CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO NON-AQUEOUS FLUID (NAF)

A non-aqueous fluid or NAF might be defined as a drilling fluid which has a natural or
synthesized hydrophobic fluid or oil as its continuous or external phase and has water, if
present, as a dispersed or internal phase. The solids in a NAF are “oil” wet, all additives
are “oil” dispersible and the filtrate of the mud is specialized non-aqueous base fluid
(NABF) or “oil”. The water, if present, is emulsified in the “oil” phase, or we can call it,
NABF phase.

1.1 TYPES OF NON-AQUEOUS FLUID

There are two basic classifications of NAF;
 Invert emulsion NAF
 Water free NAF
The amount of water present will describe the type of NAF. The base fluids used can
range from crude oil, refined oils such as diesel, mineral oils, olefins and paraffin, to the
non-petroleum organic fluids i.e. esters that are currently available and silicone oils. The
latter type fluids - variously called inert fluids, pseudo oils, non-aqueous fluids and
synthetic fluids - are considered more environmentally acceptable than diesel or mineral oil
based NAF.
Conventional all-oil mud (water-free NAF) has a non-aqueous external phase but they
are designed to be free of water when formulated or in use. Since water is not present,
asphaltic, polymeric, or lignitic type materials may be required to control the fluid loss and
viscosity.

1.2 APPLICATIONS OF NON-AQEOUS DRILLING FLUIDS

NAF offer many advantages over water based mud. The high initial cost of the oil
based mud can be a factor in not selecting this type of mud system. However, if the overall
drilling costs are considered, the costs accompanying the use of an oil mud are usually
less than that for a water mud. Some of the applications of oil-based mud will be described
below.

1.2.1 Shale Stabilization

NAF are most suited for drilling water sensitive shale. Formulated with the proper
salinity, NAF can prevent water movement from the mud into the shale. In some cases,
water can actually be drawn from the shale and could result in strengthening. However, it
is also possible to draw too much water from the shale, with too high a salinity, and cause
shale to be less stable. It is desirable to have enough salinity to prevent water migration
into the shale but not to allow dehydration of the shale. This is the “balanced activity”
concept. The required salinity is usually determined through field experience. Shale cores
that have not been altered by the oil mud are necessary to accurately determine the
salinity requirements.

1.2.2 Optimize Rate of Penetration

NAF, as a general rule, deliver faster ROP than WBM while providing improved shale
stability. Relaxed filtrate invert emulsions usually have high oil to water content and some
of the additives used to control fluid loss are omitted. These systems do not use the

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 1

 primary emulsifiers, which have been shown to reduce drilling rate, and they do not have
the same temperature stability as conventional NAF. The relaxed type NAF are especially
suited to drilling with PDC bits.

1.2.3 High Temperature Wells

NAF have the ability to drill formations where bottom hole temperatures exceed water
base mud tolerances, especially in the presence of contaminants. NAF have been used at
temperatures approaching 550° F. NAF can be formulated to withstand high temperatures
over long periods of time, unlike water mud, which can break down and lead to loss of
viscosity and fluid loss control, as well as corrosion.

1.2.4 Drilling Salts

Invert NAF will provide gauge hole and do not leach out salt. The addition of salt to the
water phase will prevent the salt from dissolving into the emulsified water phase. Water-
based mud, even up to saturation and over saturation does not assure that the salts will
not be leached out.

1.2.5 Coring Fluids

Special NAF provide a native state coring fluid with minimum wettability changes.
These fluids are usually water-free and thus require only a minimal content of emulsifiers.
Oil mud emulsifiers are very strong oil-wetting agents and can cause oil-wetting of the
formation. Oil-based coring fluids will not introduce any water into the core, so
determination of water saturation can be more accurately determined.

1.2.6 Packer Fluids

Oil mud packer fluids are designed to be stable over long periods of time and when
exposed to high temperatures. NAF provide long term stable packer fluids under
conditions of high temperature since the additives are extremely temperature stable. Since
oil is the continuous phase, corrosion is almost negligible compared to water base mud
under the same conditions. Properly formulated, oil mud packer fluids can suspend
weighting material over long periods of time.

1.2.7 Lubricity in Deviated Wells

The high lubricity offered by NAF makes them especially suited for highly deviated and
horizontal wells.

1.2.8 Differential Sticking

An oil mud has a thin filter cake and the friction between the pipe and the wellbore is
minimized, thus reducing the risk of differential sticking.

1.2.9 Low Pore Pressure Formations

The ability to drill low pore pressure formations is more easily accomplished with NAF
as the mud weight can be maintained at a density less than water with densities as low as
7.5 lb/gal being achieved.

1.2.10 Corrosion Control

Corrosion of metal is controlled since oil is the external phase and coats the pipe. NAF
offer exceptional corrosion protection due to the nonconductive nature of the oil, and

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 2

 corrosion cells cannot develop since the metal surfaces are oil wet. The products used in
oil mud are very thermally stable and do not degrade to produce corrosive products.
Bacteria do not thrive in NAF.

1.2.11 Hydrate Formation Prevention

There is a greater risk of forming gas hydrates in WBM than NAF. Gas hydrates are,
relatively, stable solids that can plug lines and valves. They form under certain conditions
of pressure and temperature in the presence of free gas and water. These conditions can
occur during critical well control operations and may present a risk to operations,
especially in deep water. For this reason, chemicals, salt, methanol, and/or glycol, are
often added to WBM used for deepwater wells to prevent hydrate formation. The water
phase of a NAF does not normally contribute to hydrate problems, because it is present in
a relatively low concentration (20% or less by volume) and it generally has a high salt
content, primarily for shale inhibition.

1.2.12 Re-Cycling
NAF are well suited to being recycled and reused as they can be stored for long
periods of time. The oil mud can be conditioned before being used again by reducing the
drill solids content with mechanical removal equipment instead of relying on dilution.

1.3 DISADVANTAGES OF NON-AQEOUS DRILLING FLUIDS

 The initial cost of oil mud is high, especially formulations based on mineral or
synthetic fluids. The high cost can be offset by oil mud buyback or leasing from the
mud service company.
 Kick detection is reduced compared to that of water-based mud due to high gas
solubility in the oil phase.
 NAF are costly when lost circulation occurs.
 Greater emphasis is placed on environmental concerns when using NAF as related
to discharge of cuttings, loss of whole mud and disposal of the oil mud.
 Special precautions should be taken to avoid skin contact which may promote
allergic reactions. Inhalation of fumes from NAF can be irritating.
 NAF can be damaging to the rubber parts of the circulating system and preclude the
use of special oil resistant rubber.
 NAF pose potential fire hazards due to low fl ash points of vapors coming off the oil
mud. Mineral oils and synthetic base fluids typically have higher fl ash points than
diesel and crude oils. Crude oils should be “weathered” before using in NAF.
 Additional rig equipment and modifications are necessary to minimize the loss of
NAF.
 Electric logging must be modified for use in NAF. NAF are nonconductive therefore
resistively measuring logs will not work in NAF (SP, resistivity, Dipmeters). Imaging
logs (FMI) are also less effective in an oil mud.
 NAF require emulsifiers that are very powerful oil-wetting materials, which can also
change the wettability of the rock to an oil-wet condition.
 NAF type muds are more compressible than water mud, and, therefore, the
downhole density may vary considerably from that measured at the surface.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 3

CHAPTER 2 NON-AQUEOUS BASE FLUIDS

2.1 TYPES OF NON-AQUOUS BASE FLUIDS

There are three main types of invert emulsion mud systems, based on the chemical
composition of the base fl uid in the mud. These are oil based mud(OBM), enhanced
mineral oil based mud (EMOBM), and synthetic based mud (SBM).

2.1.1 Oil base mud (obm)

OBM contain diesel fuel or conventional mineral oil as the continuous phase. They are
the least expensive invert emulsion systems and were the only ones in use until the late
1980s. Mineral oils were developed as low-toxicity replacements for diesel fuel in the OBM
in an attempt to reduce the environmental impacts of discharge of OBM contaminated drill
cuttings.

2.1.2 Enhanced mineral oil base mud (emobm)

EMOBM contains an enhanced mineral oil as the continuous phase. Enhanced
mineral oils are conventional paraffinic mineral oils that have been hydrotreated or
otherwise purified to remove all aromatic hydrocarbons.
Enhanced mineral oils generally contain less than about 0.25 percent total aromatic
hydrocarbons and less than 0.001 weight percent total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
One of the enhanced mineral oils evaluated contained less than 1 mg/L benzene. Aromatic
hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are considered to be the most
toxic components of OBM.

2.1.3 Synthetic base mud (sbm)

In order to really define “synthetic”, as it applies to drilling fluids, it is necessary to
review the non-aqueous fluid (NAF) offshore disposal regulations as legislated in several
parts of the world. This includes NADF regulations from Europe (OSPAR, 2000), the
United States (USEPA, 2001), Canada (CNOSP, 2002), and Australia (DoIR, 1999). Also
included is a review of NADF by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers
(OGP, 2003).

2.2 PROPERTIES OF BASE FLUIDS

The properties of base fluid s can have a significant effect upon the physical properties
of the oil mud. The properties of the oil which are tested are:

2.2.1 Flash Point - A measure of the volatility of the base fluid. The higher the flash
point of the oil, the less likely the oil mud will catch fire. The flash point of oil will change
with age as the more volatile components of the oil vaporize into the atmosphere. In
practice, once the oil is incorporated into an invert mud, the water phase provides an
extinguishing effect greatly increasing flash points. The flash point of the oil should be
greater than 150° F.

2.2.2 Aniline Point - This is defined as the minimum equilibrium solution

temperature for equal volumes of aniline and solvent which, in the case of invert

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 4

 emulsions, is the base fluid. The aniline point relates to the percentage of aromatics in the
base fluid - the lower the aromatic content the higher will be the aniline point.
In general high aniline point, and therefore low aromatic content oils are desirable to
minimize damage to rubber parts in pumps and downhole tools. This is a simplification as
other factors, particularly temperature are involved in the deterioration of rubber. The
aniline point should be at least 140° F. Certain oil mud products such as the organoclay
viscosifier are affected by the amount of aromatic components in the base fluid. As the
aromatic content is decreased, more viscosifier will generally be required or a different
viscosifier will have to be used.

2.2.3 Kinematic Viscosity - In general, base fluids which exhibit low viscosity within
a stipulated temperature range are preferred as they allow reductions of mud viscosity with
dilution if required. High viscosity oils tend to form viscous mud especially at low
temperatures (e.g., in marine risers) which impair hydraulics efficiency and can cause
induced fracturing of formations and increased oil retention on cuttings. Crude oils usually
have very high viscosities because of higher asphaltic components, whereas the refined
oils have considerably lower viscosities. Addition of brine and solids to oil increases its
viscosity substantially, but the viscosity of any mud is generally proportional to the viscosity
of the base fluid.

2.2.4 Aromatic Content -A measure of the quantity of aromatics or benzene-like

compounds in the oil. These are the compounds that will affect the toxicity of the base fluid
with the higher content of aromatics, the more toxic the oil mud will be. Most of the mineral
oils and synthetics now used in NAF have aromatic content less than 1% by weight. Other
factors such as sulphur content affect toxicity.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 5

CHAPTER 3 NON-AQUEOUS FLUID ADDITIVES

3.1 Primary & Secondary Emulsifiers

These products reduce the surface tension between immiscible liquids to allow the
formation of dispersions.

Besides lowering surface tension the emulsifiers stabilize the dispersion by adsorption
of emulsifier molecules at the oil/water interface forming a skin around the discrete
droplets. This skin forms a physical barrier preventing coalescence on inter-particle
collision. The stability of an invert emulsion increases with increasing viscosity of the
continuous (oil) phase as the frequency of collisions between internal phase droplets
decreases. Calcium soaps are generally the primary emulsifier in NAF. These are made in
the mud by the reaction of lime and long chain, C-16 to C-22, fatty acids. Soap emulsions
are very strong emulsifying agents but take some reaction time before emulsion is actually
formed. Wetting agents prevent solids from becoming water wet while the emulsion is
forming. Secondary emulsifiers are very powerful oil wetting chemicals. Generally these
products do not form emulsions as well as the primary emulsifiers, but oil wet solids before
the emulsion is formed. They are used to readily emulsify any water intrusions quickly.

3.2 Oil Wetting Agents

Oil wetting agents are added to NAF to prevent the water wetting of drilled solids and
barite. Water wet solids in NAF tend to agglomerate, blinding shale shaker screens and
settling out in mud pits. Most oil wetting agents consist of a negatively charged phosphate
group attached to a positively charged quaternary amine. The phosphate group has a non
polar hydrocarbon tail which dissolves in the oil phase. Most metal and minerals carry
negative surface charges which attract the positively charged amine group. The oil
attached to the non polar end of the molecule is thus attached to the metal or mineral
surface.
Since the majority of un-dissolved solids are contained in the continuous NABF phase
of an invert, the fluid’s solids tolerance can be increased by increasing the oil/water ratio. It

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 6

 follows that significant increases in density (i.e., weighting agents) should generally be
accompanied by increases in oil/ water ratio.
Note: A balance must be found between emulsification and oil wetting, since if
emulsification is too strong, oil wetting may not be adequate and if the oil wetting action is
too strong excessive oil will be lost on cuttings.

3.3 Fatty Acid Emulsifiers and Lime

Lime, Ca(OH)2 is added to form calcium soaps with tall oil fatty acid type emulsifiers
3.3.1 The Role of Lime in OBM

Calcium soaps do not offer stability in the presence of magnesium or acid gas
contamination and are no longer generally used without addition of oil wetting agents or
other more powerful emulsifiers. New generations of non-soap emulsifiers do not require
lime. Lime, however, is helpful to rapidly stabilize properties, particularly HTHP filtrate
control, at elevated temperatures. A high alkalinity is maintained in the water phase to
provide a degree of safety and stability in the presence of acid gas influxes.

3.4 Organophilic Clay

While some viscosity is imparted to invert emulsion by the water droplets in the
internal phase, the key rheological profile is obtained from the addition of clay. Untreated
clays such as montmorillonite and hectorite will not readily disperse or yield in the non
polar environment of the NABF phase. Clays are pre-reacted with oil wetting agents,
aliphatic amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts to form a clay-organic product which
can be dispersed in oil. High levels of shear are required to develop full yield and viscosity
from these clays. This is initially only partially achieved in mud plants using vigorous
blending with centrifugal pumps. Complete yield is most rapidly obtained by circulation
through the drilling bit nozzles. Montmorillonite is most commonly used and is compatible
with diesel and mineral oils up to 350oF. For temperatures above 325oF, especially in
synthetic fluid and mineral oil formulations, hectorite based clay should be used.

3.5 Polymeric Viscosifier

Polymeric viscosifiers are additives that increase the viscosity of NAF in the presence
of organophilic bentonite, especially when the organophilic bentonite performance is
reduced by high temperatures; they work up to 400oF. High molecular weight sulphonated
polystyrene becomes effective only when the temperature exceeds 250oF.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 7

 3.6 Rheological Modifiers
Rheological modifiers are low molecular weight fatty acids which provide an increase
in viscosity at low shear rates, 3 and 6 rpm. Barite can “sag” or slide down the hole,
especially on deviated wells; these additives will aid in minimizing or eliminating this “sag”
providing there is a good base rheology from organophilic clays. Increases in total mud
viscosity are minimized when using these additives.

3.7 Amine Lignite

Lignite is treated in a similar process to clays to make it dispersible in oil. High
temperature filtration control is improved by plugging of the filter cake by the lignite
particles. It can be used at high concentrations without causing excessive viscosities (20
lb/bbl +/-).

3.8 Asphaltic Fluid Loss Additives

Asphaltic fluid loss additives generally consist of gilsonite or asphalt derivatives.
Gilsonite has high temperature stability (400° F) whereas asphalt is not as temperature
stable (250° F). High concentrations can cause excessive viscosity and gelation of the
mud. Treatment level will not usually exceed 15 lb/bbl.

3.9 The Internal Water Phase

Water, or more commonly, brine is dispersed throughout the continuous oil phase in
the form of discrete droplets ranging in size from submicron to a few microns in diameter.
In general, the tighter the emulsion, the smaller will be the droplets. These droplets
perform as a solid in the fluid imparting basic viscosity and filtration control. The viscosity
of an emulsion increases with increase in the proportion of the dispersed phase. By
calculation the maximum packing of spheres of uniform diameter is 74% of the gross
volume. This can however be exceeded, as the droplets are not of uniform size and are
deformable. It is largely this deformable nature that produces the filtration characteristics of
invert emulsions.
In practice this maximum packing is not approached. Some 40:60 OWR inverts have
been run successfully in the field (at low mud weights). If the continuous oil phase is of
relatively low volume (i.e. 60/40 compared to 85/15) there is little room for insoluble solids
i.e., these systems offer poor solids tolerance. Water in the internal phase is not
completely isolated from the formation but may interact by osmotic movement of water
across the layers of surfactants between the oil and water phases. An efficient osmotic
membrane, or semi-permeable membrane, offers little resistance to transit by water, but
restricts movement of solutes, especially salts and high molecular weight sugars.

3.10 Weighting Agents

Weighting agents are used to increase the density of the oil mud. The most commonly
used weighting agent is barite. A mud weight of around of 21.0 lb/gal is the highest
achievable with barite. Hematite, with a S.G. of 5.0 can also be used to increase the
density of the oil mud. A mud weight of around 24.0 lb/gal can be achieved with fi ne grind
hematite. For the same mud weight, the solids content of the oil mud weighted with
hematite will have lower solids content than weighted with barite because of the higher
S.G. of the hematite.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 8

 3.11 The Role of Salt (CaCl2 or NaCL) in OBM
To prevent hydration of clays, reduce volume of high cost oil phase and activate
organophilic day

This layer acts as a semi permeable membrane which will allow any imbalance in
osmotic pressure to equalize by movement of water molecules. Essentially the tendency
will be for strong brines to be diluted by the intake of water molecules from lower salinity
fluids. Consequently, salts are added to the water phase of inverts in attempts to prevent
undesirable osmotic movement of water. If the brine is of higher salinity than the formation,
interstitial water will be drawn from the formation which may cause dehydration and
instability. In practice this is not as significant a problem as water transfer from the invert
brine phase to the formation which can destabilise clays/shales by hydration.
Salinity levels actually correspond to the relative humidity (RH) or activity of the brines
and this process of adding salt to invert brine to equal the RH of the in situ formation brine
is known as balanced activity.

Calcium chloride is usually selected to adjust brine phase activity. Activities as low as
0.32 can be achieved with saturated CaCl2. Osmotic pressure in excess of 10,000 psi has
been achieved and measured. Saturated sodium chloride has an RH of 0.75 and
consequently offers less flexibility.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 9

 3.12 Continuous Oil Phase
Almost any NABF can be used as the external phase of an invert emulsion. Historically
for drilling fluid purposes the most common oil used was diesel oil. Increasing
environmental awareness has resulted in the replacement of diesel by mineral oils of low
aromatic content referred to by the general term “low toxicity” oils or synthetic oils. It is the
oil phase that accommodates all the insoluble solids. As plastic viscosity is directly related
to inter-particle action of these insoluble solids it follows that for a given solids content,
higher oil/water ratios will produce lower plastic viscosities.

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CHAPTER 4 NON-AQUEOUS FLUID PROPERTIES

4.1 Mud Weight and Solids Content

In a correctly formulated oil mud drilled solids will not hydrate or chemically disperse.
Fine solids can still be produced by mechanical attrition. This being the case use of
centrifugal pumps must be minimized. Centrifuges should be fed by positive displacement
pumps and mud cleaners should not routinely be used. The recent development of vortex
type centrifugal pumps may in future alter this approach as attrition by an impeller does not
occur in this type of pump. In the non polar environment of oil continuous fluid polar
actions between charged particles cannot occur; consequently all solids essentially
become inert. This is why NAF generally exhibit far better solids tolerance than water
based mud. Even so it is still essential to control low gravity solids to:

 Minimize chemical additions - the mechanical degradation of solids produces

large surface areas with a high requirement for surfactants.
 Minimize plastic viscosities - again the attrition of drilled solids produces
increased mechanical interaction of solids within the oil phase which in turn produces
increased plastic viscosities.
 Reduce the necessity for centrifuging and reconditioning in mud plant.
Disposal of centrifuge discard is becoming increasingly difficult on land.

It is important to remember that as virtually all non dissolved solids are contained in
the continuous oil phase of an invert emulsion increased solids tolerance and improved
flow properties are achieved with increased oil/water ratio. Consequently, when high mud
weights are required or when particularly good rheology (i.e., high YP/PV ratio) is required
for efficient cleaning of deviated holes, a high oil/water ratio must be selected. Mud weight
in NAF is temperature dependent - for instance a fluid with a weight of 10.2 lb/gal at 80o F
can be expected to be +/- 10.0 lb/gal at a flow line temperature of 140o F. This is due to
the high thermal expansion of the base fluid used in the formulation of the fluid. Under
downhole conditions this decrease in mud weight with temperature is largely overcome by
increases in density with pressure.

4.2 Plastic Viscosity

In water based fluid plastic viscosity, PV, is directly related to the solids content. In an
oil mud however this relationship is complicated by the brine droplets of the internal phase
that have a similar effect as solids. For a given yield point the PV will effectively find its
own level and significant reductions can best be achieved by increasing the oil content,
hence reducing inter-particle action, i.e., of water droplets and drill solids. While drilling
ahead a judicious combination of centrifuging and dilution should be used to control the
plastic viscosity. Eventually solids will be broken down by attrition to below the cut point of
the centrifuge and dilution with base fluid or newly formulated mud is the only means of
subsequently reducing this parameter.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 11

 4.3 Yield Point
The yield point, YP, as with all other rheological parameters is measured at 120o F.
Increases are made with organophilic clay which is specially treated to be dispersible in
the continuous oil phase. To avoid over treatment with viscosifier it should be remembered
that organophilic clays may, depending upon type and shear conditions, take a
considerable time to fully yield. While it is of course necessary to ensure that the yield
point is sufficiently high to promote efficient hole cleaning, it should also be remembered
that unnecessarily high viscosities can cause excessive pump pressures and inefficient
solids separation. This in turn results in increases in oil retention on cuttings and dilution
requirements. Reduction of YP can be achieved with oil mud thinners or base fluid
additions.

4.4 Low Shear Rheology

The importance of maintaining good low shear rheology (6 RPM readings) increases
with increasing hole deviation. Cuttings which tend to settle on the low side of the hole will
only be removed efficiently by a fluid with high low 6 RPM readings, or by a fluid in
turbulent flow.

4.5 High Temperature/High Pressure Filtrate

Filtration control in NAF is largely related to emulsion stability. The emulsified water
droplets act as colloidal solids that deform under pressure and, in conjunction with solids in
the fluid, form effective filter cakes. The HTHP filtrate should be all oil. However, by
running the test 25o F above BHT and accepting a trace of water in the filtrate over
treatment is avoided.
The theory is that if only a trace of water is in the filtrate at, say, 250o F the filtrate at a
lower temperature would be all oil. If no water was present at 250o F the fluid could be
considered to be over specification and therefore over treated. Specifically designed
products such as amine treated lignite are available should particularly low filtrate rates be
required. The standard test is at 250o F and 500 psi differential pressure. An occasional
test should be run at a lower temperature, say 200o F, to confirm that an all oil filtrate is
produced at prevailing down hole temperatures. If BHT exceeds 250o F perform standard
tests at 300o F with check test for water in filtrate at 250o F.

4.6 Oil/Water Ratio

The prime consideration when selecting an oil/water ratio is, as previously explained,
mud weight. Other factors should be considered; primarily the likelihood of water or brine
influxes. Sufficient oil should be in the system to accommodate such influxes. Low
oil/water ratio fluid s may offer the benefits of lower cost and marginally lower oil retention
on cuttings, they are however less tolerant to solids and brine/water influxes.
High oil/water ratios are selected for highly deviated wells to provide maximum lubricity
and to provide the high YP/PV ratio required to ensure efficient hole cleaning.

4.7 Alkalinity and Excess Lime

Claims are made that many modern emulsification packages do not require lime to
function correctly. There is however strong field evidence to show that lime does improve
product function particularly at high BHT, above 300o F. Lime is also added to buffer the
system against influxes of the acid gases H2S and CO2. Generally an excess lime content

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 12

 of 3 lb/bbl is sufficient but if hydrogen sulphide is expected this should be increased to 5
lb/bbl.

4.8 Electrical Stability

Known as ES, this test measures the voltage required to break down the continuous
oil phase and allow the passage of current across two electrodes via the brine phase.
Stability is related to the size of brine droplets which in turn is related to the concentration
of emulsifier present and the energy, shear, applied to the emulsion. Different NAF fluid s
exhibit markedly different ES levels and it
is difficult to specify a definitive minimum value. Essentially this test should be used in
conjunction with the HTHP filtrate test to establish adverse trends in the emulsion stability
allowing corrective treatment to be undertaken. This test becomes particularly unreliable
when drilling massive salt sections because the salt suspended in the fluid interferes with
conductivity.

4.9 Oil Wetting

The major advantage of continuous oil phase fluid s is that formations are only
contacted by the non polar oil. Most emulsifiers supply a degree of oil wetting and many
invert formulations include a specific oil wetting agent. Should sufficient oil wetting
surfactants not be present in a system problems may occur when drilling water wet
formations. Water wet cuttings can be generated and may associate through polar action
to produce high viscosities, solids settling and blinding of shaker screens. Similar problems
can occur if insufficient surfactant is present to satisfy the surface requirements of barite
additions. In general the addition of emulsifiers and wetting agent will thin an invert
containing water wet solids. Avoid over treatment as excessive thinning of rheology may
occur.

4.10 Salinity
Salinity Measurements of calcium and sodium chloride are performed on the whole
mud. Un-dissolved calcium chloride can cause water wetting problems and should be
dissolved by adding water or oil mud premix with no salt in the water phase. Insoluble
sodium chloride can be reduced in the same manner, but it does not cause water wetting
of solids.

4.11 Sulphides
Sulphides in the oil mud are measured with the Garrett gas train. A sample of whole
mud is used instead of filtrate. Zinc oxide is the preferred compound to treat for soluble
sulphides. Increased lime additions are also necessary when H2S is present.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 13

CHAPTER 5 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF NON-AQEUOUS DRILLING
FLUIDS
API-13B (Recommended Practice Standard Procedure for Field Testing Oil-Based Drilling
Fluid) provides standard procedures for the testing of oil-based drilling fluids.

5.1 WHOLE MUD ALKALINITY (Pom)

The whole mud alkalinity test procedure is a titration method which measures the volume of
standard acid required to react with the alkaline (basic) materials in an oil mud sample. The
alkalinity value is used to calculate the pounds per barrel un-reacted “excess” lime in an oil
mud. Excess alkaline materials, such as lime, help to stabilize the emulsion and also
neutralize carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide acidic gases
Procedure:
 Take 100 ml of Xylene-isopropyl alcohol mixture in beaker.
 Put beaker on a magnetic stirrer.
 Fill 5ml syringe with oil mud.
 Add 2ml oil mud into beaker.
 Stir medium for 5 minutes.
 Add 200 ml distilled water in beaker.
 When three layers are visible add 15 drops of phenolphthalein.
 Pink colour will appear.
 Stir rapidly.
 Titrate with 0.1N H2SO4 until pink colour disappears.
 Continue stirring.
 If pink colour doesn’t reappear within 1 min, it is end point.
 Let sample stand for 5 min.
 If pink colour reappears titrate with H2SO4 for a second time.
Calculation:
Alkalinity (whole mud), VSA = 0.1 N sulfuric acid, cm3
mud sample, cm3
Excess lime (lb/bbl) = Pom x 1.295

5.2 WHOLE MUD CHLORIDE

The whole mud chloride test procedure is a titration method which measures the
volume of standard silver nitrate required to react with the chloride (and other halide) ions
to form insoluble silver chloride (or silver halide) salts. The test procedures can utilize the
same sample as the alkalinity test provided the sample is acidic @H below 7.0). The
chloride value reported in the whole mud can be assigned to the water phase up to the
saturation point. The water soluble salt concentration is related to the effectiveness of an
oil mud in controlling shale through the “aqueous phase activity” concept. The water phase
salinity value is also needed to adjust the retort water value to obtain corrected solids
content for the oil mud.
Procedure:
 Continue with same sample of Alkalinity test.
 Continue stirring.
 Add 15 drops of Potassium Chromate.
 Titrate with 0.282N AgNO3.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 14

  End Point is first colour change.
Calculation:
Chloride (whole mud), CloM = CL mg .
oil mud sample, L
Cl-(ppm) = ml of AgNO3 x 10,000 / ml mud

5.3 CALCIUM
The whole mud calcium test is a titration method which measures the volume of a standard
calcium-chelating agent (EDTA, Versenate, or equivalent) required to react with all the
calcium (and other water soluble alkaline earth ions) released from the oil mud into the
aqueous phase when a mixture of solvents is used to extract the oil mud. The calcium
measured in this test can come from the calcium chloride, CaCl 2, and lime Ca0 or Ca(OH)2,
used to prepare the oil mud, but some calcium could come from drilled-up gypsum or
anhydrite (CaSO4,). The calcium analysis results can be used, along with the chloride and
water content tests, to calculate the CaCl2 and NaCl salinity of the mud‘s aqueous phase.
Note: This calcium analysis excludes Magnesium (Mg +2) ion. No such API procedure now
exists. If Mg+2 is expected, special calcium and magnesium ion titration and calculation
procedures should be arranged by the mud engineer and / operator.
Procedure:
 Take 100 ml of Xylene-isopropyl alcohol mixture in beaker.
 Putt beaker on a magnetic stirrer.
 Fill 5ml syringe with oil mud.
 Add 2ml oil mud into beaker.
 Stir medium for 5 minutes.
 Add 200 ml distilled water in beaker.
 Add 3ml 1N NaOH buffer solution.
 Stir rapidly.
 Add 0.2 g Calver II indicator powder.
 Titrate with 0.1M EDTA until blue green colour appears.
 Stop stirrer.
 3 layers will be visible.
Calculation:
Ca+2 (ppm) = ml of EDTA used* 4000
ml mud

5.4 ELECTRICAL STABILITY

 Take Mud sample in Mud Cup.
 Immerse electrical probe into mud.
 Hand stir sample with probe for 10 sec.
 Probe should not touch the sides or bottom of Mud Cup.
 When displayed value stabilizes, record it.
 Clean electrical probe and repeat test.
 Record average of two as Electrical Stability.

5.5 EXAMPLE OF CALCULATIONS FOR OIL MUD ANALYSIS

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 15

 5.5.1-Total Lime Content (LimeOM), VSA= cm3 0.1N sulfuric acid
cm3 mud
LimeOM = 1.295(VSA)
LimeOM =1.295(2.6)=3.4 lb/bbl Ca(OH)2

5.5.2-Whole Mud Salinities (ClOM, CaCl2OM), VSN= cm3 0.282N silver nitrate
cm3 oil mud sample
CIOM =(10, 000)(VSN)
CIOM =10, 000(5.8)=58, 000 mg/L Chloride
CaCl2OM = 1.57(CIOM)
CaCl2OM =1.57(58, 000)=91, 060 mg/L CaCl2

5.5.3-Aqueous Phase Salinity - weight percent

Information needed: Retort water %, VW
Weight %, salt is assumed to be CaCl2:
WC = . 100(91, 000) . =26.7 wt% CaCl2
(91, 000)+ 10, 000(25.0)

5.5.4. Aqueous Phase Salinity - parts per Million

Information needed: Weight percent CaCl2, WC
CaCl2 = 10,000 (26.7) = 267,000 ppm

5.5.5. Aqueous Phase Salinity - milligram per liter

Information needed: CaCl2 brine density
rB = 0.99707+0.007923(26.7)+0.00004964(26.7)2
= 1.24 g/cm3
CaCl2 =(CaCl2, ppm)(rB)
= 266, 000(1.24) g/cm3
= 329, 840 mg/L CaCl2

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 16

 5.5.6. Oil/Water Ratio - O/W
Information needed: Raw Data from retort, VO, VW
Oil % in O/W = 100(59.5) =70.4
59.5 + 25.0
Water % in O/W= 100(25.0) =29.6
59.5 + 25.0
O/W=Oil % Water % =70/30
5.5.7. Oil/Brine Ratio - O/B
Information needed: Corrected Retort Water, VB
VB = 100(25.0) =27.5 vol%
1.24(100 – 26.7)
Oil % in O/B = 100(59.5) =68.4
59.5 + 27.5
Brine % in O/B= 100(27.5) =31.6
59.5 + 27.5
O/B = 68/32

5.5.8. Solids Content

Corrected Solids, VS, vol%
Information needed: Retort Oil, VO, and brine, VB
VS = 100 - (59.5 + 27.5) = 13.0 vol%

Average Density of Suspended Solids

Information needed: Mud, Oil and Water Densities and Retort Data
Ravg =[100(11.0)]–[(59.5)(7.0)]–[(27.4)(1.24)(8.34)]
8.34(13.0)
= 3.69 g/cm3

Volume of High-Density (barite) Solids, vol%

Information needed: Density of high- and low-gravity solids and VS, vol%.
VHGS = (3.69 – 2.65)(13.0) = 8.6 vol%
4.20 – 2.65

Concentration of High-Density Solids, lb/bbl

MHGS = 3.5 (4.20) (8.6) = 126.4 lb/bbl
Volume of low-density solids, vol%
VLGS = 13.0 - 8.6 = 4.4 vol%
Concentration of low-density solids, lb/bbl
MLGS = 3.5 (2.65) (4.4) = 40.8 lb/bbl

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 17

CHAPTER 6 MIXING AND DISPLACING PROCEDURES

6.1 MIXING PROCEDURE FOR NON-AQEUOUS FLUIDS

The addition of components in their proper sequence when initial mixing oil mud will
optimize the performance of each product. The order of addition as listed below is the most
common procedure for preparation of NAF, though each mud system may require some
modification of this procedure.
The mixing time may vary depending upon the amount of shear either at the rig or at
the liquid mud plant. Organophilic viscosifier requires a considerable quantity of shear to
fully develop their viscosity. Therefore, more of this additive may be required on initial
mixing.
As the oil mud is used over the first couple of days, improvement in the emulsion
stability and fluid loss control will vastly improve compared to what the mud was when it
was initially mixed.
 Add the required quantity of base fluid to the mixing tank.
 Add the primary emulsifier and secondary emulsifier as required.
 Add organophilic viscosifier as required.
 Add filtration control additives if required.
 Add lime as required.
 Add required amount of water to the above mixture. If brine is to be used, then add
brine after the lime additions.
 Add calcium chloride powder if brine is not used. If calcium chloride powder is not
available, then mix the calcium chloride flakes into the water and add as brine.
 Mix above for several hours to ensure a good emulsion is formed.
 Add weighting material as required for the desired density.

The viscosity contributed by the organophilic gellant will be higher if it is added to the mud
after the water is added and before the calcium chloride is added. If brine is used, then the
gellant is added after the brine and the viscosity will generally be lower.
The electrical stability of the mud after mixing will initially be lower if brine is used
compared with adding calcium chloride to the mud after the water is added. The electrical
stability and fluid loss control will improve after use due to the shear generated during
circulation.

6.2 DISPLACING PROCEDURE

6.2.1 Displacing NAF to the hole

In the typical situation, top hole sections are drilled with water based mud and the fluid
to be displaced out of the casing afterwards is usually seawater.
In this case the density difference between the two fluids and the zero gel strengths of
the seawater will ensure that channeling does not occur.
If weighted water based mud is to be displaced from the hole efforts should be made
to thin the fluid immediately ahead of the oil mud.
To summarize the two situations described above:

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 18

 6.2.2 Displacing Seawater out of hole
No spacer is generally required. However, if pit space allows, 50 bbl of active mud with
organophilic clay, ±10 lb/bbl, can be viscosifier and pumped ahead of active mud.

6.2.3 Displacing Water Based Mud out of Hole

Thin one pit of water based mud with water (if hydrostatic head requirements allow) or
chemical thinners (FCL, Desco or SAPP) if hydrostatic must be maintained.
Thicken 50 bbl of active NAF with organophilic clay, ±10 lb/bbl.
Recommended pumping sequence:
 Thinned WBM
 Viscosified NAF
 NAF

Note:
 Pump as fast as possible while displacing.
 Rotate pipe ± 60 rpm while displacing.
 Since the majority of displacements are within cased hole, accurate

Calculation of pump strokes required for displacement is possible. When the WBM/NAF
interface is due at surface slow mud pumps and observe flow line/header tank.

 Ensure the header tank (possum belly) is empty during displacement. This
avoids mixing of NAF and WBM in header tank
 When NAF arrives at surface.
 At first appearance of NAF shut down pumps and line up gates and shakers to
begin circulation of NAF.

6.2.4 Displacing NAF out of the hole

The usual problem with this type of displacement is that the NAF is being displaced
with a lighter density water based fluid of low viscosity over considerable annular lengths.
All of these conditions are liable to promote channeling of the displacement fluid.
If reverse circulation is possible these problems will be avoided.
If conventional circulation is necessary it is advisable to reduce the viscosity of the
NAF and to ensure good separation by use of viscous water based spacer.
Thin one pit of NAF with base fluid (if hydrostatic head requirements allow) or thinner if
hydrostatic head must be maintained.
Prepare 50 bbl of viscous water base spacer, 3 lb/bbl HEC or Xanthan Gum in brine or
seawater).
Recommended pumping sequence:
 Thinned NAF
 25 bbl base fluid*
 50 bbl viscous HEC/Xanthan spacer
 Seawater / brine / WBM
* If pit space, or cement unit, is available. If not follow thinned NAF with HEC/Xanthan
spacer.
Note:

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 19

 Pump as fast as possible while displacing to minimize time for annular migration of
lighter displacement fluid.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 20

CHAPTER 7 BAKER HUGHES INTEQ OIL FLUID SYSTEM

7.1 CARBO-DRILL Systems

CARBO-DRILLSM systems use diesel and mineral oil as the base fluid.
7.1.1 CARBO-TEC– A complete invert emulsion system generally used in extremely
harsh environments where greater emulsion stability and higher tolerance to contaminants
are required.

7.1.2 CARBO-FAST – A low colloid, relaxed filtrate system generally used

in less harsh environments where rapid penetration rates are desired.

7.1.3 CARBO-CORE– Prepared without water or brine. Generally used for coring
purposes, but can be adapted for use as an all oil drilling fluid.

7.1.1 CARBO-TEC SYSTEM PRODUCTS

CARBO-TEC is an anionic, liquid emulsifier. Lime hydrate [Ca (OH)2]

or quicklime (CaO) must be added to the system to activate the emulsifier. System
treatment levels vary from 0.6 to1.7 gal/bbl. Lime is added at 5 lbm per gallon of CARBO-
TEC.
CARBO-MUL HT is a nonionic to slightly cationic emulsifier (displaying amphoteric
tendencies). It provides emulsion stability and is a primary oil wetter
which assists in the dispersion of incorporated solids. This emulsifier is a reacted
amide and does not need lime to be activated. Treatment levels will vary from 0.1 to 1.0
gal/bbl.
CARBO-TROL is a powdered asphalt filtration control additive. If high concentrations
(> 40 lbm/bbl) are used, it will also function as a viscosifier. It
functions effectively at temperatures above 400°F (190°C). Treatment levels are
normally 2 to 10 lbm/bbl.
CARBO-TROL® A-9 is amine-treated lignite used for filtration control when asphaltic
materials are not desirable. This product is effective at temperatures up to 300°F (149°C)
or higher. Treatment levels normally vary from 5 to 10 lbm/bbl. Do not use at high
temperatures in acid gas (i.e., H2S, CO2) environments.
CARBO-TROL® HT is a high-temperature softening point Gilsonite used to improve
filtration control. Treatments of 2.0 to 10.0 lbm/bbl (5.7 to 28.5 kg/m3) should be adequate
for most applications.
CARBO-VIS™ is an organophilic bentonite used for rheology modification and gel
strength, as well as some filtration control. The product is effective to.temperatures above
350°F (177°C). Treatment concentrations will vary depending on the type of oil, but
generally 1 to 5 lbm/ bbl are adequate.
CARBO-GEL is an organophilic hectorite which provides rheological structure, gel
strengths, and assists in filtration control. This product is effective above 400°F (190°C).
Concentration levels will vary depending on the type of oil, but generally 1 to 5 lbm/ bbl will
be adequate.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 21

 7.1.2 CARBO-FAST SYSTEM PRODUCTS

CARBO-MUL® HT is the only emulsifier and oil wetting agent used in the low-colloid,
relaxed-filtrate CARBO-FASTSM system. Concentration levels will vary from 0.5 to 0.75
gal/bbl.
CARBO-VIS™ as described in the CARBO-TEC system, can be used in
concentrations of 1 to 5 lbm/bbl.
CARBO-GEL® is considered the premier viscosifier and can be substituted for
CARBO-VIS in 1 to 5 lbm/bbl concentrations, and may require a polar activator.

7.1.3 CARBO-CORE System

The CARBO-CORESM system is a no-water-added oil-base fluid system used as a
native state coring and drilling fluid. It is used whenever potential invasion of water, or oil
filtrate with surfactants, into producing reservoirs must be avoided. The CARBO-CORE
system is temperature stable, even after contamination with water. Should contamination
be severe, it can be converted to a CARBO-FASTSM or CARBO-TEC® system.
Base Oils
CARBO-CORE fluids may be prepared with lease crude, No. 1 diesel, No. 2 diesel,
mineral oil, or a combination of oils to meet individual requirements. If lease crude is used,
it must be free of emulsion breakers and filming amine corrosion inhibitors, which can alter
wettability characteristics. Lease crude must also have an aniline and flash point above the
desired minimum. High viscosity lease crude may be blended with mineral oil or diesel to
the desired viscosity range. No.1 diesel oil or mineral oil is more desirable than No. 2
diesel, since No. 2 diesel may contain additives that can cause formation contamination.
Pilot testing is recommended prior to the use of various oils due to their solubility and
viscosity differences.
Water Phase
CARBO-CORESM systems are prepared without water. However, 2% to 5% water
may be incorporated during displacement of a water-base fluid. If the water content is in
excess of 5% to 10%, depending upon the type of shale and/or cores being drilled, the
system should be displaced, diluted, or converted to a standard controlled activity CARBO-
DRILL system.
CARBO-CORE System Products
CARBO-TEC® concentrations will vary from 0.6 to 1.7 gal/bbl. Lime at 5 lbm/gal is
required to activate the emulsifier.
CARBO-CORE may be converted to CARBODRILL by additions of CARBO-MUL HT
which may affect the wettability of the formation.
CARBO-GEL® concentrations should be between 5 to 10 lbm/bbl. whenever possible,
rheological properties should be controlled with CARBO-GEL instead of CARBO-VIS.
3. CARBO-TROL® HT is used for filtration control. Treatment levels should be
between 5 and 15 lbm/bbl.

7.1.4 CARBO-DRILL SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS

DFE 418 is an oil-soluble imidazoline used as an emulsifier and wetting agent to
improve the temperature and solids tolerance of the CARBO-DRILLSM systems.
Treatments levels will vary between 0.1 to 1.0 gal/ bbl.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 22

 OMNI-COTE™ is an oil-soluble sulfonate surfactant used as a wetting agent to
promote rapid oil wetting of MIL-BAR®, DENSIMIX®, and drill solids.
Concentrations should vary between 0.1 to 0.25 gal/ bbl.
CARBO-MIX™ is a high-activity anionic emulsifier and is used almost exclusively with
the higher-water content fluids used in the North Sea. Treatment levels vary between 0.25
and 1.5 gal/ bbl.

TABLE: FORMULATION RANGES OF CARBO DRILL PRODUCT

PRODUCT NAME TREATMENT

CARBO-TEC® (anionic emulsifier used with lime) 0.6 ---1.7 gal/bbl
5 lb/gal OF
LIME (for activation when using CARBO-TEC)
CARBO-TEC
CARBO-MUL® HT ( emulsifier, primary wetting agent) 0.1 to 1.0 gal/bbl
CARBO-TROL® (filtration control agent up to 1900c) 2 to 10 lbm/bbl
0
CARBO-TROL® A-9 (filtration control agent up to 149 c) 5 to 10 lbm/bbl
CARBO-TROL® HT (high temp filtration control agent) 2.0 to 10.0 lbm/bbl
CARBO-VIS™ (bentonite up to 1770 c ,also control
1 to 5 lbm/bbl
rehlogy,filtration control, gel strength)
CARBO-GEL(bentonite up to 1900 c and above ,also
1 to 5 lbm/bbl
control rehlogy,filtration control, gel strength)
DFE 418 (emulsifier and wetting agent) 0.1 to 1.0 gal/bbl
Eccomul E( wetting agent) 0.5 to 1 gal/bbl
SURCOTE (rheology reducer) 0.2 to 0.4 gal/bbl.

7.2 The SYN-TEQ Systems

SYN-TEQSM has become an effective, environmentally acceptable substitute for
traditional diesel and mineral oil based drilling fluids. SYN-TEQ can be formulated with
either ISO-TEQ™ (isomerized olefin) or PARA-TEQ™ (linear paraffin).
There are two SYN-TEQSM systems. The SYN-CORESM system is a special
application of the SYN-TEQ system prepared without water/brine. Although the SYN-
CORE system is generally used for coring purposes, it can be adapted for use as a
conventional all synthetic drilling fluid. The SYN-TEQ system is comparable to the
CARBO-DRILLSM system with the synthetic ISO-TEQ™ or PARA-TEQ™ base fluids
replacing the oil. Emulsions like those found in CARBO-DRILL® fluids are similarly
prepared.

7.2.1 SYN-TEQ System Products

The SYN-TEQ system offers flexibility in fluid formulation for optimized performance
contains typical SYN-TEQ fluid formulations. The “core” SYN-TEQ system is comprised of
the following products.
ISO-TEQ™ – The external phase, non-toxic, biodegradable, isomerized olefin base
fluid that is void of any priority pollutants.
PARA-TEQ™ – Alternative external phase comprised of a blend of linear paraffins.
PARA-TEQ™ is biodegradable and non-toxic.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 23

 OMNI-TEC™ – The system’s anionic emulsifier. It is compatible with a wide range of
internal-phase salinities. It provides greater filtration control in high temperature
applications. OMNI-TEC concentrations will vary between 0.25 and 0.5 gal/bbl. The
addition of 5 lbm of lime per gal of OMNI-TEC is required to activate the emulsifier.
OMNI-MUL™ – The non-ionic emulsifier and secondary wetting agent that controls
system rheology while weighting up. OMNI-MUL concentrations will vary between 1.0 and
3.0 gal/bbl, depending on the application. Concentrations will be affected by several
factors including amount of solids incorporated into the system, and temperature.
OMNI-MIX™ – A supplemental anionic emulsifier providing additional filtration control
and preventing water-wet solids.
CARBO-TROL® HT – Used for filtration control. Treatment levels should be between
5 and 10 lbm/bbl.
OMNI-TROL™ – A high-temperature amine-treated lignite product which effectively
controls filtration to temperatures up to 300°F (149°C).
CARBO-GEL® – An organophilic clay viscosifier providing additional rheological and
filtration control as well as solids suspension. CARBO-GEL concentrations should be
between 5 and 10 lbm/bbl.
MIL-LIME™ – Delivers alkalinity control and activation of the OMNI-TECTM emulsifier.

7.2.2 SYN-CORE System Products

OMNI-TEC™ – The system’s anionic emulsifier. It is compatible with a wide range of
internal-phase salinities. It provides greater stability in high temperature applications.
OMNI-TEC concentrations will vary between 0.6 and 1.7 gal/bbl with the addition of 5
lbm/gal of lime to activate the product as needed.
Note: SYN-CORESM may be converted to SYN-TEQSM by additions of OMNI-MUL
which may affect the wettability of the formation.
CARBO-GEL® – An organophilic clay viscosifier providing additional rheological and
filtration control as well as solids suspension. CARBO-GEL concentrations should be
between 5 and 10 lbm/bbl.
CARBO-TROL® HT – A high softening point gilsonite filtration control agent effective
in high-temperature applications and having minimal effects on rheological properties.
Treatment levels are typically between 5.0 and 10 lbm/bbl.
7.2.3 SYN-TEQ Supplemental Products
OMNI-COTE™ – Controls rheological increases caused by the addition of drill solids
and facilitate the oil-wetting of solids. Concentrations vary between 0.1 and 0.25 gal/bbl.
OMNI-PLEX™ – An elastomeric viscosifier designed to supplement CARBO-GEL®
and CARBO-VIS™ (as an extender). This product can be used to increase low rpm
readings in a wide range of temperatures and has successfully improved rheological
properties at temperatures in excess of 450°F (232°C). Treatment levels should be
between 0.25 and 0.75gal/bbl.

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 24

 REFERENCES
1) NON-AQEUOUS DRILLING FLUIDS FUNDAMENTALS, DRILLING FLUIDS
ENGINEERING MANUAL, SECTION 8 VOL;1 2006, KMC OILTOOLS.
2) OIL AND SYSNTHETIC-BASE DRILLING FLUIDS, CHAPTER 3, FLUID FACTS
ENGINEERING HANDBOOK, Baker Hughes INTEQ.
3) RP 13B-2 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR
FIELD TESTING OIL-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS.
4) OIL-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS TESTING PROCEDURES; DRILLING FLUIDS
MANUAL; AMOCO PRODUCTION COMPANY

By: Sami Ullah A.E.(Mud) 25