Method of performing well drilling operations with a foamable drilling fluid
US5851960A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/38
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A foamable drilling fluid for use in well operations such as deep water offshore drilling where risers are not employed in returning the fluid to the surface mud pit. A preferred foamable drilling fluid comprises a prehydrated clay such as bentonite, sea water, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-olefinsulfonates, alkylpolyglycosides, alcohol sulfates, salts of ethoxylated alcohol sulfates, and a stabilizing surfactant consisting of cocoamine betaine. The stabilized foam drilling fluid resists foam breakdown upon drilling cessation, prevents fluid loss to reduce filter cake buildup and increases the carrying capacity of cuttings and other solids. In addition, a foamable drilling fluid is provided including an hydraulic material selected from the group consisting of Portland cement, siliceous material like fumed silica, blast furnace slag and pozzolans such as fly ash. The hydraulic material solidifies the filter cake, reduces the filter cake permeability, and provide better bonding between the filter cake and cement slurry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.