Polyethylene Glycol Drilling Fluid for Drilling in

Marine Gas Hydrates-Bearing Sediments: An

Experimental Study
Gas hydrates are also known as clathrate hydrates or flammable ice,where gas molecules
are trapped within crystalline cells formed by water molecules held together by hydrogen
bonds. These hydrates are abundant in marine continental margin sediments and
permafrost holding significant energy resources. Due to their high energy density they are
considered a potential unconventional energy source.
Drilling for these resources poses challenges. Drilling can disturb the hydrate formations
leading to gas hydrate dissociation and various safety issues. In uncased boreholes this
can cause instability and gas leaks. Gas hydrate dissociation can block drilling pipes
cause blowouts or lead to platform instability. Even cased boreholes may experience
casing failure due to high pressures from gas-hydrate dissociation.
To address these challenges, a suitable drilling-fluid system is crucial. It should have the
right relative density (ρ) within a specific range to stabilize the borehole while preventing
hydrate decomposition.the drilling fluid should effectively inhibit shale hydration and gas
hydrate aggregation within the drilling equipment and blowout preventer.
gas hydrates offer significant energy potential, but drilling in gas-hydrate-bearing
sediments requires careful consideration of safety measures and appropriate drilling-fluid
systems to minimize gas-hydrate-related issues during exploration and exploitation.
considerations for an effective drilling fluid for operations in marine gas hydrate-bearing
sediments include:

1. Low Temperature Performance: The drilling fluid should be capable of maintaining

stability and preventing the dissociation of gas hydrates around the borehole in low-
temperature environments.
2. Rheological Properties: Good rheological properties are essential for the drilling fluid
under low-temperature conditions. This ensures that the fluid can effectively carry
cuttings, clean the borehole and stabilize the well.
3. Pollution Prevention: The drilling fluid must be designed to prevent pollution caused
by calcium and magnesium ions which can enter the borehole from surrounding seawater.
Even small concentrations of these ions can impact drilling fluid performance.
4. Lubrication and Filtration: The drilling fluid should offer sufficient lubrication and low
filtration characteristics to aid in drilling operations and maintain borehole stability.

This research explores the use of polyethylene-glycol drilling fluid with added kinetic
hydrate inhibitors. Traditional drilling fluids often rely on thermodynamic hydrate
inhibitors, which can pose challenges in deep-water drilling due to the risk of hydrate
dissociation. KHIs, in contrast, are effective at low concentrations, reducing drilling costs
and environmental impact.
The study involves formulating and testing this polyethylene-glycol drilling fluid under
conditions simulating deep-water drilling. Various aspects, including shale inhibition,
low-temperature performance, pollution prevention, and hydrate inhibition, are assessed
using conventional drilling fluid test equipment and a specialized gas hydrates integrated
simulation experimental system. This research aims to determine the fluid's suitability
for drilling in marine gas hydrate bearing sediments.