Low Salinity Polyglycol Water-Based Drilling Fluids as Alternatives to Oil-Based Muds

Abstract

Both laboratory and well site data are presented on the use of high performance water-based drilling fluids containing chameleonic or TAME polyglycols. The laboratory results support a new mechanism for shale stabilization by these polyglycols and provide design criteria for optimizing their application. The well site data demonstrates an effective and efficient application of the design criteria for land-based drilling with a freshwater system. The field results show that chameleonic or TAME polyglycols can cost effectively replace invert emulsion and high electrolyte systems without the use of electrolytes to eliminate disposal costs and liability.