Using newer foam fracturing technologies, Dominion E&P has unlocked reserves - an estimated 1.5 million bbl of oil from six new wells and three re-completions - in the lower porosity (10%-to-12% range) Prue sandstone. The site is in Roberson Ranch field, southwest of Oklahoma City. Fracturing of earlier, 1970- and...
Treatments with biological stimulation fluids effectively repaired reservoir damage caused by polymer fluids in two wells. Production from a gas well in southwest Texas (which produced about 1,500 Mcf per month prior to being essentially shut-off by damage from copolymer fracturing fluids) initially increased to more than 14,000 Mcf per...
Demands concerning environmental compatibility in oil and gas exploration have increased distinctly in recent years. This article discusses about drilling fluids bearing the EQ Emblem not only satisfy these demands, but also make work for the people on deck safer. Ester-based formulations do not smell, are not toxic upon inhalation...
Membrane filtration is used for separating oil from water and treating waste metal-working fluids. This work presents two different filtration systems and investigates the possibility of reusing their permeates. The first system consists of an ultrafiltration membrane UF followed by a nanofiltration membrane NF. The second system consists of direct...
This paper describes the laboratory and field evaluation of synthetic and oil-base fluids formulated with copolymers. The copolymers have exceptional performance as rheological modifiers and as filtration control agents, in fluid densities ranging from 7.7-18.0 lb/gal (0.92-2.1 s.g.). The laboratory and field results demonstrate stable rheological properties, providing ideal hole...
This paper focuses on third generation water based fuel drilling system. The new fluid incorporates a polyamine shale intercalator and a shale encapsulator for hydration inhibition. The new fluid performed similar to invert emulsion muds used to drill offset wells in the area, where troublesome shale sections are encountered. The...
To better understand the environmental fate and effects of drilling discharges, three key topics will be considered throughout this paper: the make-up of drilling fluids, the behavior of the drilling fluids when they are discharged, and the allowable and actual levels of mercury that may be present in the discharge.
This paper presents the technology for managing dynamic barite sag while minimizing the corresponding effect on down hole pressure losses in invert-emulsion drilling fluids. Data presented will demonstrate the ability to control dynamic barite sag while minimizing the effect on ECD, thus reducing the frequency of drilling fluid related non-productive...
Ammonia-derived chemicals including amines, amides, polyamides, imines, nitriles and amino acids are used in many water-based drilling fluid components. Addressed in this paper are those derivatives, which contribute to clay and shale stability. Ammonium chloride was tested more than 30 years ago as a shale inhibitor. Diammonium phosphate has been...
This paper will discuss a newly developed and optimized process to enhance rate of biodegradation of currently used mineral, synthetic or ester based fluids. The process consists of using treatment comprising organic nitrogen and phosphorus compounds combined with fatty acids which are added to a typical synthetic-based drilling fluid. Extensive...
This paper discusses the selection of base fluids, salts, and other components combined with the use of earthworms to remediate the drill cuttings and create a beneficial by-product. Drilling performance of the fluid is reviewed as is biodegradation results from the field test vermiculture studies. A wide variety of hydrocarbon-based...
In this paper the authors will discuss the equipment, data transfer and fluid requirements needed to achieve the goal of real-time imaging in invert emulsion fluids. Results from the recently developed, highly conductive invert emulsion fluid will be presented, showing how this is synergistic with the tool and data transfer...
The present research was conducted to determine the degradability and ecotoxicity of 5 fluids being considered by BP for production of drilling muds for terrestrial drilling, and compare the degradation and toxicological attributes of the alternative fluids with those of diesel oil. Thus, research was conducted at the University of...
This paper discusses a systematic approach to brine selection which has been developed to identify an optimum fluid for specific formations and deepwater conditions. Since its initial application in early 2000, this approach has led to seven successful completions on both oil and gas wells in the Gulf of Mexico...
This paper provides background information on the evolution of sour service drill pipe, discusses the specifications that have been developed and reviews case histories where various generations of sour service drill pipe have been successfully used. Major advances relating to drill pipe specifically developed for use in areas with significant...
A System Cost Analysis provides a quantitative tool for measuring the actual costs of drilling fluids on overall well drilling costs. Simple System Cost is composed of drilling fluid material costs, unproductive time due to drilling fluid performance - converted to cost. An ideal total analysis of drilling fluid performance...
Drilling wells safely, economically, and successfully, in the new era, generally requires drilling fluids, which significantly reduce drilling days, and eliminates gas hydrates. While these fluids accomplish these tasks, recent environmental pressures are causing operators to minimize synthetic on cuttings discharge to the sea. In the U.S., the EPA is...
A preliminary work, investigating the geometrical and running characteristics of a non conventional heat pump, operating with a couple of operative fluids (canier fluid-working fluid) in the usual range of 50-70 °C, has been made. De-mineralized water has been considered as carrier fluid. A thermo gravimetric plant, unlike a conventional...
By Amanda Gold SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Following are ways to reduce your carbon footprint when cooking or eating outside this summer. Grilling green nu2009u2009u2009Although many prefer the flavor of charcoal grilling, a cleaner-burning electric or propane-gas grill can...
NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX) today announced the planned retirement of John McMurray, Vice President - Group Executive Fluid and Metering. Mr. McMurray will transition his current responsibilities by mid-2009. IDEX expects that he will then continue to work with the company on an ongoing consulting...
