Fractal Characteristics of Drilling Particle Size Distribution of Shale: A Laboratory Scale Investigation

Highlights The fractal particle size distribution (PSD) theory is used to characterize the particles produced in shale drilling. Fractal dimension comprehensively reflects the characteristic particle size and features of the distribution of the drilling PSD. Wear effect produces nano-particles with a volume of ~1.88–3.76% during the particles transport process which increases the dissipation of drilling energy. Higher rotation rate increases the proportion of coarse particles and is conducive to reducing wear effect.