| Popis: |
Exploration drilling obviously requires a robust drilling fluid system to be a key factor in overcoming both the known and unexpected challenges of a structure that consists of reactive clay and lost circulation zones. Extra consideration has to be given to regulatory environmental requirements and complications resulting from regional politics. A High-Performance Water Based Mud (HPWBM) system was selected to address the aforementioned issues.The HPWBM was customized to respond to the subsurface conditions with the main requirement to provide maximum shale inhibition through a non-dispersed environment. Polyamine was utilized to stabilize all types of clay; an encapsulation polymer and a non-ionic polymer were included to prevent dispersion and to seal micro-fractures. A complete shale study was performed to determine the optimum concentration of the base fluid and each shale inhibitor. Then hydraulic behaviour of the mud was simulated with contractor proprietary software to understand the parameters for optimal hole cleaning as well as Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) simulation.The HPWBM system successfully facilitated the execution of the exploration well and provided highly effective clay stabilization. No Non-Productive Time (NPT) was recorded as a result of reactive clay issues. The mud system also facilitated a good rate of penetration (ROP), formation stability, and lubricity. Waste cuttings transportation was not required. In addition, there is also no requirement for costly base oil including its associated transportation costs. The successful implementation of the HPWBM yielded an estimating saving of 25% compared to invert emulsion fluids, prior to considering costs associated with an expensive Liquid Mud Plant (LMP), environmental, and freight costs. Significant cost savings were achieved by eliminating the need for LMP rental, mobilization and demobilization. Another notable saving was realized from the reduced system maintenance of the HPWBM as less dilution was required compared to a regular Water Based Mud.Thinking outside of the box and embracing the departure from the default consideration of an invert system with a thorough risk assessment augmented value to wellbore construction. A smartly designed HPWBM system provided performance comparable to an invert emulsion system but with superior benefits with respect to environmental protection, simplified logistics and lower costs. |
