Synthetic-based muds can improve drilling efficiency without polluting

Abstract

The drilling industry has developed several types of synthetic-based muds (SBMs) that combine the desirable operating qualities of oil-based muds with the lower toxicity and environmental impact qualities of water-based muds. SBMs offer operational advantages over WBMs and pollution prevention potential over OBMs in many situations, but the widespread use of SBMs has been inhibited by concerns that the discharged drill cuttings would not meet the ELGs requirement for no free oil. This article is based on a study performed by Argonne national Laboratory for the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Policy. The study was conducted through literature review and extensive communication with oil industry operators and drilling product supply companies. Much of the information on environmental impacts was previously published, but some of the key drilling performance and cost data were supplied directly by industry operators.