Water-Base Muds

Water-Base Muds

1. Water Based Muds

Water based mud’s consist of four basic phases:

p

 Water

 Active colloidal solids

 Inert solids

 Chemicals

W t is
Water i the
th continuous
ti phase
h off any water-based
t b d mud.
d

The Primary function of the continuous phase is to provide the initial

viscosity.
viscosity

The second function is to suspend the reactive colloidal solids, such

as bentonite,
bentonite inert solids,
solids such as barite.
barite
Water-Base Muds

In water based mud’s, clay is added to increase viscosity, gel

strength
g and y
yield p
point,, and to decrease fluid loss.

Chemicals used in water based mud’s can be grouped according to

their functions as:

 Thinners

 Dispersants

 Deflocculants
D fl l t
Water-Base Muds

Water Base Fluid

 Spud mud (Gel mud)

 Gel/Polymer Fluid

 Lignosulfonate mud

 Calcium Base Fluids

 Salt-Saturated Muds

 KCl Polymer Fluids

 Glycol mud

 OBM

Increasingly Inhibitive
 Basic systems are usually
Spud
converted to more complex Mud
systems as a well is deepened,
Dispersed
as wellbore temperatures Systems
and/or pressures increase and
f
formations
ti di
dictate
t t
Inhibitive
Polymer
Muds
 More than one fluid system is
High
typically used when drilling the
Temperature
same well Polymer
Muds

Non-
Damaging
Drill in Fluids
Water-Base Muds

Drilling Fluid Classification Systems

 Nondispersed-noninhibited systems

Consists of spud muds, “natural”

natural muds, polymer/bentonite muds,
extended bentonite muds and other lightly treated systems.

Generally used in the shallower portions of a well.

Water-Base Muds

 Nondispersed-inhibited systems

Consists of salt muds, KCL-polymer muds

S lt t
Saltwater systems.
t S
Several
l mud
d systems
t are included
i l d d in
i this
thi
classification.
Saturated salt systems are used to drill salt formations.
formations Lower
levels are usually referred to as brackish or seawater systems.
Saltwater muds are usually prepared from brackish,
brackish seawater or
producedwater sources and dry sodium chloride (or other salts,
such as potassium chloride used for shale inhibition),
inhibition) are added to
achieve desired salinity. Various specialty products, such as
attapulgite, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch and others, are
used to increase viscosity for hole-cleaning properties and to reduce
fluid loss.
Water-Base Muds

KCL-polymer muds

Muds incorporating generally long-chain, high-molecular-weight

polymers are used to either encapsulate drill solids to prevent
di
dispersion
i and
d coatt shales
h l f inhibition,
for i hibiti or for
f increasing
i i viscosity
i it
and reducing fluid loss.

Various polymers are available for these purposes, including

cellulose, natural gum-based products, and acrylamide.

Frequently, inhibiting salts, such as KCl or NaCl, are used to provide

greater shale stability in all of these fluids.
Water-Base Muds

Frequently, inhibiting salts, such as KCl or NaCl, are used to provide

greater shale stability in all of these fluids.

These systems usually contain a minimum amount of bentonite and

may be
b sensitive
iti t
to di l t cations,
divalent ti such
h as calcium
l i and
d
magnesium.
Most polymers have temperature limits below 300°F but,
but under
certain conditions, may be used in hotter wells.

A special class of water-based muds use partially hydrolyzed

polyacrylamide (PHPA) as an additive,
additive either to encapsulate drill
solids or to extend bentonite clay in a low-solids mud.
Water-Base Muds

 Dispersed-noninhibited systems

Consists of lignite-lignosulfonate muds, phosphate-bentonite muds

These mud systems are “dispersed” with deflocculants and filtrate
reducers.
d

Normally
y used on deeper
p wells,, where p
problems with viscosity
y
occur, higher densities are required, or where hole conditions may
be problematic.

The main dispersed mud is a “lignosulfonate” system.

Potassium-containing chemicals are frequently used to provide

greater shale inhibition.
Water-Base Muds

 Dispersed-inhibited systems

lime muds, gyp-lignosulfonate muds, seawater-prehydrated

bentonite muds.

Divalent cations,such as calcium and magnesium, when added to a

freshwater drilling
g mud,, inhibit formation clay
y and shale swelling.
g

Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), gypsum (calcium sulfate) and

calcium chloride are principal ingredients of calcium systems.

High levels of soluble calcium are used to control sloughing shale

and hole enlargement, and to prevent formation damage.

Calcium-treated muds resist salt and anhydrite contamination but

are susceptible to gelation and solidification at high temperatures.
Water-Base Muds

Oil-Based Mud Systems

Oil-based systems are used in various applications, where fluid

stability and inhibition are necessary, such as high-temperature
wells, deep holes, and where sticking and hole stabilization are
problems.

They consist of two types of systems:

 Invert emulsion muds are water

water-in-oil
in oil emulsions,
emulsions typically with
sodium chloride or calcium chloride brine as the emulsified phase
and oil as the continuous phase.

They may contain as much as 50% brine in the liquid phase.

Water-Base Muds

2. Oil-based muds are formulated with only oil as the liquid phase
and are often used as coring fluids.

Although these systems pick up water from the formation, no

additional water or brine is added.

All oil systems require higher additional gelling agents for viscosity.

Specialized oil-based mud additives include: emulsifiers and wetting

agents (commonly fatty acids and amine derivatives) for viscosity;
high-molecular-weight soaps; surfactants; amine-treated organic
materials; organo clays and lime for alkalinity.
Water-Base Muds

 Air, Mist, Foam and Gas Based Mud Systems

Four basic operations

p are included in this specialized
p category:
g y

 Dry air drilling, which involves injecting dry air or gas into the
wellbore at rates capable of achieving annular velocities that will
remove cuttings.

 Mist drilling, which involves injecting a foaming agent into the air
stream that mixes with produced water and coats the cuttings to
prevent mud rings, allowing drill solids to be removed.

 Foam, which uses surfactants and possibly clays or polymers to

form a high carrying-capacity foam.

 Aerated fluids, which rely on mud with injected air (which reduces
hydrostatic head) to remove drilled solids from the wellbore.
Water-Base Muds

 Nondispersed-noninhibited fluids

The non inhibited

inhibited-nondispersed
nondispersed fluids do not contain inhibiting ions
such as chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), or potassium (K+) in the
continuous phase and do not utilize chemical thinners or dispersants
to effect flow control.

N di
Nondispersed-inhibited
d i hibit d fluids
fl id do
d contain
t i inhibiting
i hibiti i
ions, b t do
but d nott
utilize chemical thinners or dispersants.

Dispersed-noninhibited fluids utilize chemical thinners or

dispersants, but do not contain inhibiting ions.

Dispersed-inhibited fluids contain both chemical dispersants and

inhibiting ions.
Water-Base Muds

When referring to a water-base mud system, the term non

dispersed means that clay is free to find its own hydrous dispersed
equilibrium in the aqueous solution.

It also means that chemical accelerative or dispersants have not

been added to the system.

Th term
The t noninhibited
i hibit d refers
f t the
to th lack
l k off specific
ifi ions
i such
h as
potassium, calcium, or chloride that would inhibit the ability of the
formation to absorb water.
water

These systems use native waters; they do not use chemical thinners
to affect the solids remaining in the system, or inhibitive ions to
prevent the solids from swelling.
Water-Base Muds

Before building a mud system, a complete analysis of the make up

water should be made.

If the water contains excess Calcium, it should be reduced to 40 mg/l

of less with additions of Soda Ash.

Na2 CO3 + Ca++  2 Na+ + Ca CO3

Magnesium in the make up water can also be removed by increasing

the
h pH to 10.5+ iff needed.
d d

2Na OH + Mg++  2 Na+ + Mg (OH)2

The salinity of the water should also be checked, and noted if

excessively high.

The chlorides should be below 35 mg/l for optimum yield of Bentonite.

If the make up water contains above 35 mg/l of Chlorides

Chlorides, it may be
necessary to prehydrate Bentonite in fresh water.
Water-Base Muds

Spud Muds
 Water / Native Spud Muds

In some areas, the wells are spudded in with water. The shallow
formations contain significant amounts of clay or shale. The viscosity
increases naturally with the incorporation of swelling clays into the
water.

Small amounts of Bentonite,

Bentonite Caustic Soda,
Soda or Lime may be added to
increase the viscosity further if required.

This system is very economical.

Water-Base Muds

 Bentonite Based mud (Spud Muds )

Bentonite slurry is generally premixed prior to spudding, and is used

where more than 2 days is expected to drill surface hole. Are
commonly
l used
d for
f drilling
d illi surface
f h l (Maximum
hole (M i d th off 600 m).
depth )

The mud weight

g is un-weighted
g mud in order to reduce the chances
of lost circulation.

They are generally untreated chemically (very economical system),

although lime or caustic soda is occasionally added to increase
viscosity and used to help deal with the problems of lost circulation.

The system has a poor tolerance to chemical contaminants and

solids.
Water-Base Muds

Bentonite dispersed in fresh water produces a mud with:

 Good cuttings lifting capacity,

capacity good drilling rate,
rate and usually
adequate filtration control;

 Prevent sloughing of the surface hole;

 Provide a viscous sweep to clean gravel/sand from the borehole;

Formulation:

W t
Water: (F
(Fresh,
h brackish,
b ki h salt)
lt)

Caustic: 9.0 to 9.5 pH in fresh-water muds 10.5 to 11.5 pH in salt-

water muds

y 70 - 80 kg/m
Clay: g/ 3 , depending
p g on mud weight
g Fresh water-
Bentonite. Salt water- Attapulgite or prehydrated bentonite
Water-Base Muds

The system is made up as follows:

1. The mud tanks should be clean,, and filled to the desirable level

with fresh water.

1. The Calcium and salinity of the make up should be checked.

Treat out soluble Calcium to 40 mg/l or less with additions of Soda

Ash, as required.

If th
the make
k up water
t contains
t i above
b 35 mg/l
/l off Chlorides,
Chl id another
th

water source will be required.

Water-Base Muds

3. Add approximately 1.0 kg/m3 of Caustic Soda to increase the pH of

the water to 9.0-9.5.

Add approximately 70 - 80 kg/m3 of Bentonite.

4. Let the Bentonite slurry hydrate as long as possible prior to

spudding the well.

The density and solids content should be maintained as low as

possible
ibl with
ith water
t dil
dilution,
ti d
dumping
i th
the sand
d ttrap, and
d utilizing
tili i

all the solids control equipment of the rig.

Water-Base Muds

 Polymer/Bentonite systems

Are used primarily in areas where the formations to be drilled contain

low reactive solids.

The systems can tolerate low concentrations of calcium.

Water containing calcium in excess of 100 mg/l should be pretreated

with bicarbonate of soda to precipitate the calcium.

The Bentonite content in the final mixture can be reduced to

30 50 Kg/m3.
30-50
Water-Base Muds

The mixing rate of CMC should be 5-10 minutes per sack to avoid

forming of “fish-eyes”.

If viscosity is the only required parameter, CMC High Viscosity will

be used at approximately 2-4 Kg/m3.

Iff fluid
fl d loss
l controll is required
d in addition
dd to viscosity, CMC Low

Viscosity normally added at ±10 Kg/m3 or Starch can also be used.

Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

Water (Fresh,
(Fresh salty,
salty light calcium)

Bentonite: 40 - 80 Kg/m3

Polymer:

CMC (low viscosity): 1 5 to 4.0

1.5 4 0 Kg/m3

PAC (low viscosity): 0.5 to 1.5 Kg/m3

Starch: 5.5 to 11.5 Kg/m3

Water-Base Muds

Make Up:

1. For best results,, the mud system

y should initially
y be free of all

drilled solids. Ensure the mud tanks are thoroughly cleaned.

2. Fill the mud tanks to the desirable level with fresh water.

3. Excessive Salt or hardness in the make up water will interfere with

the hydration of the Bentonite. Check the hardness of the make

up water,
t and
d lower
l the
th Calcium
C l i to
t < 40 mg/l
/l with
ith additions
dditi off

Soda Ash.

4. The salinity of the water should also be checked. The chlorides

should be below 35 mg/l for optimum yield of Bentonite.

Bentonite
Water-Base Muds

5. Adjust the pH of the make up water to ± 9.5 with approximately

1.0 kg/m
g 3 of Caustic Soda. Add the Caustic Soda to the make

up water prior to adding the Bentonite.

6. Add Bentonite the rate should be slow enough and agitation

vigorous enough, that “clogging”, balling, or waste of clay does not

result.

Th iinitial
The iti l yield
i ld d
depends
d iin partt on th
the quality
lit off the
th surface
f mixing
i i

equipment, but normally the mud will thicken with time and agitation.

As a rule of thumb, 70-80 kg/m3 of Bentonite should produce a mud

with a funnel viscosity of approximately 40-45 sec/l.

Water-Base Muds

Maintenance:

1. The mud density

y should be maintained as low as formation

pressures will permit. These systems can be weighted up with

additions of Barite or Calcium Carbonate if required.

2. The funnel viscosity should be maintained just high enough for

effective hole cleaning with additions of Bentonite as required.

3 The
3. Th Plastic
Pl ti Viscosity
Vi it (PV) should
h ld be
b maintained
i t i d as low
l as possible
ibl

with dilution, dumping, and maintaining effective use of the solids

control equipment.

4 Generally,
4. Generally the Yield Point (YP) will run approximately ½ that of the

Plastic Viscosity in a conventional Gel Chemical mud system.

Water-Base Muds

5. To obtain the maximum hydration from the Bentonite, the pH

should be maintained between 9.0-10.0 .

6. As drilling progresses, and prior to entering the potential

productive zones of interest, the fluid loss is lowered to an

approximate range of 6.0-10.0 cm3 with additions of PAC or CMC

as required.

A concentration
t ti off 1.0-1.5
1 0 1 5 kg/m
k / 3 off PAC or CMC is
i generally
ll added
dd d

to lower the fluid loss in this range.

7. The Methylene Blue Test (MBT) should be checked regularly to

determine the amount of Bentonite in the active system.

Water-Base Muds

 Extended bentonite Muds

Extended bentonite systems contain chemicals that extend the yield

of bentonite and impart the desired properties to the mud while

maintaining minimum solids content, which in turn improves

penetration rates.

This system can be presented in two ways:

• The extending polymer can be added to the Bentonite during

Production.

• The extender can be supplied

pp as a separate
p polymer
p y to the rig.
g

The extenders are based on copolymers of the acrylate type.

Water-Base Muds

The Bentonite is prehydrate in freshwater, the extender can, if

required,
q , be mixed into sea water and then mixed with the

bentonite.

The Bentonite concentration will be 30-40 Kg/m3, while the

extender concentration will be approx. 0.1-0.2 Kg/m3.

Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

Water: (Treat out calcium with soda ash)

Bentonite: 30 to 40 Kg/m3

Polymers:

Polyacrylate: 0.04 percent by volume ( if the system is weighted,

more is required)

Polyacrylamide: 1.5 to 8.5 Kg/m3

Depending on the application,

application there are many other chemicals that
can be used to impart viscosity and filtration control, such as
polyanionic cellulose,
cellulose xanthum gum,
gum and potato or corn starch.
starch
Water-Base Muds

 Nondispersed-inhibited fluids

The systems described below are classified as Nondispersed

Nondispersed-Inhibited
Inhibited

because prehydrated sodium bentonite finds its own equilibrium.

Chemical dispersants (thinners) are not added to the systems.

Included in these systems are certain muds containing salt ions (NaCl

and KCl) that inhibit drilled formation solids from swelling and

breaking into smaller particles as they are transported to the surface.

This makes it easier for the solids

solids-control
control equipment to remove these

particles.
Water-Base Muds

Muds ordinarily are classified as saltwater muds when they contain

more than 10,000 mg/l of chloride.

They may be further classified according to the amount of salt

presentt and/or
d/ the
th source off makeup
k water:
t

 Saturated Salt Muds may

y be p
prepared
p purposely
p p y or evolve from
drilling into salt.

 Saltwater Muds are most often the result of using field brine or
seawater as makeup water, or incorporating salt that is
encountered while drilling.
 Brackish Water Muds are the result of using water from sources
such
h as: bay
b water,
t i l d canals,
inland l or water
t from
f swamps or
marshes
Water-Base Muds

 Attapulgite-Starch-Salt Muds

Salt muds are used to improve borehole stability through the

inhibiting effects of the salt(s) present in the makeup water,

water to

minimize hole washout,

washout and to prevent drilled solids from

di i t
disintegrating
ti as they
th are transported
t t d to
t the
th surface.
f
Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

1.Seawater or natural brine

2.Caustic soda: pH 9.0, by meter

3.Attapulgite: 30 to 60 Kg/m3

4.Starch: 1.5 to 15.0 Kg/m3

5.Polymer: 1.0 to 3.5 Kg/m3 (Polyanionic cellulose, CMC, xanthan

gum, guar gum)

Attapulgite does not contribute to filtration control; instead, polymers

and/or starches must be used for this purpose.
Water-Base Muds

 Saturated Salt Muds

Salt muds can be classed as inhibitive and will reduce or prevent the

swelling and hydration of drilled clays.

The chloride content of saturated salt muds is 192,000 mg/l (315,000

mg/l NaCl) at saturation.

saturation

They are used for the following reasons:

 To prevent washouts when drilling massive salt sections.

 If the make up water contains salt.
salt
 To help control shales by inhibition.
 To provide a specific resistivity for evaluation reasons.
reasons
Water-Base Muds

High viscosity problems in Saturated Salt Muds are unusual.

Solids content should be maintained within a desired range

g by
y

mechanical removal or dilution with saturated salt water to prevent

unacceptable increases in gel strengths and viscosity.

Maintaining an 11 to 11.5 pH offers several advantages:

 Deflocculants are more effective

 Corrosion
C i i reduced
is d d

 Lower concentrations of filtration control additives are required

when Ca++ and Mg++ solubility is reduced.

Water-Base Muds

 Foaming tendency is lessened

Saturated salt muds are characterized by

y foaming.
g

The degree of foaming may sometimes be decreased by increasing

the alkalinity of the mud or a defoaming agent may be necessary.

The temperature limitation of Saturated Salt Muds is around 250°F.

Salt muds are reasonably tolerant of contaminants.

Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

Saturated salt water: 189,500 mg/l NaCl

Attapulgite: 30 to 70 Kg/m3

Starch: 5.5 to 17.0 kg/m3

Polymer: 02.0 to 4.0 kg/m3 (Polyanionic cellulose, xanthan gum)

Attapulgite should be used when filtration control is not required.

When drilling other types of formations, Bentonite pre-mix can be

added to achieve a quality filter cake.

To prevent the salt from dehydrating the Bentonite clay, a small

amount of lignosulfonate can be added to the pre
pre-mix
mix solution prior
to adding it to the mud system. However, this converts the system to
a dispersed system.
Water-Base Muds

 Potassium Chloride-Polymer Muds

Potassium chloride (KCl)

(KCl)-polymer
polymer muds inhibit clay swelling in thin,
thin

moderately active clay formations.

At a certain concentration, the Potassium ion will base exchange

with the Sodium ion in Smectite clay, thereby minimizing the

amount of swelling from the clay,

clay disintegration of drilled solids,
solids

minimizes hole enlargement, and promotes borehole stability.

Potassium ion concentrations generally range from 3.0-5.0% by

weight for shale stabilization.

Water-Base Muds

In these muds, prehydrated bentonite and polymer are added for

viscosity and gel strength, polyanionic cellulose (PAC) or CMC are

added for fluid loss control, corrosion inhibitors and oxygen

Scavengers.
Water-Base Muds

When montmorillonite is present, potassium exchanges for sodium

and calcium and results in a more stable,, less hydratable

y structure.

When illites are present, the potassium replaces any exchangeable

cation impurities in the structure.

In mixed-layered clays, potassium works both on the illite and the

montmorillonite and reduces the amount of differential swelling that

occurs.

Therefore, potassium cations stabilize shales which have a larger

percentage of illite or illite/smectite layer combinations.

Water-Base Muds

Good hole cleaning and shear thinning are characteristics of these

fluids.

High-solids concentrations cannot be tolerated, however, making

good solids control is very important.

Temperature limitations of 200–250°F are also characteristic.

The main concern when using these systems is that enough

potassium
t i will
ill be
b available
il bl for
f base
b exchange
h with
ith an excess in
i

solution.
Water-Base Muds

If the potassium level falls below the required amount, the clays or

shales will begin

g hydrating.
y g

If sufficient remedial treatment is not made quickly, the entire

advantage of potassium-based mud systems could be lost.

Basically, there are four types of potassium-based muds:

 KCl-Polymer (KCl-PHPA)

 KOH-Lignite
KOH Li it Muds
M d

 KOH-Lime Muds

 KCl-Cationic Polymer Muds

Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

KCl water (5 to 15% K+ ion): 45.0

45 0 to 150.0
150 0 Kg/m3

Caustic soda: Low pH (8.5)

Prehydrated bentonite or attapulgite: 30 to 40 Kg/m3

Polymer: 1.5 to 14.0 Kg/m3 (Starch, polyanionic cellulose, xanthum

gum, guar gum)
Water-Base Muds

Make Up:
1. For best results, the system should be free of all drilled solids then
dump and clean the mud tanks and rebuild volume with water.
2. Add approximately 1.0-1.5 kg/m3 of Caustic Soda or Caustic
Potash (KOH) to increase the pH of the water to ± 9.5-10.0.
3. Add the required amount of KCl.
4. Some foaming may occur but should be controlled with small
additions of a Defoamer as required.
5. Normally a PHPA Polymer as Polivis is added for shale
encapsulation. A concentration of 1.5-2.0 kg/m3 is normally
sufficient.
6. Then add approximately 3.0-4.0 kg/m3 of a fluid loss reducing
P l
Polymer such
h as Policell
P li ll SL.
SL
Water-Base Muds

KCl muds being a Salt, can be corrosive in nature.

Corrosion rings should be installed and monitored with these types of

mud systems. Maintaining a pH of 9.5-10.0 will minimize corrosion
levels, but will not eliminate it.

An oxygen scavenger such as Zinc Carbonate or Sodium Sulfite is

added to control corrosion levels.
Water-Base Muds

Maintenance:

1. The mud density y should be maintained as low as formation

pressures will allow.

2. For an unweighted KCl Polymer system, all solids control removal

equipment should be run continuously using the finest possible
screens on the shale shakers.

3. The
h viscosity should
h ld be
b maintainedd just high
h h enough h for
f effective
ff
hole cleaning. The MBT (Methylene Blue Test) should be monitored,
and maintained at approximately 30-40 kg/m3.

4. The viscosity in the KCl systems is also supplemented with

additions of Visco XCD Polymer.
Normal concentrations: 1.5-2.0
1 5 2 0 kg/m3.

5. If the viscosity has to be reduced, dispersants such as Desco CF or

Avafuid G71 may be added as required.
required
Water-Base Muds

For maximum inhibition from the fluid, the concentration of PHPA

Polymer should be monitored and maintained in a range of 1.5-2.0
kg/m3.

As drilling progresses, daily additions of KCl will have to be made to

ensure the Potassium ion does not fall below 3% by weight (30
kg/m3), or as outlined in the mud program.

Corrosion rings should be installed and monitored while drilling with a

KCl system.

The corrosion level should be controlled as outlined by the drilling

program with
ith an Oxygen
O scavenger such
h as Zinc
Zi C b
Carbonate
t or
Sodium Sulfite as required.
Water-Base Muds

KCl-Polymer (KCl-PHPA) Muds

KCl-Polymer Muds were developed to provide wellbore stability and

minimize cuttings dispersion.

Potassium chloride (KCl) muds not only use a wide variety of

potassium chloride concentrations from 3 to 15 wt %, but also a wide

variety of types and concentrations of polymers.

For KCl muds to be economical, drill solids concentrations should be

low and efficient solids control practices must be used.

Water-Base Muds

Fish eyes, excessive viscosities, extensive mixing times and coating,

and/or plugging of shaker screens often occur when mixing some

types of dry PHPA through conventionnal mixing hoppers.

Both PHPA and PAC are thought to adsorb on solids (especially clays),

although only PHPA appears to inhibit shale dispersion (this process is

known as encapsulation).

Incorporating solids into the mud will require more dilution and higher

concentrations of PHPA and PAC, hence higher mud costs.

Water-Base Muds

KOH-Lignite Systems

In areas where high

g chloride ions may
y be disagreeable
g ((logging,
gg g,

environmental considerations, etc.) KOH-lignite systems should be

considered.

Polymers can be used for viscosity and fluid loss control.

Lignosulfonates are added if additional deflocculation is needed.

KOH li it muds
KOH-lignite d are designed
d i d as low
l pH,
H nott highly
hi hl dispersive
di i mud
d

systems. The pH is usually maintained around 10.

This system will not tolerate either high chlorides or calcium.

KOH-Lignite Muds are temperature stable up to 400

400°F
F.
Water-Base Muds

KOH-Lime Muds

KOH-Lime Muds are p

parallel to the Lime Muds,, except
p that KOH is

used - instead of NaOH - to control alkalinity and to limit lime

solubility.

A KOH-Lime Mud provides two types of shale-inhibitive ions: Ca++

and
d K+ .

KOH-Lime Muds exhibit similar rheological and filtration properties to

Li
Lime M d
Mud.

Fluid loss control is provided with starch, CMC or PAC. The KOH-Lime
Muds can be run in a pH range of 11-13.
11 13 The calcium range is from
200-400 mg/l.

These muds can tolerate chlorides fairly well.

well

The temperature limitation is generally 320°F.

Water-Base Muds

KCl - Cationic Polymer Muds (Surfactant Muds)

p
Surfactant muds were developed primarily
p y to replace
p calcium-treated

muds when high temperature becomes a problem.

The composition of the surfactant mud system tends to retard

hydration or dispersion of formation clays and shales.

The pH is kept from 8.5 to 10.0 to give a more stable mud at higher

t
temperatures.
t
Water-Base Muds

The cationic polymers are high-molecular weight (Cationic

surfactants)) that are used to make clays

y organophilic
g p for oil-based

muds.

The cationic polymer, along with K+ from KCl (or other potassium

salt), adsorb on clays to reduce the repulsion between clay particles

and reduce the adsorption of water.

Water-Base Muds

 Dispersed-Noninhibited fluids

Dispersed
p Gel Chemical mud systems
y are utilized when drilling
g
contaminants such as massive Anhydrite or Salt sections are
encountered.

In dispersed-noninhibited systems, chemical thinners are added to

encapsulate the sodium bentonite and reactive drilled solids.
solids

The systems do not contain inhibitive electrolytes; therefore, the

cuttings are free to disperse as they are transported to the surface.

They are an excellent systems to use in the deeper foothill wells,

where higher temperatures and pressures can occur.

Water-Base Muds

 Lignite-Lignosulfonate Muds

Chemical thinners and filtration

filtration-control
control agents are used to control the
high temperature/high-pressure fluid loss.

One common approach to this problem is the gradual decrease in the

use off lignosulfonate
li lf t as formation
f ti t
temperatures
t approach
h 350°F and
d
conversion to a lignite-surfactant system.

Generally, chrome lignosulfonates perform at temperatures higher

than lignosulfonates which do not contain chromium.

When lignite-lignosulfonate fluids thermally degrade, carbon dioxide

is produced, carbonate and sulfide ions accumulate in the filtrate.

Water-Base Muds

Chrome and Ferrochrome Lignosulfonate were developed to be rather

more powerful as thinners and with extended temperature stability.

Lignosulfonate also have filtration control properties caused by their

adsorption
d ti onto
t the
th clays.
l

The environmental effects of Chrome has led to the use of Chrome

Free Lignosulfonates, lack some of the temperature stability of the
Chrome materials.

Other dispersants, such as Desco CF or Avafluid G71 as the primary

thinner in dispersed muds.

Lignosulfonate provide a predominantly negatively charged then

reducing the forces of attraction between particules, producing a
deflocculated system i.e. negative / negative repulsion energy.
Water-Base Muds

On the deeper hotter holes, Lignite is also often used in conjunction

with the primary dispersants to aid in dispersion, fluid loss control,

and temperature stability.

They can be weighted up to 2.30 sg, provided low-gravity solids

(Bentonite and drill solids) are in the proper range.

Th pH
The H range for
f controlling
t lli li it li
lignite-lignosulfonate
lf t muds
d is
i in
i the
th 9.5
95

to 10.5 range.
Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

1.Water: Normally fresh

2.Caustic soda: pH 9.5 to 10,5

3.Bentonite: 70 to 100 kg/m3

4.Lignite: 3.0 to 10 kg/m3

5.Lignosulfonate: 2.0 to 20 kg/m3

(A yield point of 10 to 16 lb/l00 sq. ft is recommended)

6. Starches or polymers: 1.0 to 6.0 kg/m3 (Starch, CMC, PAC)

Water-Base Muds

Maintenance:

1. The Plastic Viscosity

y will tend to run somewhat higher
g than a

conventional Gel Chemical mud system. The PV should be

maintained as low as possible.

2. The Yield Point and Gel Strengths will run lower than a Gel

Chemical mud, but should be maintained high enough to ensure

effective
ff ti h l cleaning,
hole l i and
d to
t suspend
d the
th drilled
d ill d cuttings
tti and/or
d/

Barite when the pumps are shut off.

3. Daily additions of dispersant will be required, but will vary

depending upon hole size,

size amount of contaminant encountered,
encountered

mud density, solids content, and the desire properties.

Water-Base Muds

4. An optimum pH of 9.5-10.5 should be maintained.

5. Lignosulfonates
g and Lignite
g have a p
pH of 3-4 in an aqueous
q

solution, so it is practice to add Caustic Soda.

6. Fluid loss is normally controlled with conventional fluid loss

additives such as PAC.

7. Additions of Lignite added in conjunction with Desco CF or Avafluid

G71 ill also

G71will l aid
id in
i fluid
fl id loss
l control.
t l
Water-Base Muds

 Phosphate-Bentonite Muds

Phosphate-treated
Phosphate treated muds with mud weights less than 12 lb/gal are

used to drill shallow wells in which bottom hole temperatures will not

exceed 150°F.

The phosphates normally used in these systems have specific

limitations; therefore, the system should not be exposed to chlorides

in excess of 5000 mg/l or calcium in excess of 100 mg/l.

The calcium can be controlled with soda ash or bicarbonate of soda.

Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

1.Water

2. SAPP: 1.5 to Kg/m3 (per addition)

3.Bentonite: 60 Kg/m3

4.CMC: 1.5 to 8.5 Kg/m3 for fluid-loss control

Flocculation may occur at temperatures above 150°F due to

phosphate reversion; therefore, the system should be used for
shallow-hole drilling only.
Water-Base Muds

 Dispersed-inhibited Fluids

Dispersed-inhibited
Dispersed inhibited systems contain chemical dispersants to disperse
clays and drilled solids, along with inhibiting ions to prevent the
hydration
y and the dispersion
p of formation materials.

Drilled solids have a minimal effect on rheological properties in

inhibited systems due to the presence of inhibiting electrolytes (Ca2+,
K+, CaSO4, surfactants).
)

These electrolytes suppress the ability of clays to subdivide into

numerous interacting particles, making it easy to maintain the fluid's
rheological
g properties
p p with low treatment concentrations.
Water-Base Muds

The calcium added to the mud reduces the sodium clays to calcium

clays by cation exchange.

Then reducing the size of clay particles and increasing the volume of

free water.

Because of the inhibitive nature of the calcium, a more stable hole

can be drilled in formations containing active clays.

Calcium muds have good resistance to contamination from salt,

cement and anhydrite and are limited by temperature stability.

Water-Base Muds

The calcium is introduced into the system by additions of either lime

(CaOH2) or gypsum (CaSO4).

The higher the lime content the less temperature stability.

It is general practice to run a medium lime content and, if higher

temperatures are expected, to use gypsum.

Water-Base Muds

 Lime Muds

In general, inhibited systems have lower viscosities and low gel

strengths. These fluids are used principally in the drilling of shales

or clay formations and where temperatures do not exceed 325°F.

They are prepared by adding calcium, lignosulfonate, lignite, caustic

soda or KOH, lime, and a filtration control material, PAC or starch.

Caustic soda is used to maintain the filtrate alkalinity (Pf values) and

lime to control the mud alkalinity (Pm values) and excess lime.
Water-Base Muds

This leads to dehydration of the system, and solidification can occur.

Downhole temperatures aid in converting the system to an inhibited

(calcium-bentonite)
(calcium bentonite) system.
system

This procedure is called a breakover.

breakover Normally,
Normally there is a short period

of time during the breakover when the viscosity may become very

high.

This is the hump, which is caused by the clay flocculating and

converting to a calcium clay.

They are particularly useful because of their high solids tolerance.

Water-Base Muds

The pH range for lime muds is from 10.5-12.5, soluble calcium

varies between 120-400 mg/l, and is controlled by the filtrate

alkalinity of the mud.

Caustic soda (NaOH) or caustic potash (KOH) additions raise the pH

and limit lime solubility.

If soluble calcium is not properly controlled, high viscosity and gel

strengths may result.
result
Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

1.Water (Fresh or salty)

2.Bentonite: Not to exceed 40 Kg/m3

3.Caustic soda: 11.5 pH

4.Lignite: 5.5 to 17 Kg/m3 (Used at breakover and not in highly

weighted systems)

5.Lime: 5.5 to 8.5 Kg/m3 excess in high-density fluids; 17 to 25

Kg/m3 excess in low-density fluids

6. Lignosulfonate:
g 03.0 to 30 Kg/m
g/ 3

7.Starch or polymers: 02.0 to 8.50 Kg/m3 (Starch, polyanionic

cellulose CMC)
cellulose,
Water-Base Muds

 Gypsum Mud Commonly called “gyp muds,”

Muds are used primarily to drill massive and soluble sections of

anhydrite.

GYP muds are also inhibitive in nature, in that the Calcium ion will
base exchange
g with the Sodium ion in Smectite clays,
y , and thereby
y
cause dehydration or inhibition of the clay particle.

Caustic soda is added for pH control. The pH range for a gyp mud is
from 9.5 - 12.5; however, it is usually maintained at 9.5 - 11.0 so
that the hardness remains high which makes the mud more
inhibitive and the calcium ion level is maintained from 200-1200
mg/l.
/l
Water-Base Muds

Gypsum, lignosulfonate, and additional caustic soda are added

simultaneously to the mud.

CMC may be added for filtration control.

It resists contamination to cement, anhydrite and salt.

Gyp mud systems are less susceptible to high-temperature

solidification than lime muds due to their lower alkalinity values.

The temperature limitation of a gyp mud is 350°F.

Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

1 Water:
1.Water: (Fresh or salty)

2.Bentonite: 40 Kg/m3 maximum

3.Caustic soda: 9.5 pH

4 Lignosulfonate:
4.Lignosulfonate: 17 Kg/m3

5.Gypsum: 05.5 to 17 Kg/m3 excess

6.Starch or polymer: As required (Polyanionic cellulose-LV, CMC,

Starch)
Water-Base Muds

Make Up:

Two situations normally occur when making up a GYP mud system:

• The first situation occurs when anhydrite is not predicted but

encountered, or if only stringers of anhydrite are encountered while
drilling with a conventional Gel Chemical system.

When this situation occurs, the Gel mud becomes flocculated because
of the Calcium contamination from the anhydrite.
anhydrite

Anhydrite or soluble Calcium is not treated out with Soda Ash, but
rather allowed to climb in the Gel Chemical system.

Thi process is
This i normally
ll called
ll d “Gypping”
“G i ” the
th mud
d over.
Water-Base Muds

• The second solution occurs when the anhydrite section is predicted.

The system is ‘Gypped” over by physically added Gypsum prior to

penetrating the anhydrite formation. This will ensure that enough
C l i
Calcium i in
is i the
th mud
d system
t prior
i t penetrating
to t ti th zone, and
the d
therefore no contamination should occur while drilling the anhydrite.

Additions of Desco CF will be required to control the flocculation.

After the system has been “Gypped” over, maintain the pH in the
desired range with additions of Lime, rather than Caustic Soda.

Lime Ca(OH)2 will have the added advantage of an additional Calcium

source rather
th than
th C
Caustic
ti Soda
S d (NaOH).
(N OH)
Water-Base Muds

Maintenance:

1. The mud density should be maintained as low as formation

pressures will allow. If an increase in density is required, generally
Barite is used.

For an unweighted GYP system, all solids control removal equipment

should be run continuously using the finest possible screens on the
shale shakers.
shakers

2. The viscosity should be maintained just high enough for effective

hole cleaning.
cleaning

3. The MBT (Methylene Blue Test) should be monitored, and

maintained at approximately 40
40-60
60 kg/m3 in the active system for
viscosity control.

The viscosity in the GYP systems can also be supplemented with

additions of Xanthan Gum , but generally is not recommended as
the primary viscosifier.
Water-Base Muds

4. If the viscosity has to be reduced, dispersants such as Desco CF

Or Avafluid G71 was added. Both p

products work well in the systems.
y

5. The Plastic Viscosity (PV) should be kept as low as possible with

dilution, and the effective solids control equipment on the rig.

6. The Gel Strengths will also be higher, but are generally flat and

fragile.

G
Generally
ll the
th pH
H off the
th system
t i maintained
is i t i d in
i the
th 10.0-11.0
10 0 11 0 range

with Lime only.

The higher the pH, the less soluble Calcium becomes. Generally the

Calcium content of the mud should run between 400-600 mg/l.

mg/l

The fluid loss is normally run in the 6.0-10.0 cm3 range with PAC.
Water-Base Muds

 Seawater-Prehydrated Bentonite Muds

The primary advantage of a seawater

seawater-prehydrated
prehydrated bentonite system
is the easy availability of it’s source water.

Another advantage is that the moderate amount of soluble salts in

seawater inhibits the hydration and dispersion of clays.
Water-Base Muds

Formulation:

1 Seawater
1.Seawater

2.MBT: 35 to 50 Kg/m3

3.Prehydrated Bentonite to raise MBT.

4 Caustic soda: 1.5

4.Caustic 1 5 Kg/m3

5.Bentonite: 80 to 140 Kg/m3

6.Lignosulfonate: 11.5 Kg/m3

7.Caustic soda: 10.5 to 11.5 pH
8.Lignite, starch or polymer: 01.0 to 17 Kg/m3
9.Defoamer
10.Aluminum stearate and nontoxic oil