SPE 61261
The Effect of Drilling Fluid Base Oil Properties on the Occupational Hygiene and the
Marine Environment
A. Saasen, Statoil, M. Berntsen, National Inst. of Technology, G. Løklingholm, H. Igeltjørn and K. Åsnes, Statoil
Copyright 2000, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE International Conference on Health,
Safety, and the Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production held in Stavanger,
Norway, 26–28 June 2000.
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Abstract
Drilling operations can require the usage of oil base drilling
fluids (OBM). These fluids are formulated as an emulsion
consisting of water emulsified into a continuous oil phase.
During the last decade the North Sea drilling industry has
moved from using diesel oil to low toxic base oils in OBM.
Further development of low toxic base oils has continued on
the Norwegian Sector of the North Sea, and resulted in the use
of non-aromatic base oils.
The current paper describes the results from a field test
where the introduction of non-aromatic base oils reduced the
hydrocarbon content by more than 50% in head space level in
the shale shaker area compared to the use of low toxic base
oils. In this test two wells were drilled where the hydrocarbon
vapour and mist were collected at the same locations in the
shaker area. The first well was drilled with a more traditional
low toxic mineral oil based drilling fluid. The second well
was drilled in a comparable formation with a drilling fluid
based on the non-aromatic base oil. The paper also describes
how skin irritation is reduced when using the non-aromatic
base oils compared to the use of previous base oils and
synthetic base oils. The reduction in skin irritation and
hydrocarbon content at head space level has significantly
improved the occupational hygiene for personnel exposed to
drilling fluids offshore.
The paper also discusses biodegradability and toxicity of
different base oils. Ecotoxicological test results indicate that
use of the non-aromatic base oils may result in less
environmental impact compared to use of other mineral oils or
synthetic oils if an accidental discharge occurs.
Finally, the paper discusses dermal irritation effects from
the different drilling fluids. It is shown that use of the non-
aromatic base oil reduces the skin irritation index compared to
use of other oil or synthetic base oils.
Introduction
During a period in the fall of 1997 a well was drilled with used
low toxic mineral oil based drilling fluid (LTOBM) on a field
on the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. On a comparative
well drilled in the spring 1998, the OBM was based on non-
aromatic base oils (NAOBM). The hydrocarbon content in the
air at head space level was measured at the same locations at
those drilling operations. Both of the OBMs were used; thus
leaving the OBMs slightly polluted by reservoir oils. The
pollution by reservoir oils is anticipated to have only limited
effect on the overall occupational hygiene and environmental
properties of the OBMs.
Before proceeding it is important to define the term non-
aromatic base oil. Non-aromatic is meant to describe an oil
without any measurable content of poly-aromatic
hydrocarbons. Other types of hydrocarbons containing cyclic
compounds are not described by the term aromatics in the
present context.
Accidential spills of OBM can occure. Therefore it is
important to outline how big an impact the OBM will have on
the marine environment compared to synthetic based fluids
like Ester based drilling fluids or linear alphaolefine based
drilling fluids since cuttings drilled out with the latter drilling
fluids can be permitted.
Inhalation of oil mist and oil vapour may lead to irritation
of the mucous membrane and the respiratory organs.
Aspiration of oil may lead to chemical pneumonia. The most
commonly reported health effects reported due to inhalation of
oil mist or vapour are acute effects, such as headache and
nausea. Long term health effects such as cancer or
reproductive effects has not yet been proven. However,
precautions are taken within the industry to avoid these
problems by selecting acceptable base oils for oil based
drilling fluids.
Field Measurements
To investigate the effect of base oil properties on the
occupational hygiene a field evaluation was conducted. The
field evaluation consisted of four series of measurements for
each OBM. Each series had a duration of 1.5 hour. The
hydrocarbon content and oil mist were measured at four
2 A. SAASEN, M. BERNTSEN, G. LØKLINGHOLM, H. IGELTJØRN AND K. ÅSNES SPE 61261

measurement points. The drilling rig was equipped with four it is unknown if it is possible to reduce the hydrocarbon
shakers. The first measurement point, Point A, was positioned vapour and mist level further by changing the base oil
at headspace on the walkway in front of the shakers, between properties. James et al.1 has shown that emulsifiers, rheology
two of the shakers. The second point, Point B, was located at modifiers and wetting agents may dominate the chemical
headspace level above the flow channel for drilling fluid components at headspace when drilling with oil based drilling
sample collection, between two of the shakers. Point C, was fluid.
located at the work table for repair of shaker screens. The last
measurement probe labelled Point D, was carried by a person Table 1 – Hydrocarbon mist at head space at
working at the drill floor. different measurement points (Point D is rig
All the measurement points are located on positions
relevant for the daily exposure for personnel working in the personnel carried probe). Values in mg/m3
drilling fluid area or in the vicinity of this area. None of the Measurement point NAOBM LTOBM
measurement points were located inside special protection A 5.2 20.1
gears mounted to prevent vapour or mist to escape to other B 16 16.7
parts of the rig. Thus, the measurement points span the typical C 0.3 0.24
working area for drilling fluid personnel. D 0.4 0.58
During the time of measurement series for the LTOBM a Acceptance criterion 0.6 0.6
12 ¼” section was drilled from 4100mMD to 4200mMD at (12 hour exposure)
approximately 2500mTVD RT. The second series of Acceptance criterion 3 3
measurements, with the NAOBM, was conducted while (15 minute exposure)
drilling a 12 ¼” section from 4950mMD to 5000mMD at
approximately 2830mTVD RT in a neighbour well. During Table 2 – Hydrocarbon vapour at head space at
drilling with the LTOBM the temperature in the shaker box different measurement points (Point D is rig
varied from 50 oC to underneath 65oC. The temperature while
drilling the latter well with NAOBM varied between 58 oC and
personnel carried probe). Values in mg/m3.
60 oC. Therefore, considering the measured temperatures and Measurement point NAOBM LTOBM
the drilling depths, the temperature while drilling with A 38 264
NAOBM may on the average be higher than the temperature B 63 243
while drilling with LTOBM, although, during drilling with C 11 12
LTOBM the surface temperature is likely to have reached D 16 45
slightly higher peak values. Acceptance criterion 30 30
It is evident from Tables 1 and 2 that both the (12 hour exposure)
hydrocarbon mist and vapour is significantly reduced when the Acceptance criterion 75 75
LTOBM was exchanged with NAOBM. The values shown in (15 minute exposure)
Tables 1 and 2 are arithmetic means of a series of
measurement values. Large scatter in the data has been The effect of base oil discharges on the marine
observed. The measurement point B for the hydrocarbon environment
vapour varied between 56 and 67 mg/m3 for the NAOBM and Although discharges of oil based drilling fluid is not planned,
between 112 and 331 mg/m3 for the LTOBM. The variations the effect of base oils on the marine environment is evaluated.
for the hydrocarbon mist is different.. The lower values are This evaluation is conducted to determine the effect of an
comparable while the higher values are different. As an accidental spill. To evaluate this environmental impact in a
example the measurement point A for the hydrocarbon mist proper way the evaluation follows the procedures for
varied between 3.5 and 8.3 mg/m3 for the NAOBM and chemicals planned for discharge. In Norway it is a
between 4.7 and 36.9 mg/m3 for the LTOBM. requirement from the authorities that ecotoxicological tests
It has been speculated if the hydrocarbon mist values are must be performed on all chemicals that are going to be
more a function of the mechanical energy of the shaker and regularly discharged into the sea. Based on the test results, the
the vapour pressure of water. Possibly could water droplets amount of the chemicals discharged and the recipient, a
act as vehicles for the hydrocarbon mist. discharge permit is given. Toxicity has to be tested on all the
The test has indicated as illustrated by the values given for chemicals in the drilling fluid. Likewise, biodegradation and
measurement point A and B in Table 2 that the hydrocarbon bioaccumulation must be tested on each component in the
vapour level has been reduced by a factor 5 in the shaker area drilling fluid.
just by introducing the NAOBM. Still the hydrocarbon vapour The chemicals need to be tested towards toxicity on three
level exceeds the acceptance level for twelve hours exposure. different species; an algae called Skeletonema Costatum, a
To significantly improve these vapour values further use of herbivore called Acartia Tonsa and a sediment reworker such
improved ventilation systems is expected. as Corophium volutator or Abra Alba. For Skeletonema
There is a significant improvement in both hydrocarbon Costatum and Abra Alba, toxicity is given as the Effective
vapour and mist by changing from LTOBM to NAOBM. Still, Concentration needed to inhibit 50% of the population's
SPE 61261 THE EFFECT OF DRILLING FLUID BASE OIL PROPERTIES ON THE OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE AND THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT 3

growth. This value is known as the EC50 value, and the slightly less than the toxicity of the non-aromatic oil and
effective concentration is measured in mg/l. If this the LAO. If an accidental spill of base oil or synthetic base
concentration is low, the chemical is classified as toxic. If the fluid should occur, the fluids will be diluted and biodegraded
EC50 concentration is high, larger than 100 mg/l, the chemical in the sea, and not sediment to the bottom.
is classified as non-toxic. For Acartia Tonsa and Corophium The ecotoxicological test data also shows that both the new
volutator, toxicity is given as the Lethal Concentration needed non-aromatic oil, the ester and the linear alphaolephine are
to kill 50% of the population. This is called the LC50 value, ready biodegradable. All test results demonstrate
and the lethal concentration is measured in mg/l. Again, if this biodegradation values above 60%. The LTOBM base oil also
concentration is low, the chemical is classified as toxic, and if shows a test value above 60%, but this is a fresh water test4, A
this concentration is larger than 100 mg/l, the chemical is sea water test is more conservative than a fresh water test5.
classified as non-toxic. Therefore, a sea water test2 would probably give a test value
Each component in the drilling fluid must be tested for below 60%. Both the oils, the ester and the LAO show a
biodegradation during a 28 day period. In Norway, sea water LogPow-value above 5, saying that there is a high potential for
tests are required2 because these tests normally will give the bioaccumulation. The non-aromatic base oil's bio-
most conservative estimates. Also bioaccumulation must be accumulation value is slightly lower than the bioaccumulation
tested on each component in the chemical. The most common values for ester and LAO. However, the non-aromatic oil, the
way is to test the component's ability to accumulate in body ester and the LAO would be classified as acceptable for
lipids3. The partition of the component in octanol and water is discharge, since the biodegradation is above 60%2. Tables 3
used to measure this bioaccumulation (LogPoctanol/water). A and 4 show the ecotoxicological data for the non-aromatic
high LogPow means that the chemical is more easily dissolved base oil, ester and linear alphaolephine (LAO). The
in octanol, and therefore also in the lipids, than in water. biodegradation and bioaccumulation data for the different base
In Norway the combination of biodegradation and oils are shown in Table 5. From Tables 3-5 it can be seen
bioaccumulation determines the authorities' classification of that NAOBM may have less impact on the marine
the components. If LogPow is higher than 5, and the environment than have the synthetic drilling fluids where
biodegradation value is below 20%, it is not allowed to discharge of cuttings can be permitted. There are several non-
discharge the component. If the biodegradation value is below aromatic base oils on the market. In general these base oils
20%, or if LogPow is higher than 3 and the biodegradation demonstrate similar environmental properties as the one used
value is below 60%, the component is classified as "non- in the present study.
acceptable for discharge", but it will be possible to obtain a
discharge permit if effort is made to phase out the component.
Finally, if the biodegradation value is over 60% or if LogPow Table 3 – Toxicity data for different base oils.
is less than 3 and the biodegradation value is over 20%, the Reported value is EC50 (mg/l)
component is classified as "acceptable for discharge".
Base Fluid Skeletonema Abra Alba
In Norway it is not allowed to discharge synthetic based
Costatum (72h) (120h)
drilling fluid or oil based drilling fluid. It is allowed to
Non-aromatic >100 000 576
discharge cuttings drilled with synthetic drilling fluid, but not
base oil
to discharge cuttings drilled with oil based drilling fluid. If the
oil content on cuttings is lower than 1% discharge of cuttings Ester 536 936
4 208 4995
is allowed, but the 1% limit is presently not possible to
achieve. These regulations are based on the effect the cuttings LAO 31 722
have on the benthic community. 46 000
The most commonly used synthetic base fluids in Norway
the recent years have been ester and linear alphaolephine
(LAO). If an accidental discharge of the new non-aromatic Table 4 – Toxicity data for different base oils.
base oil or synthetic base fluids such as ester or linear Reported value is LC50 (mg/l)
alphaolephine (LAO) should occur, ecotoxicological test data Base Fluid Acartia tonsa Corophium
shows that the new non-aromatic base oil will result in less (48h) volutator (10d)
environmental impact compared to discharge of the synthetic Non-aromatic 76 088 1211
base fluids as shown in Tables 3 and 4. The new non- base oil
aromatic oil's toxicity on the pelagic species (Skeletonema Ester 2 000 10 000
Costatum and Acartia Tonsa) is less than the toxicity of ester 8 220
and linear alphaolephine on the same species. For the benthic LAO 41 233 470
species (sediment reworkers) the toxicity of the ester is 46 000 3 000
4 A. SAASEN, M. BERNTSEN, G. LØKLINGHOLM, H. IGELTJØRN AND K. ÅSNES SPE 61261

Table 5 – Biodegradation2 and bioaccumulation3 • non-irritating if the mean value is less than 1
data for different base oils. Classification as irritant, in accordance with regulations
Base Fluid Biodegradation Bioaccumulation relating to classification, labelling etc. of hazardous chemicals,
(% after 28d) (LogPow) is to be performed when skin irritation index is larger than 2.
Typical skin irritation values for NAOBM, LTOBM and their
Non-aromatic 60.7 5.1
base oils are shown in Table 85. It is clearly shown that the
base oil
base oils have a significant effect on the skin irritation
Low-toxic base oil 644 6
properties. By changing from LTOBM to NAOBM the rig
Ester 79 6.3
personnel should deal with a drilling fluid with far better
96
dermal properties. The reason why the OBMs are much more
LAO 73 7 dermal irritating than their base oils is anticipated to be the
presence of lime and chlorides in the water phase of the oil
based drilling fluid.
Dermal irritation Norman5 reports for two ester based drilling fluids a skin
If an oil based drilling fluid should be generally applicable it irritation which is larger than the skin irritation for the
cannot be dermal irritating. The better the base oil the better NAOBM shown in Table 8. One of these had a skin irritation
the total drilling fluid properties with respect to dermal value that was comparable with the value for NAOBM. The
irritation. However, a base oil can be non-irritating while the second ester based system had skin irritation far in excess of
drilling fluid based on this oil can suffer from being very the LTOBM value. A LAO based drilling fluid was also
irritating. It is important to evaluate the dermal irritation evaluated which had a skin irritation index larger than the
properties for the drilling fluids to be able to protect rig LTOBM value. Even water based KCl/polymer formulated
personnel sufficiently. drilling fluid had a skin irritation index larger than the
The dermal irritation evaluation is performed on rabbits6. LTOBM. These measurement values strongly indicates that
The substance to be tested is applied in a single dose to the the NAOBM has a better dermal irritation performance than
skin of one or more experiment animals, untreated skin areas have the synthetic drilling fluids.
of the test animals are serving as control. The degree of
irritation is read and scored at specified intervals and is further
described in order to provide a complete evaluation of the Table 6 - Erythema and eschar formation
effects. The duration of the study should be sufficient to Dermal irritation/corrosion Score
evaluate fully the reversible effects observed. Animals No erythema 0
showing severe distress or pain at any stage of the test are Very slight erythema 1
humanly killed. Well defined erythema 2
• Three healthy animals are required for the test. Moderate to severe erythema 3
• Approximately 24 hours before the test, fur is Severe erythema (beet redness) to eschar
removed by close-clipping the dorsal area of the formation, preventing grading of erythema 4
animals.
• The test substance is applied to a small area, Table 7 - Oedema formation
approximately 6 cm². A dose level of 0,5 ml liquid or Dermal irritation/corrosion Score
0,5g solid/semi solid material is applied to the test site. No oedema 0
• At the end of the exposure period, normally 4 hours, Very slight oedema: Barely perceptible 1
residual test substance is removed. Slight oedema: Edges of area well defined by
Animals are examined for erythema and oedema and the definite rising 2
response are scored after 60 minutes, and then at 24, 48 and 72 Moderate oedema: Area raised approximately
hours after patch removal. The scores are recorded according 1mm 3
to the grades in Tables 6 and 7. In addition to the irritation all Severe oedema: Area raised more than 1mm,
other lesions or toxic effects are recorded and fully described. and oedema extends beyond area of exposure 4
The data is summarized in tabular form, showing for each
individual animal the irritation scores for erythema and
oedema at 60 minutes, 24, 48 and 72 hours after patch
Table 8 – Typical skin irritation data for base oils
removal. The substance is to be classified as: and OBM5
• corrosive if contact with the substance has lead to full Base oil / OBM Skin irritation Classification
thickness destruction at, at least, one of the animals index
taking part in the test. NAOBM Base oil 0.38 Non-irritating
• irritating if the arithmetic mean value calculated from LTOBM Base oil 0.67 Non-irritating
the scores after 24, 48 and 72 hours is larger than 2 NAOBM 1.41 Slight irritating
• slight irritating if the mean value is less than 2 but LTOBM 2.31 Moderate irritating
larger than 1
SPE 61261 THE EFFECT OF DRILLING FLUID BASE OIL PROPERTIES ON THE OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE AND THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT 5

Conclusion
A field study has demonstrated that use of non-aromatic base
oils in formulating oil based drilling fluid reduces the
hydrocarbon mist and hydrocarbon vapour compared to using
the low toxic base oils with a few percent aromatics.
Furthermore, it is shown from comparing laboratory
obtained data that the environmental impact from the non-
aromatic base oil is less than the impact from other base oils or
synthetic base oils of the type esters or LAOs.
An evaluation of the dermal irritation shows that use of the
non-aromatic base oil reduces the skin irritation compared to
the use of other base oils, esters and LAOs.

References
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chemicals, 1993, OECD Paris.

4. Test method OECD 301C, OECD Guidelines for testing of

chemicals, 1993, OECD Paris.

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Millennium?”, paper presented at the 5th International
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6. Test method OECD 404, OECD Guidelines for testing of

chemicals, 1993, OECD Paris.