C-1 26” Interval : Spud Mud

MUD TYPE : Spud Mud

INTERVAL : 0 –600 ft

MUD PROPERTIES :

Properties Values Units

Mud Weight : 8.8-9.2 ppg

Funnel Viscosity : 65 - 70 Sec / Qt.
Plastic Viscosity : As low as possible
Yield Point : 25-30 lb/100ft2
API Fluid Loss : N.C
pH : 9.5-10
MBT : 25-30 ppb equivalent Bentonite

26” SECTION NOTES

The 30” conductor will be driven to +/- 180’ , clean out the conductor pipe using spud mud (Sea
water Prehydrated Gel) , the casing will be fully displaced to gel mud prior installing the diverter
system.

MUD SUSYTEM DISCUSSION

The spud mud for this interval will consists of Prehydrated Bentonite as a base. This system
provides high viscosity to clean the conductor pipe at low mud cost.

Note * Exact amount of Soda ash and Caustic soda required should be adjusted
after testing total hardness of drill water

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 1

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 C1 17 1/2” Interval : Spud
Mud

MUD TYPE : Spud Mud

INTERVAL : 600 ft – 3809 ft

MUD PROPERTIES :

Properties Values Units

Mud Weight : 8.8-9.8 ppg

Funnel Viscosity : 60-80 Sec / Qt.
Plastic Viscosity : As low as possible
Yield Point : 23-25 lb/100ft2
Gels : 5/12-8/17 lb/100ft2
API Fluid Loss : N.C-15 cc/30 min prior 13 3/8” casing
pH : 9.5-10
MBT : 20-25 ppb equivalent Bentonite
Total Hardness : < 400 mg/l

17 1/2” SECTION NOTES

The spud mud for this interval will consists of Prehydrated Bentonite as a base. This system
provides high viscosity to clean the conductor pipe at low mud cost.

The primary concern while drilling this interval will be efficient use of all solids control
equipment and maintaining optimum fluid & waste management. Monitor all solids control
equipment closely to determine the efficiency of equipment & to maintain low gravity
solids to a minimum.

Note * Exact amount of Soda ash and Caustic soda required should be adjusted
after testing total hardness of drill water

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 3

 C-1 17 1/2” Interval : Spud
Mud

MUD SUSYTEM DISCUSSION

17 ½” hole section will be drilled throughout pre Zeit formation which charecterized with
loose sand , gravel with minor interbeded clay streaks.

In view of the above, a mud system comprised of prehydrated bentonite as a base , with the
minimum possible mud weight and moderate fluid loss control will be the appropriate selection for
drilling this section.

This system provides a good hole cleaning capability required at low annular velocities. The
high filter loss of the system ensures the deposition of filter cake across the surface of loose
sands. The filter cake will help to stabilize the sands so that they do not slough into the hole.
Additionally the system is inexpensive and easily to maintain.

Filtration control will be moderately controlled initially with the prehydrated gel while drilling.,
additional control should be made when approaching the 13 3/8”casing point.
Chrome free lignosulphonate will be used as required to control rheology and provide filtration
control through the deflocculation of the bentonite.

Periodically flush the hole clean with hi viscous sweeps, the frequency of flushes will be depend on
the hole condition, Lime may be added to the hi vis sweeps to achive good and rapid viscosity prior
pumping to the hole.

As a general rule, the more prehydrated gel used in the sweeps and hole displacement, the more
effectively they will perform, However while using as much PHG as possible, care should be taken
not to use up all the available Bentonite and drill water before finishing the interval.

ANTICIPATED PROBLEMS

If partial loss of circulation is encountered, viscous pills comprising 20-40 ppb fine and medium
grade conventional fibrous LCM, to be spotted against the loss zone and allowed to squeeze under
the hydrostatic condition.
It is strongly recommended not to by pass the shale shakers as this will result in rapid increase to
the mud weight and consequently this will aggravate the losses.

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 4

 * Refer to the technical reference manual Section 3 for further details “ Lost Circulation”

C-1 17 1/2” Interval : Spud

Mud

MUD PROPERTIES DISCUSSION : -

 MUD WEIGHT:

Mud weight should be kept as low as possible to reduce the risk of loosing circulation either (partial
and seepage losses) to the unconsolidated formation at the top of the hole section , this can be
achieved by the use of all available solid’s removal equipment’s and the periodical dumping of the
sand trap.
It’s strongly recommended not increasing the mud weight unless hole conditions dictates.

 RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND HYDRAULICS :

The yield point is recommended to be maintained at the high side of the proposed range to improve
the mud carrying capacity due to the low annular velocity and consequently the poor hole cleaning
while drilling large hole diameters. If the yield point greatly exceed the proposed value this will
also increase the annulus pressure drop and the equivalent circulating density E.C.D which could
lead to loose returns.
Avoid loading the annulus with cuttings in case of high penetration rate by controlled drilling
practice to minimize the risk and tendency of loosing circulation

 API FLUID LOSS

Filtration control will be moderately controlled with the prehydrated gel, additional filtration
control will be required when approaching the 13 3/8” through the addition of good quality non
fermented starch.

 pH VALUE & ALKALINITY CONTROL

The pH value should be maintained at 9.5-10 range using pre dissolved NAOH in the chemical
barrel, the alkalinity agents improve the performance of the mud products as well as corrosion
prevention.

 MBT

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 5

The MBT of the mud should kept within the proposed range in order to promote the required
optimum hole cleaning and help in sealing of the porous top sand sections, if seepage losses were
encountered, a higher concentration of Bentonite should be considered.

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 6

C-1 12 1/4” Interval : Salt Saturated Polymer Mud

MUD TYPE : Salt Saturated Polymer

INTERVAL : 3809 ft – 10819 ft

MUD PROPERTIES :

Properties Values Units

Mud Weight : 9.8 – 13.5 ppg

Funnel Viscosity : 45-50 Sec / Qt.
Plastic Viscosity : As low as possible
Yield Point : 20-25 lb/100ft2
Gels : 5/12-8/15 lb/100ft2
API Fluid Loss : 6-3 cc/30 min
HPHT : 12-8 cc/30 min
pH : 9.5-10
MBT : 7 ½ - 10 ppb equivalent Bentonite
Chlorides : 176-179K mg/l
Total Hardness : < 400 mg/l

12 1/4” SECTION NOTES

The 13 3/8” casing shoe and shoe track will be drilled using mud remained from previous hole
section , the mud system will be converted to a Salt Saturated Polymer mud system prior the entry
of S.Gharib Formation .
As the hole will be directionally drilling, Kick off @ 4000’, the build up rate will be 2o/100’, angle
will be 37.63 o end of build up will be @ 5882’, the behavior of cuttings transport in deviated wells
is very different from that in vertical or very low angle wells, optimum hole cleaning is substantial as
cuttings tend to form the low side of high angle holes , high annular mud velocities are necessary in
order to limit cuttings bed formation under such conditions the highest annular velocity that will not
cause turbulent flow should be used to enhance the cutting transport, drill string rotation helps
cuttings transport as it knocks cuttings from the layer back into the mud system. Although turbulent
flow will maximize hole cleaning and minimize the formation of cutting beds, still responsible for
sever washouts and poor hole geometry.
Reciprocation and rotation of the drill string at high speed will mechanically helps knocking
and minimize the build up of cutting beds at the low side of the hole .

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 7

The low vis hi vis practice (Tandem Pills) is recommended while drilling to minimize the
formation of cutting beds in the low side of the hole.The pills should be monitored on the
shakers and the frequency of the pills should be adjusted accordingly.
As the hole will be highly deviated, we recommend to use Emec lube in the concentration of 3% by
volume in order to reduce the coefficient of friction to the lowest value as possible , this will aid to
enhance the performance of the drilling fluid and minimize torque and drag while drilling.

C-1 12 ¼” Interval : Salt Saturated Polymer Mud

MUD SUSYTEM DISCUSSION

The 12 ¼” hole section will be drilled throughout Zeit , South Gharib , Belayiem and top of Kareem
formations which characterized with Anhydrite , Salt , salt ,Shale and limestone.
In view of the above formations to be drilled , the Salt Saturated Polymer mud system had been
selected to drill out the long 12 ¼” hole section, the mud system offers good thixotropic
characteristics along with filtration control and reduce the dispersion & hydration of shales and
clay, the mud system is also adequate to drill massive salt formations with minimum possible
washouts.

Salt formation which is commonly encountered in the Gulf Of Suez area could in some cases
exhibit a creeping phenomenon which could lead to pipe sticking, and could be overcome by
pumping treated drill water pills , therefore the mud salinity should be closely monitored and
maintained all times to minimize the risk of pipe sticking problems through the salt.
Salt-water flow could be encountered while drilling this interval especially through the base of
South Gharib formation, therefore close monitoring of the pit level while drilling is substantial, and
the mud weight should be increased at the first sign of salt water flow encountered. Salt saturated
mud system are generally resistant to contamination from cement ,Gyp or Anhydrite , however
massive Anhydrie formation is expected to be drilled therefore continuos treatment with Caustic
Soda and Soda Ash is required to minimize the adverse effect of Calcium Sulfate to the mud
rheolgy and filtration properties.

Saturated Salt mud’s are generally charectized by foaming , the degree of foaming may be
decreased by increasing the alkalinity of the mud also the addition of bentonite can be successful in
reducing the foaming. A defoaming agent may @ 0.1-0.15 gal/bbl may be necessary.

Furter Shale inhibition may be required through The addition of Sulphonated asphalt or modified
gilsonites in the concentration of 3-5 lb/bbl through out the 12 1/4 hole section, it stabilize shale
formation by inhibiting disintegration of the shale both chemically and physically, inhibits the
dispersion of drilled solids, control filtration properties , reduce torque and drag and prolongs the bit
life.

As the hole will be highly deviated, we recommend to use EMEC lube N.T in the concentration of
3% by volume in order to reduce the coefficient of friction to the lowest value as possible , this will
aid to enhance the performance of the drilling fluid and minimize torque and drag while drilling.

DRILLING FLUIDS PROGRAM PAGE 8

 C-1 12 ¼” Interval : Salt Saturated Polymer Mud

MUD PROPERTIES DISCUSSION : -

 MUD WEIGHT

The mud weight should be maintained to the optimum level by utilizing the optimum use of all the
available solids removal equipment, the mud weight should not increased unless until the hole
condition dictates .Any mud weight increases should be dependent on hole conditions and should be
increased at the first of hole tightness or at any indications of packing off or pore pressure
indication.

 RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

The high annular velocity in the 12 1/4” hole will aid cuttings transport efficiently and will improve
hole cleaning. Avoid high yield points as it will have and adverse effect on bit hydraulics, high gel
strength that can lead to loss of circulation and hole swabbing problems while tripping.
The plastic viscosity should be kept as low as possible by the optimum use of all the available solids
removal equipment is to avoid excessive rheological properties.

 API FLUID LOSS

Tight control on the filtration properties to the value specified above will reduce the amount of Fluid
invasion into the formation and minimizing the sensitive formation to hydrate with the associate
mechanical problems.

 pH VALUE & ALKALINITY CONTROL

The pH value should be maintained at 9.5-10 range using pre dissolved NaOH in the chemical
barrel, the alkalinity agents improve the performance of the mud products as well as corrosion
prevention.

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