An Inhibition Properties Comparison of Potassium Chloride and Polyoxypropylene Diamine in Water-based Drilling Fluid

Abstract

Polyoxypropylene diamine has been used as shale hydration inhibitor in drilling fluid and exhibited outstanding performance. The authors describe the inhibition characteristics of KCl and polyoxypropylene diamine and provided a comparative assessment. Through bentonite inhibition test, bulk hardness test, hot-rolling dispersion test, slake durability test, fluid loss test, linear swelling test and X-ray diffraction test, the inhibitive properties of potassium chloride, and polyoxypropylene diamine were evaluated. The results indicate that polyoxypropylene diamine is superior to potassium chloride in shale stabilization, which can effectively suppress the hydration and swelling of clay and play an important role in permanent stabilization with a relatively low concentration. Moreover, the mechanisms of the two inhibitors are briefly analyzed.