A new calcium-tolerant polymer helps to improve drilling-mud performance and to reduce costs

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/16685-PA· OSTI ID:6229237

Ujma, K H.W.; Plank, J P

Drilling fluids suitable for German Zechstein formation wells require fluid-loss polymers that tolerate up to 140,000 ppm of Ca/Mg and have temperature stabilities that exceed 350/sup 0/F (177/sup 0/C). Problems experienced in previous wells with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyanionic cellulose (PAC) are described. The use of starch with a new sulfonated polymer improved drilling mud performance and reduced costs. Major benefits come from a synergism of the new polymer with starch, resulting in a 50/sup 0/F (25%C) gain in starch thermal stability. A similar temperature extension effect was found for such cellulose products as CMC or PAC after addition of the polymer. Field experience with the starch/new-polymer combination in Zechstein formation wells with depths to 15,750 ft (4800 m) shows excellent filtration control, hardness tolerance, and temperature stability for this system. A cost analysis confirms saving of 20 to 50% on fluid-loss polymer costs.

• Research Organization: Preussag A.G. Erdol und Erdgas (DE); SKW Trostberg, A.G. (DE)
• OSTI ID: 6229237
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 4:1; ISSN SDENE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400201 -- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
CALCIUM
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
COST
DISPERSIONS
DRILLING FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
METALS
MIXTURES
OIL WELLS
PERFORMANCE
POLYMERS
SLURRIES
STABILITY
SUSPENSIONS
WELLS