How new biopolymers can improve muds

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Drilling Contractor; (United States)

OSTI ID:5909534

Dino, D; Lindblad, D E; Moorhouse, R ^[1]

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1. Rhoene-Poulenc Inc. (France)

Xantham gum was introduced as a drilling-fluid component in the mid-1960s, but its use has risen noticeably since 1970, as prevalence of inhibitive polymeric drilling fluids has increased. Xanthan is known for its ability to build viscosity in both fresh water and salt solutions, its exceptional shear-thinning properties, and its tolerance to pH, all without environmental problems. Although biopolymers like xanthan typically represent only 0.25--1.5 lb/bbl of a drilling fluid, they are critical in building rheology, from spudding to the special demands of angled drilling and well completion. They add properties to muds which expand their use across a variety of formations and over a wide temperature range. Beyond xanthan, another useful class of biopolymers are the guar gums. Just as muds incorporating xanthan have been in the mainstay in rheology building over the years for many muds, fluids incorporating guar have long been the backbone of fracturing fluids. Guar and its derivatives are extremely versatile as rheology modifiers, particularly when used in conjunction with xanthans. In fact, xanthan/guar combinations have already been enhancing the effectiveness of muds at drill sites in the US. This paper reviews the performance of mixed xantham/guar additives to obtain an even better mud control system.

• OSTI ID: 5909534
• Journal Information: Drilling Contractor; (United States), Journal Name: Drilling Contractor; (United States) Vol. 49:6; ISSN 0046-0702; ISSN DRCOA2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
ADDITIVES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DRILLING
DRILLING FLUIDS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
EVALUATION
FLUIDS
FRACTURING FLUIDS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PERFORMANCE
PH VALUE
POLYMERS
RHEOLOGY
ROCK-FLUID INTERACTIONS
VISCOSITY
WELL DRILLING
WELLS