Gilsonite in Drilling Fluid Loss Control

 

Gilsonite Drilling Fluid Loss Control

Gilsonite Drilling Fluid Loss Control Gilsonite, also known as uintaite, is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin that has been effectively used in drilling fluids for fluid loss control. Here’s an overview of how it works and its benefits:

How Gilsonite Works in Drilling Fluids

1. Sealing and Bridging Agent : Gilsonite helps in sealing the walls of the wellbore and forming a thin, tough filter cake, which prevents the invasion of drilling fluids into permeable formations.
2. Shale Stabilization : It stabilizes reactive shales by plugging microfractures and preventing the hydration and swelling of shale formations.
3. Thermal Stability : Gilsonite is thermally stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature drilling operations.
4. Lubrication : It enhances the lubricity of the drilling fluid, reducing torque and drag on the drill string.

Benefits of Using Gilsonite in Drilling Fluids

Using Gilsonite in drilling fluids offers several benefits that enhance drilling operations. Here are the key advantages:

1. Reduced Fluid Loss 
   Gilsonite helps form a thin, tough filter cake on the wellbore walls, effectively sealing permeable formations and preventing the loss of drilling fluids into the formation. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the wellbore and ensuring efficient drilling operations.
2. Improved Wellbore Stability 
   By sealing microfractures and stabilizing reactive shales, Gilsonite contributes to maintaining wellbore stability. This reduces the risk of wellbore collapse and other instability issues, which can lead to costly non-productive time.
3. Thermal Stability 
   Gilsonite is thermally stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature drilling environments. This ensures that the drilling fluid maintains its properties and effectiveness even under extreme conditions.
4. Enhanced Lubricity 
   The inclusion of Gilsonite in drilling fluids enhances the lubricity, reducing friction between the drill string and the wellbore. This leads to lower torque and drag, which can improve the efficiency of the drilling process and extend the life of drilling equipment.
5. Cost-Effectiveness 
   Using Gilsonite can reduce overall drilling costs by minimizing fluid loss, preventing wellbore instability, and enhancing drilling efficiency. These benefits contribute to fewer interruptions and a smoother drilling operation, leading to cost savings.
6. Shale Stabilization 
   Gilsonite’s ability to plug microfractures in shales prevents hydration and swelling of shale formations. This is particularly important in formations where reactive shales can pose significant challenges to drilling operations.
7. Environmental Compatibility 
   As a naturally occurring substance, Gilsonite is environmentally friendly compared to synthetic additives. Its use in drilling fluids poses fewer disposal challenges and aligns with environmental regulations and best practices.
8. Versatility 
   Gilsonite can be used in both water-based and oil-based drilling fluids, making it a versatile additive for various drilling conditions and requirements.

Application and Usage of Gilsonite for Drilling Fluid Loss Control

1.  Concentration 
   –  Typical Dosage : Gilsonite is usually added to drilling fluids in concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 lb/bbl (pounds per barrel). The exact amount depends on the specific drilling conditions and requirements.
   –  Testing : Before full-scale use, lab tests are conducted to determine the optimal concentration for the given formation and fluid system.
2.  Mixing 
   –  Preparation : Ensure that Gilsonite is finely ground for easier dispersion in the drilling fluid.
   –  Addition : Gradually add Gilsonite to the drilling fluid while maintaining agitation to ensure thorough mixing.
   –  Dispersal : Use high-shear mixers or mud guns to evenly distribute Gilsonite particles throughout the fluid.
3. Compatibility
   –  Water-Based Fluids : Gilsonite is compatible with most water-based drilling fluids. It can be added directly to the fluid or pre-mixed with other additives.
   –  Oil-Based Fluids : In oil-based systems, Gilsonite should be mixed thoroughly to ensure it integrates well with the base fluid and other components.
4. Monitoring 
   –  Rheology : Regularly monitor the rheological properties of the drilling fluid to ensure that the addition of Gilsonite does not adversely affect its flow characteristics.
   –  Filtration Control : Check the filter cake quality and fluid loss parameters using standard tests (e.g., API filter press) to verify the effectiveness of Gilsonite in controlling fluid loss.
5. Adjustments 
   –  On-the-Fly Adjustments : Be prepared to adjust the concentration of Gilsonite based on real-time data and drilling conditions. This might include increasing or decreasing the dosage to optimize performance.
   –  Compatibility Testing : Continuously test for compatibility with other drilling fluid additives to prevent any adverse reactions or precipitation.
6. Environmental Considerations 
   –  Disposal : Follow local environmental regulations for the disposal of drilling fluids containing Gilsonite. Its natural origin often makes it easier to manage environmentally compared to synthetic alternatives.
   –  Spill Management : Implement spill management protocols to handle any accidental releases of Gilsonite-laden drilling fluids.
7. Case Studies and Field Applications 
   –  Case Studies : Review case studies and field reports where Gilsonite has been used successfully to understand best practices and potential challenges.
   –  Field Trials : Conduct field trials in similar formations to gather practical data on the performance of Gilsonite in controlling fluid loss and stabilizing wellbores.
8. Supplier Collaboration 
   –  Technical Support : Work closely with Gilsonite suppliers for technical support and to source the best quality product tailored to your specific drilling needs.
   –  Customization : Some suppliers can offer customized Gilsonite blends or formulations that enhance performance in particular drilling environments.

Functions of Drilling Fluid loss control (FLC)

1. Preventing Fluid Loss to Formations: 
   – FLC materials and techniques help to seal permeable formations, fractures, and voids, preventing the drilling fluid from escaping into the surrounding rock. This maintains the hydrostatic pressure necessary to stabilize the wellbore.
2. Maintaining Wellbore Stability: 
   – By controlling fluid loss, the pressure within the wellbore is kept stable, which helps prevent wellbore collapse or other stability issues that can arise from pressure imbalances.
3. Protecting Reservoir Zones: 
   – Effective fluid loss control prevents drilling fluids and associated chemicals from invading reservoir zones, which can damage the formation and reduce the productivity of the well.
4. Minimizing Formation Damage: 
   – Reducing the amount of drilling fluid entering the formation helps minimize formation damage, such as pore plugging and clay swelling, which can impair the flow of hydrocarbons.
5. Enhancing Wellbore Cleaning: 
   – By preventing excessive fluid loss, the circulation of drilling fluids is maintained, which is crucial for the removal of cuttings from the wellbore. This improves overall drilling efficiency and safety.
6. Cost Control: 
   – Reducing fluid loss helps to control the costs associated with drilling fluid consumption. Lost drilling fluid can be expensive to replace, and managing losses effectively reduces overall operational costs.
7. Environmental Protection: 
   – Controlling fluid loss minimizes the environmental impact by reducing the amount of drilling fluid that can potentially contaminate surrounding formations and groundwater sources.
8. Maintaining Mud Weight and Properties: 
   – Fluid loss control ensures that the properties of the drilling mud, such as density and viscosity, remain consistent, which is critical for maintaining the drilling process’s efficiency and safety.
9. Facilitating Pressure Management: 
   – Effective FLC helps in maintaining the correct pressure balance within the wellbore, preventing issues like blowouts or kicks, which can occur if the pressure control is lost.
10. Supporting Well Control Operations: 
    – During well control situations, such as when a kick is detected, maintaining effective fluid loss control is crucial for managing the well’s pressure and ensuring that the blowout preventer (BOP) and other safety systems function correctly.

Gilsonite Prevents Formation Damage

Gilsonite FLC Drilling Fluids prevents the shape of the well and the damage to the oil well

Due to the chemical and physical composition of the materials along the walls of the oil well, Gilsonite creates a very strong insulator without permeability against drilling fluids.Gilsonite FLC unique property in terms of its compatibility with the oil wells and the flexibility of Gilsonite prevents fluid leaks and changes in oil wells in reactive clay layers even in the hot temperature of lower elevation of the wells.

 

Packing of Gilsonite in lump and powder form

For Drilling Fluid Loss Control

FLC in lump form like rock packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bag.

FLC 200 mesh packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bag.

Drilling fluid additive 300 mesh packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bag.

Drilling fluid additive 30-40 mesh packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bag.

Drilling fluid additive 100 mesh packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bag.

Drilling fluid additive 300 mesh packed in 25 kg pp bag.

Drilling fluid additive 200 mesh packed 25 kg multi-paper bag.

Drilling fluid additive 200 mesh packed 50 lbs multi-paper bag.

Drilling fluid additive 30-40 mesh packed pp bag on pallet.

Heath , Safety And Environmental Advantages

Gilsonite has significant health advantages over synthetic products like:

Non-toxic (unlike coal or fly ash)
Non-carcinogenic
Non-mutagenic

Analysis of drilling fluid loss control

 

 

Analysis of drilling fluid loss control -1

 

ELEMENT ANALYSIS

 

ELEMENT ANALYSIS Gilsonite Drilling