Water Base

Drilling Fluid
Systems &
Products
WATERBASE MUD
SYSTEMS

z Many types of water-base systems.

z Basic systems are usually converted to

complex systems as a well is deepened, as
wellbore temperatures and/or pressures
increase and formations dictate.

z More than one system is typically used when

drilling the same well.
FACTORS AFFECTING DRILLING
FLUID SELECTION

z Application:

– Drilling surface interval

– Drilling intermediate interval
– Drilling production interval

•Completion Method
•Production Type
Factors Affecting Drilling
Fluid Selection (Continued)

z Geology
•Shale Type
•Sand Type
– Permeability
•Other Formation Types
– Carbonate Rock
» Limestone
» Dolomite
– Salts
Factors Affecting Drilling
Fluid Selection (Continued)

z Make-Up Water

– Type of water

– Chloride concentration

– Hardness (Calcium / Magnesium)

concentration
Factors Affecting Drilling
Fluid Selection (Continued)

z Drilling Data

– Water Depth -- Hole Size

– Hole Angle --Torque/Drag

– Drilling Rate -- Mud Weight

– Maximum Temperature
Factors Affecting Drilling
Fluid Selection (Continued)

z Potential Problems

– Shale Problems -- Bit/BHA Balling

– Stuck Pipe -- Loss Circulation

– Depleted Sands
Factors Affecting Drilling
Fluid Selection (Continued)

z Rig/Drilling Equipment

– Remote Location

– Limited Surface Capacity

– Good Mixing Capacities

– Good Mud Pumps

– Good Solids Control Equipment

Factors Affecting Drilling
Fluid Selection (Continued)

Contamination:

Solids Cement

Salt Anhydrite's/Gyp

Acid Gases
CO
HS
Classification of Water-
Base Drilling Fluids
z Un-weighted clay water suspensions
z Deflocculated, weighted clay-water suspensions
z Calcium treated, weighted deflocculated clay-water
suspensions
z Salt water systems
z HTHP Deflocculated Systems
z Polymers Systems
z HTHP Polymer Systems
z Cationic Systems
 SOLIDS CONTENT vs
MUD DENSITY CHART
Solids Content v. Mud Density
60
+ 10% LGS
+ 5% LGS
Barite
50
+ 10% LGS
Volume Percent Solids

+ 5% LGS
40 Hematite

30

Low Gravity Solids

20

10

0
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Mud Weight, lbs/gal
 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

z Basically composed of M-I Gel ®

(bentonite) and water.

z Used to spud (begin) a well

z Native Mud (Bentonite incorporated

with drilled solids from the formation
as some formations are bentonetic in
nature and increase viscosity)
UNWEIGHTED, CLAY-WATER
SUSPENSION (Continued)

z Low Solids System due to no added

weight materials

z Low in cost and high penetration rate

z Extremely shear thinning

 UNWEIGHTED, CLAY-WATER
SUSPENSION (Continued)

z This system is usually converted to a more complex

system prior to reaching critical formation.

z Drilled solids should be maintained at low values

utilizing mechanical solids control equipment to prevent
excessive dilution prior to converting to a complex
system.

z Low buoyancy effect on cuttings

z Hole cleaning depends primarily on viscosity

UNWEIGHTED, CLAY-WATER
SUSPENSION (Continued)

z Plastic Viscosity is naturally low since

the solids content is low

z Higher Yield Points are required

because of the low Plastic Viscosity

z Chemical deflocculants should be

avoided if possible since they reduce
the YP.
UNWEIGHTED, CLAY-WATER
SUSPENSION (Continued)

Fluid loss (if needed) should be controlled with

the addition of:

Additional M-I GEL®

or

Polymers such as CMC or POLYPAC ® that

do not decrease the Yield Point

THIS SYSTEM SHOULD LOOK THICK

 UNWEIGHTED, CLAY-WATER
SUSPENSION (Continued)

Typical Properties:

Density: 8.8-10.0 ppg

FV 36-55 sec/qt
PV 5-9 cps
YP 12-25 lb/100 ft
Gels 5-10 / 10-20 lb/100 ft
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
Chlorides 0-5000± mg/l (fresh water)
20,000± mg/l (seawater)
Calcium 220± mg/l
UNWEIGHTED, CLAY-WATER
SUSPENSION (Continued)

Typical Products Primary Function

M-I GEL ® viscosity/fluid loss

Caustic Soda pH/Pf/Pm
TANNATHIN ® thinner
POLYPAC ® */CMC* viscosity/fluid loss
MY-LO-JEL ® fluid loss
POLYSAL ® fluid loss
POLYPLUS ® bentonite extender
S.A.P.P thinner(low temp.)
THERMPAC UL ® fluid loss
M-I BAR ® density increase
*POLYPAC UL ®/CMC-LV fluid loss only
SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS
This is the most common drilling fluid system used in
the industry.

Primary product -SPERSENE® (lignosulfonate -

contains chrome) an organic acid which supplies
anions (negative ions) which reduce the YP and Gel
strengths by neutralizing the cations (positive ions) on
the clay particles.

System requires an alkaline environment to solubilize

the SPERSENE ®. Caustic Soda or Lime should be used
to increase the pH to a minimum of 9.5
SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS (Continued)

System can tolerate high solids and contamination -

by increasing the concentration of SPERSENE® and
TANNATHIN® (lignite) or XP-20® (caustized
chrome lignite)

Lignite, like lignosulfonate is an organic acid that

supplies anions which reduce the YP and Gels by
neutralizing the clay particles.
SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS (Continued)

Mixing ratio of SPERSENE ® to TANNATHIN ® or

XP-20 ® is commonly 2 to 1. This ratio can be
varied as needed.

These products, SPERSENE ®, TANNATHIN ®, and

XP-20 ® are deflocculants- commonly called
dispersants or thinners since they reduce the
viscosity of the drilling fluid.
SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS (Continued)
SPERSENE® systems are usually converted from the
basic Unweighted, Clay Water Suspensions or “Spud
Mud's”.

Many systems utilize SPERSENE®. These systems

include:

Calcium treated systems:

SPERSENE®/GYP SYSTEM

SPERSENE®/LIME SYSTEM
SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS (Continued)
Other SPERSENE®/lignosulfonate systems:

SETAN LIME SYSTEM

SPERSENE®/XP-20® SEAWATER
SYSTEM

SATURATED SALT SYSTEM

SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS (Continued)
The stability of the SPERSENE® system is increased
by increasing the concentration of SPERSENE® and
TANNATHIN® or XP-20®.

Lightly treated SPERSENE® systems contain:

2-6 ppb SPERSENE®
1-3 ppb TANNATHIN® or XP-20®

Fully inhibitive SPERSENE® systems contain:

8-12 ppb SPERSENE®
4-6 ppb TANNATHIN® or XP-20®
SPERSENE®
SYSTEMS (Continued)
Temperature Limits:
Temperature limitation of the SPERSENE® system
is approximately 320°F.
This temperature limitation can be increased
significantly by increasing the concentration of the
lignite (TANNATHIN® or XP-20®) and reducing the
concentration of lignosulfonate (SPERSENE®).
TANNATHIN® or XP-20® (lignite) have a
temperature limitation of 450°F, but the solubility is
reduced as the chloride concentration increases
above 15,000 mg/l.
CALCIUM TREATED
SYSTEMS
Calcium added to a clay-water slurry causes flocculation - an
increase in yield point and gel strengths.

This is caused by the Ca+ cation having higher bonding

energy than the Na+ cation on the clays, thus converting them
to Ca+ clays.

This results in partial dehydration of the hydrated clay

particles, causing a reduction in the size of the water
envelope around the clay particle. This reduction of the
water envelope allows closer proximity of the clay particles to
each other, resulting in flocculation.
 CALCIUM TREATED
SYSTEMS (CONTINUED)

If a deflocculant is not present or utilized, the size of the

flocks of clay will increase and precipitate out, resulting in
decreased PV’s.

As calcium is added when sufficient deflocculant is

present, partial dehydration will still occur and the water
envelope will be reduced causing a increase in the YP and
Gels initially. This is called a viscosity hump.

Shear, time and temperature causes the clay flocks to break

apart and the anionic deflocculants neutralize the cationic
clay charges, reducing the YP.
CALCIUM TREATED
SYSTEMS (CONTINUED)
This phenomenon of an increase in YP and then a
sudden reduction in YP occurs when calcium is
either drilled and treated or added to convert
(break over) to a calcium based drilling fluid -
SPERSENE®/Gyp or SPERSENE®/Lime System.

The clay solids concentration determines how great

the viscosity increase (viscosity hump) is when
calcium is added to convert the system.
CALCIUM TREATED
SYSTEMS (CONTINUED)

Due to this viscosity hump, the drilled solids should be

reduced to a low, optimum concentration prior to breaking
over to a calcium system or drilling into a known formation
containing calcium (like anhydrite). If needed, polymers
may be added to maintain the viscosity.

The purpose of converting to a calcium based fluid is to

provide inhibition in formations containing sodium clays
through a base exchange to calcium based clays, or making
the drilling fluid compatible with a formation containing
high calcium, such as anhydrite.
CALCIUM TREATED
SYSTEMS (CONTINUED)
Calcium also reacts with carbonates (CO) to treat
out contamination for carbon dioxide (CO).

Calcium solubility is inversely proportional to

pH. It is near insoluble at a pH of 11.5 or greater,
and more soluble at a low pH.

Lime “Ca2+(OH)2 buffers the pH when acid gases

such as CO and HS are encountered.
SPERSENE®/GYP
SYSTEM
Designed to drill anhydrite and/or provide Ca+
inhibition when drilling water sensitive shales by
using calcium sulfate as a source of calcium.

Gyp (Gypsum) has a low pH (6.0); therefore, this

system has a low pH (9.0-10.5) and the solubility of
calcium in the system is high.

Calcium concentration of this system is usually in

the 600-1200 mg/l range.
SPERSENE®/GYP
SYSTEM (Continued)
Remember, the solubility of calcium is inversely
proportional to the pH, so the actual concentration of
soluble calcium in the system depends on the pH.
__________________________________________________
Converting to a SPERSENE®/GYP SYSTEM:

Reduce clay solids to minimize the “break-over hump”.

Add the following over one or two circulations:

8± ppb Gyp
8± ppb SPERSENE®
2± ppb Caustic Soda
SPERSENE®/GYP
SYSTEM (Continued)
After the initial conversion, properties like fluid
loss, pH, and alkalinity’s should be refined by
adding the proper materials.

Material having a low hardness tolerance should

not be used.

“Excess gyp” test should be run regularly to

monitor the concentration of excess gyp in the
system, because gyp is continuously removed
from the system on drilled clays due to base
exchange.
SPERSENE®/LIME
SYSTEM

Used to reduce the effects of acid gases (CO

and HS) and to reduce the hydration of
formation clays.

Lime is used as the source of calcium.

The pH of the system is high - it depends on the

concentration of lime and caustic soda in the
system.
 SPERSENE®/LIME
SYSTEM (Continued)
Excess lime is calculated as follows:

ppb excess lime = 0.26(Pm-Pf x Wf) Weighted fluids

ppb excess lime = Pm - Pf divided by 4 -Un-Weighted fluids

Lime muds maintain a concentration of excess lime which is not

in solution due to high pH.

Excess lime only goes in solution as the pH is reduced due to

acidic contaminants.

Generally not used in mud weights below 10 ppg because it is

difficult to maintain rheological properties sufficient to clean
the hole.
 SPERSENE®/LIME
SYSTEM (Continued)
Temperatures above 300°F may cause severe gelation or
cementation of medium and high lime fluids. This is
caused by high alkalinity, high concentrations of clay
solids, and high temperature to form alumino-silica
cement.
When converting to a lime system, reduce clay solids
content to minimize the “break-over hump”.
Add the following materials over one or two circulation:
1-10 ppb Lime
2-12± ppb SPERSENE®
2± ppb Caustic Soda
SPERSENE®/LIME
SYSTEM (Continued)
Pf - Low Lime 0.2-0.6 cc’s
Med. Lime 1.0-4.0 cc’s
High Lime 4.0-10.0 cc’s

Pm - Low Lime 2.4-4.8 cc’s

Med. Lime 4.8-19.0 cc’s
High Lime 19.0-46.0 cc’s

Ex-Lime: Low Lime 0.5-1.0 ppb

Med. Lime 1.0-4.0 ppb
High Lime 4.0-9.4 ppb
SATURATED SALTWATER
SYSTEM
This system is designed to prevent hole enlargement
while a salt section is being drilled by allowing salt to
dissolve into the water phase of the fluid being used.

The above is achieved by adding salt (sodium cholride)

to the system until the saturation point is reached. The
saturation point of the system is 190,000± mg/l
chlorides.

Some operators increase the chlorides to a level slightly

above 100,000 mg/l if the salt section is not very thick.
This will reduce the rate of solubility and hole
enlargement.
SATURATED SALTWATER
SYSTEM (Continued)
To convert an existing system, the following procedure
should be used:

On initial breakover, 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 of initial salt
concentration prior to breakover.)

The salt will flocculate the reactive clays, increasing the

viscosity. For this reason, the clay solids should be
minimized prior to and during conversion.
SATURATED SALTWATER
SYSTEM (Continued)
Run pilot test prior to conversion to determine
dilution rate and quantities of product needed for
a trouble-free breakover.

After adding the necessary chemical previously

mentioned, 0.5 to 1.0 ppb POLYPAC UL® should
be added. This should reduce the viscosity and
aid in fluid loss control. If the viscosity is not
reduced sufficiently, further dilution with
saturated saltwater and additions of SPERSENE®
should be used.
SATURATED SALTWATER
SYSTEM (Continued)

To mix a SATURATED SALT SYSTEM, the following

procedure should be used:

Add 20 - 25 ppb pre-hydrated M-I GEL® to the salt water.

Afterwards, the other chemicals can be added as

described previously.

If additional suspension and/or carrying capacity is needed,

small quantities of DUO-VIS ® (0 - 0.5 ppb) are
recommended.
SATURATED SALTWATER
SYSTEM (Continued)
Things to consider prior to using a Saturated Salt
System:

Be aware that the minimum density of this system

is about 10.5 ppg. The natural weight of the
saturated sodium chloride brine is 10.0 ppg.

Temperature limit: <300°F -Note: If the BHT is

expected to be greater than this, a synthetic or oil
based drilling fluid should be used.
POTASSIUM SYSTEMS

Potassium is an effective ion that minimizes

(inhibits) clay hydration. This is achieved by the
ionic base exchange of potassium for sodium
and/or calcium ions on clay platelets.

Swelling clays are selective toward potassium and

will adsorb potassium ion over the sodium ion.
POTASSIUM SYSTEMS
(Continued)
THE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE SYSTEM

Developed to stabilize water sensitive shales by

means of potassium ion inhibition.

Minimizes the hydration of shales, which

minimizes hole enlargement, bit and stabilizer
balling, sloughing shale and reduction of
permeability in productive zones.

Uses potassium chloride (KCl) as the primary

source of potassium
 POTASSIUM SYSTEMS
(Continued)
Concentration of KCl required to inhibit the shale being
drilled depends on the shales’ sensitivity to water.

Shale cuttings should be monitored for inhibition during

drilling operations. Insufficient concentrations will
cause the shale to be soft and mushy. If there is a
sufficient concentration of KCl, the shale will retain its
integrity.

Concentration of KCl required:

Older Shales: 10 - 15 ppb (3.5 - 5.0 %)
Younger Shales: 30 - 50 ppb (8.5 - 15.0%)
POTASSIUM SYSTEMS
(Continued)
KCl and other chemicals should be pre-mixed prior to
adding to the system.

KCl system is solids and calcium sensitive.

Mix this system from scratch - do not convert from native

clay drilling system.

The hardness of the make-up water should be treated with

Soda Ash to < 300 mg/l prior to adding other chemicals.
Then the other products should be added as
recommended. The temperature limit 300°F.
DURATHERM SYSTEM

Designed to drill in high temperature, high

pressure environments.

Stable in the presence of contaminates such as

calcium, salts, and acid gases.

Used at temperatures > 500°F due to low clay

solids content and chemicals which are stable at
high temperatures.
DURATHERM SYSTEM
(Continued)
Clays solids content (bentonite) is reduced in this
system as the density and temperatures increase.
Polymeric materials replace the bentonite to
provide viscosity and gel strengths.

Convert most water base system by substituting

XP-20 for SPERSENE, reducing clay solids, and
using CMC or POLYPAC for viscosity and solids
suspension.

THERMEX™ or RESINEX is used for high

temperature-high pressure fluid loss.
 DURATHERM SYSTEM
(Continued)
Proper solids control is an absolute necessity.
Monitor fluid carefully for temperature stability. Can
be done by heat aging daily at 25°F above estimated
BHT.
Monitor clay solids content and maintain within the recommended ranges.
If a closed-loop solids control unit is used with this
system, the solids particle size and PV should to be
monitored closely and controlled within the proper
range by opening up the loop as necessary to dispose of
fine solids.
Dilution rates are to be monitored closely to insure that
proper chemical concentrations are maintained.
ENVIROTHERM
SYSTEM
This is a chrome-free, environmentally acceptable
water-base system designed for high temperature,
high pressure environments.

Stable in the presence of contaminates such a

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
(Continued)
Clays solids content (bentonite) is reduced in this
system as the density and temperatures increase.
Polymeric materials like CMC or POLYPAC replace
the bentonite to provide viscosity and gel strengths.

SPERSENECF (chrome-free lignosulfonate) is used

for fluid stability by preventing gelation and
flocculation while aiding in both the API and HPHT
fluid loss control.

TANNATHIN (lignite) reduces the fluid loss &

serves as a secondary deflocculant.
ENVIROTHERM SYSTEM
(Continued)
Thermal stability & fluid loss control is achieved by adding
THERMEX™ (a polymeric resin). THERMEX™ functions
synergistically with SPERSENE CF, providing stable
viscosity and fluid loss control.

Most chrome-free water base systems can be converted to an

ENVIROTHERM system by substituting SPERSENE CF for
SPERSENE .

Proper solids control is an absolute necessity.

Monitor temperature stability, clay solids content, solids

particle size and PV as mentioned in the DURATHERM
system.
 POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM

POLY-PLUS® SYSTEMS - designed to provide shale

stabilization (inhibition) and viscosity control in water-
base muds.
POLY-PLUS® - is a high molecular weight anionic
polymer which has multiple applications and benefits.
POLY-PLUS® is used in many applications:
Clear water drilling - acts as a total flocculant in
bentonite free systems by removing the drill solids.
Benefits are improved ROP, efficiency of solids control
equipment, and well bore stability.
POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)
Applications continued:

M-I GEL® extender : - in Low Solids Non-Dispersed

Systems. Benefits are lower solids content, increased
ROP, improved efficiency of solids control equipment,
and minimized hole enlargement.

LSND systems containing 8-12 ppb bentonite. Use 0.1-

0.5 ppb POLY-PLUS to increase the YP and minimize
the PV.
Conventional systems without POLY-PLUS usually
contain 25-35 ppb bentonite.
 POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)
The True Low Solids POLY-PLUS® SYSTEMS:

Used primarily for shale stabilization

Shale stabilization is achieved through encapsulation,

through viscosifying the water phase, and by the polymer
adsorbing free water.

Encapsulation - is the process by which POLY-PLUS®

wraps around the 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
(Continued)
POLY-PLUS® adsorbs water from the liquid phase,
reducing the amount of water available to enter the
clay structures.

The above is achieved by using POLY-PLUS® in 1-2

ppb concentration in this system.
At the above concentration, an excess concentration of
polymers exists. This results in the encapsulation of
reactive clays in the mud and on the wellbore wall. --
This is usually referred to as “controlling the viscosity
over the hump”.
POLY-PLUS System
PHPA Encapsulation
10 ppb Gel Slurry
AV

PHPA Concentration
 POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)
The stability of this system depends on maintaining the
polymer concentration at the proper range and controlling the
clay content to less than 6.0 percent.

If the polymer concentration is not maintained and the solids

concentration is allowed to increase above the proper range, the
viscosity will increase and anionic deflocculants (thinners) will
be required to stabilize fluid properties.

If deflocculants are required, shale stabilization and

encapsulation is reduced since the anionic sites of the
deflocculant compete with those of the polymer for the cationic
sites on the clays
POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)

Tackle® is the recommended deflocculant if one is

required, since it does not reduce the YP as much as
lignosulfonate or lignite.

Maximum density is 12-13 ppg due to solids

tolerance, unless deflocculants are used to stabilize
the flow properties
POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)

POLY-PLUS® - can be added directly to the

suction pit in concentrated amounts or added
to the drill pipe on connections.

Most drilling fluid systems can be converted to

a POLY-PLUS® System, but it is more desirable
to mix a clean system from scratch.
POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)
Displacement procedure:

To displace an existing system with a POLY-PLUS®

SYSTEM, shaker screens should be sized to prevent
loss of mud and polymer ( use larger mesh screens).

Fine shaker screens should replace the coarser

screens after one or two circulations.

A thick M-I GEL®/POLY-PLUS® spacer should be

used to achieve a clean displacement.
 POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)
Pump at a high pump rate (turbulent flow) to aid in
removing the old wall cake during displacement.

POLY-PLUS ® systems are sensitive to CALCIUM and

pH; therefore, if displacement to this system is to occur
at a casing point, the cement should be drilled and the
pressure integrity test(P.I.T.) or leak-off test should be
completed prior to displacement.

If cement must be drilled with the POLY-PLUS ®

system, prior arrangements should be made to reduce
pH and remove Calcium.
 POLY-PLUS® SYSTEM
(Continued)
POLYPLUS CONTAMINANTS:

pH, Calcium, & Solids

The high pH and calcium are the result of drilling
cement.
The high pH from the cement hydrolyzes the
polymer in the POLYPLUS SYSTEM and forms
ammonia gas
Calcium from the cement precipitates the polymer
out.
 MIXED METAL HYDROXIDE
SYSTEM (DRILPLEX)
This is a low solids, flocculated, cationic system
providing excellent hole cleaning and solids
suspension.

The key product is MMH (inorganic poly magnesium

aluminum hydroxyl).

Basic MMH/gel slurry has a low PV, high YP, high

fragile gels, and high FL.

MMH severely flocculates the hydrated and

dispersed clays to provide viscosity and gel strengths.
MIXED METAL HYDROXIDE
SYSTEM (Continued)

Starch is basically the only fluid loss control additive

compatible to this system since anionic materials such as
lignosulfonates, lignites, CMC, etc. drastically reduce the
YP, LSRV, and gels. Pilot testing is required prior to the
addition of materials to this system.

Starch is subject of fermentation. Therefore, a pH of 11.0 -

11.5 and a biocide are recommended in this system.

The system is solids sensitive. Therefore, the LGS should

be <5%.
The Maximum mud weight for this system is 14.0 ppb.
MIXED METAL HYDROXIDE
SYSTEM (Continued)
Typical Properties:

Density 8.8 - 14.0 ppg

FV 36 - 55 sec/qt
PV/YP see PV/YP Graph
Initial Gels 1 - 10 lb/100 sq ft
10 Min. Gels 2 - 10 lb/100 sq ft
Fluid Loss as required
pH 11.0-11.5
Pm 0.7 - 1.5 cc’s
Pf 0.7 - 1.8 cc’s
Calcium 100±
Chlorides(fresh water) 10 -15,000 mg/l
Chlorides(saltwater) 30 -40,000 mg/l
LGS <5%
MBT 10 - 20 ppb
MIXED METAL HYDROXIDE
SYSTEM (Continued)
Typical Products: Primary Function:

M-I BAR increase density

GELPLEX  viscosity & FL
Caustic Soda pH & Pf
DRILPLEX mmo viscosity
FLOPLEX starch fluid loss
POLYPAC UL fluid loss
THERMPAC UL fluid loss
BACBAN III or X-CIDE 102 biocide
 GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
This is an enhanced-polymer, water-base system using
polyglycol technology to provide shale inhibition, wellbore
stability, HTHP fluid loss, and lubricity.

The system is ideal for drilling depleted sands where

differential pressure sticking is a concern, in high-angle holes,
with reactive formations to provide wellbore stability, and
reduce torque and drag.

Other benefits include enhanced cuttings integrity, improved

filter cake, lower dilution rates, less hole enlargement, greater
solids tolerance, reduced bit balling, increased ROP, and is
environmentally acceptable due to it’s low toxicity and reduced
disposal cost.
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
CLOUD-POINT PHENOMENON:

This is the primary mechanism for inhibition and

stabilization.

CLOUD-POINT is the temperature at which polyglycol

changes from being totally soluble to insoluble.****
insoluble

At temperatures above the clould 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
(Continued)

GLYDRIL is a true system, engineered to exhibit

the full range of cloud points in a wide spectrum
of salinity and downhole temperature. Results are:

• In-gauge wellbores
• Lower fluid loss and leak-
off values
• Lower potential for
differential sticking
• Less torque, drag, and bit
balling
• Slicker, firmer filter-cakes
• Greater wellbore stability
Engineered cloud point behavior
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)

The TAME provides wellbore stability in three distinct

ways:

1. Through chemical adsorption

2. Through micro-emulsion and precipitate pore plugging

3. 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.
Better Drilling With Better Chemistry
(Continued)
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
Cloud Points

C lo u d P o in ts - G ly d ril M C v s G ly d ril G P , N a C l

250
T e mpe rature , de g. F

200

150

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25

% N aC l

3% G lydril G P 3% G lydril M C
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
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.
Glycol Activated Systems

Wellbore Stability - Gauge Hole

Low Dilution Rates - Less Waste
Reduced Bit Balling
Thin, low COF cakes - Less Torque
Wellbore

Filter Cake

Formation Clouded Glycol

 GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
There are several glycols available with a wide range
of cloud points. Systems are usually designed to find
the proper glycol required prior to drilling. Only the
proper glycol will be sent to the drill-site.

These poly-glycols are:

GLYDRIL™ GP (broad range clouding PAG blend)

GLYDRIL™ LC (low salinity clouding,<30,000 mg/l Cl)
GLYDRIL™MC (moderate salinity clouding, 30-90,000 mg/l Cl)
GLYDRIL™HC (high salinity clouding, >90,000 mg/l Cl)
GLYDRIL™100 (soluble poly-propylene)
 GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
Ways to lower the cloud point of poly-glycols:

1. Increase the molecular weight of the poly-glycol.

2. Increase the concentration of poly-glycol.

3. Increase the salinity of the water.

4. Increase the temperature.

This system, like other polymer systems, should be

mixed from scratch
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
To displace another system with a GLYDRIL™
system, shaker screens should be sized to prevent
losses, because this mud will initially flocculate
during the first circulation or two. Fine screens
should be installed as soon as possible after
displacement.

Use a viscous M-I GEL®/POLY-PLUS® spacer ahead

of the Poly-glycol Polymer System when displacing.
Also, if possible, pump in turbulent flow to help
remove old wall cake and aid in a clean
displacement.
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
Cement is detrimental to this system. Therefore, if
displacement occurs at a casing point, drill the
cement and complete a successful pressure
integrity test (P.I.T.) or leak-off test (L.O.T.) prior
to displacement.

If cement must be drilled with this system, prior

arrangements should be made to reduce the pH
with citric acid and treat the calcium out with
sodium bicarbonate.
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
Maintaining the system:

Monitor and maintain proper polymer

concentration.

Control the solids in the proper range.

Maintain proper concentrations and type of poly-

glycol to obtain TAME. This can be done by a two-
stage retort or by using a Hand Refractometer.

Maintain an MBT value of <25 ppb

GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
Typical Properties:

Density 8.8 - 17.0 ppg

FV 36 - 55 sec/qt
PV/YP see PV/YP Graph
Initial Gels 2 - 25 lb/100 sq ft
10 Min. Gels 5 - 50 lb/100 sq ft
Fluid Loss as required
pH 8.0 - 10.0
Pm 0.1 - 1.0 cc’s
Pf 0.1 - 1.0 cc’s
Calcium 100± mg/l
Chlorides 0-190,000 mg/l
LGS <5%
MBT <25 ppb
GLYDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
Typical Products: Primary Function:

M-I BAR increase density

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

SILDRIL Water-Base Mud Benefits

•Excellent shale & limestone/chalk inhibition

•Wellbore stability - both shale & carbonate formations
•Environmentally friendly
•Ease of handling (liquid mud pre-blends, bulk inventories)
•Engineering (easy to use once up & running)
•low cost advantage
SILDRIL™

SILDRIL systems are very flexible and are easy to

formulate. SILDRIL muds are composed of the
following:
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)

Silicate-base fluids were used decades ago. Now, proper

formulation and engineering design allow their successful use.
Sildril
Inhibition Mechanism

Ñ Silicates polymerize with reducing pH

Ñ Silicates precipitate with multi-valent cations
Ñ Precipitated/polymer silicates bridge shales
Ñ Silicates have affinity for metallic ions

Ñ Silicate fluids more stable

SILICATE INTERACTION WITH FORMATION AND
DRILL SOLID SURFACES
with salts .
. . .
FILTER CAK E .DEPOSITION
. .
. . ..
. . Si
.

Ñ Optimum inhibition at 6-
. . . . . .. . .
. . . . .
. ..
PHYSICAL .
& . . o H
CHEMICAL .

10 v/v% silicate with salt BA RRIER

TO
INVASION
H o
Si

CLAY PLATELETS

NON-CLAY PARTICLES
Enhancing Sildril Shale
Inhibition

100 KCl
NaCl
90
K2SO4
80 K2CO3
% SHALE RECOVERY

70
60

50
40
30
20
10
0
0 10 20 35
SALT CONCENTRATION, lb/bbl (with 8% SILDRIL)
 % Shale Recovery

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

FW/POLYMER
SILDRIL™

NaCl/PHPA

KCl/CaCl2/PAC

GLYCOL

GLYCOL/PHPA

GLYCOL
+ amine

some field applications

GLYCOL 2

SILDRIL

SILDRIL
+ GLYDRIL
SILDRIL
+ LUBRICANT
SILDRIL has been shown to equal oil-base mud inhibition quality in

Oil-base mud
Sildril
Inhibition Optimization

• Silicate Ratio: nSiO2 : Na2O

• Selection of Alkali Metal Oxide
• Concentration of Soluble Silicate
• Aw - Salinity
• pH
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)

Maintenance of the system:

Monitor the concentration of silicate, since the silicate is

depleted at high rates when drilling reactive shale. This
is necessary for the system to provide good inhibition.
(The optimum concentration of 50% active silicate in a
system is approximately 30 ppb.)

The silica-to-sodium ratio is important for shale

inhibition. Research indicates that ratio ranges of
2.4-1 to 2.8-1 are best.
 Sildril - Silicate Ratio -
Why 2.6?

Laboratory results
confirm the more Silica to Sodium Oxide Ratio
effective inhibition
performance of the 100%

“higher ratio” silicate. % RECOVERY (Foss Eikeland) 90%

80%
70%

The selection of the 2.4- 60%

50%
2.8 ratio is a 40%

compromise to obtain 30%

20%
the maximum 10%

inhibition with 0%
1.6 2.1 2.6 3.1
optimum solubility. Silicate Ratio (SiO2:Na2O)
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)
Inhibition of the SILDRIL™ system is
comparable to oil and synthetic base systems.

Further shale inhibition is achieved with

additions of GLYDRIL™ and NaCl or KCl.

GLYDRIL™ added to the system reduces the

coefficient of friction and extends the thermal
stability of the system to 280°F. Therefore, glycol
is recommended once the BHT reaches 190 °F or as
needed to reduce torque and drag.
SILDRIL™ SYSTEM
(Continued)

This system is not as solids tolerant as most

inhibitive systems and not recommend where
densities above 14.5 ppg are needed.

Temperature limitation: 280°F

The SILDRIL™ SYSTEM is high performance

system and is only recommended for difficult
wells containing water sensitive shales
SILDRIL will not ...

Ñ SOLVE A MECHANICAL STRESS PROBLEM

Ñ REPLACE GOOD DRILLING PRACTICE

SILDRIL requires …
• the proper mud weight
• adequate hydraulics
• effective hole cleaning
Sildril
Engineering Guidelines

9 5% to 8% of Na Silicate Solution (50% active)

used
9 pH very high - ( 11.5 to 12.5)
9 pH must be kept above 11.3
9 Ca++ and Mg++ contamination can drastically
effect rheology
9 Fluid Loss more difficult to control than similar
WBMs
9 Rheology requires slightly more polymer
 Sildril
Field Proven Benefits

• Maximum penetration rates

• Minimum down-time attributed to formation chemical
instability
• Minimal “bit balling” problems
• Caliper wellbore geometry for optimum cement jobs
• Excellent cuttings integrity for geology interpretation
and for effective removal by the solids control equipment
Sildril
Field Proven Benefits (Cont’d)

z High solids removal efficiency, comparable to invert

emulsion fluids
z Minimal environmental impact: uses all
“environmentally friendly” products
z Low dilution rates, which are also beneficial with
regard to waste control and management. This factor is
extremely important with regard to fluid design criteria
for onshore application.
z Ease of formation identification.
Sildril
Limitations

Ö As a Drill-In Fluid??
Ö Temperature Stability??
Ö Relatively Higher Coefficient of Friction
than Conventional Water Base Polymer
Systems
Ö Drilling Calcium or Magnesium Salts
Ö Requires Fluid Engineering
CALDRIL SYSTEM
APPLICATION
CALDRIL calcium chloride
systems are very inhibitive
water-base fluids used for
drilling highly reactive shales.
These fluids are formulated
with special polymers to pro-
mote cuttings encapsulation.
These fluids have application
in extreme deepwater environ-
ments.
CALDRIL™
Dual Inhibition Mechanism
„ CAL-CAP Encapsulating
Polymer
„ CaCl2 Brine
• 9.0 - 9.8 ppg Brine

CALDRIL systems are very

flexible and can be further
enhanced with GLYDRIL
glycol additives.
 CALDRIL™
Establishing The
Learning Curve
z BP-Amoco - 5 Wells
 Good Inhibition
 Major Screen Blinding
z Shell - 1 Well
 Good Inhibition
 Poor Hole Cleaning
 Poor rig Set-up
z Marathon - 2 Wells
 Good Inhibition
 Fair Rig Set-up
 Re-use of fluid a mistake
Our Experience….No Gumbo Related Problems!!
Most Recent Experience
z Conoco - 1 Well
 Excellent Inhibition
 No Gumbo Related Problems
 Excellent Rig Set-Up
z Millennium - 1 Well
 Excellent Rig Set-Up
 CALDRIL utilized in 3 hole
sections (programmed for 1)
 No Gumbo Related Problems
 Seepage losses currently being
investigated. Excellent
Inhibition
 CALDRIL™

CALDRIL systems have already been utilized in water depths

below 6,500 ft with the following reported results:
No gumbo attacks or gumbo-related
problems
Excellent hole stability during trips
BHA free of gumbo
No gumbo build-up in riser, wellhead, or
on bore protector
Casing strings run to bottom and
cemented with no problems
The key to efficient mud design…

Our chemical experts will

formulate optimum fluids
for YOUR well!

Results. When???