Date Pit-Based Additive as Density Reducing Agent in Underbalanced Drilling

Abstract

Abstract A new drilling fluid additive has been developed for application as density reducing agent. The additive can be used for preparing lightweight drilling fluid formulation for use in underbalanced drilling. The preliminary results obtained from the performance analysis revealed that the date pit - based additive possesses some potential to be used as a density and formation fluid flow control agents in water-based drilling fluid. The addition of 5ml (ca 1.40 vol%) of the additive to bentonite drilling fluid formation decreased the density of the fluid by 21%. The effect of the additive on other drilling fluid properties such as fluid loss and filter cake thickness were also evaluated.