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Rheological Property Measurement and Application of Formate-Based Drilling Fluids at Elevated Temperatures: A Review

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Abstract

Drilling fluids are crucial to address issues such as loss of well control and integrity, decline in well productivity, and improper hydraulic balance under elevated temperature and pressure in situ conditions. These issues can compromise safety and hamper field development programs. One such drilling fluid formulation comprises of formate-based mud which has shown potential to provide better fluid stability under elevated temperature and pressure conditions. However before jumping to any conclusion, it is important to critically review the past research works and compare the properties of formate-based muds with other available muds. In pursuit of getting an insight on the application of such formate-based muds, a thorough and extensive review of the research has been carried out. The current study looks at different aspects of rheological and physio-chemical properties of various mud systems using different measurement techniques for characterization. It also encompasses the properties measured during the field operations and explains the suitability of fluid properties. A statistical analysis of two formate-based mud rheological properties is also conducted to see any significant difference in their behavior. Based on these studies, a comprehensive evaluation framework for the mud systems is presented which can be used for assessing the suitability and application of fluid for field application.

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Abbreviations

AMPS:

2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid

API RP:

American petroleum institute recommended practices

BHST:

Bottom-hole static temperature

CaCO3 :

Calcium carbonate or limestone

CMC:

Carboxymethyl cellulose

CRA :

Corrosion resistant alloy

CsFo:

Cesium formate

CTU:

Coiled tubing unit

ECD:

Equivalent circulating density

ERD:

Extended reach deviated well

GoM:

Gulf of Mexico

H2S:

Hydrogen sulfide

HPHT:

High-pressure high-temperature

K :

Permeability

KCl:

Potassium chloride

KFo:

Potassium formate

MOC:

Materials of construction

NaFo:

Sodium formate

OBM:

Oil-based mud

PAC:

Polyanionic cellulose

ROP:

Rate of penetration

S.G:

Specific gravity

WBM:

Water-based mud

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Funding

The Funding was provided by Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, FRS(129)/2019–2020/PE, Vinay Kumar Rajak

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  1. Department of Petroleum Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, 826 004, India

    Vinay K. Rajak, Sidharth Gautam, Raj Kiran & Atman Madhumaya

  2. Department of Mining Machinery Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, 826 004, India

    K. Priya Ajit

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Rajak, V.K., Gautam, S., Ajit, K.P. et al. Rheological Property Measurement and Application of Formate-Based Drilling Fluids at Elevated Temperatures: A Review. MAPAN 37, 665–681 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-022-00546-5

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