fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractROP enhancer chemistry for water-based muds combined with polished cutter PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bit technology is shown to: 1) increase penetration rates and lower costs drilling high pressured shales by reducing bit balling and improving drilling efficiency and 2) improve borehole stability by reducing exposure time and reducing near wellbore fracturing which minimizes pore pressure elevation and loss of borehole integrity. Laboratory drilling simulator and pore pressure transmission results, a case history, caliper logs and summary economics from 16 offshore wells are presented documenting the effectiveness of this technology.