Aqueous drilling fluid contends with HP/HT wells

摘要

A new water-based drilling fluid has been developed specifically to contend with the unique challenges of onshore ultra-deep HP/HT wells in sensitive ecosystems. Historically, invert emulsion drilling fluids have been the systems of choice for ultra-deep HP/HT wells. Environmental restrictions in effect in Central Europe, however, dictate that systems include no oil- or diesel-based fluids or additives that incorporate chrome, which is highly effective in controlling rheology. These operating conditions spurred researchers to launch a program to develop an aqueous system specifically for these HP/HT wells.