Annular Velocity Calculator

Annular velocity is the speed of a fluid as it moves upward from the bit to the surface. We use this to determine the amount of cuttings that can be carried to the surface and for preventing the formation of a cuttings bridge or mechanically stuck pipe.

To calculate the annular velocity you need to know the annular capacity, which is the volume of fluid that can be held in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole. You can see how to calculate annular capacity on the Annular Capacity Calculator page.

Once you have the annular capacity you simply divide the flow rate by the annular capacity to get the annular velocity. The annular velocity is usually measured in ft/min or m/min.