BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

RESERVOIR APPLICATION FLUIDS
6. Run static aging tests at operational temperature.
SALT WATER GEL Packer Fluids
A number of low energy suspension systems to be used as packer fluids have been investigated in
the laboratory as well as in the field. The most satisfactory results have been obtained from the
SALT WATER GEL packer fluid. Although this type of system may exhibit some subsidence in
the fluid column, no difficulties in workover operations have been reported.
The addition of an oxygen scavenger (NOXYGEN) and a biocide is recommended as a
precautionary measure against corrosion and bacterial degradation.
Material requirements for 1 bbl of SALT WATER GEL packer fluid for varying densities are
contained in the table below.
Fluid Weight
(lb m /gal)
14
14
14
16
16
16
18
18
18
Table 6 - 26
Lime
(lb m /bbl)
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
SALT WATER
GEL (lb m /bbl)
8
10
12
8
10
12
8
10
12
GEL-CMC Freshwater Packer Fluids
MIL-BAR
(lb m /bbl)
307
301
296
420
418
416
528
527
527
Water
(gal/bbl)
32.9
32.8
32.7
29.8
29.7
29.6
26.6
26.5
26.5
Formula for 1 bbl of SALTWATER GEL of Varying Density
GEL-CMC packer fluids have been used on operations with bottomhole temperatures up to 275°F.
These fluids perform well because they can be pumped out when workover operations are required.
These packer fluids utilize freshwater, MILGEL ® , CMC (medium viscosity), MIL-BAR®,
NOXYGEN TM (oxygen scavenger), and caustic soda. A bactericide can be added for additional
corrosion protection.
The composition and mixing procedure for various densities are shown in the table below. To the
measured amount of water required, add caustic soda, MILGEL, CMC (MV), and MIL-BAR. For
fluid weights above 14 lb m /gal, start with a portion of the water required to avoid settling on the
initial addition of MIL-BAR.
BAKER HUGHES DRILLING FLUIDS
REFERENCE MANUAL
REVISION 2006 6-103