Optimum design of water-based drilling fluid in shale formations in Khangiran oilfields

Abstract

In this study, an environmentally friendly water-based drilling fluid is designed to replace the oil-based drilling fluids. This drilling fluid has desirable properties in drilling water sensitive formations. New drilling fluid additives have been used to prepare this new drilling fluid. The most important properties of this new drilling fluid are controlling the mud filtrate and pressure invasion to the formation, clay mineral alteration and activity reduction, improvement of the integrity of drilling cuttings, reduction in formation damage, stability at high temperatures, stability in acidity changes and the compatibility by drilling fluids dilution during drilling operation. The lubricity and shale cuttings recovery of this fluid are better than other similar water based drilling fluids. Application of this fluid can protect the environment and drilling personnel in addition to being economically advantageous.