BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
Oil mud product safety and handling
Utilize normal precautions of employee protection when handing chemical products. Use of an
appropriate respirator, gloves, goggles, and apron are recommended for employee comfort and
protection. Material Safety Data Sheets are available and should be reviewed to prior to product use.
The liquid oil-base fluid products usually contain flammable or combustible liquids and must not be
stored around heat, sparks, or open flames. Empty containers should not be reused.
Field mixing procedures
1. Measure the appropriate amount of base fluid (oil or ISO-TEQ) into the mixing tank and
circulate the oil through the hopper and fluid guns.
2. Add CARBO-VIS or CARBO-GEL slowly to the base fluid through the hopper until well dispersed.
3. Add proper amount of OMNI-MUL or CARBO-MUL HT through the hopper until mixed
homogeneously with the base fluid. This should take approximately 30 minutes.
4. For CARBO-TEC formulations add the appropriate amount of CARBO-TEC and lime through the
hopper and allow mixing for a minimum of 45 minutes.
5. Add brine water slowly through the hopper and allow mixing for 45 minutes.
Note:
If the brine water has to be made in the mixing plant by adding sacked salt to water, this
would become the first step.
6. For a CARBO-TEC / SYN-TEQ formulation, add the appropriate amount of CARBO-TROL or
CARBO-TROL A-9, CARBO-TROL HT, or OMNI-TROL TM through the hopper and allow mixing
for a minimum of 45 minutes.
7. Add proper amount of weight material to attain desired fluid weight. To insure proper wetting and
dispersion, slow the additions of weight material as fluid weight increases. Periodically during
weight-up, check yield point, gels, and emulsion stability to insure proper barite suspension and that a
stable emulsion is being formed. Slower additions of weight material may be necessary if inadequate
shear exists and emulsion stability is not stable or is decreasing. If problems arise, refer to the
troubleshooting information in Table 6-5 located toward the end of the chapter.
Special rig equipment and precautions
1. A fluid-saver box should be installed with a hose connected to the flow line to save fluid lost
from connections and tripping the drill string.
2. Pipe wipers will help keep the outside of the drill pipe clean during trips.
3. High-speed shakers and fluid cleaners with the smallest screens possible are highly
recommended.
4. If lost circulation is a possibility, a frac tank for oil-base fluid storage on location is
recommended.
5. The pits should be covered if located in a rain prone area to prevent water contamination.
6. All water valves should be closed off or disconnected around the pits to prevent inadvertent water
contamination.
7. Shaker screens and fluid cleaner screens should be cleaned with spray from an air gun equipped with
an oil siphon.
Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
Reference Manual
Revised 2006 5-43