Drilling Fluid: State of The Art and Future Trend

Abstract

In its endeavor to provide a sustainable flow of hydrocarbon energy, the Petroleum industry has been recognized by the general public as an industry that has negatively impacted the environment as a result of using either harmful materials or risky practices. This leads the industry to continuously invest in R&D to develop environmentally friendly technologies and products. For any new technology or product, the current R&D trend is toward the development of sustainable practices and expertise. Drilling fluids are necessary for drilling oil and gas wells. Unfortunately drilling fluids have become increasingly more complex in order to satisfy the various operational demands and challenges. The materials used in the process to improve the quality and functions of the drilling fluids, contaminates the subsurface and underground systems, landfills, and surrounding environment. Due to the increasing environmental awareness and pressure from environmental agencies throughout the world, it is very important to look back to the drilling fluid technology to reassess its progress while it tries to make forward steps to improve the petroleum industry's position as an environment friendly industry. This article outlines the state-of-the-art of drilling fluids. The major types of drilling fluids, their strengths, limitations, and remedies to limitations are discussed. It also presents the current trend and the future challenges of this technology. In addition, future research guidelines are presented focusing on the development of environmentally friendly drilling fluids with zero impact on the environment. The paper concludes that future trend leads toward the development of sustainable drilling fluids.

Hole-cleaning performance comparison of oil-based and water-based drilling fluids

“…Each of these two fluid types has its own advantages and disadvantages, as shown in the review by Apaleke et al (2012). Over the years drilling fluids have become more complex and expensive in order to satisfy diverse requirements and there is a need to increase the knowledge of drilling fluid behavior in order for the operator to select and apply the appropriate fluid.…”

Drilling Fluids for Deepwater Fields: An Overview

“…In addition, hazardous effects of additives such as defoamers, descalers, thinners, viscosifiers, lubricants, stabilizers, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors on marine and human life have been reported. Such effects range from minor physiological changes to reduced fertility and higher mortality rates [97]. In this way, the oil and gas industry anticipates that the zero discharge of oil-contaminated drilling wastes will soon be the global standard.…”

Evaluación reológica de fluidos de perforación base agua con nanosílice

“…Esto llevó a la incorporación de nuevas tecnologías y materiales a los fluidos como lo son los nanomateriales. [1] Uno de los aspectos más importantes durante la perforación es garantizar la estabilidad de las paredes del pozo en el tiempo a costos razonables. Para ello se debe controlar el incremento de la presión de hinchamiento que viene dado por el intercambio catiónico con las arcillas del shale, reducir la presión poral asociada a la invasión de fluido de perforación y minimizar la alteración de los enlaces de cementación de la roca relacionado con la difusión iónica en el medio poroso [2].…”