New Environmentally Safe High-Temperature Water-Based Drilling-Fluid System

Abstract

Summary A new, environmentally safe water-based polymer system has been developed for drilling applications with temperatures up to 232°C (450°F) and high pressures. The system components are newly developed synthetic polymers that do not contain chromium or other environmentally harmful materials. These new synthetic polymers are designed to perform specific functions at high temperatures and the innovative designs of these thermally stable polymers allow for the use of a minimum number of products in the formulation of high-temperature fluids. The new system consists of two basic polymeric components for rheology and filtration control at high temperatures. High- temperature fluid formulations are greatly simplified utilizing this new system, with only the two polymeric components being required, along with a pH control additive, weight material, and small amounts of clay for filler cake quality. This simplicity is a significant advantage over "traditional" high-temperature systems, which normally require the use of a large number of additives to control or limit the effects of thermal degradation. The new system may be formulated with fresh water or sea water, providing flexibility for a variety of drilling environments. Excellent resistance to common contaminants, such as calcium and magnesium hardness and solids accumulation, is another important characteristic of this new system. This paper will review the previous state of the art with respect to high-temperature, water-based muds and will generically discuss the unique chemistry of the newly developed polymer system components. System formulation and application will be discussed.