Improving the Working Environment and Drilling Economics Through Better Understanding of Oil-Based Drilling Fluid Chemistry

Abstract

Summary The relationships between oil-based drilling fluid composition and the associated vapors have been quantified. The study documents the long- and short-term changes in base oil selection and fluid compositions. The study is based on the generation and assessment of data collected from the vapor emissions of oil-based drilling fluids with varying compositions and at a range of temperatures. The purpose of the study was to enable a better understanding of the potential working environment hazards when using mineral oil-based drilling fluids. One result of this understanding is that new rig construction designs and older rig upgrades can be performed more informatively. This will reduce the repetition of continual modification costs.