A Highly Successful Way to Consistently Drill to Target Depth with Nano Polymer Water-Based Mud in a Highly Active, Problematic Shale Interval

Abstract

The operational drilling history in a particularly challenging shale consistently shows that once the formation's shale reacts, and starts to disperse, in the face of a typical water base mud application, a variety of hole problems are experienced by the operator. These problems include wellbore instability caused by an unstoppable sloughing of the shale; the experiencing of tight hole conditions while performing the wiper trip; caved shale sticking to shakers while drilling; an increased dilution rate due to mud weight; a low LGS % (low gravity solids), and fluid viscosity. To solve this longstanding drilling challenge, a team formed from operator and service provider experts determined via high-level research and testing the need for an innovative new technology of inhibitive fluid chemistry. After extensive testing, the team determined that a particular environmentally friendly Nano Polymer high-performance water-based mud (HPWBM)—one possessing the unique shale inhibition and cutting encapsulation capabilities capable of stabilizing this sticky shale—was the best fit for this application. We will present the investigational learning and effective field trial drilling of high problematic shale that was evaluated during and subsequently the utilization of nanoparticles (NP) to advance water-based mud (WBM) inhibition properties, proven to offer an eco-friendly Nano Polymer HPWBM substitute with the improved thermal and rheological permanency of the overall WBM formulation. Results will display that while providing more effective drilling and wellbore stability, this technology is also a far cleaner industry alternative.