Synthetic-based drilling fluids have many environmental pluses
- Argonne National Lab., Washington, DC (United States)
Synthetic-based drilling fluids have several technological and environmental advantages over water-based and oil-based drilling fluids and can cut total well costs in many cases. Spent drilling fluids and drilling cuttings are among the most significant waste streams from exploration and development activities. They pose a serious and costly disposal problem for offshore operators who must barge spent mud and cuttings to shore for land disposal if the material does not meet US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discharge limitations or permit requirements. Suppliers of mud systems have responded to this problem. Since 1990, several non-toxic, biodegradable, synthetic-based muds (SBMs) with desirable performance and environmental characteristics have entered the market. The EPA regulations, however, are based on mud technology--that is, water-based muds (WBMs) and oil-based muds (OBMs)--that was available when the regulations were developed. Although EPA requirements appear to have been a major driver behind the development of SBM, concern is now focused on the inhibiting effect of discharge limitations on use of alternative mud technologies. The article discusses the regulatory background, uses and advantages of SBMs, traditional drilling limitations, cost and benefits of SBMs, environmental impacts, regulatory issues, limitations, and recommendations.
- OSTI ID:
- 131807
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal, Vol. 93, Issue 48; Other Information: PBD: 27 Nov 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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