BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

BOREHOLE PROBLEMS
restricted, to an un-weighted or non-dispersed drilling fluid since they tend to promote
flocculation.
• Asphaltic materials offer limited lubricity. Maximum effectiveness as a lubricant is attained
when used in a fluid which contains a percentage of diesel oil. These materials are employed
primarily to assist in stabilizing sloughing shale sections.
Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids offers a selection of lubricants designed to function in a variety of
conditions. What follows is a brief description of these products.
LUBRI-FILM ® is an extreme-pressure lubricant which promotes formation of an insoluble
lubricant film on the surface of metal. This film of metallic “soap” provides lubrication at loads
much greater than those of general borehole lubricants. LUBRI-FILM is particularly well suited
for deep, hot holes where friction and wear between casing and drillpipe are of primary concern.
Since LUBRI-FILM deposits a tenacious, long-lasting film, it can provide lubricity for extended
periods with no maintenance additions. Most borehole lubricants, on the other hand are dependent
on frequent additions to maintain lubricity.
Benefits derived from LUBRI-FILM, other than improved lubricity, are the
corrosion protection afforded by the metallic soap film. Increased bit life of
30% to 100% has also been observed after additions of LUBRI-FILM.
Note: Unlike some EP lubricants, LUBRI-FILM contains no sulfur which may produce
sulfide cracking.
MIL-LUBE TM provides and extreme pressure lubrication. MIL-LUBE is effective over a wide
range of loading conditions. MIL-LUBE is a blend of surfactants and modified fatty acids
designed for use in all types of water-base drilling fluids. Under extreme pressure conditions,
MIL-LUBE forms a lubricating film on metal surfaces that resists removal. Sticking coefficient
is reduced with MIL-LUBE, thus minimizing differential sticking. When using MIL-LUBE, the
pH of the drilling fluid should be controlled at 9.5 or below which will give the best performance
and resistance to greasing-out or high-temperature degradation.
AQUA-MAGIC TM was designed for use in environmentally-sensitive areas. AQUA-MAGIC is
a very low-toxicity lubricant which will not create a sheen on receiving waters or on U.S. EPA
(Environmental Protection Agency) laboratory sheen tests. AQUA-MAGIC may be used in unweighted
or weighted, freshwater or seawater fluids. AQUA-MAGIC is most efficient at a pH of
9.5 or below.
CARBO-DRILL ® /SYN-TEQ ® and similar oil/synthetic fluid systems offer the highest degree of
lubricity that can be achieved with drilling fluids. In some extremely high angle and crooked
holes, oil-base fluids have been introduced to reduce drag and torque to acceptable levels.
TEQ-LUBE ® II is an environmentally-acceptable composition which will effectively reduce
torque and drag in most water-base drilling fluids. It contains water-dispersible, extreme pressure
lubricants and a specially selected glycol carrier. Because it is water-soluble, TEQ-LUBE ® II
will not sheen. TEQ-LUBE ® II will function up to very high tool joint contact loads and
provides an effective lubricant in a wide range of water-base drilling fluids and conditions.
BAKER HUGHES DRILLING FLUIDS
REFERENCE MANUAL
REVISION 2006 7-44