st drilling fluids for geologists · aig‐adia drilling for geology seminar 1/08/2014 1 1st august...

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Drilling Fluids for Geologists1st August 2014

Definition of a Drilling Fluid

A Drilling fluid is any medium circulated down holewhile drilling to remove cuttings;

• Air

• Air with water, foam or polymers

• Water, oil or synthetic based fluid


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What drillers expect

• Hole stability

• Ability to remove cuttings

• Increased productivity

What Geologists expect

• Sample integrity

• Hole stability

• Environmental impact


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PreventativeDrilling fluids are not a cure

3 important processes;

– Filtration control

– Encapsulation

– Inhibition

Filtration Control

• The process of;

– controlling the amount of filtrate being squeezed into the formation from pump; and

– hydrostatic pressures via a filter or wall cake

Filter cake ‐


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Filtration Control

Filtration Control

Bentonite‐based muds and drill solids provide the building blocks for the filter cake;

– AUS BEN

– AUS BEN XTRA

– AUS GEL

– AUS GEL XTRA


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Filtration Control

Polymers tighten the filter cake by either;• De‐flocculating the drill solids; or • Plugging existing pores to reduce permeability

– PAC R (High Viscosity Polyanionic Cellulose)– PAC L (Low Viscosity Polyanionic Cellulose)– AUS DEX (Starch)– FILTREX– RESIDRILL

Filtration Control

Lower filtration loss the tighter the filter cake.

Tighter the filter cake the greater the hole stability


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EncapsulationFormation of a coating or protective film around the drill cuttings, core and side walls of the hole

Blocks chemical exchange and hydration

Encapsulation• Controls dispersion and fretting formations

• Increases matrix retention

• Increase integrity of sample


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Encapsulation

PHPA, or

Partially HyrolyzedPoly Acrylamide

– COREWELL

– CLAY DOCTOR

– AMC CR 650

Inhibition

Controls swelling formations through cationic exchange


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Inhibition

• Common inhibitors

– Potassium Chloride

– Potassium Acetate

– Potassium Formate

– Shalehib Ultra

Solids Removal Unit (SRU)


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SRU – Sumpless Technology

Traditional drilling fluid sumps No sumps – closed loop system

• Reduce environmental footprint

• Reduce water consumption

• Reduced product usage

Recycling Units ‐ AMC 500‐R


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Recycling Units – 1500R

SRU ‐ Centrifuge


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Underground SRU

HP‐SRU

Flinders Ranges, South Australia


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SRU – Proven Benefits


Water consumption reduced by using the SRU

Results from UG‐SRU Field Trial, Goldfields, Western Australia


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Mud consumption reduced by using the SRU

Results from UG‐ SRU Field Trial, Goldfields, Western Australia


Financial benefit of using the SRU

Results from SRU Field Trial, Chile


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AMC’s Services

• Experienced fluid technicians available for on‐site support and advice

• Customised training programs – Mud Schools

• Environmental Bulletins/Safety data sheets on all products

• Fully equipped lab in Australia

• Quality products manufactured and quality controlled in house

• Research and development team developing new products

• Environmental focused products

st drilling fluids for geologists · aig‐adia drilling for geology seminar 1/08/2014 1 1st august...

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