DRILLING AND COMPLETION FLUIDS

By: Juman
While an oil well is being drilled, specific drilling fluid is pumped down the
drill pipes and circulated back through the annulus to flush out the rock
cuttings, cool and lubricate the drilling bit, and maintain pressure so that oil
or gas does not escape. Completion fluid is specialized liquid -typically brine
solution- placed in the well to facilitate final operations prior to initiation of
production, to control subsurface pressure as well as to minimize formation
damage during completion and workover operations
Most of the professionals working in this upstream (exploration and
production) sector of the oil industry are drilling/completion engineers and
the production specialists. They are highly skilled on drilling, completing and
production of oil well, but usually have inadequate knowledge of the
chemistry aspects of drilling and completion of a well. The composition and
properties of Drilling and Completion Fluids play important role in the
success of a well. While the average cost drilling fluid amounts less than 10%
of the total cost to drill a well, the success and failure of the well may depend

on the optimization of the fluids used. Lacks of knowledge in chemical

composition and properties of the fluids may result in soaring cost or even a
total failure.
An important guide to successfully utilize the drilling and completion fluids in
the oil exploration and production has been written by three prominent
experts in this field. The late George R. Gray PhD a pioneer in the
development of drilling fluids technology, once Director and Vice President of
SPE and held positions within the American Petroleum Institute (API). The
late H.C.H. Darley, a member of the Institute of Petroleum in London, active
within SPE and a Researcher for Shell for 25 years. Ryen Caenn specializes in
the technology transfer for all aspects of drilling and completion fluids
technologies. He has worked in the industry for over 40 years including over
28 years as consultant to oil companies, fluid service companies, and
chemical manufacturers. He currently conducts training sessions worldwide
on drilling fluid technology and is active in AADE, SPE, and API Committees.
They are authors of a book considered the bible of Drilling Fluids Industry
titled Composition and Properties of Drilling and Completion Fluids.
This book is an essential tool to achieving successful outcome of the
wellbore. The content is regularly updated since its first publication up to the
current Sixth Edition. This last edition includes new information on
technology, economic, and political issues that have affected the use of
drilling and completion fluids. Also explains a countless new products and
fluid systems. It covers the latest API/SI standards. It includes new R&D on
water-based muds. It places new emphases on Health, Safety & Environment
(HSE). It also includes new chapter on Waste Management and Disposal.
Composition and Properties of Drilling and Completion Fluids is
highly recommended for Drilling engineers, drilling rig supervisors, drilling
managers, operating company personnel, and service company personnel