Shale hydration inhibition agent and method of use
US6247543A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S507/905
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A water-base drilling fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water. The drilling fluid preferably includes: an aqueous based continuous phase, a weight material, and a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: EQU H.sub.2 N--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 {--OCH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)--}.sub.x --NH.sub.2 in which x is a value less than 15. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in sufficient concentration to reduce the swelling of the shale. Preferably x has an average number between about 1 and about 5 and more preferably x has an average number of about 2.6. Also inclusive of the present invention is a method of reducing the swelling of shale clay encountered during the drilling of a subterranean well, the method comprising circulating in the well a water-base drilling fluid formulated in accordance with the present invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.