Shale hydration inhibition agent and use as a component in a drilling fluid for drilling wells

摘要

A water-base drilling fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water, the drilling fluid comprising: an aqueous based continuous phase; a weight material; and a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: H2N- CH(CH3)CH2{-OCH2CH(CH3)-}x-NH2 wherein x is a value less than 15, and wherein the shale hydration inhibition agent is present in sufficient concentration to reduce the swelling of the shale.