BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
density, salinity, and temperature applications. Laboratory pilot tests should be prepared
following the order of addition and mixing times.
Table 3-30
PERFORMAX System Products and Concentrations
Component Concentration Function and Description
Fresh water or Sea water* ⎯ ⎯
Caustic Soda 0 – 1 lbm/bbl As required for pH control
Soda Ash 0-.5 lbm/bbl to treat seawater Removal of soluble calcium
XAN-PLEXD 0.2 – 0.5 lbm/bbl Viscosifier
MILGEL ® NT
5 – 10 lbm/bbl Viscosifier for > 250°F
3 - 8 lbm/bbl New volume at liquid mud plant
NEW-DRILL ® LV 0.3 – 1 lbm/bbl Cuttings Encapsulate
MAX-SHIELD 2 – 4 % by volume Shale inhibitor
MAX-PLEX 4 – 8 lbm/bbl Shale inhibitor
MIL-PAC ® LV 0 – 2 lbm/bbl API Fluid loss control
MAX-GUARD 2 – 3 % by volume Clay swelling inhibitor
PENETREX ®
By injection, up to 3% by
ROP Enhancer
volume
NaCl 0 – 109 lbm/bbl Shale inhibitor
MAX-TROL 0 – 8 lbm/bbl HTHP FL control at high salt
MIL-BAR ® As required for density Weighting agent
LD - S As required to control foaming Silicone Defoamer
Contamination and High Temperature Aging
Laboratory testing indicates that the PERFORMAX system remains stable after solids, cement,
and carbon dioxide contamination. Aging at 300°F conducted on a low density seawater system
showed excellent properties after aging.
Product Compatibility
TEQ-LUBE ® , MIL-LUBE ® and NF3 are recommended for increased lubricity and gas hydrate
control, respectively. Although the PERFORMAX system is compatible with most standard
products use in water-based mud system, some products are not compatible with this system and
should not be used. PENETREX ® should be added at a steady rate (i.e. 0.25 – 0.5 GPM) with an
injection pump while drilling and sliding. The goal is to add the PENETREX continuously so that
there is always a small amount of the product exiting the bit.
Return Permeability Testing
PERFORMAX fluids have been tested for return permeability using LVT 200 mineral oil on a
Berea Sandstone core. Return permeability was greater than 90 percent for the 12 lb/gal fluid
shown below. However, until reservoir characteristics of the PERFORMAX system are better
understood, this drilling fluid system should be used for cased hole completions only. If an open
hole completion is anticipated, PERFORMAX should be displaced with a PERFFLOW ® system.
Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
Reference Manual
Revised 2006 3-99