Drilling Fluid Additive and Method for Improving Lubricity or Increasing Rate of Penetration in a Drilling Operation

摘要

The present invention relates to a drilling fluid additive for improving lubricity or rate of penetration (ROP) in a drilling operation, such as an oil and gas drilling operation. The additive comprises particles of wax or waxy substance, or a mixture of two or more types of the particles having distinct properties, such as particle size, type of wax or waxy substance, melt point, solubility, dissolution rate, hardness, shape, blocking ability, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the additive is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. The invention also relates to a drilling fluid comprising the drilling fluid additive of the invention. A method of improving lubricity or increasing ROP in a drilling operation is also provided, as well as a use of particles of wax or waxy substance or mixture thereof as a drilling fluid additive for improving lubricity or increasing ROP in a drilling operation.