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Enhancing Hematite-Based Invert Emulsion Mud Stability at High-Pressure High-Temperature Wells
Ashraf Ahmed1, Salem Basfar1, Salaheldin Elkatatny1
1College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
ACS Omega
|December 30, 2020
Summary
Garamite addition stabilizes hematite-based invert emulsion drilling muds under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, preventing solids sagging and improving overall performance. This enhances drilling efficiency and reduces costs.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Drilling Fluid Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Drilling fluid stability is critical for wellbore integrity, with solids sagging being a major challenge in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environments.
- Solids sagging in drilling mud can lead to operational issues like stuck pipes, wellbore instability, and lost circulation, increasing drilling costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Garamite as an additive to enhance the stability of hematite-based invert emulsion drilling muds under HPHT conditions.
- To optimize the concentration of Garamite for improved mud properties and sag prevention.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of Garamite and hematite using X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and particle size distribution.
- Formulation of invert emulsion muds with varying Garamite concentrations (0.5-1.5 g).
- Evaluation of mud properties including density, electrical stability, rheology, viscoelasticity, filtration, and sag tendency under static and dynamic conditions.
Main Results:
- Garamite addition enhanced emulsion stability without affecting mud density, with electrical stability increasing proportionally to Garamite concentration.
- 1.25 g of Garamite was found to be optimal for preventing solids sagging in both static and dynamic conditions.
- The optimal Garamite concentration significantly improved yield point (152%), gelling strength, and viscoelastic properties, while slightly increasing plastic viscosity and improving filtration.
Conclusions:
- Garamite effectively stabilizes hematite-based invert emulsion muds, mitigating solids sagging in HPHT drilling operations.
- The optimized mud formulation with 1.25 g Garamite offers superior rheological, suspension, and sag performance, ensuring wellbore stability.
- This research provides a basis for cost-effective and safer drilling in HPHT formations by minimizing nonproductive time.
