BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

RESERVOIR APPLICATION FLUIDS
Comparison of Solids Content in Muds Weighted with Various
Weight Materials
35
30
%Solids Volume
25
20
15
10
CaCO3
Barite
5
CLEAR-DRILL
0
1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6
Mud Weight (SG)
Figure 6 - 11
Comparison of Solids Content in Fluids Weighted with
Various Weight Materials
In order to provide drilling fluids based on clear brines which can cover a wide range of densities
and exhibit a high degree of compatibility with viscosifying and fluid loss polymers, other salts are
needed. Formates were selected because of their very high solubilities and, initially, as a result of
their excellent compatibility with xanthan polymers. The relationship between formate salts and
xanthan polymers is synergistic in terms of thermal stability; the higher the formate salt
concentration, the higher the temperatures at which xanthan polymers retain their viscosity. This
relationship is illustrated in the figure below.
BAKER HUGHES DRILLING FLUIDS
REFERENCE MANUAL
REVISION 2006 6-30