5/21/2010

Global Research & Technology Centre/ GRTC Training Department

WATER-BASED WATERMUD SYSTEM

SCOMI OILTOOLS

What is mud

LIQUID
WATER OIL

SOLIDS
BENTONITE/GEL BARITE CHEMICALS SALT DRILL SOLIDS

MUD
WATER-BASE MUD OIL-BASE MUD

SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

What is mud

LIQUID PRODUCTS
WATER OIL

SOLIDS PRODUCTS
BENTONITE/GEL BARITE CHEMICALS SALT DRILL SOLIDS

MUD MUD SYSTEM

WATER-BASE MUD OIL-BASE MUD

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Up to 80% of the rocks we drill are shales, ie clay-rich rocks

SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

Shale Inhibition

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Definition

Inhibition is the process of minimising the inherent potential for clays, shales & mudstones to hydrate and/or collapse and disperse

SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

What is an Inhibitive Drilling Fluid?

An inhibitive mud system is one that tends to retard or

even prevent (inhibit) appreciable hydration (swelling) or dispersion of formation clays and shales by chemical or physical means

Inhibition

also applies to salt and gypsum formations which may re-dissolve.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

What Are We Inhibiting ?

Up to 80% of the worlds sedimentary rocks that we drill are Shales - most require some degree of inhibition to prevent: Hydration Dispersion Wellbore stability problems

The hydration of clay and shale particles in the reservoir rock. These can block the pore space, and in the worst case can completely block a producing reservoir.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

Insufficient Inhibition
Clay swelling Increases torque and drag Increased tripping time Mud rings - Gumbo attacks Stuck pipe or casing Clay disintegration Washouts - poor hole cleaning Increased viscosity Poor solids removal efficiency Increased mud costs

Clay disintegration typically follows clay swelling

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Hydration

Followed by dispersion

SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

Mechanism for shale inhibition

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Mechanisms of Inhibition
1. Cation Exchange 2. Encapsulating polymers 3. Glycol/Polyol Chemistry 4. Silicate Precipitation 5. Reducing the fluid loss 6. Reducing the pH 7. Increasing the Chloride content 8. Oil wetting the surface rocks

WBM

SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

1 Cation Exchange (KCL)

The smaller potassium ion base exchanges with the larger sodium and calcium ion. As a consequence of its smaller dimensions the potassium ions forms a more effective bridge between the clay sheets, ie the clay sheets take on their least expanded form and therefore their lowest potential for hydration.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

1 Cation Exchange (KCL)

K+

K+

Potassium ion to stabilize the clay

formation
SCOMI OILTOOLS

wellbore

5/21/2010

1 Cation Exchange (KCL)

The more reactive the shale the greater will be the depletion of the KCL concentration in the mud. KCL concentration must be maintained at optimum levels at ALL times. % KCL concentration must be based on the inherent reactivity of the shale. This must be determined by DCM and / or CEC analysis of cuttings at 5 to 10 meter intervals in order to identify the most reactive shale. Formulate mud with KCL +/- 2% higher than the required level of KCL inhibition as a buffer to ensure that KCL levels keep up with the rate of depletion. Increase KCL levels prior to trips, logging and running casing to allow for continuing depletion.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

2 Coating Mechanism with Encapsulating Polymer

PHPA encapsulating polymer chemistry
Anionic i.e. negatively charged (-) high molecular weight PHPA polymers adsorb onto the positively charged sites on the broken edges of the clay platelet. This results in the formation of a jelly like protective coating which plugs and seals shale pores and fissures and so retards the movement of water into the shale. The protective coating of PHPA plays a significant role in strengthening the surface of the shale so that is better withstands the effects of mechanical abrasion / attrition leading to dispersion.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

2 Coating Mechanism with Encapsulating Polymer

PHPA encapsulating polymer chemistry
PHPA provides a very viscous filtrate which serves to reduce water ingress into the shale pores.

PHPA polymers slow down the dispersion rate of highly dispersive shales such as Kaolinite i.e. sufficient to allow cuttings to be transported to surface before significant dispersion takes place.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

PHPA solution

2 Coating Mechanism with Encapsulating Polymer

Encapsulating polymers, eg PHPA
Optimum PHPA concentrations must be maintained at all times. This can lead to high mud viscosities which can become operationally problematic especially at higher mud weights. Lower molecular weight encapsulating polymers offer a compromise. Higher concentrations are required which must at all times be maintained at optimum levels.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

5/21/2010

2 Coating Mechanism with Encapsulating Polymer

Potassium ion to stabilize the clay K+ PHPA encapsulates drill cutting to protect it from mud filtrate invasion K+

formation
SCOMI OILTOOLS

wellbore

3 Coating Mechanism with Glycol

The inhibition mechanism of glycols is understood and there are several theories:

not

fully

Soluble glycols i.e. non-clouding glycols increase the viscosity of the filtrate which in turn slows down water penetration into the shales. Glycols are generally mildly anionic and will therefore attach to positive sites on the clay surface thereby retarding hydration.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

10

5/21/2010

3 Coating Mechanism with Glycol

Thermally activated glycols At bottom hole temperature a correctly formulated thermally activated glycol/KCL combination will cause the glycol to cloud out i.e. come out of solution and plug pore spaces/fissures in the clay, thereby minimising further ingress of water. The clouded out glycol goes back into solution as the temperature of the mud drops near surface.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

3 Coating Mechanism with Glycol

Thermally activated glycols

Clouded glycol
Mud pits and solids control: Glycol in solution Temperature reduction lowers the Glycol back below its cloud point

Downhole Glycol forms droplets or micelles which coat out on well bore and cuttings

Unclouded glycol

SCOMI OILTOOLS

11

5/21/2010

4 Sealing the micro fissures/fractures with Silicates

A gel/precipitate barrier is thought to be formed by a dual action as follows: Filtrate containing silicate oligomers small enough to enter the shale pore throats / microfissures comes into contact with shale pore fluid. The near neutral pH of the shale pore fluid will cause a fall in the pH of the filtrate containing silicate. This in turn allows the growth and development of silica hydrogels that block the shale pore throats. Divalent ions, such as calcium, associated with shale pore fluid will react instantaneously with silicate oligomers to form insoluble precipitates.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

4 Sealing the micro fissures/fractures with Silicates

Fracture propagation

Mp

FLUID INGRESS

Fp

Mp
Non-inhibitive Fluid

Fp

Mp > F p

Mp = Fp = Mechanical Failure
Silicate gel/precipitate

Mp

FLUID INGRESS

Fp

Mp
HYDROHYDRO-FOIL S8 Fluid

Fp

Mp > Fp

Mp > Fp = Mechanical Stability

SCOMI OILTOOLS

12

5/21/2010

4 Sealing the micro fissures/fractures with Silicates

H2O May Penetrate But Ions Are Excluded

Ca Ca

H2O

Ca Ca

Ca

SHALE PORE

Ca

SCOMI OILTOOLS

~ GELLED/PRECIPITATED SILICATES

Mechanisms of Shale Inhibition

Long chain high molecular weight polymer vs. short chain low molecular weight polymer?
Low molecular weight polymer High molecular weight polymer (PHPA)

Low viscosity impact on mud properties Absorption of low molecular weight polymer creates an overall negative charge resulting in deflocculation Deflocculated

High viscosity impact on mud properties High molecular weight polymers act as a bridge between particles to form larger aggregates Aggregated

SCOMI OILTOOLS

13

5/21/2010

Mechanisms of Shale Inhibition

Bit balling and accretion - WBM
Various mixtures and formulations of filming agents, eg amines, are generally mixed with a base oil or ester carrier fluid containing de-emusifying agents. These formulations are generally marketed as ROP enhancing agents. These additives, whilst providing exceptional to minimal ROP enhancement depending upon a range of factors, have also proved useful for minimising bit balling and accretion by creating an oil wet barrier on the surfaces of the pipe and drill bit. This in turn prevents the hydrogen bonding of the shale cuttings onto the steel surfaces.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

Mechanisms of Shale Inhibition

Micro fractured shales - WBM & SBM
Appropriately sized bridging agents, e.g. calcium carbonate and cellulose, will minimise filtrate invasion and therefore reduce the potential for hydration and dispersion. The deformable properties of products such as lignite, gilsonite and blown asphalt have proved to be extremely efficient at sealing micro fractures thereby minimising filtrate invasion and delaying the otherwise earlier onset of hole stability problems in micro fractured shales.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

14

5/21/2010

Impact of salinity on Kaolinite dispersion rates

Very low salinity levels promote dispersion. Very high salinity levels promote dispersion. Moderately high salinity results in less propensity to disperse.

Lower salinity
High dispersion rate

Moderate salinity
Moderate dispersion rate

Higher salinity
High dispersion rate

< 10%

KCL

> 12%

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Water-Base Mud Inhibition

Potassium ion to stabilize the clay K+ PHPA encapsulates drill cutting to protect it from mud filtrate invasion K+ Glycol cloud-out create a thin film to protect forma tion from mud filtrate invasion formation
SCOMI OILTOOLS

wellbore

15

5/21/2010

Inhibition Monitoring

The only hands on and immediate way to successfully monitor shale inhibition in the field is to examine the condition of the cuttings coming off the shale shaker screens. Cuttings should be firm / discrete & travel smoothly across the shale shaker screens. Soft, sticky cuttings indicate that immediate action should be taken to increase the inhibition level(s). Appropriate WBM inhibition / encapsulation levels can be established by closely monitoring the drill cuttings at the shale shakers.
SCOMI OILTOOLS

Very fine mushy cuttings indicate shale dispersion and the need to increase the concentration of encapsulating polymer(s).

WATER-BASE MUD SYSTEMS

Many types of water-base systems. Basic systems are usually converted to complex systems as a well is deepened, as wellbore temperatures and/or pressures increase and formations dictate. More than one system is typically used when drilling the same well.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

16

5/21/2010

WATER-BASE MUD SYSTEMS

Many types of water-base systems. Basic systems are usually converted to complex systems as a well is deepened, as wellbore temperatures and/or pressures increase and formations dictate. More than one system is typically used when drilling the same well.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Classification of Water-Base Mud

WATER BASE MUD

HIGH SOLIDS, DISPERSED

LOW SOLIDS, NONNON DISPERSED

SCOMI OILTOOLS

17

5/21/2010

High Solids Dispersed Mud Systems

Spud Mud Seawater Muds Lignite/Lignosulfonate Gyp-Lignosulfonate Lime Muds

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Low Solids Non Dispersed Mud Systems

Polymer Base Potassium Base KCl/Polymer KCl/PHPA KCl/Polymer/Glycol Silicate mud Formate Base Mud MMO/MMH mud

SCOMI OILTOOLS

18

5/21/2010

Low Solids Non Dispersed Mud Systems

Advantages Greater degrees of inhibition than a dispersed mud Flexibility Logistics Less Damaging to formation Increased ROP Optimum rheological characteristics Resistant to contaminating ions
SCOMI OILTOOLS

Disadvantages Temperature limitations of polymers Some polymers are attacked by bacteria Polymers are more expensive per sack Requires care in mixing procedures

Make-Up Water Type of water Chloride concentration Hardness (Calcium / Magnesium) concentration

SCOMI OILTOOLS

19

5/21/2010

Shale analysis & testing

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Mineralogy by XR Diffraction/XRD
XRD is used to classify & quantify the different clay minerals present in a shale sample. XRD analysis of cuttings from example well
Quantitative analysis (weight %) of bulk sample
Quartz 21.7% K Feldspar 5.4% Plagioclase 5.3% Kaolinite 23.3% Illite 20.8% Illite/ Smectite 21.6% Total 98.1%

SCOMI OILTOOLS

20

5/21/2010

Mineralogy by XR Diffraction/XRD
60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Illite / smectite Illite Kaolinite Chlorite Less than 2 micron clay size fraction

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Shale cation identification (CEC)

Determination of total cation exchange capacity Determines the capacity of a clay to absorb cations from a solution Measures the potential reactivity of a shale using the methylene blue index Cuttings are carefully prepared and gradually saturated in a methylene blue solution to a titration end point Result gives the shale reactivity potential in milliequivalents/100g

SCOMI OILTOOLS

21

5/21/2010

Shale cation identification MBI (CEC)

Typical MBI values for the principal sample clay types Smectites 80 - 150 meq/100g Illites 10 40 meq/100g Kaolinite 1 10 meq/100g

Increasingly reactive
Reactivity = the potential for a clay type to hydrate

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Shale cation identification MBI (CEC)

Types of Formation Sandstones, marls Little to zero sensitivity to water Low kaolin-illite shales Little sensitivity to water High illite or low levels of smectite Moderate sensitivity High smectite High sensitivity to water Range of M.B.I. Values

0-5 5 - 10 10 - 15 15 - 25

Sensitivity to water clearly indicates potential for hydration

SCOMI OILTOOLS

22

5/21/2010

Capillary suction time (CST) reactivity quantification

indicates a shales dispersion potential CST method employs the capillary suction pressure of a porous filter paper to effect a filtration The rate at which filtrate spreads away from the sample is controlled predominantly by the filtrate rate of the sample

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Capillary suction time (CST) reactivity quantification

CST Filtration Unit.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

23

5/21/2010

Capillary suction time (CST) reactivity quantification

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Capillary suction time (CST) reactivity quantification

Dispersion/deflocculation of clays decreases viscosity and decreases the filtration rate CST is increased Aggregated but deflocculated clays decreases viscosity and increases filtration rate CST is decreased

Flocculation of clays increases viscosity and increases filtration rate CST is decreased

Aggregated and flocculated clays increases viscosity and increases filtration rate CST is decreased

SCOMI OILTOOLS

24

5/21/2010

Swellmeter
Is a method of examining the interaction between water base fluids and mineral sample containing reactive clays under simulated conditions while fluid is in motion. The observed swelling characteristic are utilised to anticipate and/or correct the oftentimes unpredictable problems that are frequently encountered while drilling shale formations.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Swellmeter
It is a very useful tool when designing drilling fluids or when testing the behavior of existing muds because it shows the changes in the clay/fluid interaction for short periods of times (0-5 minutes) as well as longer periods (>350 minutes). Bit balling, pipe drag, hole sloughing and other gumbo related shale problems may be predicted in advance, enabling the operator to select the proper drilling fluid and therefore achieve a stable wellbore environment.

SCOMI OILTOOLS

25

5/21/2010

Swellmeter

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Swellmeter

SCOMI OILTOOLS

26

5/21/2010

Swellmeter

SCOMI OILTOOLS

SCOMI Water Base Mud System

SCOMI OILTOOLS

27

5/21/2010

Low Solid Polymer Mud Systems HYDRO-FOIL

Classic KCL/PHPA

HYDRO-FOIL GEN 1
KCL/PHPA/Glycol

HYDRO-FOIL S8
Silicate mud system

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Low Solid Polymer Mud Systems HyPR-FOIL S8

High Performance silicate system Sodium chloride free drilling fluid for sensitive environ ments.

HyPR-DRILL
High Performance WBM (HPWBM), which provides wellbore stability, enhanced inhibition and rapid penetration rates.

HyPR-TAR
Inhibitive anti accretion drilling fluid for tar sand drilling
SCOMI OILTOOLS

28

5/21/2010

Specialised Water Base Mud Systems RHEO-PLEX

Mixed Metal Oxide/MMO system

HYDRO-THERM
High temperature condition up to 400 oF

OPTA-FLO
Custom designed Reservoir Drill In Fluids

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Contamination
Definition: Any external addition of unwanted material or substances to the drilling fluid while drilling as a result of chemical reaction and/or changes of concentration. Depends on: Type of mud system Chemistry of the mud Amount of solids Type of solids Concentration of the contaminant Temperature
SCOMI OILTOOLS

29

5/21/2010

Contamination - Solid
Cement Contamination Treatment : Pretreat mud with sodium bicarbonate Ca(OH)2 + NaHCO3 --> CaCO3 + H2O + NaOH Or pretreat mud with S.A.P.P Na2H2P2O7 + 3Ca(OH)2 --> Ca3(PO4)2 + 2NaOH + 3H2O Citric acid or any acidic product can be used to reduce pH

59

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Contamination - Solid
Calcium Contamination: Treatment : Treat with sodium carbonate (soda ash) Ca++ + Na2CO3 --> CaCO3 + 2Na+

Or break over to a gypsum mud

60

SCOMI OILTOOLS

30

5/21/2010

Contamination - Solid
Carbonates, Bicarbonates Contamination Sources: Carbonate formations Overtreatment Carbon Dioxide Thermal degradation of organics Contaminated barite Make up water Treatment: Lime Gypsum
61

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Contamination

Chemical Treatment in U.S Units

SCOMI OILTOOLS

31

5/21/2010

Contamination

Chemical Treatment in Metric Units

SCOMI OILTOOLS

Contamination

SCOMI OILTOOLS

32