1. n. []

Transport of rock fragments out of a wellbore by a circulating drilling fluid. Carrying capacity is an essential function of a drilling fluid, synonymous with hole-cleaning capacity and cuttings lifting capacity. Carrying capacity is determined principally by the annular velocity, hole angle and flow profile of the drilling fluid, but is also affected by mud weight, cuttings size and pipe position and movement.

Synonyms: carrying capacity,  hole cleaning

See related terms: Brookfield viscometer,  cuttings,  rheology,  rheology modifier,  XC polymer