensure that the well is properly balanced with drilling mud and that any influx of formation fluids is under control.
Hole Cleaning - Total strokes help in monitoring whether the wellbore is being properly cleaned of cuttings during drilling or circulation.
Total Strokes Formula |
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\( S \;=\; \dfrac{ DS_v + AC }{ P_o }\) (Total Strokes) \( DS_v \;=\; \dfrac{ S \cdot P_o }{ AC }\) \( AC \;=\; \dfrac{ S \cdot P_o }{ DS_v }\) \( P_o \;=\; \dfrac{ DS_v + AC }{ S }\) |
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| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( S \) = Total Strokes | \(dimensionless\) | - |
| \( DS_v \) = Drill String Volume | \(bbl\) | - |
| \( AC \) = Annular Volume | \(bbl\) | - |
| \( P_o \) = Pump Output | \(bbl\;/\;stroke\) | - |
