Efficiently drill challenging conventional formations and prevent production zone damage
High-delivery high-performance drilling
The DeepDrill® high-performance water-based drilling fluid system (HPWBM) deliver high penetration rates, lubricity, and wellbore inhibition to achieves wellbore stabilization and other key performance capabilities required for conventional land, offshore and deepwater drilling.
- Superior shale inhibition: Osmotic membrane development and activity control to protect the wellbore
- ECD control: Consistently lower ECDs compared with more compressible NAF systems
- Desirable rheological profile: Less subject to elevated cold-water viscosity than standard NAF systems
- Gas hydrate suppression: Supplemental salinity and non-ionic polyol technology combat the formation of gas hydrates thermodynamically and kinetically
- Contamination tolerance: Versatile components offer a wide range of applications in the harshest environments
- Improved log interpretation: Water-based formulation enhances formation evaluation capability
Key applications: Conventional land, offshore and deepwater drilling. Depleted sands and sub-salts.
Fluid type: Water-based drilling fluid systems.
Temperature rating (Max): 350°F (175°C)
Key performance characteristics: Inhibition using methyl glucoside and chemically active polyglycerols
Performance rating: Superior. High penetration rates, wellbore inhibition and formation protection.
Sustainability rating: Good
Understanding methyl glucoside fluids chemistry
Methyl glucoside and chemically active polyglycerols attach to clay/shale surfaces, thus impeding water movement into the shale under downhole conditions. These complex polyols represent a step beyond traditional glycol drilling fluids chemistry. The semi-permeable membrane that is formed reduces ion-exchange more than reducing water movement. The water movement is more related to the activity level of the fluid.
The beneficial hydroxyl groups contained in polyglycerol and methyl glucoside are more numerous than those provided by polyglycerols. Additionally, the complex nature of the methyl glucoside molecule is considerably more effective in sealing pores than simple polyols. This molecular configuration also tends to prevent damaging penetration of the material into shale adjacent to the wellbore.
The increased availability of hydroxyls promotes the development of a strong bond with shale surfaces and pore throats. This mechanism, achieved through the coupling of various polyglycerols and methyl glucoside in the system’s formulation, provides a molecular particle size distribution that effectively coats or films the wellbore, preventing water migration into the shale, while also preventing wetting and clay-particle migration.
The system also exhibits tolerance to common drilling contaminants such as salt, anhydrite and water flows; and its inherent characteristics make it a viable choice for drilling depleted sands or sub-salt environments. Further, its water-based formulation provides superior electric log interpretation; and return permeability test results indicate the system to be protective of production zones.
Key fluid system chemistry, components and performance additives
Shale inhibition: DeepDrill® Inhibitor provides borehole stability and is an environmentally safe alternative that can be used as the base fluid rather that oil-based fluids. NewPerm can also be deployed as a secondary shale inhibitor.
Fluid conditionings: NewEdge™ pure humalite-based fluid conditioner outperforming lignite products for rheology and fluid loss control. Extremely salt-tolerant and temperature stable.
Cuttings conditioning: FlexFirm™ provides outstanding cutting integrity at low concentrations. Prevents solid build-up that results from cutting dispersion.
Lubrication: The proprietary New100N® lubricity additive is environmentally safe, 100% water soluble-solution and also inhibits hydration of water-sensitive shales at cost-effective concentrations (3-4% for lubricity; 4-5% for shale inhibition).
Wellbore stability: The innovative LST-Md™ shale stabilizer that seal micro-fractures in shale.
Build a more sustainable drilling operation with the Newpark service advantage
Creating safe, sustainable, and efficient operations relies on dynamic and trusted partnerships. Our service advantage combines drilling fluids expertise, innovative custom chemistry, a world-class lab network and an effective global supply chain to offer all the support you need to anticipate and overcome your drilling challenges.
