IADC/SPE 72307
The Application of PEM Drilling Fluid System in Environmentally Sensitivity Area
Shaocheng Xu, Petrotech Services, CNOOC, Beijing China. Xiaojian Jin, Petrotech Services, CNOOC, Beijing China. Zili
Li, Petrotech Services, CNOOC, Beijing China. Xinjing Xiang, Jianghan Petroleum University, Hubei Province China.
Copyright 2001, IADC/SPE Middle East Drilling Technology
This paper was prepared for presentation at the IADC/SPE Middle East Drilling Technology
held in Bahrain, 22–24 October 2001.
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Abstract
The PEM water-base polymer mud system was
developed to provide an environmentally acceptable
drilling fluid that approaches the inhibitive performance
of an invert oil emulsion fluid.
PEM is engineered with a specially formulated PF-JLX
additive for maximum shale inhibition and designed to
drill high-angle wells in reactive formations, normally
reserved for an oil-base mud. The primary functions of
the PF-JLX in the system are to improve shale stability
and the lubricity of the fluid.
Introduction
The PEM system can be engineered with potassium
chloride, sodium chloride or other salts as the activator
for the PF-JLX. For optimum performance, the PF-JLX
concentration should be 3 to 5% by volume. The system
is based on the solubility of the PF-JLX, which changes
with the salinity and temperature of the fluid.
The biggest advantage of the PEM system is its
engineering simplicity, requiring relatively few products.
The fluid is designed around any basic polymer mud
system, and the combined synergistic shale inhibition
from PF-JLX and salt. The most common PEM systems
are designed around the KCl/NaCl PF-PAC/PF-VIS
system or the KCl/NaCl PF-PLUS system. The
combined shale inhibition from PF-JLX, salt and
polymers produces excellent shale inhibition compared
to other water-base mud systems and makes the fluid a
superior choice to drill troublesome shale.
The cloud-point phenomenon is believed to be the
primary mechanism for stabilization with the PEM
system. Maximum benefit is obtained when the PEM
cloud point matches either the bottom-hole temperature
or that of the exposed formation. Shale inhibition is
improved when the PF-JLX is partially clouded out. This
is based on the theory that once a shale is exposed to a
mud containing soluble PF-JLX, the PF-JLX can invade
microscopic shale pore throats where the change in
chemical environment causes to cloud out. Once
clouded, the PF-JLX blocks the shale pore throats, thus
preventing further water invasion and the transmission of
hydrostatic pressure (figure 1 and figure 2).
Environmentally Friendly
New environmental concerns have greatly reduced the
number of "safe" applications for oil/synthetic-base
drilling fluids. The PEM system is both non-toxic and
non-sheening and can be used safely in areas where
other high-performance fluids are excluded. The PEM
system allows for safe, easy disposal of mud and
cuttings, eliminating clean-up costs.
Because environmental restrictions differ from region to
region and year to year, we developed the PEM system
as a flexible drilling fluid. Formulated from a number of
our specialty drilling fluid products, the system is easily
modified to meet a wide variety of regulatory
requirements.
Engineering Cloud Point
The water solubility of PF-JLX decreases with increasing
molecular weight, so low molecular-weight PF-JLX are
typically more soluble than high molecular-weight PF-
JLX. Two factors control the cloud point of a PF-JLX
2 SHAOCHENG XU, XIAOJIAN JIN, ZILI LI XINJING XIANG
solution: water salinity and PF-JLX concentration. An
increase in either of these factors results in a lower cloud
point temperature (figure 3).
When a PF-JLX is mixed in water below the resultant
solution's cloud point, it is evenly distributed as solvated
individual molecules or small molecular aggregates
known as micelles. The micelles are stabilized by
hydrogen bonding between the water molecules and
oxygen atoms present in the PF-JLX molecule. This
stabilization process is known as hydration. When the
temperature increases, hydration decreases until the
micelles are no longer stable in an aqueous
environment. As a result, they coalesce in large numbers
and form distinct PF-JLX rich phase, separate from the
water-rich phase.
General Formulation
The basic formulation is the same as in most non-
dispersed polymer mud systems. The mud system is
normally run with a low pH (8 to 9.5) and it is
recommended to run the mud in this range to avoid
aggravation of the reactive clays (table 1).
System Mixing Procedure
For specific concentrations, refer to the individual well
program.
Normally, the viscosifying polymer is added last, but the
mixing order of the other polymers to some extent
depends on the mixing and shear facilities that are
available. If possible, after the polymer is fully hydrated,
mix the polymers in drill water and add KCl/NaCl brine to
the specified concentration, If that is not practical, the
following procedure is recommended.
1. Prepare KCl or NaCl brine of the specified
concentration by using drill or seawater water to
dilute the saturated brine.
2. Add the specified concentration with a high-pressure
shear device.
3. Add the specified concentration of PF-JLX.
4. Add barite to the specified density and adjust
properties.
The PF-JLX should be added into a new mud system at
the beginning. Mixing PF-JLX into an existing mud
system with high-solids content may increase rheology.
(Always perform a pilot test before adding PF-JLX into
an existing mud.)
Maintenance Of The System
1. Solids control: Make full and effective use of all
solids equipment. Run the finest screens possible at
all times on the shale shakers. To limit the build-up
IADC/SPE 72307
of sand in the system, the mud cleaners should be
run with screens no coarser than 250 mesh. Prior to
weight-up, or if Methylene Blue Test (MBT) values
are high, the desilter/desander should be run with
discharge overboard. Afterwards, the mud cleaner
should be used as an extra shaker for increased
flow capacity.
2. Dilution: Dilute with pre-mixed drilling fluid with
known concentrations. The concentrations should be
higher than in the initial mix to compensate for
depletion.
3. Rheology: Increase drilling fluid rheology by adding
PF-VIS. Reduce rheology with dilution of pre-mixed
drilling fluid, together with optimum use of all solids-
control equipment. Maintain low-gravity solids at a
minimum. As a guide, Low-Gravity Solids (LGS)
content should be less than 6%, i.e, less than
3
150kg/m . Increasing LGS content of the mud may
cause the rheology profile to deviate from the
desired level, exhibiting increased Plastic Viscosity
(PV) and Yield Point (YP).
a) Since PF-JLX adheres to removed drill solids
and is thus depleted, maintain the PF-JLX and
Partially Hydrolyzed Poly Acrylamide (PF-
PLUS), or Polyanionic Cellulose (PF-PAC)
concentrations of the mud system.
b) Two of the most important rheology parameters
are the 3-RPM reading, which defines the lifting
capacity at very low flow rates, and the 10-sec
gel strength, which defines the suspension
capability of the system. It is important to
maintain these two parameters within the
specifications to ensure optimum hole cleaning
and reduce cuttings build-up to a mimimum.
c) If it is not possible to maintain the 3-RPM
reading and the 10-sec gel strengths without
producing high 10-min gel strengths or
excessive high-end rheology, the drilling system
has incorporated too much ultrafine drill solids.
Hence, part of the system will have to be
replaced with fresh drilling fluid. The most
efficient dilution is performed in one circulation.
4. Inhibition: Monitor the condition of the cuttings at the
shakers to ensure they are firm and dry inside.
Sticky and balled-up cuttings may indicate
insufficient inhibition, because of a low PF-JLX
concentration, a depletion of the encapsulating
polymer and/or too low salinity.
5. Hole cleaning: A 3-RPM reading near the hole size
in inches and a minimum flow rate of 30 to 60 gpm
multiplied by the hole size (inches), is necessary to
affect proper hole cleaning. Thus, the flow rate
ranges for standard hole sizes are 171/2 in. = 525 to
1,050 gpm; 121/2 in. = 368 to 735 gpm; 81/2 in. =
255 to 510 gpm.
IADC/SPE 72307 THE APPLICATION OF PEM DRILLING FLUID SYSTEM IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVITY AREA 3

Controlled drilling is strongly recommended for QK17-2 Block

high Rate of Penetration (ROP) situations. To minimize The 4 extended-reach wells have been drilled
the possibility of packing off and stuck pipe caused by successfully with the PEM mud system. The average
cuttings setting, cuttings should be circulated above the total depth (TD) of the wells is 4700 m (MD) with a
Bottom-Hole Assembly (BHA) prior to connections. horizontal displacement of up to 3700 m and tangent
Before trips the hole should be circulated for at least angles of up to 90. The average period is 18.82 day per
bottoms-up, which will prevent such occurrences as tight well.
hole on the way out, bridges, fill on the way back in, etc.
6. Density: Cuttings at the shale shakers should be JZ9-3 Block
monitored for signs of cavings, thus indicating the 46 Cluster Wells have been drilled in the block. The
need for increased mud weight, Tight hole, fill on average total depth (TD) of the wells is 2284 m (MD)
trips and torque and drag on connections can also with a maximum tangent angle of up to 65. The average
be early indications of the need to increase the fluid period is 7.49 day per well. Because of the well with
weight to maintain stable hole conditions. good hole gauge and drilling fast, the formation damage
7. Gel strengths: As a general guideline, the lower the is less. The average production is increase 20 percent
10-min gel strength and the less progressive the 10- compare with ODP.
sec and 10-min gel strengths are, the better the
condition of the drilling fluid. The build-up of fine Conclusion
solids in conjunction with the polymer concentrations
tends to make the gels become progressive, thus Hundreds of wells have been drilled successfully with
causing the gel strengths to increase. Field the PEM mud system at both onshore and offshore in
experience has shown that 10-min gel strengths china. The condition these wells are normally required
higher than normal may be acceptable for some an invert oil emulsion fluid to drill in environmentally
situations. However, it is essential to maintain the sensitivity areas
2
initial gel strengths high enough (6 lb/100 ft ) to 1. The cloud-point phenomenon is believed to be the
provide a thixotropic fluid that will support cuttings. primary mechanism for stabilization with the PEM
8. pH: A low pH range of 8.0 to 9.5 for this system will system.
help reduce the tendency of gumbo/claystone to 2. Two factors control the cloud point of a PF-JLX
hydrate and disperse. solution: water salinity and PF-JLX concentration.
9. API fluid loss: A constant low API fluid loss, together The both fluid salinity and well condition should be
with a thin and slick filter cake, indicates a properly matched with PF-JLX.
formulated PEM system, containing sufficient PF- 3. The PEM system is the performances to approach
JLX and fluid-loss-control polymers. This value an invert oil emulsion fluid and an environmentally
should be selected and adjusted on the basis of acceptable drilling fluid.
depth, well conditions and local practice.
10. High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) fluid loss: References
Maintain HTHP at specified values with additions of
fluid loss polymers, such as PF-PAC, Lignite-based 1. M.S. Aston, and G.P. Elliott Water-Based Glycol
or alternative fluid-loss additives may be added as a Muds: Shale Inhibition Mechanisms SPE 28818, U.K.,
secondary fluid-loss-control additive if required by 25-27 October 1994.
temperature.
2+
11. Calcium: Ca level should be maintained below 400 Table 1 Typical formula of PEM
mg/l to ensure maximum effect of the PHPA polymer Additive Content
by addition of soda ash.
Freshwater/Seawater As needed
3
Main Case Histories Caustic soda 1.5-2.0 kg/m
3
QK18-1 Block Soda ash 1.5-2.0 kg/m
3
The 4D/P4 wells are the 3D multiple target wells. The KCl or other salts 30-50 kg/m
average depth is 4700 m (MD) and tangent angles of up PF-PAC 2.0-5.0 kg/m
3
to 63. The azimuth would be changed to reach a target
3
at about 4050 m (MD). The geological information shows PF-VIS 3.0-5.0 kg/m
the lithology of the reservoir with shale problem. The PF-PLUS 3.0-4.5 kg/m
3
highly inhibitive mud should be used to prevent it from 3
swelling. The PEM mud system has been chosen and PF-JLX 30-50 kg/m
gotten successful. The well gauge is good, and average PF-BAR As needed for density
hole scale-up is less than 4 percent.
4 SHAOCHENG XU, XIAOJIAN JIN, ZILI LI XINJING XIANG IADC/SPE 72307

4
Filtrate Loss (ml)

3 PF-JLX A
2 PF-JLX B

1 PF-JLX C

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Percent by volum PF-JLX

Figure 1 Concentration of PF-JLX vs. filtrate loss

A B C
A: PF-JLX and Water Together
At room temperature, the PF-JLX demonstrates complete water solubility
B: PF-JLX/Water Solution At Cloud Point
When the solution’s temperature is raised to the cloud point, the PF-JLX becomes
insoluble and begins to form individual droplets. The solution’s appearance
becomes “cloudy”.
C: Solution Above Cloud Point Temperature
If the temperature remains above the cloud point, the separation of PF-JLX and
water becomes distinct and both phases are clearly visible.

Figure 2 Cloud-point phenomenon of PF-JLX

100
80
Cloud point (¡æ)

PF-JLX A
60
PF-JLX B
40 PF-JLX C

20
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Percent by weight KCl

Figure 3 Water salinity vs. cloud point