Designing and managing drilling fluid

Abstract

Drilling fluid, or mud, can contribute to virtually any drilling problem. Stuck pipe, poor completion, inadequate logs and production difficulties may all be laid at mud's door. In recent years, oil-base mud (OBM) successfully eliminated many of these concerns, but environmental regulations increasingly limit its use. Attention is paid to the issues that must now be considered when designing a mud program without OBM. New types of drilling fluid are dealt with. It is examined how improved drilling fluids management can yield substantial efficiency benefits. 11 figs., 40 refs.