Method of formulating and using a drilling mud with fragile gels
First Claim
1. A method for conducting a drilling operation in a subterranean formation using a fragile gel drilling fluid comprising:
- (a) an invert emulsion base;
(b) one or more thinners;
(c) one or more emulsifiers; and
(d) one or more weighting agents.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid is disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such method. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a fragile gel or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluid is especially advantageous for use in deep water wells because the fluid exhibits minimal difference between downhole equivalent circulating density and surface density notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluid, the fluid makes an environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluid. The fluid preferably contains no organophilic clays.
121 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for conducting a drilling operation in a subterranean formation using a fragile gel drilling fluid comprising:
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(a) an invert emulsion base;
(b) one or more thinners;
(c) one or more emulsifiers; and
(d) one or more weighting agents. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A fragile gel drilling fluid comprising:
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(a) an invert emulsion base;
(b) one or more thinners;
(c) one or more emulsifiers; and
(d) one or more weighting agents. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for preparing a drilling fluid comprising formulating a drilling fluid comprising an invert emulsion base comprising an ester blend and further comprising a thinner compatible with said ester blend such that said fluid builds a structure at rest capable of suspending drill cuttings without appreciable sag and wherein said structure may be immediately disrupted by movement of said fluid without registering an appreciable pressure spike with pressure-while-drilling equipment.
Specification