High performance water based drilling mud and method of use
US6831043B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/12
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A water-base fluid for use in drilling wells and other drilling operation includes a shale clay which swells in the presence of water. The fluid preferably includes: an aqueous based continuous phase, and a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: wherein R and R′ are independently selectable alkylene groups having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and wherein x and y have independently selected values such that the sum of x and y is at least 1. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in sufficient concentration to reduce the swelling of the shale clay. The fluid may be used for formulating drilling fluids such as water-base drilling muds or clear brine drilling fluids. The fluid may also be used in the slurrification and disposal of drill cuttings that contain water swellable clays or shale clays.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.