Modified non-polluting liquid phase shale swelling inhibition drilling fluid and method of using same
US4963273A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S507/905
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a modified liquid phase drilling fluid having desirable properties of shale swelling inhibition, lubrication, and high temperature performance. The fluid does not rely on the incorporation of inorganic salts or high molecular weight water soluble polymers for control of shale swelling or shale disintegration and exhibits performance characteristics, approaching those of oil base drilling fluids, without the objectionable properties of hydrocarbon oils or its potential hazardous impact on the environment. The fluid is comprised of the following: (1) a liquid phase containing; (a) a water phase comprising fresh water, seawater, brine, simulated brine, or mixtures thereof; and (b) a water-soluble component selected from the class consisting of polyhydric alcohols, glycol, glycol ethers, polypropylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers ("EO-PO"), alcohol-initiated EO-PO copolymers and/or mixtures thereof, the ratio of said water-soluble component in the total liquid phase being from about 5% to about 50% by volume; (2) a viscosifier for suspension of solids in said liquid phase; and (3) a filtration control agent. The…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.