DRILLING AND COMPLETION FLUIDS

DRILLING AND COMPLETION FLUIDS

By: Jum’an

While an oil well is being drilled, specific drilling fluid is pumped down the drill pipes and circulated back through the annulus to flush out the rock cuttings, cool and lubricate the drilling bit, and maintain pressure so that oil or gas does not escape. Completion fluid is specialized liquid -typically brine solution- placed in the well to facilitate final operations prior to initiation of production, to control subsurface pressure as well as to minimize formation damage during completion and workover operations. Most of the professionals working in this upstream (exploration and production) sector of the oil industry are drilling/completion engineers and the production specialists. They are highly skilled on drilling, completing and production of oil well, but usually have inadequate knowledge of the chemistry aspects of drilling and completion of a well. The composition and properties of Drilling and Completion Fluids play important role in the success of a well. While the average cost drilling fluid amounts less than 10% of the total cost to drill a well, the success and failure of the well may depend on the optimization of the fluids used. Lacks of knowledge in chemical composition and properties of the fluids may result in soaring cost or even a total failure.  

An important guide to successfully utilize the drilling and completion fluids in the oil exploration and production has been written by three prominent experts in this field. The late George R. Gray PhD a pioneer in the development of drilling fluids technology, once Director and Vice President of SPE and held positions within the American Petroleum Institute (API). The late H.C.H. Darley, a member of the Institute of Petroleum in London, active within SPE and a Researcher for Shell for 25 years. Ryen Caenn specializes in the technology transfer for all aspects of drilling and completion fluids technologies. He has worked in the industry for over 40 years including over 28 years as consultant to oil companies, fluid service companies, and chemical manufacturers. He currently conducts training sessions worldwide on drilling fluid technology and is active in AADE, SPE, and API Committees.

They are authors of a book considered the bible of Drilling Fluids Industry titled Composition and Properties of Drilling and Completion Fluids. This book is an essential tool to achieving successful outcome of the wellbore. The content is regularly updated since its first publication up to the current Sixth Edition. This last edition includes new information on technology, economic, and political issues that have affected the use of drilling and completion fluids. Also explains a countless new products and fluid systems. It covers the latest API/SI standards. It includes new R&D on water-based muds. It places new emphases on Health, Safety & Environment (HSE). It also includes new chapter on Waste Management and Disposal.

Composition and Properties of Drilling and Completion Fluids is highly recommended for Drilling engineers, drilling rig supervisors, drilling managers, operating company personnel, and service company personnel