Chapter 12 Inhibiting Water Based Muds

INHIBITING WATER
BASED MUDS
Well Area Operations

Agip KCO Drilling Supervisors Training Course Drilling Muds RPW2021A 1
INTRODUCTION
Fluids classification :
• Calcium base
• Salt base
• Potassium base

CALCIUM BASED MUD
• Lime Muds –Ca(OH)2 FW/SW-LI

• Gyp Muds -CaSO4.2H2O FW/SW-GY
Calcium absorption from clays

CALCIUM BASED MUD
Reduction water hydration for sodium clay

during base exchange with calcium.

CALCIUM BASED MUD
Effect of solids concentration

on viscosity with calcium additions.

CALCIUM BASED MUD
Line A - Soluble calcium vs. lime

concentration;
Line B - Soluble calcium of 4 lb/bbl of lime

added to caustic solutions.

CALCIUM BASED MUDS
Solubility of calcium vs. chlorides.

LIME BASED MUD
Description and application
• This system is used to drill in reactive shale formation, even at high temperature
• It is a dispersed, lignosulfonate base fluid where lime is apporting source of Ca++.
• Two basic formulations: low lime (5-8 kg/m3 – 1.75 – 2.8 ppb excess of lime) and high
lime content (20 kg/m3 – 7 ppb excess of lime)
• The tolerance to high solids is acceptable
• It is possible to weight up to over 2.1 kg/l (17.5 ppg)
• Low cost

LIME BASED MUDS
Limitations
• The system needs more dilution than other inhibitive systems.
• The high value of the pH (up to 12) reduces the inhibitive action of the Ca++ due to
the dispersing action.
• At temperature over 120°C gelation problems may occur.

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)
Lime muds classification versus alkalinity values
Low Lime Intermediate High Lime
PF 0.8 - 2 2-5 5 - 10
Pm 4-9 9 - 15 15 - 25

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)
Lime Muds main additives
Additive Concentration, kg/mc Function
Bentonite 60 - 80 Viscosity, filtrate control
Lignosulfonate 0,5- 1,5 Deflocculant
Lime Ca(OH)2 5 - 30 Inhibitor, alkalinity control
Soda or caustic potash for pH 10.5 - 12.5 pH Control

Lignite 0,5 – 1,2 Filtration Control
*(Starch) 0,6 – 1,2 Filtration Control
PAC 0.5 - 3 Filtration Control
*Antifermentant treatment needed

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)
Typical Properties of a Low and High Lime Mud
Plastic Yield Gels API

PM cc PF cc Eccess
Density Viscosit Point 10 sec/10 Filtrate
H2SO4 H2SO4 pH Lime
(Kg/lt)) y (gr/100 min (cm3/3
n/50 n/50 (Kg/m3)
(cPs) cm2) (gr/100 cm2) 0 min)
Low
Lime 15 - 18 3–5 0-1 0-2 5 - 10 1-2 10.5 -12.5 3-6 6 - 12
1,20
High
Lime 15 - 18 3-5 0-1 0- 2 12 - 18 5 - 10 12.0 -12.5 15 - 45 6 - 12
1,20

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)
Filtrate alkalinity due to Caustic Soda additions (NaOH)
NaOH, lb/bbl Kg/mc PF, cm3 H2SO4 - N/50
1 2,8 1.0
2 5,6 3.0
3 7,8 5.0
4 11,3 7.0

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)
Treatment Ranges for Lime Mud Conversions
Concentration,
Additive
lb/bbl Kg/mc
Soda/ Caustic potash 2–3 5–8
Lime 4–8 10 – 20
Thinning Agent 2–5 5 - 15

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)
Lime Muds contaminants treatments
Contaminants Indicators Treatments

Increase of solids in the mud Increase in solids content in retort More dilution. Improve the solids
test. removal. Centrifuges use.
Increase in PV, Gels, MBT.
Salt/Salt water Chlorides, Visc.Marsh , yield point, Increase density (if the level
gel 10” / 10’ , filtrate increase. increases), to dilute with fresh water.
PM, PF, pH decrease. Add fluidizing and caustic soda to
control the rheology then treat with
starch or PAC for the filtrate control. If
salt presence is high, transform the
system saturated with salt. Or replace
with oil based mud.
Carbonates/CO2 MF, Gel10-min increase . Add lime for PM control and KOH for
PM, pH decrease. If the CO2 inlet is PF.control. Check solids content
continuous, normal treatments with optimal conditions ( Low)
lime cause a thin solids increase
(CaCO3).

LIME MUD (FW/SW-LI)

Low quality products Packaging variations. Treatment Shipping documents and
quantities increasing. Mud specifications control.
properties anomalous state. Organize sampling and analysis.
Cooperation with the Supplier
Foam Foam in the tanks. Trapped air . Add a non toxic antifoam.
Decrease pressure pumps if Detect the foaming causes and
possible remove them
Gelation due to high Pressure peaks after round trip. Reduce Low Gravity solids. Add
temperature Bottom cushion very viscous. High lignosulfonate if bottomhole
viscosity in the mud at the flow line temperature is <300°F (150°C).
Add polymeric deflocculant for
high temperature, for values
higher than 150°C.

GYPSUM MUD (FW-GY)
Main Gypsum Mud additives
Additives Concentration,Kg/mc Function
Bentonite 60 - 70 Viscosity, filtrate control

Lignosulfonate 10 - 25 Deflocculant
Gypsum 10 - 25 Inhibition, alkalinity control
Caustic Soda pH 9.5 - 11.0 Alkalinity control,Inhib.I

Caustic Potash pH 9,5 - 11 Inhibition
Tannin Sulphonated 5 - 10 Deflocculant
Starch 5 - 18 Filtrate Control
PAC 0.7 – 4,5 Viscosity, Filtrate control

Barite Programmed Density Weighting Material

GYPSUM MUD (FW-GY)
Gypsum mud typical characteristics
Yield API
Plastic Gels Exceeding
Density Point Ca++ Filtrate
Viscosity 10 sec/10 min Gypsum PF pH
(Kg/lt) (gr 100 (mg/L) (cm3/30
(cPs) (gr100 cm2 (Kg/mc)
cm2) min)
1,08 12 - 15 3– 5 1-2 4- 6 30- 40 0.2 - 2.7 9.5 - 11.0 600-1200 8 - 12
11.0 -
1,44 15 - 20 1- 7,5 0 -2,5 1- 7,5 30- 40 2-3 200-600 6-8
12.0

GYPSUM MUD (FW-GY)
Advantages/Disadvantages of Gyp Mud
Advantages Disadvantages
High pressure peaks (pressure loss) during
Low Viscosity and Gel strengths.
conversion can cause “Hole Damages”.
Gelation phenomena with temperature
Solids content tolerance.
higher than 300°F (150°c)
Weighting facility up to 2,16 Kg/lt.
It inhibits clay sands and clays hydration.
It resists to contaminations: Cement,

Anhydrite and Salt (Up to50000mg/lt Cl-)
It stabilizes the hole (regular section)

GYPSUM MUD (FW-GY)
Contaminant Treating of Gyp Muds
Contaminant Indicators Treatments

High content of low Values at Mud Still, PV,gel at Higher dilution, improve solids
gravity solid 10-minute , MBT. discard, use the centrifuges to
treat the mud
Salt/Salt Water Chlorides, viscosity, yield point, Gel Increase the density if water flows
10”/10’ and filtrate increase. from well. Treat with deflocculant
PM, PF, pH decrease and soda for rheology, starch or
PAC for the filtrate. Transform the
mud saturated with salt or oil
base mud, in presence of salt
dome.
Carbonates/CO2 (no Increase MF,Gel 10-min . Add lime for PM and KOH for PF
problem for lime PM, pH decrease. To control the CO2 control. Keep solids control to the
muds.) need Ca (OH)2 treatment- that causes lowest possible level
thin solids increase (CaCO3)

GYPSUM MUD (FW-GY)

Low quality products Different packing, minor product Supplier documents.
performance. Mud characteristics Sample and analyse.
not conform to the programmed Collaborate with the Supplier
values and detect the trouble (do not
change the supplier)
Foam Foam in the tanks, air incorporated Treat with non toxic antifoam.
in the mud, irregular pump pressure Identify the foam origin and
operate.
Temperature gelation Pressure peaks at the pump (when Reduce low gravity solids, treat
the circulation restarts) after the with lignosulfonate if
round trip. BHT<300°F Treat with
Very viscous bottom cushions and polymeric deflocculant with
high viscosity mud at the flow line temperature higher than 300°F
(150°C).

SALT BASED MUDS
• Mainly used to drill salt formations. Sometimes also used as inhibitive fluid in shale
formations. It’s better when saturated
• It is possible to use the system with suitable viscosity as work-over fluid
• Lower cost referred to other competitor system
• The basic product, (NaCl) is readily available

SALT BASED MUDS
Salt Muds Classification NaCl, mg/L
Salt saturated (NaCl) 315,000
Sea Water 25,000-35,000
Brackish Water 10,000-25,000

SALT BASED MUDS
Salt saturated mud
The pH control, changes widely and it is not a fundamental function pf the system. Many
low Solids Mud with starch are formulated without caustic soda. In other areas the pH=11
– 11,5 is maintained, with NaOH addition. The S.S. mud, needs a major quantity of soda
to keep a high PH. To maintain the pH = 11 – 11,5 gives several advantages :
• More efficient fluidizing

• Reduced Corrosion
• To reduce the filtrate, minor quantities of additives, are needed when the
solubility from Ca++ and Mg++ is reduced.
• Minimizes foaming tendency
• Mud is generally more stable

SALT BASED MUDS
Principal Additives of Salt Saturated Muds
Additive Concentration, Kg/mc Function
Pre-hydrated Bentonite 30 - 70 Viscosity, Filtrate control
STARCH 10 - 20 Filtrate control
Caustic Soda pH 9.0 - 11.0 Alkalinity control
Soda Ash (Na2CO3) 3-8 Ca++ Removal
Filtrate control,
PAC 0.7 - 4.2
Viscosity
Inhibition,
Salt (NaCl) 350
Weighting

SALT BASED MUDS
Typical Properties of Salt Saturated Muds
Yield Gels
Density Plastic API
Point 10 sec/10min
(Kg/lt) Viscosity Filtrate pH
(gr/100 cm2) (gr/100cm2)
(ppg) (cPs) (cm3/30 min)
(lbs/100 ft2) (lbs/100 ft2)
1.26 – 10.5 8 - 12 4-6/8-12 2-4/4-8 6-8/12-16 8 - 12 8.5-

9.
2.1-17.5 45-50 10-14/20-28 3-5/6-10 15-18/30-36 6-8 5

SALT BASED MUDS
Advantages/Disadvantages of Saturated salt Muds
Filtrate control more difficult (starches or

Inhibiting (clays)
polymers efficiency)
Contaminations resistant: cement,

Foaming and air entrap tendency
anhydrite, salt and salt water.
Low solids content. The dissolved salt

Corrosive, with salinity lower than saturation
helps density.
Good hole cleaning (cuttings transport). Temperature max limit = 280°F (140°C).
Stabilizing action on-open hole.

SALT BASED MUDS
Contaminant Treating of Saturated Salt Muds
Contaminant Indicators Treatment
PV, YP, gels , viscosity, filtrate,

Dilution. Use the centrifuges
High Solid Contents MBT. Increases. Foaming,
and improve solids removal
trapped air
Ask for data regarding
Lower material efficiency. Product package process. Sample and
Low Quality Products
Package change carry out efficiency test +
complete analysis

SALT BASED MUDS
Sea Water Muds
Principal Additives of Saltwater Muds
Additives Concentration, Kg/mc Function
Pre-hydrated Bentonite 40 - 70 Control Filtrate, Viscosity
Control
Soda /Caustic potash 1,5 – 4,5
alkalinity/corrosion
Starch 9 – 18 Filtrate Control
PAC 1,5 – 3.0 Filtrate Control
Lignosulfonate 9 – 18 Deflocculant
Lignite 5 - 10 Filtr. Control HP/HT

SALT BASED MUDS
Sea Water Based Mud Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages/Disadvantages of Saltwater Muds
Increasing of the quantity of additives used

Inhibiting Material (clay layer)
because of lower performance
Reduced fresh water consumptions. Difficult to control filtration
Contaminants negative aspects; anhydrite,

Pre-hydrated bentonite is required
cement, salt and layer salt water

SALT BASED MUDS
Problems and Contaminations – Sea Water Muds
Contaminations are more evident compared to S.S. mud. The sea water mud has higher
quantities of additives. The salinity and hardness range affect the fluid performances
Contaminant Treating of Saltwater Muds

Increase % solids , PV, YP, gel, Massive dilutions, use of
High Solid Contents viscous mud cushions from centrifuges and other
bottomhole to surface equipment to remove solids.
Increase density in case of
inlet from formation water.
YP, Filtrate and chlorides
Treat with fluidizing to control
increase.
Salt /Salt Water the rheology. Control filtrated
In case of formation water, loss of
with starch or Pac. Add
density and PH decrease
caustic soda to repristinate
correct PH

SALT BASED MUDS
Contaminant Treating of Saltwater Muds
Know the production

Increase the quantity of treating.
Low quality product methodology.
Different packaging
Sample and analyse the product
Add sodium bicarbonate or
SAPP. Dilute with water (fresh or
PV, YP, pH, PM, PF, gel and filtrate
Cement sea). Treat with fluidizing, starch
increase. Ca++ increase.
or PAC (Rheology and filtrate
control)
Increase pH at 10.7 or more to

Increase gels, YP. Rheology not
convert the bicarbonate in
Carbonates correct. Bottom cushion with high
carbonate, treat with lime or
viscosity.
gypsum to remove carbonates.

SALT BASED MUDS
Brackish-Water Muds
In many areas, for economical reasons or for fresh water shortage, Brackish waters
are often used to prepare mud. They have a salinity (NaCl) between 10000 and
15000 mg/lt. These areas are near the sea a/o in marshy zones.
Main additives (Brackish-Water Muds)

They are essentially the same additives of the sea water mud; they have lower
salinity. Because of brackish-water (bacterium and organic products), the use of
chemicals is always high to reduce the bacterium degradation

SALT BASED MUDS
Principal Additives of Brackish Water Muds
Additives Concentration, Kg/mc Function
Viscosity and Filtrate,

Pre-hydrated bentonite 40 - 70
Control
Soda / Caustic potash 1,5 – 4,5 Pf corrosion control
Starch 9 – 18 Filtrate control

PAC 1,5 – 3 Filtrate control
Lignosulfonate 9 – 18 Deflocculant
Lignite 6 - 10 HP/HT Filtrate control.

SALT BASED MUDS
Typical Properties of Brackish-Water Muds
Yield
Gels API
Plastic Point
Density 10 sec/10min Chlorides Filtrate
Viscosity (gr/100 pH
(Kg/lt) 2 (gr/100cm2) mg/L (cm3/30
(cPs) cm )
2 Lbs/100ft2 min)
lbs/100ft
4–5 1–2 2–5

1,10 16 10.5 –11 10,000 -25,000 6 - 10
8 – 10 2–4 4-10
6–8 2–3 3–5

1,45 22 10.5 - 11 10,000 -25,000 6-8
12 – 16 4–6 6 –10

SALT BASED MUDS
Advantages/Disadvantages of Brackish-WaterMuds
Use of chemical products increasing,

Give moderate inhibition degree
(because of minor efficiency)
Reduced fresh water consumption Pre-hydrated bentonite (in fresh water) is

(Brackish water is used). required

SALT BASED MUDS
Problems and Muds Contaminations - Brackish-Water Muds
Contaminations and problems are the same of the sea water system

POTASSIUM MUDS – (FW/SW-KC)
There are three potassium based muds:
• KCl-Polimers (KCl-PHPA)
• KOH-Lignite
• KOH-Lime

KCl-Polimers (KCl-PHPA) =FW/SW-KC
Principal Additives of KCL-Polymer Muds
Additive Concentration,Kg/mc Function

Pre-hydrated Bentonite 15 - 45 Control Visc. and filtrate
Potassium Chloride 15 - 170 Inhibiting source K+
Gives ions K+ and controls
Caustic Potash 0.7 – 2
alkalinity
Starch 8 – 16 Filtrate control
PAC 1.5 – 3 Filtrate control
Lignosolfonate 8 - 16- Fluidifizing
Lignite 5 - 10 Filtrate control HP/HT

Typical Properties of KCL-Polymer Muds

Density
Viscosity Point 10 sec/10min Filtrate
(Kg/lt)
(cPs) (gr/100cm2) (gr/100cm2) (cm3/30 min)
1,10-1,20 12 – 25 5 – 10 3–4 4 - 10 10 - 12
1,20–1,32 15 – 25 5 – 10 1–4 4–8 5–8
1,32–1,44 15 – 35 3–8 1–4 2–8 3–6
1,44–1,68 20 – 40 3–8 1–3 2–8 2–4
1,68–1,92 25 - 45 3–8 1–3 2–6 2–4
1,92-2,16 30 - 45 3-4 1-3 2-5 1-3

Typical Material Concentrations for KCl-Polymer Muds
CONCENTRATION , Kg/mc
Density Water Caustic Gum Reg PHPA

Bentonite KCl Xanthan PAC Barite
KG/Lt (lt) Potash LV Starch Active
1,20 937 40 0,7 100 2,8 -- 4 12 0 2,8
1,44 812 40 0,7 90 2,8 -- 4 12 350 2,8
1,68 750 36 1,4 85 2,2 4 -- 12 670 2,8
1,92 718 28 1,4 80 1,5 3 -- 9 830 2,8
2,16 687 20 1,4 75 1,5 3 -- 9 1080 2,8

Contaminant Treating of Brackish-Water Muds

Large dilutions. Use centrifuges
Increase: solids, PV, YP, gels. Viscous
High % solids and improve the efficiency of
bottom cushions after the round trip
solids control equipment .
Minor dilution. To treat with
bicarbonate a/o SAPP. When
Increase: PM, PF, pH, YP, Filtrate, and
Cement rheology becomes stable treat
Marsh viscosity
with starch or PAC to reduce
filtrate.
Product documentation
The product packaging changes.
Low-quality products Supplier quality history. Sample
Higher quantity of the product used
and analyse.

Contaminant Treating of Brackish-Water Muds

Increase density if the well

Increase:Chlorides, Marsh viscosity,
Salt Water/salt flows salt water. Convert in a
YP, Gels, Filtrate.
mud saturated with salt
Treat with SAPP, soda ash or

Increase: Ca++, YP, gels, filtrate.
Gypsum/ Anhydrite potassium carbonate. When
Decrease: pH, PM, PF.
necessary, treat with fluidizing
Increase: MF, YP, gels. Carry out GGT analysis. Raise

Decrease: pH, PM, PF. Viscous pH>10,7 with KOH.
Carbonates bottom cushions and also high Add lime and guarantee the
viscosity to the mud comes from value of the solids within
flow Line acceptable limits.

KOH-Lignite (system)
Principal Additives of KOH-Lignite Muds
Additives Concentrations, kg/mc Functions
Bentonite 45 - 75 Viscosity and filtrate control.
Lignite 15 - 23 Fluidizing and filtrate control
Caustic Potash 1,5 – 4,5 Alkalinity and K+ control
PAC/CMC 1,5 – 3 Viscosity and filtrate control

Add the amount needed
Barite to reach a programmed Weighting material
value of density

Typical Properties of KOH-Lignite Muds
Plastic Gels API

Density Yield Point
Viscosity 10 sec/10min pH Filtrate
Kg/l (gr/100 cm2)
(cPs) (gr/100cm2) (cm3/30 min)
1,08 12 - 14 4-6 1–2 2–4 10.0 10 - 12
1,44 16 - 20 5–9 1-3 3-5 10.0 6–8

Advantages/Disadvantages of KOH-Lignite Muds
Contaminants intolerance such as, salt, Ca++,

Inhibiting system
cement, carbonates and anhydrite
Economical. Control filtrate with lignite and

Clay solids (L.G.) must be kept very low
bentonite
Simple. Limitated product numbers
Thermic stability up to 400°F(240°C).

Contaminant Treating of KOH-Lignite Muds

Increases:solids, PV, YP, and gels.
Dilute and use centrifuge,
High solid contents Viscous bottom cushions. High
improve solids removal.
additives consumption
Deflocculate with bicarbonate
a/o SAPP. Dilute with water.
Increases PM, PF, pH, YP, gel and Increase PF to limit the Ca++.
Cement
filtrate. Fluidify to reduce rheology.
Transform in FW-LI if
necessary.
Production documents. Make
Increases treatment quantity. sample and analysis. Pilot test
Low quality product
(consumptions) with good quality materials.
(comparison)

Increase density, (Kill Flow)

Treat with water and
Well lows, viscosity, chlorides,
fluidizing for rheology
Salt Water/Salt YP, filtrate increases. Density
control, then PAC/CMC for
decreases
filtrate. Convert in mud SS
when there’s much salt.
Increase pH with KOH to

Change drilling speed reduce Ca++. Treat with
Anhydrite/Gypsum (metres/hour) . Increases: Ca++ , bicarbonate and soda Ash.
Decrease: pH, PM, PF. Add fluidizing or convert in
FW-GY.

Carry out GGT analysis.

Increase: MF, YP, gels. False Raise the pH over 10,7 with
rheological results. Decreases: pH, KOH. Add lime a/o gypsum
Carbonates PM, PF. Viscous bottom cushions to settle carbonates (avoid
after round trips, high viscosity overtreatments). Keep drilled
mud at the Flow line solids contents (L.G.) within
recommended limits
High pressure peaks at the pump Reduce L.G: E MBT solids.

Gelation for High to restart circulation after breaks. Use thermostable fluidizing.
temperature Bottomhole viscous cushions after Analysis for carbonate
trips. contamination (GGT).

KOH-Lime Mud
KOH-Lime Muds main additives
Additives Concentration,Kg/mc Function
Bentonite 45 - 75 Control viscosity and filtrate
Lignosulfonate 12 - 24 Fluidizing and controls filtrate
Lime 12 - 30 High pH and Ca++ source
Caustic potash (KOH) 6-9 Pf control and K+ source

Tannin sulfonate 6-9 Deflocculant
PAC /Starch 3-6 Filtrate control
Add the amount needed to
Barite reach a programmed value Weighting material
of density

POTASSIUM MUDS– (FW/SW-KC)
Typical Properties of KOH-Lime Muds
Gels API
Density Plastic Visc. Yield Point
10 sec/10.min Filtrate
(Kg/l) (cPs) (gr/100 m2)
(gr/100cm2) (cm3/30 min)
1,08 10 - 12 4–6 2–3 3-5 6-9
1,44 16 - 18 8 – 10 2-3 3–6 4-6

Advantages/Disadvantages of KOH-Lime Muds
Inhibiting (Ca++ e K+) Non dispersed fluid
Solids Tolerance Decreasing ROP in hard formation
Contaminations resistance : Anhydride,

Complex, many additives
Cement, Carbonates and salt.
Gelation at high temperature
Bentonite must be pre-hydrated

Contaminant Treating of KOH-Lime Muds
Strong dilution, use centrifuge

High solid contents Increase: % solids, PV, YP, Gel 10’-
and improve solids removal.
Increase Kill Flow denisty.

Dilute with fresh water. Treat
with fluidizing and KOH for
Increase: Chlorides, Viscosity, YP,
rheology and then PAC or
Salt and salt water gel and filtrate. Decreases: PM, PF,
starch for the filtrate. With large
pH, and density (salt water).
quantities of salt, convert it in
saturated salt or replace with oil
base mud.

Add Ca(OH)2 for the PM e and

Increase: MF, gels10’, rheology
KOH for PF..
Carbonates / CO2 difficult to control. Decreases :
Check clay solids at the
Pm,PH
planned range lower limit.
Supplier documents on
Package product changes. Product
production mehtods and quality
quantity increasing, to obtain the
Low quality products control. Sample and analyse
same results. Muds characteristics
through comparison with
not reliable
standard products as well.


Viscous bottom cushion after round Reduce L.G. solids.
trip. Increase lignosulfonate
Viscous mud at the flow line (not at concentration if the temperature
Temperature Gelation
the sump pit). is lower than 160°C. If the
Pressure peaks at the pump after a temperature is higher, use high
break. temperature deflocculant.
Presence of foam to the tank and
Treat with non toxic anti-foam.
shaker
Foaming Detect the cause of the trouble
The mud incorporates/absorbs air,
and remove it.
pump pressure drop.

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Low Solids PAC/CMC Muds: Main Additives
Materials Concentration Kg/mc Function
Viscosity and Filtrate

Bentonite 15 - 30
control
Caustic Soda pH 9.0 – 9.5 Alkalinity

Ash Soda 0.75 – 1.5 Calcium removal
PAC/CMC Regular 1.5 – 4.5 Filtrate control
Add the amount needed to reach
Barite Weighting material
a programmed value of density

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Typical Properties of Low-Solids PAC/CMC Muds
Yield
Plastic Gels API
Density Point Chlorides
Viscosity 10 sec/10min Filtrate pH
(Kg/lt) (gr/10 mg/L Hardnes
(cPs) (gr/100cm2) (cm3/30 min)
0 cm2) s (mg/L)
1,08 4-6 4-6 2-4 3-5 < 2000 10 – 12 < 200 9.0 – 9.5
6-8
1,44 8 - 10 5-8 3-6 5-8 < 2000 < 200 9.0 – 9,5

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Low Solids PHPA Muds (polyacrilamide partially hydrated)
Principal Additives of Low Solids PHPA Muds
Materials Concentration Kg/lt Function
Filtrate and Viscosity

Bentonite 3 - 40
Control
Soda /Caustic Potash pH 9,0 – 9,5 Alkalinity Control
Solids encapsulation,
PHPA 2,85 Borehole stability,
Viscosity control
SPA 0,75 – 1,5 Filtrate control
Ash Soda 0,75 – 2,15 To settle ions Ca++

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Typical Properties of Low-Solids PHPA Muds

Density
Viscosity Point 10 sec/10min Filtrate
(Kg/lt)
(cPs) (gr/100 cm2) (gr/100cm2) (cm3/30 min)
1,08 4–6 5–7 2–4 3–5 10 - 12
1,44 8 - 10 6 – 10 4-6 5–8 6–8

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Advantages/Disadvantages of Non-Dispersed Polymer Muds
High ROP (m/hour) in hard formations Limited use
Pressure drop low values/ ECD Polymers absorption on clays is irreversible
Good borehole cleaning (Transport Capacity) Low stabilit at temperatures.
Easy maintenance Solids increase is not tolerated.
Easily convertible in a deflocculated/dispersed They need higher dilutions compared to the
system deflocculate system
It doesn’t disperse solids (inhibited system). Filtrate control is expensive
More corrosive than deflocculate system.
Contaminants sensible.
Carbonates contamination difficult to be treated
Weighting difficulty
Not very inhibiting.

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Contaminant Treating of Non-Dispersed Polymer Muds

Increases: solids %, PV, YP, gels,
Higher dilution use the
MBT. Viscous bottom cushions after
High SolidContents centrifuges
round trip.
To improve solids control
High viscosity at the flow Line.
Control (Ca++) contamination
with bicarbonate a/o SAPP or
Citric Acid
Dilute with fresh water.
Marsh viscosity, pH, PM, PF, gels,
Cement Increase PF in order to limit the
filtrate increasing
Ca++ solubility.
Deflocculant could be
necessary or convert mud into
lime

POLYMERS FLUIDS

Increase density (if the well
Well flowing. flows). Dilute with fresh water to
Increases: Marsh viscosity, YP, Gels, reduce chlorides. Treat with
Salt water/Salt Filtrate. deflocculant for PAC
Surface water separation. contamination and for the
Decreases: pH, PM, PF.density. filtrate control. If necessary
transform in SS. mud
Treat for Ca++ with ash soda,
Increase:Ca++, YP, Gels, and filtrate Bicarbonate a/o SAPP. Add
Gypsum/Anhydrite
Decrease: pH, Pm, Pf. fresh water. Deflocculant
treatment can be required.

POLYMERS FLUIDS
Add lime for the Pm and KOH

Carbonates / CO2 Increases: MF, gels 10’. Rheology
for the Pf. Keep the content of
(Not very difficult to be checked. Dercreases:
clayey solids to the lowest
problematic) PM, pH.
possible value.
Documentation of the
Treatment quantities increasing. productive process from
Type of packaging changed. supplier.
Low quality products
Poor results with standard Sample and analyze. Pilot test
treatments comparison with reliable
products


Chapter 12 Inhibiting Water Based Muds

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Chapter 12 Inhibiting Water Based Muds

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INHIBITING WATER

Well Area Operations

Well Area Operations

• Lime Muds –Ca(OH)2 FW/SW-LI

Calcium absorption from clays

Well Area Operations

Reduction water hydration for sodium clay

Well Area Operations

Effect of solids concentration

Well Area Operations

Line A - Soluble calcium vs. lime

Line B - Soluble calcium of 4 lb/bbl of lime

Well Area Operations

Solubility of calcium vs. chlorides.

Well Area Operations

Description and application

• It is a dispersed, lignosulfonate base fluid where lime is apporting source of Ca++.

• The tolerance to high solids is acceptable

• It is possible to weight up to over 2.1 kg/l (17.5 ppg)

Well Area Operations

• The system needs more dilution than other inhibitive systems.

• At temperature over 120°C gelation problems may occur.

Well Area Operations

Lime muds classification versus alkalinity values

Low Lime Intermediate High Lime

Well Area Operations

Lime Muds main additives

Additive Concentration, kg/mc Function

Bentonite 60 - 80 Viscosity, filtrate control

Lignosulfonate 0,5- 1,5 Deflocculant

Lime Ca(OH)2 5 - 30 Inhibitor, alkalinity control

Soda or caustic potash for pH 10.5 - 12.5 pH Control

*Antifermentant treatment needed

Well Area Operations

Typical Properties of a Low and High Lime Mud

Plastic Yield Gels API

Well Area Operations

Filtrate alkalinity due to Caustic Soda additions (NaOH)

NaOH, lb/bbl Kg/mc PF, cm3 H2SO4 - N/50

Well Area Operations

Treatment Ranges for Lime Mud Conversions

Soda/ Caustic potash 2–3 5–8

Thinning Agent 2–5 5 - 15

Well Area Operations

Lime Muds contaminants treatments

Contaminants Indicators Treatments

Well Area Operations

Contaminants Indicators Treatments

Well Area Operations

Main Gypsum Mud additives

Additives Concentration,Kg/mc Function

Bentonite 60 - 70 Viscosity, filtrate control

Caustic Soda pH 9.5 - 11.0 Alkalinity control,Inhib.I

PAC 0.7 – 4,5 Viscosity, Filtrate control

Well Area Operations

Gypsum mud typical characteristics

1,08 12 - 15 3– 5 1-2 4- 6 30- 40 0.2 - 2.7 9.5 - 11.0 600-1200 8 - 12

Well Area Operations

Advantages/Disadvantages of Gyp Mud

Weighting facility up to 2,16 Kg/lt.

It inhibits clay sands and clays hydration.

It resists to contaminations: Cement,

It stabilizes the hole (regular section)