10 - WBM Products and Systems-BMS-C-2012

Water Base
Drilling Fluids Products &

Systems
DRILLING FLUID SYSTEMS
• Water Based Drilling Fluids (Two phase)
• Emulsion Drilling Fluids (NAF) (Three phase)

• Oil Base Muds
• Synthetic Base Muds
• Linear Paraffins
• Reservoir Drill-in Fluids (Two or Three phase)
2 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

WATER BASE DRILLING FLUIDS
COMPONENTS
OF WATER
BASE MUDS
Water Solids
Soluble Necessary Drilled

Chemicals Solids Solids
Fresh Sea Salt Enhanced

Low Gravity High Gravity Reactive Inert
Water Water Water
Chlorides Chlorides Commercial Clays

Smectite Clays
Calcium Calcium Polymers Weight Material MISC.
Contaminants
Magnesium Potassium Chemicals

WATERBASE MUD SYSTEMS
• Many types of water-base systems… WHY?
• More than one system typically used when drilling the same well
• Basic systems usually converted to complex systems :
• as a well deepens
• as wellbore temperatures and/or pressures increase
• as formations dictate

WATER-BASE DRILLING FLUIDS -
GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS
• Un-weighted clay water suspensions

• Deflocculated, weighted clay-water suspensions
• Calcium treated, weighted deflocculated clay-water suspensions
• Salt water systems
• HTHP Deflocculated Systems

• Polymers Systems
• HTHP Polymer Systems
• Cationic Systems

FACTORS AFFECTING
DRILLING FLUID SELECTION
• Drilling Data
– Depth
– Hole Size
– Hole Angle
– Torque/Drag
– Anticipated R.O.P.
– Maximum Expected Mud Weight
– Temperature Expected
– Others...?

FACTORS AFFECTING
DRILLING FLUID SELECTION
• POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
• Shale Problems
• Bit/BHA Balling
• Loss Circulation
• Depleted Sands
• Stuck Pipe

PV, YP vs MUD WT ppg
PV & YP v. Mud Wt, lbs/gal
50
Max Recommended PV
45
Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point & MBT
40
35
30
25
Max Recommended MBT
20
15 Max Recommended YP
10
0
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Mud Weight, lbs/gal

UNWEIGHTED CLAY-WATER SUSPENSION
• Used to spud (begin) a well
• Basically Bentonite and water
• Native Mud - Bentonite incorporated with drilled solids from the

formation… some formations are bentonitic in nature and
increase viscosity... OK?

• System usually converted to a more complex system prior to

reaching critical formation
• Drilled solids should be maintained at low values with solids

control equipment to prevent excessive dilution before
converting to complex system
• Low buoyancy effect on cuttings
• Hole cleaning depends primarily on viscosity

• Plastic Viscosity naturally low since solids content is low
• Higher Yield Points required due to low Plastic Viscosity
• Chemical deflocculants should be avoided since they reduce

YP.
(if possible)

• Typical Properties:
• Density: 8.8-10.0 ppg
• FV 36-55 sec/qt
• PV 5-9 cps
• YP 12-25 lb/100 ft2
• Gels 5-10 / 10-20 lb/100 ft2
• pH 8.5-9.0
• Pf/Pm 0.1-0.5 / 0.1-0.8 cc’s
• Solids 3-10 percent
• Fluid Loss as needed
• Calcium 220± mg/l
• Chlorides 0-5000± mg/l (fresh water)
20,000± mg/l (seawater)

Typical Products Primary Function

Bentonite (M-I GEL)® viscosity / fluid loss control
Caustic Soda pH / Pf / Pm
Lignite (TANNATHIN)® thinner / fluid loss control
POLYPAC ® */CMC* viscosity / fluid loss control
MY-LO-JEL ® fluid loss control
POLYSAL ® fluid loss control
POLYPLUS ® Bentonite extender
S.A.P.P thinner @ low temp.
THERMPAC UL ® fluid loss control
Barite (M-I BAR)® increase density
*POLYPAC UL ®/CMC-LV fluid loss control only

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
CHEMICAL NAME M-I SWACO NAME FUNCTION
1. Caustic Soda (NaOH) Caustic Soda Increase pH

2. Caustic Potash (KOH) Caustic Potash Incr pH and K+
3. Lime (CaOH2) Lime Incr pH and Ca2+
4. Gyp / Anhydrite (CaSO4) Gypsum Ca2+ source
5. Bicarb. (NaHCO3) Bicarb. Treat Cement
6. Soda Ash (Na2CO3) Soda Ash Treat Hardness
(Ca2+, Mg2+)

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
7. Sodium Acid SAPP Top hole thinner
Pyrophosphate
8. Citric Acid Citric Acid Decrease pH, treat cmt
9. Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Sod. Chloride Increase Cl- (WBM)
10. Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) Calc. Chloride Incr Cl- (OBM / SBM)
11. Potassium Chloride (KCl) Pot. Chloride Increase Cl- and K+

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
WEIGHTING MATERIALS:
BARITE M-I BAR Increase Mud Density

Barium Sulfate (BaSO4)
SG 4.2
HEMATITE FER-OX Increase Mud Density

Ferris Oxide (Fe2O3)
SG 5.0
CALC CARBONATE (CaCO3) SAFECARB Increase Mud Density,

SG = 2.6 - 2.8 LO WATE LCM

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
CLAYS:
API BENTONITE M-I GEL Increase Viscosity,

Decrease FL
BENTONITE M-I GEL SUPREME Increase Viscosity,

Decrease FL
(Non-Treated)
ATTAPULGITE SALT GEL Increase Viscosity

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
THINNER / DEFLOCCULANTS AND FLC PRODUCTS:
1. Lignite TANNATHIN FLC, Deflocculant
2. Chrome Lignosulfonate SPERSENE Deflocculant
3. Lignosulfonate SPERSENE CF Chrome Free Deflocculant

(env)
4. Causticised Chrome Lignite XP-20 HT FLC, Thinner
5. Resin treated Lignite RESINEX HT FLC
6. Synthetic Resin (liquid) THERMEX HT FLC (env)
7. Potassium Lignite K-17 FLC and K+
8. Sodium Polyacrylate SP-101 HT FLC
9. Polyacrylate (Low MW) TACKLE Thinner

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
POLYMERS:
PHPA POLY-PLUS RD, Encapsulation
Partially Hydrolyzed ULTRACAP
Polyacrylamide
Polymer ULTRAHIB Clay hydration
suppressant
PAC POLYPAC FLC and Viscosity
Poly Anionic
Cellulose
PAC ultra low POLYPAC UL FLC
PAC extra low POLYPAC ELV FLC
CMC CMC FLC and Viscosity
Carboxy Methyl
Cellulose
Corn Starch MY-LO-JEL FLC

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
8. Potato Starch POLY SAL FLC
9. Carboxy Methyl Starch THERMPAC UL FLC
10. XCD (Biopolymer) DUO-VIS Increase LSRV
11. Starch derivative FLO-TROL FLC
12. Clarified Biopolymer FLO-VIS Increase LSRV
13. Bentonite extender GELEX Increase viscosity
14. Clay Flocculant FLOXIT Flocculate clays

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
SHALE CONTROL:
1. Shale Inhibitor ASPHASOL Shale Inhibitor, FLC
2. Shale Inhibitor STABLE HOLE Shale Inhibitor, FLC
3. Shale Control GLYDRIL-(GP,LC,MC,HC) Shale Control, FLC
4. Shale Control SHALE CHEK Shale Control
5. Shale Control K-52 K+ Source
6. Shale Control KLA CURE Shale Control
7. Shale Control KLA GARD Shale Control
8. Shale Control KLA GARD-B Shale Control

(Cl- free)
PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
CORROSION INHIBITORS:
1. Water dispersible blended amine CONQOR 101 FW Packer fluids
2. Persistent filming amine CONQOR 202-B Wipe on pipe, slug treatment
3. Brine soluble filming amine CONQOR 303-A Pkr. fluids, Clear brines (no Zn)
4. Phosphorus based Corr. inhibitor CONQOR 404 Corr. prev. in Drilling Fluids
5. 55% Ammonium Bisulfite OS-1L Oxygen Scavenger
6. Scale Inhibitor SI-1000 Inhibits scale formation
7. 12% Zn (liquid) SV-120 Low Conc. H2S Scavenger
8. Zinc Oxide ZnO H2S Scavenger
9. 25% Gluteraldehyde X-Cide102/ Bactericide

Greencide 25-G

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS:
1. Detergent for clean-up OBM/SBM CLEAN-UP Rig Clean-up OBM/SBM
2. Drilling Detergent D.D. Surfactant Emulsifier
3. Alcohol-base de-foamer DEFOAM-A De-foam Mud
4. Silicone-base de-foamer DEFOAM-X De-foam Mud
5. Low toxicity detergent additive DRIL-KLEEN Prevent Bit and BHA balling
6. Low toxicity Lubricant LUBE-100 ENV. lubricant, HTHP FLC
7. All purpose lubricant (ENV) LUBE-167 Decr. COF reduce torque/drag
8. Graphite plugging agent G-SEAL (C) Cure LC, (torque/drag/FLC)
9. LCM Blend M-I SEAL (F,M) Cure Lost Circulation

PRODUCTS AND THEIR
APPLICATIONS
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS:
10. Ground Mica MICA (F,C) Cure lost Circulation
11. Fibrous plugging and M-I-X II (F,M,C) Plug / Bridge perm. form.
bridging agent
12. Ground nut hulls NUT PLUG (F,M,C) Cure Lost Circulation
13. OB-Stuck Pipe freeing surfactant PIPE LAX Free Stuck Pipe
14. ENV-Stuck Pipe spotting fluid PIPE LAX (ENV) Free Stuck Pipe (ENV)
15. One Drum Stuck Pipe PIPE LAX-W (Export) Free Stuck Pipe
Spotting fluid
16. Accretion inhibitor and ROP ULTRAFREE Accretion inhibitor and

enhancer ROP enhancer

SPERSENE® SYSTEMS
•One of the most common drilling fluids used in the
industry. Dispersed.
•Primary product -SPERSENE® (lignosulfonate - contains

chrome) an organic acid which supplies anions (negative
ions) which reduce the YP and Gel strengths by
neutralizing cations (positive ions) on the clay particles
•System requires an alkaline environment to solubilize the

SPERSENE ®
•Caustic Soda or Lime used to increase pH to a minimum

of 9.5

SPERSENE® SYSTEMS
M-I BAR ® increase density

M-I GEL ® viscosity/fluid loss
Caustic Soda pH/Pf/Pm
SPERSENE ® thinner/fluid loss
TANNATHIN ® fluid loss/thinner
POLYPAC ® */CMC* viscosity/fluid loss
MY-LO-JEL ® fluid loss control
POLYSAL ® fluid loss control
POLYPLUS ® bentonite extender

SPERSENE® SYSTEMS
S.A.P.P Thinner (low temp < 93°C)

THERMPAC UL ® Fluid loss
RESINEX ® HTHP fluid loss
THERMEX™ HTHP fluid loss
Lime Treat out CO3
Gyp Treat out CO3
*POLYPAC UL ®/CMC-LV Fluid loss only

SATURATED SALT SYSTEM
•System designed to prevent hole enlargement while

drilling salt section, preventing salt from dissolving into the
fluid’s water phase
•Built by adding salt (sodium chloride) until system reaches

saturation point
•NaCl system saturation point :190,000± mg/l chlorides.
•Some operators increase chlorides to slightly above

100,000 mg/l if the salt section is not very thick, reducing
solubility rate and hole enlargement.
•TO CONVERT AN EXISTING SYSTEM:
• On initial break-over, add the following as fast as possible:
• 2 - 3 ppb Caustic Soda
• 1 - 2 ppb Soda Ash
• 4 - 6 ppb SPERSENE®
• 110-125 ppb Salt (Amount depends on salt concentration prior to break over.)
NOTE: The salt flocculates reactive clays, increasing viscosity. For this reason, clay solids
should be minimized before and during conversion.

M-I BAR® increase density
M-I GEL®(pre-hydrated) viscosity & FL
Caustic Soda pH/Pf/Pm
Salt increase chlorides
SPERSENE® thinner
Soda Ash control Ca2+ < 200 mg/l
POLYPAC® stability/fluid loss
CMC stability/fluid loss
DUO-VIS™ low shear rate viscosity
MY-LO-JEL® fluid loss
POLYSAL® fluid loss
SURFAK M® surface acting agent
SP-101® HTHP fluid loss

POTASSIUM SYSTEMS
Potassium chloride system :
•Used to stabilize water-sensitive shales by potassium

ion inhibition
•Minimizes shale hydration, which minimizes hole

enlargement, bit and stabilizer balling, sloughing shale
and permeability reduction in productive zones
•Uses potassium chloride (KCl) as the primary potassium

source

POTASSIUM SYSTEMS
Typical Old Formation Young Formation
Properties
Density as required as required

PV see PV/YP Graph see PV/YP Graph
YP 20-30 lb/100 sq ft 20-30 lb/100 sq ft
Initial Gels 5-10 lb/100 sq ft 10-15 lb/100 sq ft
10 Min. Gels 15-20 lb/100 sq ft 15-20 lb/100 sq ft
MBT 5-15 ppb 10-20 ppb
Fluid Loss 10-15 cc’s 5 -10 cc’s
Potassium 15K – 25K mg/l 55K-100K mg/l
Calcium <200 mg/l <200 mg/l
pH 9.5-10.0 10.0-10.5
LGS 2-4 % 3-5%

POTASSIUM SYSTEMS
Typical Old Young Primary
Products Formation Formation Function
KCl 10-15 ppb 35-70 ppb inhibition

POLY-PLUS® 0.5-.75 ppb .25-.5 ppb inhibition
M-I GEL® 8-10 ppb ----------- vis. &
( pre-hydrated) wall cake
DUO-VIS ™ 0.5 ppb 0.5-1.5 ppb viscosity
POLYPAC ® 0.5-1.0 ppb 0.5-1.0 ppb fluid loss
KOH 0.5-1.0 ppb 0.75-1.5 ppb pH & K+
Soda Ash 0.5 ppb 0.5 ppb control Ca2+
M-I BAR as required as required density
Water fresh water seawater dilution

K - MAG SYSTEM
System is designed to provide :
•Formation inhibition
•Wellbore stability
•Improved production
by potassium inhibition, in areas where KCl systems are not

environmentally acceptable due to high potassium chloride
concentration

K - MAG SYSTEM
Potassium sources:
K-17 ® (potassium lignite)
XP-20 ® (KOH chrome lignite)
K-52 ® (potassium acetate)
Caustic Potash (KOH)
K-MAG system designed for freshwater or seawater

K - MAG SYSTEM
Typical Properties:
Density 10.0 ppb +
FV (3.5) (Mud Wt.) ±
PV see PV/YP Graph
YP see PV/YP Graph
Initial Gels 1-5 lb/100 sq ft
10 Min. Gels 1 - 10 lb/100 sq ft
MBT <25 ppb
Fluid Loss as required
Potassium 1,000 - 10,000 mg/l
Calcium 0 - 300 mg/l
pH 9.5-10.5
Pm 1.0 - 1.8 cc’s
Pf 0.5 - 0.8 cc’s
Chlorides 0 - 20,000 mg/l
LGS 4- 5 %
K - MAG SYSTEM
Typical Products: Primary Function
M-I BAR increase density

FER-OX  increase density
M-IGEL  (pre-hydrated) viscosity & FL
K-17 fluid loss/thinner & K+ source
XP-20 fluids loss/thinner & K+ source
KOH pH, Pf, & K+ source
K-52 K+ source
POLY-PLUS shale stabilization
POLYPAC viscosity & FL
THERMPAC U.L. fluid loss
THERMEX™ HPHT fluid loss
RESINEX HPHT fluid loss
DUO-VIS™ low shear rate viscosity
SHALE-CHEK  shale stabilization

DURATHERM SYSTEM
Designed to drill in high temperature, high pressure environments
Stable in presence of contaminants such as calcium, salts, and

acid gases
Used at temperatures > 500°F due to low clay solids content and
chemicals stable at high temperatures

DURATHERM SYSTEM
Clays solids content (bentonite) reduced as density and
temperatures increase.
Polymeric materials replace bentonite for viscosity and gel

strengths.
Convert most water base systems by using XP-20 instead of

SPERSENE, reducing clay solids, and using CMC or POLYPAC
for viscosity and solids suspension.
THERMEX™ or RESINEX used for high temperature-high

pressure fluid loss

DURATHERM SYSTEM
Proper solids control absolutely necessary
Monitor fluid carefully for temperature stability. Can be done by heat
aging daily at 25°F above estimated BHT.
ids content and
When using closed-loop solids control unit with this system, monitor
solids particle size (PSD) and PV closely, controlling within proper
range by opening up the loop as needed to discard fine solids.
Monitor dilution rates closely to insure proper chemical concentrations

are maintained.

DURATHERM SYSTEM

M-IGEL  (pre-hydrated) viscosity & FL
Caustic Soda increase pH & Pf
Lime treat out CO3
Gyp treat out CO3
XP-20 fluid loss control/thinner
POLYPAC viscosity & gel strengths
CMC viscosity & gel strengths
THERMEX™ HPHT fluid loss
RESINEX HPHT fluid loss

DURATHERM SYSTEM
Typical Properties:
Density as required
FV (2.5-3.0) (Mud Wt.)
PV <barite/water line on Solids Graph
YP 6-10 lb/100 sq ft
Initial Gels 1-5 lb/100 sq ft
MBT 5-15 ppb
pH 10.5-11.5
Pm 2.0-5.0 cc’s
Pf 0.5 - 1.5 cc’s
Chlorides 0 - 10,000 mg/l
LGS 0.5-1.5 %

ENVIROTHERM SYSTEM
A chrome-free, environmentally acceptable water-base system
designed for high temperature, high pressure environments
Stable in the presence of contaminants such as calcium, salts,

and acid gases
Used at temperatures up to about 430°F
Stability due to low clay solids content and temperature stable,

chrome-free products

ENVIROTHERM SYSTEM
Clays solids content (bentonite) reduced in this system as density and
temperatures increase.
Polymeric materials like CMC or POLYPAC replace bentonite for

viscosity and gel strengths.
SPERSENECF (chrome-free lignosulfonate) used for fluid stability

by preventing gelation and flocculation while aiding in both API and
HPHT fluid loss control
TANNATHIN (lignite) reduces fluid loss & serves as a secondary

deflocculant.

POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
POLY-PLUS® SYSTEMS:
Used primarily for shale stabilization
Shale stabilization achieved through encapsulation, viscosifying
the water phase, and by the polymer adsorbing free water
Encapsulation - POLY-PLUS® wraps around clay platelets,
preventing water from entering the interlayer structure of the
clays.
By viscosifying the water phase, fluid movement into the
interlayer structure of the clay is slowed.

POLY - PLUS® SYSTEM
This system’s stability depends on maintaining polymer
concentration in the proper range, and controlling clay content to
less than 6.0 percent.
If polymer concentration is not maintained, and solids content

increases above the proper range, viscosity will increase, and
anionic deflocculants (thinners) will be required to stabilize fluid
properties.
Cement (Ca++) and high pH are very detrimental to the polymer.

POLY- PLUS® SYSTEM
Initial POLY-PLUS® system makeup :
Un-Weighted Syst. Weighted Syst.

ppb ppb
8 - 10 ppb Pre-hydrated M-I GEL® 0-5
0.25 ± Caustic Soda or KOH 0.25 ±
1.0 - 2.5 POLY-PLUS® 1.0 - 2.5
POLYPAC® or
0.5 - 2.0 THERMPAC® UL 0.5 - 2.0
-------- DUO-VIS™ 0.2 - 1.0
-------- RESINEX® 2.0 - 5.0

POLY- PLUS® SYSTEM
Typical POLY_PLUS® System Properties :
Density 8.8 - 12 ppg
FV 32 - 45 sec/qt
PV 6 - 10 cps
YP 10 - 20 lb/100 sq ft
Initial Gels 3 - 6 lb/100 sq ft
MBT 12 -20 ppb
pH 8.5 - 10.0
Pm 0.2 - 1.0 cc’s
Pf 0.1 - 0.5 cc’s
Chlorides 0 - 5% (KCL)
Solids 3 - 10 %
POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
True POLY-PLUS® System:
Typical Products: Primary Function:

M-IGEL  viscosity & FL
POLY-PLUS® inhibition, gel extender
Caustic Soda pH & Pf
POLYPAC fluid loss
SP - 101 fluid loss
POLYSAL fluid loss
Soda Ash control hardness
DUO-VIS™ control LSRV
TACKLE reduce gel strengths

GLYCOL (GLYDRIL) SYSTEM
• An enhanced-polymer, water-base system using polyglycol
technology to provide shale inhibition, wellbore stability, HTHP
fluid loss, and lubricity.
• Ideal for drilling depleted sands where differential pressure

sticking is a concern, in high-angle holes, with reactive
formations
• Other benefits include enhanced cuttings integrity, improved

filter cake, lower dilution rates, less hole enlargement, greater
solids tolerance, reduced bit balling, increased ROP, and
environmentally friendly due to low toxicity; reduced disposal
cost.

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
• The Cloud-Point phenomenon is the primary mechanism for

inhibition and stabilization.
• Cloud-Point is the temperature at which polyglycol changes

from being totally soluble to insoluble. When temperature
increases, some glycols become insoluble and come out of
solutions. This temperature is called the cloud point.
• At temperatures above the cloud point, poly-glycols form

colloidal droplets or micelles which results in a micro-
emulsion. This is referred to as “Thermally Activated Mud
Emulsion” (TAME).

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
ADVANTAGES:
• Lower potential for differential sticking

• Lower fluid loss and leak-off values
• Less torque, drag, and bit balling
• Slicker, firmer filter-cakes
• Greater wellbore stability
• In-gauge wellbores
Engineered cloud point behavior

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
THE TAME PROVIDES WELLBORE STABILITY IN THREE DISTINCT WAYS:
• Through chemical adsorption

• Through micro-emulsion and precipitate pore plugging
• By providing a thinner, less porous filter/wall cake.
This system is more effective with salt in the system.
• Therefore, NaCl or KCL is recommended for use in the system.

GLYDRIL SYSTEM

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
Wellbore
Filter Cake
Formation Clouded Glycol

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
• Creates a hydrophobic or water repellant layer around the

cuttings. When soluble they can also be absorbed
between the layers of shale particles
• GMC can improve the quality of the filtercake by - in

their soluble form - enter small shale micro pores and
then cloud out as the temperature in the formation is
higher than the temperature of the drilling fluid. (Cloud
up in the micro pores of the formation and create a water
repellant layer around and block the formation pores)
Hydrophobisity makes the filtercake slicker and will
reduce torque and drag.

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
• The adsorption of insoluble poly-glycols into the

filter/wall cake on permeable formations reduces the
thickness of the filter/wall cake and fluid loss rates.
• The poly-glycols provide lubrication and resists balling

since insoluble poly-glycols have an affinity to solids
and can coat solids and other surfaces.
• Most Poly-glycol systems are designed to become

totally soluble as it cools while being pumped up the
annulus to the surface. But some systems are designed
to keep the poly-glycol insoluble at all times.

GLYDRIL SYSTEM
Typical Products: Primary Function:

M-I GEL viscosity & FL
Caustic Soda/KOH pH & Pf
POLY-PLUS encapsulation
DUO-VIS™ viscosity & suspension
POLYPAC R & UL fluid loss control
GLYDRIL™ GP, inhibition, lubricity
LC, MC, HC, 100
NaCl & KCl Brine base fluid, activity
LUBE 167 lubricity
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
 A salt/polymer system with added SODIUM SILICATE.
 Developed to provide shale inhibition and hole stability in

areas where oil or synthetic fluid systems would normally
be used.
 Formations like micro-fractured shale, chalk, or inter-

bedded dispersive clays are applications for a
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM.

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
 SILDRIL silicate enhanced polymer-based systems are designed to drill very reactive
shales.
 They strongly minimize shale hydration and improve formation integrity.
 These systems can be used as an economic and environmental replacement for oil-
base muds.
BEFORE AFTER
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
 As soluble silicates contact the low pH shales (clays) of

formations, a reduction in pH and a reaction with divalent
cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) on/in the shale (clay) form a calcium
and/or magnesium silicate coating.
– Soluble silicates are stable only at pH values > 11.0 or in the
absence of cations.
– Silicates will precipitate out at pH <11.0 or in the presence of

cations.
– Therefore, the pH should be controlled at 11.0 or greater and

cations treated out with Soda Ash.

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
Reservoir damage may occur when drilling reservoirs

which contain hard water.
• Damage may occur due to precipitation of

calcium silicate (cement) or solidification of
sodium silicate into the pore throat of the
rock matrix.
• The same reservoir damage may also occur

if the pH of the invaded filtrate is reduced
over time.

SILDRIL™ Engineering Guidelines
Rheology Xanthan for 6/3 RPM readings

Fluid Loss ±3.0 ppb PAC U/L & Reg. (9 - 6cc)
Silicate 5 - 8% by vol.
KCl 25 - 35 ppb
MBT Generally low (highly inhibitive)
pH 11 - 12 (natural level)
Hardness Zero (positive Silicate)
Corrosion Inhibitors not necessary

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Silicate-based Fluids
– Essentially a polymer-based system
– Utilizes silicate chemistry for inhibition
– Used primarily for drilling troublesome shale sections
• They strongly minimize shale hydration and improve formation

integrity.
• In some applications, these systems can be used as an

economic and environmental replacement for oil-base muds.

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Inhibition are achieved as the soluble silicates precipitate to form an insoluble silicate
film which prevents water contact with the wellbore shale (clay) or invasion into
permeable formations.
• As the soluble silicates come in contact with the surface of the low pH shales, a
reduction in the pH and reaction with the divalent cations (Ca, Mg) on/in the shale
occur to form a calcium /magnesium silicate coating.
• Soluble silicates are stable only at pH values above 10.4 and in the absence of
divalent cations. If pH is less than 10.4 or if divalent cations are present, the silicates
will precipitate (calcium silicate = cement)

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Soluble Silicates are the metal salts of Silica Acid that exist
in multiple polymeric forms in solution.
• All silicates contain three basic components:
– Silica - SiO2 (Sand)
– Alkali - Na2O or K2O (Soda Ash or Potassium Carbonate)
– Water - H2O
O O
O
Si Si Si
O
O O O
O O
O
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Silicates are alkaline materials (ie. pH range from 11.0 to 13.5)
• Silicate species need a pH >10.7 to remain soluble in solution
• pH of silicate solutions is maintained until almost complete

neutralization
• At pH’s <10.7 silicates rapidly cross-link to form high molecular

weight species
• Polymerization on the wellbore face is considered one of the

inhibition mechanisms

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
The glassy nature of

silicates imparts strong
and rigid physical
coating to surfaces

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Silicate primary shale inhibitor (provides water barrier)
• Potassium secondary shale inhibitor (reduces swelling)
• Biopolymer rheology control
• PAC / Starch provides fluid loss control
• Compatible with conventional anionic and non-ionic fluid additives
• Used with mono-valent salts (KCl & NaCl)

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Rheology Xanthan for 6/3 RPM readings
• Fluid Loss ±3.0 ppb PAC U/L & Regular (< 10 cc)
• Silicate 5 - 8% by vol.
• KCl 25 - 35 ppb
• MBT Generally low (highly inhibitive)
• pH 11 - 12 (natural level)
• Hardness Zero (positive Silicate)
• Corrosion Inhibitors not necessary

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
• Silicate Gels formed on contact with low pH.

(Formation Water / Acid Gas)
• Silicate precipitation with divalent cations (Ca/Mg)
• Precipitated / gelled Silicates bridge across Clays/Sands
• Better stability with added Salts (KCl / NaCl)

SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
PRO’S CON’S
Environmentally acceptable. Debatable use for reservoir drilling
 Can be discharged. (Unless perforate Liner)(Not OHC)
 Land disposal subject to Needs close monitoring
local regulations. (pH / Silicate)
Good Shale inhibition + Sensitive to Hardness / Acid
wellbore stability. Gasses
(extended OH periods) (divalent ions)
Good gauge hole through Can effect performance of certain
reactive Clays or Chalks. mechanical tools, elastomers, seals
Corrosion Inhibitor. Temperature stability (± 260ºF)
(sealant effect) Density limitations similar to
Lower Cost per Foot. polymer mud system (13 -15 ppg)
(cf: PHPA;KCl/Poly;Glydril) Lubricity
(M-M Coefficient of Friction = 0.34)

High Performance WBM

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
Gumbo cuttings

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
22” – hole opener

Accretion Free BHA

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
What is ULTRADRIL?
– High performance water-based fluid designed for use in a wide
range of global applications ranging from deepwater to land
• Highly inhibitive water-based fluid
– Superior chemical stabilization in reactive claystones
– Reduced clay dispersion and hydration in comparison to
existing glycol fluids
– Lower risk of accretion and cuttings agglomeration.
• ULTRADRIL was designed to address the concerns

and limitations associated with OBM’s and WBM’s.
• ULTRADRIL was designed for broader application.

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
 Highly inhibitive water based fluid system, capable of providing superior

chemical stabilisation over a wide range of reactive claystone and shale
formations.
 Significant reduction in clay dispersion and hydration, compared to

existing glycol systems, particularly in fresh water and NaCl fluids (On-
shore, GOM drilling).
 Lower risk of accretion and cuttings agglomeration related problems.
 Environmentally acceptable.
 Viable alternative to Silicate fluids

– more stable to contaminants
– application not restricted to temperatures < 230°F.

ULTRADRIL - Performance Goals
 Shale stability
– Cuttings – dilution
– Wellbore – hole stability
 Good drilling performance

– Low bit balling & good lubricity
– Low dilution as compared to other
WBM
– Good properties for deepwater
 Flexibility
– Base fluid – SW, SS & KCl
– Products designed not to impact ULTRADRIL- glycol/ PHPA- CaCl2/polymer
others! 20% NaCl 20% NaCl
– Good environmental performance

ULTRADRIL
 Shale Inhibition
Selected molecular structure polyamine reacts with shales to collapse
hydrated clay structure.
 Requires minimum levels of salinity (SW).
 Applicable in densities to 17 ppg, and temp up to 300F.
 Design approach to superior performance:
– Inhibition of clay hydration
– Shale encapsulator (LV)
– ROP enhancer and anticrete
– FL reducer with little viscosity contribution

ULTRADRIL - Main Components
 ULTRAHIB - Clay Hydration Suppressant

• Expected field concentration 3-4% v/v.
• Liquid polyamine additive
• Also imparts gas hydrate inhibition
• Can be added directly to system with no effects on viscosity or filtration
 ULTRACAP - Clay dispersion inhibitor

• Expected field concentration 2-3 lb/bbl.
• Polymeric additive
• Contributes little viscosity and some filtration reduction

ULTRADRIL - Main Components
 ULTRAFREE - Accretion inhibitor and ROP enhancer

– Liquid additive
– Can be added directly to system with no effects on viscosity and
filtration
– Expected field concentration 1.5 - 3% volume
 POLYPAC ELV – Fluid loss control

– 2.0 – 4.0 ppb
– Low viscosity product

ULTRADRIL
Chemical stabilization of Reactive Clays
Dispersion Tests
DI Water Low-Lime
K-MAG ULTRADRIL

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
• Viable alternative to silicate fluids and SBM

– Improved lubricity
– More stable to contaminants
– No adverse effects in reservoir
– No adverse effects with elastomers or tools
– Adaptable over a wider range of densities and
temperatures

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
 ULTRAHIB / ULTRAHIB NS – Clay hydration suppressant
– Liquid polyamine additive
– Concentration 2 – 4 % v/v
– Can be added directly to system with no adverse effects on viscosity or

filtration

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
 ULTRACAP – Clay dispersion inhibitor
– Polymeric additive
– Concentration 3,0 – 8,5 kg/m3
– Contribuites very little to viscosity and some filtration reduction

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
 ULTRACAP NS – Clay dispersion inhibitor
– Polymeric cellulose additive
– Concentration 5,5 – 11,5 kg/m3
– Contribuites very little to viscosity and some filtration reduction

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
 ULTRAFREE NS / ULTRAFREE – Accretion inhibitor and ROP enhancer
– Liquid additive
– Concentration 1,5 – 3,0% v/v
– Can be added directly to system with no adverse effects on

viscosity or filtration

ULTRADRIL SYSTEM
ULTRADRIL gives compact, readily removed cuttings, gauge wellbore, lower

COF, without using environmentally hazardous materials. Result is lower fluid
volumes, improved drilling performance, and disposal-compliant cuttings.

DRILPLEX SYSTEM
What it is and how it works
An ugly mud is just what you need!
Understanding Drilplex and What Makes it

T(h)ick…

DRILPLEX (MMO) Products and System
• A Mixed Metal Oxide (MMO) bentonite extender developed

for high-angle holes, stabilizing weak and unconsolidated
formations, and curing seepage losses in porous and
fractured zones
• A synthesized mixture of inorganic Magnesium and

Aluminum oxides - insoluble in water
• Non-toxic, with no heavy metals

DRILPLEX AR
• FEATURES:
– Simple formulation and design
– Cost effective
– Friendly To Environment

DRILPLEX AR
• FEATURES:
– Highly shear thinning
– Improved solids removal efficiency
– Low ECD’s – (allow high ROP)
– Exceptional hole cleaning and suspension
– Zero flow at wellbore face

DRILPLEX AR
• FEATURES:
– Stable to 300°F
– Viscosity easily destroyed (for displacement procedures)
– Low reservoir damage and easy clean up

DRILPLEX AR
• APPLICATIONS:
– Loss zones (porous and fractures)
– Unconsolidated formations
– Stabilizing surface hole against collapse
– Milling Operations
– High ROP required

DRILPLEX AR
• APPLICATIONS:
– Deepwater
– Coiled tubing drilling
– Horizontal open-hole completions
– Geothermal drilling

A Psuedoplastic Fluid
Two Euro coin floating

on Drilplex fluid

DRILPLEX AR – Typical Formulation
PRODUCT CONCENTRATION
GELPLEX 9.0 – 10.0 lb/bbl for freshwater fluids

9.0 – 12.0 lb/bbl for salty or seawater-based
fluids
Soda Ash 1.0 lb/bbl for freshwater fluids
1.25 lb/bbl for salty or seawater-based fluids
DRILPLEX 1.0 lb/bbl in freshwater makeup water
1.0 – 1.5 lb/bbl in salty or seawater makeup
water
FLOPLEX, FLOPLEX PLUS, 3.0 – 5.0 lb/bbl
TROLPLEX
REPLEX 0.50 lb/bbl (If required)
M-I Bar or CaCO3 As required for desired weight

DRILPLEX AR COMPONENTS
– GELPLEX – (High grade API bentonite)

Untreated bentonite specifically selected for the DRILPLEX
system. (M-I GEL SUPREME may be substituted but results
will differ slightly.)
– DRILPLEX – (Viscosifier)
The Mixed Metal Oxide product

0.6 – 1.2 ppb (freshwater)
0.8 – 1.4 ppb (seawater)

DRILPLEX AR COMPONENTS
Soda Ash
•Primary pH control
•0.5 ppb (freshwater)
•1.25 ppb (seawater)
Caustic Soda
•Secondary pH control additive
•Use as required for pH of 10.5 – 10.8
M-I BAR or Calcium Carbonate
•Weighting agents
•Use as required

DRILPLEX AR Limitations
• Drilplex looks ugly!
• Does not like Anionic materials such as: Lignins, Tannins,

Coals, Peat, or PAC’s
• Properties can be restored with addition of an anionic

scavenger – REPLEX
• Fluid loss additives tend to compromise the low-end rheology

(LSRV) of DRILPLEX AR

10 - WBM Products and Systems-BMS-C-2012

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Water Base

Drilling Fluids Products &

• Water Based Drilling Fluids (Two phase)

• Emulsion Drilling Fluids (NAF) (Three phase)

• Reservoir Drill-in Fluids (Two or Three phase)

2 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

Soluble Necessary Drilled

Fresh Sea Salt Enhanced

Chlorides Chlorides Commercial Clays

3 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

• Basic systems usually converted to complex systems :

• as wellbore temperatures and/or pressures increase

4 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

• Un-weighted clay water suspensions

• Salt water systems

• HTHP Deflocculated Systems

• HTHP Polymer Systems

5 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

6 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

7 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

8 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

• Used to spud (begin) a well

• Basically Bentonite and water

• Native Mud - Bentonite incorporated with drilled solids from the

9 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

• System usually converted to a more complex system prior to

• Drilled solids should be maintained at low values with solids

• Low buoyancy effect on cuttings

• Hole cleaning depends primarily on viscosity

10 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

• Plastic Viscosity naturally low since solids content is low

• Higher Yield Points required due to low Plastic Viscosity

• Chemical deflocculants should be avoided since they reduce

11 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

12 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

Typical Products Primary Function

13 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

CHEMICAL NAME M-I SWACO NAME FUNCTION

1. Caustic Soda (NaOH) Caustic Soda Increase pH

14 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

8. Citric Acid Citric Acid Decrease pH, treat cmt

9. Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Sod. Chloride Increase Cl- (WBM)

11. Potassium Chloride (KCl) Pot. Chloride Increase Cl- and K+

15 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

BARITE M-I BAR Increase Mud Density

HEMATITE FER-OX Increase Mud Density

CALC CARBONATE (CaCO3) SAFECARB Increase Mud Density,

16 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

API BENTONITE M-I GEL Increase Viscosity,

BENTONITE M-I GEL SUPREME Increase Viscosity,

ATTAPULGITE SALT GEL Increase Viscosity

17 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

1. Lignite TANNATHIN FLC, Deflocculant

2. Chrome Lignosulfonate SPERSENE Deflocculant

3. Lignosulfonate SPERSENE CF Chrome Free Deflocculant

5. Resin treated Lignite RESINEX HT FLC

6. Synthetic Resin (liquid) THERMEX HT FLC (env)

7. Potassium Lignite K-17 FLC and K+

8. Sodium Polyacrylate SP-101 HT FLC

9. Polyacrylate (Low MW) TACKLE Thinner

19 Copyright ©2001-2012 NExT. All rights reserved

9. Carboxy Methyl Starch THERMPAC UL FLC

10. XCD (Biopolymer) DUO-VIS Increase LSRV

11. Starch derivative FLO-TROL FLC