fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractWater-based mud designs as alternatives to oil-based or synthetic-based muds are compared versus history of use. Water-soluble designs and water-insoluble designs are discussed as well as a combination approach used by Woodside Energy to drill on the Northwest Shelf, Offshore Australia. Perfornance of a water-based 2-phase polyglycol mud system containing a Drilling Enhancer with an appropriate bit design was technically and economically equivalent to that with a synthetic-based mud.

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractNew mud chemistry is shown to improve the efficiency of directional drilling with steerable motor systems in the slide drilling mode through improved cuttings management.Both laboratory drilling simulator results and field case-histories are presented documenting the effectiveness of this technology.