SPE 65384
Application of Drilling Fluid chemicals in China
Daming Zhang, Yabin Niu, SPE, and Jide Liu, SPE, Oilfield Chemistry Dept. of Research Instutite of Petroleum E &D
Copyright 2001, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2001 SPE International Symposium on
Oilfield Chemistry held in Houston, Texas, 13–16 February 2001.
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Abstract
This paper present the sixteen types of drilling fluid chemicals
manufactured in china and describe some important chemicals
in detail. The consumption of drilling fluid chemicals is listed
on different types for each year. The tendency of consumption
of chemicals is analyzed. According to API Classification of
drilling fluid and characteristics of Chinese drilling fluid
application, drilling fluids are classed in nine types.
Explanation and formulations of nine types of drilling fluid are
presented in this paper. The recent development of drilling
fluids is presented in this paper. The recent development of
drilling fluid chemicals and drilling fluid systems is analyzed.
The mechanism and formulation of these new drilling fluids
are presented. Nowadays, drilling fluid chemicals
manufactured in china can satisfy the native market, some of
them are exported to abroad market.
Introduction
The petroleum industry in China has gotten big development.
In 1999, the total production of CNPC, SinoPEC and CNOOC
in China had been 159,836,000 tons and the total drilling
footage had reached 2466,900 meters (see table 1). Therefore
the large quantity of drilling fluid chemicals are needed in
drilling engineering. The development of drilling fluid
chemicals can be classed as two stages. Before 1980s, the
drilling fluid chemicals are introduced from foreigner country
oil company and some similar chemicals are produced. Some
chemicals used in civil engineering, such as CMC, starch, are
introduced into drilling fluid. After 1980s, according to
requirement of drilling engineering and geological
characteristics in china, some new chemicals are developed
and manufactured. Tendency of drilling fluid chemicals is that
simple natural products are improved into modified products
and natural products are replaced by synthetic products
gradually. The non-dispersed polymer drilling fluid is main
drilling fluid system in China.
Classifications of drilling fluid chemicals
The sixteen types of drilling fluid chemicals manufactured in
china and some important chemicals are discribed as follow in
detail. The consumption of drilling fluid chemicals is listed on
different types for each year.
Clay. In early time, clay used in drilling fluid is natural
bentonite. The bentonite is calcium based with low quality,
resulting low viscosity and high filtrate. In recent decades, the
bentonite is improved into high quality bentonite. Some of
them can be used as API bentonite. Other kinds of clay, such
as attapulgite, organic clay, are developed out for petroleum
industry.
Weighting Materials. Main materials for increasing density
of drilling fluid are barite, hematite, calcium carbonate.
Various salts are solved into drilling or completion fluid for
increasing density.
Filtrate Reducer. There are more than 50 trade brands of
filtrate reducer in China. The consumption annually reaches
over 30,000 tons. All these filtrate reducers can be arranged in
6 kinds.
Carboxymethyl cellulose. Including CMC-low viscosity,
CMC-median viscosity and caustic CMC. Generally the
degree of substitution is more than 0.5 and the degree of
polymerization is 200~6000.
Hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile. Including sodium salt(Na-
HPAN), calcium salt (Ca-HPAN) and ammonium salt (NH4-
HPAN). The molecular weight is 20,000~110,000, the degree
of polymerization is 235~376 and the degree of hydrolysis is
60%.
Polymer with median molecular weight. copolymer
(PAC143, PAC142) of acrylamide and acrylate. Multiply-
polymer (Sk-I, PAC144, JT888) of acrylamide, acrylate,
acrylonitrile, acrylsulphonate and quaternary amine.
Risen. sulfomethyl phenolic resin (SMP), sulfomethyl
2 DAMING ZHANG, YABIN NIU, JIDE LIU
humate and phenolic resin (SPNH), sulfomethyl lignin and
phenolic resin(SLSP). These products can be used in
temperature 200~220ºC and saturated brine drilling fluids.
Humate filtrate reducer. Caustic lignite and nitrolignite.
Starch. pre-gelled starch, carboxymethyl starch, hydroethyl
starch, modified starch, polymeric starch and cationic starch.
Thinner. In China, there are 13 trade brands of thinner.
Annually consumption is over 17,000 tons. Thinner can be
divided into two kinds. One kind of thinner is modified natural
product with strong dispersing ability. Other kind of thinner
(deflocculent) is low molecular weight polymer. The typical
product is as follows:
Lignosulphonate. ferrochrome lignosulphonate, chrome
lignosulphonate, chrome free lignosulphonate and calcium
lignosulphonate.
Modified tannin or quebracho. sulfomethyl tannin(SMT),
sodium tannin, sulfomethyl lignite(SMC) and chrome lignite.
Low molecular weight polymer. polyacrylate, copolymer of
acrylate and acrylsulphonate, polymer of acrylate
acrylsulphonate and quaternary amine and organic phosphate
(EDTMPS).
Viscosifier.
High Viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose. Degree of
substitute is more than 0.8, purity is more than 95%.
Polyanionic cellulose (regular grade). Degree of substitute
is more than 1.0, purity is more than 95%.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). Degree of substitute is
more than 1.2, purity is more than 95%. Polymers: partial
hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, XC polymer.
Shale Inhibitor. Potassium polymer, potassium content is
more than 10%, potassium lignite. sulphonated asphalt,
emulsion of asphalt, asphalt powder and various salts.
Lubricant.
Defoanmer.
Flocculant. Partial hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA,
80A51), amphoteric polymer FA367 and metal complex
polymer (PMHA).
Pipe-free Agent.
Lost Circulating material.
Bactericide.
Corrosion inhibitor.
Emulsifier.
Foamer.
Others. Sodium hydroxide, soda ash, sodium silicate, lime
and gypsum.
The consumption of drilling fluid additives in China from
1983 to 1993 is listed in table 2. The data in table 2 illustrate
that consumption of filtrate reducer, viscosifier, lost
circulation material and pipe freeing agents are increased
largely in recent years, especially for viscosifier, the
consumption is increased from 556.2 tons to 3249.4 tons.
The consumption of each chemicals used in drilling fluid in
china is listed in table3. The data in table 3 show that
SPE 65384
consumption of risen, polymer and asphalt is increased in
large quantity. The increment of that consumption illustrates
that the drilling depth of well is much deep compared to past
time.
Classifications of Drilling Fluid Systems
According to API Classification of drilling fluid and
characteristics of Chinese drilling fluid application, drilling
fluids are classed in nine types in China. Explanation and
formulations of nine types of drilling fluid are presented as
follow.
Non-dispersed Polymer Drilling Fluid. High-molecular
weight polymers are utilized to either encapsulate drill solids
to prevent dispersion and coat shale for inhibition, or for
increasing viscosity and reducing fluid loss. Various types of
polymers are available for these purposes including partially
hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, amphoteric polymer, metal
complex polymer and other synthetic polymers. Dispersants
are never added to disperse drill solids and clay particles. This
system generally is used from top-hole to about 3500 meters
depth. The temperature is limited below 120 . Drill solid
(including bentonite) is controlled about 6 to 10% (by
volume). The ratio of drilled solids to bentonite is about 2:1 or
3:1. The ratio of yield point to plastic viscosity is about 0.48.
This drilling fluid system generally has low density, which
benefit to increase drilling penetration rate, stabilize wellbore
and prevent formation from damage. The typical formulation
is listed in table 4.
Potassium Polymer Drilling Fluid. This drilling fluid system
is similar to non-dispersd polymer drilling fluid system. But,
polymer is potassium based polymer or some KCl is added
into drilling fluid to provide greater shale stability. The
potassium content is more than 1,800 mg/l. By utilization of
potassium inhibition, some thinners and dispersants can be
used when drill into 6000 deep depth with temperature 180 .
The typical formulation of potassium polymer drilling fluid is
listed in table 5.
Saturated Salt Drilling Fluid. Saturated salt drilling fluid
have a chloride concentration near 190,000 mg/l (saturated)
and are used to drill salt or gypsum formations. The recrystall
inhibitor and corrosion inhibitor must be added. Adding salt
and additives to non-dispersed polymer drilling fluid generally
forms this system. This system is much expensive compared
to non-dispersed polymer drilling fluid. The typical
formulation is listed in table 6.
Dispersed Drilling Fluid. At greater depths, where
temperature is higher, higher density is required and viscosity
and gel strength must be controlled as low as possible. Drilling
fluids are often dispersed typically with lignosulfonate,
lignites or tannins. These products are effective deflocculants
SPE 65384 APPLICATION OF DRILLING FLUID CHEMICALS IN CHINA
and filtrate reducers. This system can keep reasonable
viscosity and gel strength at high solid content and high
temperature. Even if the density is over 2.0g/cm3, this drilling
fluid system has satisfied reological properties. The typical
formulation is presented in table 7.
Calcium Treated Drilling Fluid. CaCl2, lime and gypsum are
added into a fresh water drilling fluid to inhibit formation clay
and shale swelling. High levels of soluble calcium are used to
control sloughing shale and hole enlargement, and to prevent
formation from damage. Lime treated drilling fluids have pH
of 11 to 12. Calcium content is 120 - 200mg/l. Lime content is
3,000 – 6,000mg/l. Gypsum treated drilling fluids have pH of
9.5 of 10.5. Calcium content is 600 – 1,200mg/l. Excess
gypsum content is 6,000 – 12,000mg/l. Drilling fluids can
have higher calcium content by adding CaCl2. Calcium
tolerated chemicals, such as SMT, FCLS, must be added to
drilling fluid to improve rheological properties. The typical
formulation is presented in table 8.
Saltwater Drilling Fluids. These drilling fluids are prepared
from brine water, seawater and dry sodium chloride or other
salts such as potassium chloride. Saltwater drilling fluids have
a chloride content of 6,000mg/l to less 189,000mg/l. The
common used products are attapulgite, PAC, CMC and starch
to increase viscosity and FCLS, caustic lignite to control gel
strength and filtrate loss. The typical formulation is listed in
table 9.
Oil-based Drilling Fluids. Oil-based drilling fluids are used
for a variety of applications where fluid stability and inhibition
are necessary such as high-temperature (above 200 ) wells,
deep holes (more than 5,000 meters), salt formation and
unconsolidation formation and soft shale formation where
sticking and hole stabilization is a problem. These systems
commonly are applied in directional wells and horizontal
wells. They consist of two types of systems.
1. Invert emulsion drilling fluids are water in oil emulsion,
typically with calcium chloride brine as the emulsified phase
and mineral oil as the continuous phase. The ratio of oil to
water or brine is 50:50 to 80:20. Various chemicals, such as
surfactants, organic clay and asphalt, are used to control
rheological, filtration and emulsion stability.
2. Oil-based drilling fluid are formulated with only oil as
the liquid phase and water content is less than 5%. These
systems are used as coring fluid or for hostile environment.
Oil-based drilling fluids require higher additional gelling
agents for viscosity, such as emulsifiers and wetting agents.
The typical formulation of invert emulsion drilling fluid is
listed in table 10.
Air, Foam Drilling Fluid. Air, foam drilling fluids are
included in tow types. Air or nature gas drilling fluid is by
injecting air or nature gas into the wellbore at rates capable of
3
achieving annular velocities that will remove drilling cuttings.
Foam drilling fluid is formed by injecting foaming agent into
the air stream or maybe mixed with produced water.
Surfactants and possibly clays or polymers are used to form a
high carrying capacity foam. These drilling fluids can prevent
formation from damage especially for low pressure, low
permeability reservoirs. The typical formulation of foam
drilling fluid is listed in table11.
Workover And Completion Fluids. These systems are
specifically designed for prevent formation from damage,
which consist of polymer, clay inhibitor, calcium carbonate
and various salts. These systems generally have higher
recovery of permeability.
Recent Development Of Drilling Fluid Chemicals In
China
In recent years, new drilling fluid chemicals are developed
out, such as cationic polymers, MMH, amphoteric polymers,
complex metal polymers and polyacohols. The drilling fluids
formed by these chemicals are widely applied in oilfields in
China. Application has proved that higher drilling rate, short
drilling time, more gauged well bore and low drilling cost
have been achieved. Here below briefly introduce these new
drilling fluids.
Cationic Polymer Drilling Fluid. This system is formed by
high molecular weight cationic polymer, low molecular
weight quaternary amine and auxiliary chemicals. High MW
cationic polymer can effectively encapsulate the shale and
drilling cutting, stabilize the wellbore, prevent well sloughing,
even if during drilling soft shale formation. Low MW
quaternary amine can quickly absorb on the shale surface,
prevent shale to hydrate, swell and disperse.
MMH (Mixed Layered Metal Hydroxides) Drilling Fluid.
This system is formed by prehydrated bentonite, MMH and
filtrate reducer. The characteristics of this system is high yield
point/plastic viscosity which is extremely benefit to carry
drilling cuttings to surface and form static layer around well
wall or shale surface which is good to prevent shale from
severely rubbing, impacting and washing. The crystal structure
of MMH and its thickening mechanisms on drilling fluid are
studied by X-ray diffraction and isoelectric point
measurements. It is shown that the crystal lattice of MMH is
hexagonal. The surface charge density of MMH theoretically
is 2 - 4 times larger than that of montmorillonite. The
thickening mechanisms involved in MMH drilling fluid are
strong electric attraction between MMH and montmorillonite
particles and hydrogen bond formed between hydroxyls on the
particle surface. MMH drilling fluids are applied in various
wells, especially for large size hole and horizontal sections in
China.
4 DAMING ZHANG, YABIN NIU, JIDE LIU SPE 65384

Amphoteric Polymer Drilling Fluid. Amphoteric polymers

contain cationic, anionic and non-ionic groups in molecular
chain, including amphoteric polymer encapsulant FA367.
Filtrate reducer JT888 and thinner or deflocculent XY27. The
cationic groups in amphoteric polymers can be adsorbed on
the negative charged surface of clay strongly and firmly. The
adsorption of cationic groups on the surface of clay can
neutralize the negative charge of clay and decrease the clay’s
Zeta potential, then resulting in reduction of hydration
tendency of clay. In other hand, the solvated membrane
formed by large quantity of anionic groups on surface of clay
keep stereo-stability of clay colloid particles, decrease
flocculent tendency and keep colloid stability of drilling fluid.
Therefore, the amphoteric polymers can coordinate the
relationship between inhibition and good rheological
properties by amphoteric polymer’s molecular structure.
According to the geological characteristics of oilfields in
China. None solid or low-solid amphoteric polymer drilling
fluid for various wells and completion fluids are formulated,
and successfully applied in 15 oilfields over 6000 wells.
Metal Complex Polymer Drilling Fluid. Metal complex
polymers are designed by polymerizing of metal complex,
cationic and anionic groups, including metal complex polymer
encapsulant PMHA and filtrate reducer JMHA. The drilling
fluids formulated by PMHA. JMHA and auxiliary chemicals
have high inhibitors, high thixotropic proprty, stable
theological properties, excellent filtrate control ability and
minimum damage for production formation. Application in six
oilfields over 1000 wells in China have shown that drilling
rate is increased. The trouble time under wellbore,
enlargement rate of well diameter and drilling cost are
decreased. The metal complex polymers have good
compatibility with other additives. The metal complex
polymer drilling fluids have been successfully applied in
vertical, directional, deep and slim hole wells. The fresh water
drilling fluid, high density, high salinity and slim hole drilling
fluids and completion fluid have been formulated by metal
complex polymers.
Conclusions
1. Introduce the status of drilling engineering and drilling
fluid chemicals in China.
2. Describe the 16 types of drilling fluid chemicals and their
consumption in China.
3. Give the classifications of drilling fluids and their typical
formulations.
4. Present the recent development of drilling fluid chemicals
and drilling fluid systems in China.
References
1. Xu Tongtou “Developments and trends in additives for petroleum
drilling fluids in China”, Oilfield Chemistry Journal, March 25.
1995. P74-83.
2. Drilling Manual, China’s Petroleum Industry Press. 1990
3. “Classifications of fluid systems”, word oil Journal, June, 1999
P83-86.
4. Han shuhua “A study on the crystal structure of MMH and the
thickening mechanism MMH mud”, Oilfield Chemistry Journal,
Dec. 25, 1997. P299-303.
5. Luo Pinya “ Improved inhibition and rheological properties are
observed in amphoteric polymer mud system”, SPE 29943.
November. 1995 in Beijing. China
6. Niu Yabin “Research and application of amphoteric polymers for
drilling fluid” SPE 29102, February. 1995. In San Antonio, USA
7. Niu Yabin “Research and application of metal complex-
amphoteric Polymer drilling fluid”, SPE50932 November, 1998.
In Beijing. China.
8. Yue Qiansheng “Mechanism study of Polyalcohols JLX in water
base drilling fluid”, oilfield chemistry Journal, Mach 25, 2000,
p14-16.

Polyacohol Drilling Fluid. Polyacohol drilling fluid are

formulated by polyacohol, viscosifier and filtrate reducer.
These systems have extremely strong inhibition and
lubrication, can prevent formation from damage. They are
environmentally friendly, can be discharged offshore and are
non-sheening and biodegradable. Polyacohol is nonionic
polymers with low molecular weight. When temperature is
more than cloud point, the adsorption quantity of polyacohol
on clay or shale is increased with temperature, resulting to
form the hydrophobic film on clay or shale. This hydrophobic
film can largely decrease the friction force between filtrate
cake and drilling tools, and protect reservoir formation.
Polyacohol drilling fluids have been successfully applied in
onshore and offshore oilfields in China.
SPE 65384 APPLICATION OF DRILLING FLUID CHEMICALS IN CHINA 5

TABLE 1: PRODUCTION AND DRILLING STATUS OF CNPC, SINOPEC AND CNOOC IN CHINA, IN 1999
Footage of Footage of Footage of
Production
Company 3 Exploration Well Completion Well Development Well Wells for Development
(10 ton) 3 3 3
(10 m) (10 m) (10 m)
CNPC 107379.7 1607 650 11009 7684
SinoPEC 35317.4 751.9 287 3299 1504
CNOOC 16319 108 45 149 63
Total 159016.1 2466.9 982 14457 9251

TABLE 2: CONSUMPTION OF DRILLING FLUID ADDITIVES FROM 1983 TO 1993 IN CHINA (TON)
Year
No 1983 1985 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Name
1 Clay 97713.5 104902.6 62764.5 81518.0 95473.1 96137.3 71336.7 100225.8 85775.2
2 Weighting Material 537331.0 1064750.1 649510.5 719758.7 693018.0 769955.3 741374.2 810961.1 577241.5
3 Filtrate Reducer 19423.8 32743.0 33585.0 39817.0 35755.5 38292.2 34546.3 32545.7 31674.2
4 Viscosifier 556.2 2544.4 7624.6 5181.9 5014.9 4702.8 3239.3 2869.4 3249.4
5 Emulsifier 478.6 594.6 438.8 654.6 1112.6 783.4 669.7 472.9 428.4
6 Shale inhibitor 9456.4 12536.1 19651.1 42444.4 50608.1 42878.1 44062.4 38415.0 35837.4
7 Lost Circulation M. 488.1 1380.3 7948.2 5447.9 11159.3 7302.8 7885.2 7983.6 7871.8
8 Thinner 14644.5 27901.4 28438.2 28622.1 25690.0 25420.3 24618.4 23004.8 18295.5
9 Flocculant 796.2 1951.6 879.2 1831.8 996.7 930.0 1913.9 1400.1 559.6
10 Lubricant 575.2 617.9 4169.2 4410.4 6771.6 7902.8 10019.7 9111.3 9815.9
11 Bactericide 107.2 112.2 52.9 20.8 18.0 7.1 13.0 14.9 33.0
12 Defoamer 352.3 1297.3 871.3 1247.5 1212.1 1171.6 1248.5 696.2 1302.2
13 Pipe-freeing Agent - 300.4 1028.4 2724.8 2211.7 2182.7 2743.6 1880.3 1627.2
14 Corrosion Inhibitor - 28.5 15.5 35.1 15.5 89.8 35.5 38.8 39.0
15 Foamer - - - - - - - - -
16 Others 18732.1 21798.4 26441.1 26792.8 20632.3 19282.0 207755.7 21020.1 19575.9
Total 700655.1 1273458.8 843518.8 960507.8 949689.4 1017139.2 965002.1 1050913.0 793326.2

TABLE 3: CONSUMPTION OF EACH CHEMICALS USED IN DRILLING FLUID FROM 1983 TO 1993 IN CHINA (TON)
Year
No 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Name
1 Resin 2779.2 5246.0 8453.5 8592.2 9301.4 8474.3 7339.1 8708.8 10128.5 9355.0 10395.9
2 Cellulose 5671.6 6683.5 11520.0 10149.2 10722.6 10371.1 9325.8 11122.1 7043.2 6071.4 5096.5
3 Polymer 3800.4 6260.4 - 12374.7 13403.5 18573.0 17960.0 18328.7 21157.5 21065.3 18569.1
4 XC Polymer - - 30.0 1.0 0.5 3.2 23.6 16.6 9.4 17.6 9.8
5 Starch 78.3 - 14620.2 307.9 1461.7 1852.8 1732.5 1087.4 1114.7 1088.9 1076.0
6 Lignite 9438.8 11528.9 848.6 18757.3 13277.5 26318.1 15178.6 13268.8 11978.9 12510.8 11829.9
7 Mica 369.0 1097.5 43.0 1536.0 1987.9 1243.9 1829.9 983.7 405.0 482.5 724.0
8 Natural Gum 184.2 129.1 - 13.0 222.8 386.3 423.8 102.9 106.0 22.5 7.4
9 MMH - - 5529.6 - - - - - 13.4 184.0 804.6
10 Salt 7882.4 5708.2 2168.6 12462.0 4060.4 20620.8 27384.1 23242.5 19841.0 16423.5 13047.9
11 Asphalt 137.7 556.3 2168.5 3972.8 7674.3 12004.9 11746.7 11302.8 13500.9 10543.1 12435.9
12 Organic Silicon - 76.0 242.0 95.7 143.9 147.7 22.0 - 12.0 10.0 20.5
13 Tannin 2683.8 3911.0 5700.8 6848.9 5513.7 4381.5 3808.6 2585.0 3634.8 3453.2 1917.6
14 Lignin 11851.7 16957.1 22169.5 20703.8 21673.1 23469.1 21108.1 21595.4 19783.7 16943.8 13609.1
15 Phosphate - - 21.1 35.7 639.1 26.0 177.7 43.6 70.5 63.4 34.6
16 Others 0 108.0 511.6 3.0 46.0 24.5 0 165.2 120.8 0 37.7
6 DAMING ZHANG, YABIN NIU, JIDE LIU SPE 65384

TABLE 4: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF NON-DISPERSED POLYMER DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
3
Bentonite 30-80 Density (g/cm ) 1.04
Soda Ash 1.2-3.2 Funnel Viscosity (s) 20-80
Viscosifier( PHPA, API Filtrate Loss (ml) 5-10
0.5-5
80A51, FA367, PMHA) Gel 10”/10’ (Pa) 0-1.0/0.5-4
Apparent Viscosity (mPa.s) 10-40
Filtrate Reducer(Ca-HPAN, NH4-
2-8 Plastic Viscosity (mPa.s) 8-20
HPAN,CMC-LV)
Yield Point (Pa) 2.5-9
Thinner (Polymer Thinner) As Required Sand Content (%) 0.1-0.5
Superfine Calcium Carbonate As Required N Value 0.8-0.8
Asphalt Product As Required pH 7-10

TABLE 5: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF POTASSIUM POLYMER DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
Material Dosage, kg/m3 Item Index
3 1.05-1.15 or over
Bentonite 35-80 Density (g/cm )
1.5
Encapsulant (K-PAM,PHPA, CAP) 2-4 Funnel Viscosity (s) 22-50
Filtrate Reducer (K-HPAN, Plastic Viscosity (mPa.s) 7-30
7-30
K-lignite, CMC, SMP) API Filtrate Loss (ml) 4-8
Thinner (FCLS…) As Required Gel 10”/10’ (Pa) 0-1.5/0.5-7
KOH or NaOH 2-10 PH 8-10
KCl 30-50 YP/PV 0.28-0.33
Lubricant, Barite, Asphalt As Required HTHP Filtrate Loss 11-18

TABLE 6: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF SATURATED SALT DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
Base Mud Dilute to 1.10-1.15 3
3 Density (g/cm ) Over 1.2
g/cm
Viscosifier (CMC-HV, PAC, K-PAM) 3-6 Funnel Viscosity (s) 30-55
Filtrate Reducer (CMC-LV, API Filtrate Loss (mL) 3-6
10-50
SMP, SMC, Na-HPAN) Gel 10”/10’ (Pa) 0.2-2/0.5-10
Thinner (FCLS…) As Required Plastic Viscosity (mPa.s) 8-50
NaCl To Saturated Yield Point (Pa) 2.5-15
NaOH 2-5 Sand Content (%) <0.5
Recrystal Inhibitor And
As Required pH 7-10
Corrosion Inhibitor
SPE 65384 APPLICATION OF DRILLING FLUID CHEMICALS IN CHINA 7

TABLE 7: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF DISPERSED DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
3
Bentonite 80-150 Density (g/cm ) 1.15-2.00
Soda Ash 5-8 Funnel Viscosity (s) 30-60
SMC 30-50 API Filtrate Loss (ml) <5
SMT 5-15 HTHP Filtrate Loss (ml) 15
SMP 30-50 Plastic Viscosity (mPa.s) 10-15
K2Cr2O7 2-4 Yield Point (Pa) 3-8
CMC-LV 10-15 Gel 10”/10’ (Pa) 0-5/2-15
Lubricant 5-15 pH ≥10
Barite As Required Sand Content (%) 0.5-1

TABLE 8: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF CALCIUM TREATED DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
3
Bentonite 80-150 Density (g/cm ) 1.15-1.20
Soda Ash 4-7.5 Funnel Viscosity (s) 25-30
SMT 4-12 Gel 10”/10’ (Pa) 0-1.0/1.0-4.0
FCLS 6-9 API Filtrate Loss (ml) 5-10
Lime 5-15 pH 11-12
CMC or Starch 5-9 Sand Content (%) <1.0
NaCl 3-8
Excess Lime 10-15

TABLE 9: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF SALTWATER DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
3
Attapulgite 20-30 Density (g/cm ) 1.15-1.20
Bentonite 20-30 Plastic Viscosity (mPa.s) 2.5-30
PAC 4-6 Yield Point, (Pa) 7.2-9.6
FCLS 30-40 API Filtrate Loss (ml) <5
Caustic Lignite 15-20 HTHP Filtrate Loss (ml) 15-20
CMC-HV 1-3 pH 9.5-10.5
Detergent 3-51 N Value 0.6
Asphalt, Filtrate Reducer As Required
8 DAMING ZHANG, YABIN NIU, JIDE LIU SPE 65384

TABLE 10: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF INVERT EMULSION DRILLING FLUID
Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
3
Organic Clay 20-30 Density, g/cm 0.90-2.00

Emulsifier (Calcium Cyclo Alkyl Funnel Viscosity(s) 30-100

Sulphonated, Oleic Acid, Petroleum 20-100 Plastic Viscosity (mPa.s) 15-100
Sulphonated)
Yield Point (Pa) 2-24
Auxiliary Emulsifier Gel 10”/10’ (Pa) 0.5-2/0.8-5
20-70
(SP-80, ABS) Voltage of Emulsion Broken(v) 500-1000
Lime 50-100 API Filtrate Loss(ml) 0-2
CaCl2 70-150 HTHP Filtrate Loss(ml) 4-10
Asphalt As Required pH 10-11.5
Weighting Material As Required Sand Content(%) <0.5
Friction Coefficient of Mud Cake <0.55

TABLE 11: FORMULATION AND REQUIRED PROPERTIES OF FOAM DRILLING FLUID

Formulation Required Properties
3
Material Dosage, kg/m Item Index
3
Bentonite 30-40 Density (g/cm ) 0.06-0.09
CMC 1.5-2.5 Half-life of Foam (hrs) >11
Na2CO3 2-2.5 Ratio of Foam to Liquid (%) 2-10
Foaming Agents 5-10