Choosing the Right Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids: Drilling Performance Versus

Author(s):  
Arvind D. Patel
Author(s):  
Oloro John

The right Agents for treating Mud to achieve suitable mud properties was a problem in drilling operations, hence this study was embarked on by using different agents on fresh water drilling fluids while drilling. In this paper, mud treating agents (foreign additives and local additives) on a mud was considered and compared. Two additives (foreign and local additives) were formulated at different concentrations. From the experimental results, for the weighting agent, Barite performed better than Stibnite on mud weight. Also for the pH control additives, NaOH performed better than Burnt Plantain/Banana Peels. While for the viscosifier, CMC performed, while Tapioca causes a rapid increase in plastic viscosity which is undesirable. For Thinners, Trona and Lignosulphate gave same reducing effects, but Trona gave a better maintenance of pH.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 5142
Author(s):  
Nabe Konate ◽  
Saeed Salehi

Shale formations are attractive prospects due to their potential in oil and gas production. Some of the largest shale formations in the mainland US, such as the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS), have reserves estimated to be around 7 billion barrels. Despite their huge potential, shale formations present major concerns for drilling operators. These prospects have unique challenges because of all their alteration and incompatibility issues with drilling and completion fluids. Most shale formations undergo numerous chemical and physical alterations, making their interaction with the drilling and completion fluid systems very complex to understand. In this study, a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling simulator was used to mimic real time drilling operations to investigate the performance of inhibitive drilling fluid systems in two major shale formations (Eagle Ford Shale and Tuscaloosa Marine Shale). A series of drilling experiments using the drilling simulator and clay swelling tests were conducted to evaluate the drilling performance of the KCl drilling fluid and cesium formate brine systems and their effectiveness in minimizing drilling concerns. Cylindrical cores were used to mimic vertical wellbores. It was found that the inhibitive muds systems (KCl and cesium formate) provided improved drilling performance compared to conventional fluid systems. Among the inhibitive systems, the cesium formate brine showed the best drilling performances due to its low swelling rate and improved drilling performance.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaston Lopez ◽  
Gonzalo Vidal ◽  
Claus Hedegaard ◽  
Reinaldo Maldonado

Abstract Losses, wellbore instability, and influxes during drillings operations in unconventional fields result from continuous reactivity to the drilling fluid causing instability in the microfractured limestone of the Quintuco Formation in Argentina. This volatile situation becomes more critical when drilling operations are navigating horizontally through the Vaca Muerta Formation, a bituminous marlstone with a higher density than the Quintuco Formation. Controlling drilling fluids invasion between the communicating microfractures and connecting pores helps to minimize seepage losses, total losses, wellbore fluid influxes, and instabilities, reducing the non-productive time (NPT) caused by these problems during drilling operations. The use of conventional sealants – like calcium carbonate, graphite, asphalt, and other bridging materials – does not guarantee problem-free drilling operations. Also, lost circulation material (LCM) is restricted because the MWD-LWD tools clearances are very narrow in these slim holes. The challenge is to generate a strong and resistant seal separating the drilling fluid and the formation. Using an ultra-low-invasion technology will increase the operative fracture gradient window, avoid fluid invasion to the formation, minimize losses, and stop the cycle of fluid invasion and instability, allowing operations to maintain the designed drilling parameters and objectives safely. The ultra-low-invasion wellbore shielding technology has been applied in various fields, resulting in significantly improved drilling efficiencies compared to offset wells. The operator has benefited from the minimization of drilling fluids costs and optimization in drilling operations, including reducing the volume of oil-based drilling fluids used per well, fewer casing sections, and fewer requirements for cementing intervals to solve lost circulation problems. This paper will discuss the design of the ultra-low-invasion technology in an oil-based drilling fluid, the strategy for determining the technical limits for application, the evaluation of the operative window with an increase in the fracture gradient, the optimized drilling performance, and reduction in costs, including the elimination of NPT caused by wellbore instability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 78 (6-7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imros Kinif ◽  
Sonny Irawan ◽  
Abhilash M. Bharadwaj

The nature of solid content mechanism in drilling fluids directly affects its properties and causes adverse impact on drilling performance. It has rapidly evolved and become a paramount issue over the years because of challenging drilling operations. To control the impact of the drilled solids on drilling fluid properties, solid control system unit must be capable of removing the drilled solids before the re-circulation. Failure to establish good solid control management may end the operation strategy with dilution method. A rigorous analysis of drilled solid effects and its correlation with poor performance of solid control system significantly reflects on the overall rig performance in optimizing drilling operation. This paper presents a study of two different solid control system configuration used in two drilling wells. The study shows that installation of distributor tank reduces mud overflow and brings in flow control stability. Mud rheologies – Plastic viscosity, Yield Point and Low Gravity Solid are considered for the two solid control systems. The results of the new solid control system design are better than the old one. Plastic viscosity, yield point and low gravity solid values improve by 14 %, 17 % and 25 % respectively. These results can be used to check the drilling performance and also in characterization of the solid control system to enhance the drilling mud capabilities. This research shows the need of engineering evaluation in the solid control system to reduce the chances of frequent drilling problems, rig components wear issue and other drilling fluid related hazards.


2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnis Judzis ◽  
Alan Duane Black ◽  
David A. Curry ◽  
Matthew John Meiners ◽  
Tim Grant ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. K. Yuda

Swamp drilling operation in Mahakam has entered the industrialization period in which fast drilling is a common practice. However, fast drilling Rate of Penetration (ROP) causes hole cleaning issues to arise and induce a high Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) trend. In some wells, this potentially leads to loss problems because of weak formation in shallow sections or depleted formation with relatively low fracture gradient. As a result, drilling parameter reduction was performed that causing lower ROP and additional circulation to reduce ECD. A new technology called Continuous Circulation Device (CCD) can help to tackle the problems mentioned above. It is a sub-based constant circulation system that enables the continuous circulation of drilling fluids downhole while making or breaking drill pipe connections. This system helps to maintain ECD and improve drilling performance as the cuttings are continuously carried out of the hole. This paper is introduced to analyze the benefits of CCD and opportunities for future development in the swamp drilling operation. The device was applied during drilling in the 12-1/4” and 8-1/2” sections. The challenge during drilling in these sections was to improve ROP without inducing bad hole cleaning that could lead to a high ECD trend. The result of CCD utilization shows that ECD during drilling could be reduced up to 2 points and become more stable compared to the previous trend. Since there was a reduction of ECD, the ROP could be improved up to 10%. Furthermore, only 1 cycle for circulation at well TD was performed as the minimum cuttings appeared. Pulling out the string and running the casing string was managed smoothly as the hole was already in a good condition. This utilization has been successfully implemented without any safety incident nor related Non-Productive Time (NPT). This positive result leads us to open the opportunity for future development in swamp fields asset.


2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (01) ◽  
pp. 25-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnis Judzis ◽  
Alan D. Black ◽  
David A. Curry ◽  
Matthew J. Meiners ◽  
Tim Grant ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Lomba ◽  
W. F. Cardoso ◽  
C. H. M. de Sá ◽  
A. R. D’Almeida

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document