Drilling Fluids Program - TS AA 24
Drilling Fluids Program - TS AA 24
Drilling Fluids Program - TS AA 24
TS-AA-24
April 2018
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PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
Deliver well without accidents, incidents, personnel injuries
Zero discharge to the environment.
Full compliance to PERENCO and Congolese ecological standards and regulation.
Drill and test in full compliance with Drilling and Operations Standards.
Drill planned trajectory to the agreed TD.
Penetrate target reservoir intervals
OBJECTIVE
11” Hole Section - 8”5/8 Casing
The section will be drilled from surface to 636m. the 40 first meters will be drilled with bentonitic spud
mud, then the hole will be displaced to KCL/Polymer 1.12sg. At TD the MW will be increased to 1.15sg.
The mud left at the end of the section will be stored for the next well. It will not be used for the next
interval.
HSE CONSIDERATION
Environmental
Ensure that all product stored outside is protected from the weather.
Do not store partial units (sacks) outside if possible.
When transferring fluids, insure all hoses are properly secured. Perform a transfer checklist as
needed in order to avoid spills.
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FLUID MW YP PV
LSYP pH API Fluid Loss MBT Kg/m3
(sg) Lb/100ft2 cP
1.12 – 1.15 15 -20 ALAP 8 - 10 9.0 – 10.0 < 10 ml < 21
INTERVAL OBJECTIVE
Drill 11" hole to TD through Malembo Formation and set the casing at top of tertiary Iable, using
Bentonitic spud Mud and KCL Polymer, mitigating expected formation losses around 120m, 250m and
450m in Malembo Formation.
Ensure appropriate hole cleaning.
Ensure good inhibition.
FLUID DESCRIPTION
The section will be drilled with water base mud. On the 40 first meters, spud mud will be used. Bentonite
M-I GEL at concentration of 50 kg/m3 will be used. A volume of 50 m 3 will be required to drill these 40
meters.
After 40 m, the open hole will be displaced to KCL Polymer, with KCl concentration of 3% minimum. A
volume of 180-200 m3 will be required to drill this section including the reserve tanks. This section will
be drilled with 1.12 sg and mud weight will be increased to 1.15 sg at TD using BARITE.
The mud will be treated with POLYPLUS encapsulator and M-I PAC UL to reduce the fluid loss to 10cc
max.
The mud system will be treated with sized calcium carbonate 40 Kg/m 3 in order to strengthen the
formation.
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M-I GEL is a premium grade bentonite used for viscosity and filtration control in water-based drilling
fluid system that meets the ISO 13500 Clause 5. It is a cost-effective means of achieving viscosity,
fluid-loss control and filter-cake quality in freshwater and seawater muds. Typical concentrations for
M-I Gel viscosifier range from 5 to 35 lb/bbl (14.3 to 100 kg/m 3). As with all bentonite products, the
yield decreases as water salinity increases. In muds containing more than 10,000 mg/L chlorides,
the performance of M-I Gel viscosifier is significantly reduced unless pre-hydrated in freshwater
before adding to the mud system.
CAUSTIC SODA is used in water-base muds as a source of hydroxyl ions to control pH and is a
common name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It is a strong base which is extremely soluble in water
and dissociates into sodium (Na) and hydroxyl (OH) ions in solution. Typical concentrations range
from 0.25 to 4 lb/bbl (0.7 to 11.4 kg/m3) with treatments depending on water chemistry and type of
drilling fluid. In seawater and waters containing buffering salts.
SODA ASH is the common name for sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). It is a weak base that is soluble
in water and dissociates into sodium (Na) and carbonate (CO3) ions in solution. SODA ASH is used
primarily to reduce soluble calcium in water-base drilling muds and makeup waters. Typical
treatments of SODA ASH range from 0.25 to 2 lb/bbl (0.7 to 5.7 kg/m 3), depending on the calcium
level and water chemistry of the drilling fluid.
M-I PAC UL polyanionic cellulose (PAC) is a high-quality, water-soluble polymer designed to
control fluid loss, and because it is an “ultra-low” (UL) additive, it causes a minimal increase in
viscosity in water-base muds. It forms a thin, resilient, low-permeability filter cake which minimizes
the potential for differential sticking and the invasion of filtrate and mud solids into permeable
formations.
FLO-VIS PLUS high yield, premium-grade, clarified xanthan gum is the primary viscosifier for WBM
& especially reservoir drilling fluid systems. It produces elevated low-shear-rate viscosity (LSRV)
and high, but fragile, gel strengths. These properties provide superior hole cleaning and
suspension, improved hydraulics, reduced torque and drag, and assist in minimizing filtrate
invasion. All contribute to improved drilling performance, reduced formation damage and lower
overall well costs.
POLY-PLUS polymer is a high-molecular-weight, anionic liquid designed to provide cuttings
encapsulation and shale stabilization. POLY-PLUS also acts as a viscosifier, friction reducer and
flocculant while providing some fluid-loss control. POLY-PLUS can be used in mud systems
ranging from low-solids to weighted, utilizing makeup waters from fresh to saltwater.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE powder (KCl) is a high-purity, dry crystalline inorganic salt used as the
shale inhibitor in KCl /polymer drilling fluids to provide a high level of stability when drilling
troublesome formations with reactive shales. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE is also used to form clear
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brine used in workover and completion operations, which require densities ranging from 1.01 to
1.16 sg (8.4 to 9.7 lb/gal.).
SAFE CARB & DURCAL are ground marble is a high-purity, acid-soluble, calcium carbonate used
as a bridging and weighting agent in drilling, drill-in and workover/completion fluids. High purity
provides better acid solubility; high hardness provides a greater resistance to particle size
degradation.
DRILLING HAZARDS
Potential water influx is expected (aquifer eruption and due to pore frac effect by cement slurry
weight),
Lost circulation may be experienced around 120m, 250m et 450 m in the Malembo water table
Shale swelling may be experienced around 40-80 mRKB in Malembo formation.
MIXING PROCEDURE
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PRODUCT CONSUMPTION
PRODUCT Concentration (Kg/m3) UNIT SIZE Qty recommended
Water 0.965 -
CAUSTIC SODA 0.7 25 KG sx 2
SODA ASH 0.7 25 KG sx 2
M-I GEL 50.0 1000 KG sx 3
PRODUCT CONSUMPTION
PRODUCT Concentration (Kg/m3) UNIT SIZE Qty recommended
Water 0.904 - 160
CAUSTIC SODA 0.70 25 KG sx 5
SODA ASH 0.70 25 KG sx 5
KCL 29.10 1000 KG sx 5
FLOVIS PLUS 1.50 25 KG sx 11
M-I PAC UL 5.00 25 KG sx 35
POLYPLUS 1.10 25 Lt Can 8
SAFE CARB 40 20.0 25 KG sx 141
DURCAL 130 20.0 25 KG sx 141
M-I WATE 97.50 1.5 MT BB 18
1. DENSITY: Adjust density as hole conditions dictate, by efficient use of surface solids removal
equipment and not allow density to exceed 0.1-0.2sg. While drilling, the sand-trap should be
dumped periodically, this will allow for new dilution volume to be added to the system and ensure
that the total sand content and density are maintained at an absolute minimum value.
2. RHEOLOGY: To ensure good hole cleaning, maintain the YP at 15-20 lb/100 ft 2. The addition of
Flovis plus will provide good hole cleaning at low annular velocities. The gel structure should be
elevated but fragile to avoid induced pressures when breaking circulation but sufficient to carry any
loosely consolidated formation. The initial gel should be maintained in the range of 8 to 10lb/100 ft2.
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3. MBT: The MBT should be maintained as low as possible with Maximum of 21 Kg/m 3 equivalent.
The use of proper solid control equipment associated with chemical treatment (Polyplus
encapsulator) will allow a good control of MBT in the mud.
The stuck pipe is considered as the most significant problem to occur when drilling depleted zone.
The combination of bridging agent with Fluid loss control are effective in preventing the differential
pressure. Indeed, it will allow:
- Reduce mud spurt
- Reduce Filtrate loss
- Reduce cake thickness
- Build impermeable barrier
5. Lubricants are effective in improving cake Coefficient of friction (CoF) and cake permeability
6. While drilling, minimize flow rates and annular flow rates as low as reasonably possible to avoid
hole wash out. Watch shakers for indication of oversize hole and washout. Adjust flow rate
downwards if necessary.
7. It is recommended to pump high viscosity sweeps at TD to ensure the hole is clean and prior to
cementing.
8. This high viscosity sweep and surplus of fluid will be transferred to the next well. The system should
be treated with Biocide (Carbosan 1516).
9. SOLIDS CONTROL
(a) Shakers should be run with the finest mesh screens. API 140 or finer are recommended
depending on shaker efficiency, ROP and flow rates.
(b) Run centrifuges as much as possible
(c) SAND TRAPS should be emptied at the end of each section.
(d) CONTAMINATION. Minimize and manage contamination from cement and displacements in
the active system. Divert into reserve pits for treatment. Consider using contaminated fluid for
contingency in the event of losses.
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FLUID MW YP PV
LSYP pH API Fluid Loss MBT Kg/m3
(sg) Lb/100ft2 cP
1.04 – 1.10 12 - 18 ALAP 6–8 9.0 – 10.0 3 - 6 ml < 21
INTERVAL OBJECTIVE
Drill 7”7/8 hole to TD through Tertiary Iable, Cretaceous iable, Liawenda, Kinkasi, Kinkasi LK7 and
Pinda. A volume of 44m3 of the previous section will be mixed with fresh premix mud in order to lower
the MW from 1.15sg to 1.07 sg. At top of Kinkasi LK7 (1640m), the hole will be displaced with fresh KCL
Polymer 1.06 sg to drill the reservoir.
Losses are expected while drilling at PINDA end formation (top-upper vemelha) and the rate hole may
be determined accordingly
FLUID DESCRIPTION
The section will be drilled with KCl Polymer mud system. A volume of 44m 3 from previous section
(1.15sg) will be blended with 127m3 of KCl Water Base water @ 1.03 sg. Prior start of the section a
volume of 127m3 will be mixed. The blended volume will provide a MW of 1.07 sg.
The volume left not used from previous section (60m 3) will be treated with biocide and kept in reserve
pit.
The mud system will be treated with sized calcium carbonate 26.5 Kg/m 3 in order to strengthen the
formation.
CAUSTIC SODA is used in water-base muds as a source of hydroxyl ions to control pH and is a
common name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It is a strong base which is extremely soluble in water
and dissociates into sodium (Na) and hydroxyl (OH) ions in solution. Typical concentrations range
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from 0.25 to 4 lb/bbl (0.7 to 11.4 kg/m3) with treatments depending on water chemistry and type of
drilling fluid. In seawater and waters containing buffering salts.
SODA ASH is the common name for sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). It is a weak base that is soluble
in water and dissociates into sodium (Na) and carbonate (CO3) ions in solution. SODA ASH is used
primarily to reduce soluble calcium in water-base drilling muds and makeup waters. Typical
treatments of SODA ASH range from 0.25 to 2 lb/bbl (0.7 to 5.7 kg/m 3), depending on the calcium
level and water chemistry of the drilling fluid.
M-I PAC UL polyanionic cellulose (PAC) is a high-quality, water-soluble polymer designed to
control fluid loss, and because it is an “ultra-low” (UL) additive, it causes a minimal increase in
viscosity in water-base muds. It forms a thin, resilient, low-permeability filter cake which minimizes
the potential for differential sticking and the invasion of filtrate and mud solids into permeable
formations.
FLO-TROL filtration-control additive is a special starch derivative used in WBM systems. When
used in conjunction with a bridging agent such as sized calcium carbonate, it provides a thin,
pliable, easily removed filter cake. FLO-TROL is a non-ionic material especially suited for fluids
containing salts or ion-sensitive additives. FLO-TROL acts synergistically with FLO-VIS to enhance
the low-shear-rate viscosity (LSRV) of WBM.
FLO-VIS PLUS high yield, premium-grade, clarified xanthan gum is the primary viscosifier for WBM
& especially reservoir drilling fluid systems. It produces elevated low-shear-rate viscosity (LSRV)
and high, but fragile, gel strengths. These properties provide superior hole cleaning and
suspension, improved hydraulics, reduced torque and drag, and assist in minimizing filtrate
invasion. All contribute to improved drilling performance, reduced formation damage and lower
overall well costs.
POLY-PLUS polymer is a high-molecular-weight, anionic liquid designed to provide cuttings
encapsulation and shale stabilization. POLY-PLUS also acts as a viscosifier, friction reducer and
flocculant while providing some fluid-loss control. POLY-PLUS can be used in mud systems
ranging from low-solids to weighted, utilizing makeup waters from fresh to saltwater.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE powder (KCl) is a high-purity, dry crystalline inorganic salt used as the
shale inhibitor in KCl /polymer drilling fluids to provide a high level of stability when drilling
troublesome formations with reactive shales. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE is also used to form clear
brine used in workover and completion operations, which require densities ranging from 1.01 to
1.16 sg (8.4 to 9.7 lb/gal.).
SAFE CARB is ground marble is a high-purity, acid-soluble, calcium carbonate used as a bridging
and weighting agent in drilling, drill-in and workover/completion fluids. High purity provides better
acid solubility; high hardness provides a greater resistance to particle size degradation.
DRILLING HAZARDS
Fault is expected to be encountered in this well around 1800m, Lost circulation may be experienced
at top vermelha around 1810m
Cenomanian and top vermelha highly depleted; do not leave the drill string stationary in front it.
Keep slips in rotary while change connections
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Low viscosity Add Flovis plus/ Duovis into circulating system (Mix Hi-vis in sludge pit & dilute the active pit)
Extra Flotrol/Pac UL could be added to Fabrication tank (Do a PILOT test first)
High Filtrate
Use Lc Lube for better & impermeable cake
Seepage to Partial loss Add SAFE CARB 40, DURCAL 130, Safe carb 250, Lc Lube, M-I X II into Active pit
MIXING PROCEDURE
Please refer to previous section
PRODUCT CONSUMPTION
PRODUCT Concentration (Kg/m3) UNIT SIZE Qty recommended
Drill water 0.973 m /m
3 3
1 m3 124
Soda ash 0.70 25 Kg/sx 6
Caustic Soda 0.70 25 Kg/sx 6
KCL 30.0 1 MT BB 6
FLOVIS PLUS 1.50 25 Kg/sx 12
M-I PAC UL 6.00 25 Kg/sx 45
FLOTROL 6.00 25 Kg/sx 45
POLYPLUS 1.10 25 Kg/sx 9
SAFE CARB 2 25.0 25 Kg/sx 171
SAFE CARB 10 1.40 25 Kg/sx 10
The selection of the bridging agents is based on the maximum permeability of the section. Optibridge
software (M-I SWACO proprietary) was used to estimate the best and optimum bridging for the 7”7/8
section
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It is always recommended for the wellbore strengthening to renew the system with fresh sized calcium
carbonate in order to keep same ratio & same concentration of WSM in the mud. this will allow better
bridging.
While drilling the sized calcium carbonate are scratched due to the action of the bit and the flow rate.
Best Option is to monitor the circulating system PSD with a portable Particle size distribution equipment,
however in case this equipment is not available, it is recommended to add quarter (1/4) of the initial
concentration to the mud for each 100-150 meters drilled.
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VOLUME ESTIMATION
HOLE SECTION 7”7/8
Surface Volume 80 m3
Casing Volume 21 m3
Open Hole Volume ~ 10% washout 38 m3
Maintenance Volume (≈ 1.25 m3/m3) 3 m3
Volume Required 144 m3
Received from previous well 0 m3
Total Interval Volume Requirement 144 m3
Volume left @ the end of section (sent to LMP) 140 m3
PRODUCT CONSUMPTION
PRODUCT Concentration (Kg/m3) UNIT SIZE Qty recommended
Drill water 0.968 m3/m3 - 139
Soda ash 0.70 25 KG sx 4
Caustic Soda 0.70 25 KG sx 4
KCL 29.87 1000 KG sx 5
FLOVIS PLUS 1.50 25 KG sx 9
M-I PAC UL 6.00 25 KG sx 35
FLOTROL 6.00 25 KG Sx 35
POLYPLUS 1.10 25 Lt Can 7
SAFE CARB 2 24.23 25 KG sx 140
SAFE CARB 10 1.35 25 KG sx 8
TOTAL CONSUMPTION
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FLOTROL 25 KG sx 80
M-I PAC UL 25 KG sx 115
POLYPLUS 25 Lt Can 24
SAFE CARB 40 25 KG sx 141
DURCAL 130 25 KG sx 141
SAFE CARB 2 25 KG sx 611
SAFE CARB 10 25 KG sx 38
M-I WATE 1.5 MT BB 18
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TECHNICAL APPENDIX
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FORMATION LOSSES
Seepage Losses (up to 1.5 m3/hr) - This takes the form of very slow losses or sometimes undetectable
loss to a permeable formation. In some instances, this may be due to filtration loss due to poor fluid loss
control. (The identification of seepage losses may be confused with the removal of cuttings from the
mud at the shakers.)
Curing this level of loss is sometimes not economical if a cheap mud is in use and the rig rate is high.
If pressure constraints are tight the losses may have to be cured. Other factors such as the need for
a good cement job, formation damage or the risk of possible stuck pipe need to be considered in
specific cases.
Partial Losses (1.5 to 15 m3/hr) - Because these losses are more severe the cost of the mud in use
becomes more important and so it is more likely to be economical to take some rig time to cure them.
Drilling with losses can be considered if the fluid is cheap and the pressures are within operating
limits.
RESTORING CIRCULATION
Restoring Full Circulation - Slight Losses: In the case of slight losses, the following techniques
should be applied:
Drill ahead carefully whilst adding fine lost circulation materials to the mud; this may seal the
loss zone.
Reduce the mud Rheology values and circulation rate; this will reduce the pressure on the loss
zone.
After all other factors have been assessed consideration should be given to reducing mud
weight.
Restoring Full Circulation - Severe Losses
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In the case of severe losses, the mud weight which can be supported by the loss zone must be
determined. To do this the annulus is filled with a measured volume of light mud or water. Care
must be taken to avoid displacing water below the casing shoe since this could cause borehole
damage.
Circulation may then be restored by circulating a fluid of the approximate density mixed with
lost circulation material. It must be ensured that this mud weight will control all other exposed
formations.
In the event of massive losses, continue to fill the hole with seawater, whilst deciding on the
best corrective action.
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Planning
In the planning stage of a well, data from offset wells will have been studied to identify potential stuck
pipe zones. This information should be incorporated into a separate section of the drilling program. The
casing design should, where possible, take account of these zones. The change of the drilling fluid from
oil base to water base and its operating parameters will greatly influence the hole conditions. These
parameters may have to be modified specifically to reduce an inherent risk of stuck pipe.
Responsibilities of the Mud Engineer
The responsibilities of the Mud Engineer regarding to preventing stuck pipe do not involve any new
duties:
1. The Engineer must control the drilling fluid within the specifications.
2. He must recognize, identify and communicate any changes in mud properties, particularly where
they relate to hole cleaning and stability.
3. He must be able to suggest remedies to hole problems. A thorough understanding of the different
mechanisms involved in preventing and freeing stuck pipe, is essential.
4. It is the Mud Engineer's responsibility to maintain adequate stocks of suitable contingency
materials.
Freeing Stuck Pipe
If the prevention methods fail and the pipe becomes stuck, prompt action is essential regardless of the
cause. The following response is recommended when the pipe becomes stuck:
1. If the pipe becomes stuck while it is moved up or down, attempt to work it in the opposite direction.
2. Work the string to the pre-arranged limit immediately and use the jars if possible.
3. Attempt to establish full circulation.
4. The Mud Engineer should be involved at the start of the problem. He can advise and prepare a pill
if required. This will take some time, and any delay reduces the probability of freeing the pipe.
5. Analyze the problem at the first opportunity to identify the cause of the problem.
Freeing Differentially Stuck Pipe
Differentially stuck pipe can be recognized by the following signs:
1. Circulation is not restricted.
2. There are permeable formations in the open hole section.
3. The density of the mud column is considerably higher than the pore pressure in the permeable
formation.
4. The string became stuck while stationary.
5. It is not possible to rotate the string.
The initial response must always be to work or jar the string free. This should be continued while an
evaluation is made of reducing the overbalance between the mud and the formation pressures. The first
priority must be well control. There are several methods of freeing the pipe. Options are listed below:
1. Mix and pump a pipe-freeing pill. This reduces the contact area between the pipe and the filter
cake. Pipe-Lax pills will break down the filter cake and will also partially dissolve chalk and
limestone.
2. Reduce the density of the mud while continuing to circulate and while working the pipe. Should be
very well calculated against all possible high section to top of the stuck point.
3. Reduce the hydrostatic pressure by the U-tube method. This involves reverse circulating water or
oil into the annulus with the annular preventer closed. The mud level inside the pipe will eventually
fall to balance the reduced hydrostatic in the annulus. This method assumes that no drill pipe float
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valve has been installed. It also requires very careful calculation, good well control procedures
and an accurate knowledge of formation pressures and hole stability. When the pipe becomes
free, the oil or water pill can be displaced out and collected in a reserve pit.
Before reducing the hydrostatic pressure in the annulus, very careful consideration must be given to the
danger of inducing a kick, and the possibility of de-stabilizing sensitive formations.
Note: When using PIPE-LAX ENV in vertical wells with angles greater than 35°, the spotting fluid
should be weighed 0.5 lb/gal (0.06 SG) heavier than the original fluid in the well to encourage the
spotting fluid to migrate to the lower side of the hole.
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ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION:
The following preparations must be considered to avoid unnecessary downtime:
1) The materials required for mixing the SPRP are accessible;
2) mixing instructions have been discussed and are understood and available;
3) It is recommended that the cement unit tanks are used, if accessible, to minimise any “dead volume”.
The Stuck Pipe Pipe Release Pill (SPRP) is a basically a blend of K+ Acetate/SAPP/Citric Acid. If an
SBM SPRP is required then it requires the addition of a Mutual Solvent. The Mutual Solvent allows the
water-based citric acid to get into contact with the carbonates contained within the drilling fluid filter
cake. Without the solvent, the acid would have no or very little effect as it would not be able to penetrate
the film of oil and emulsifiers which protect and are inherent in the structure of the filter cake).
MIXING - Prior to mixing a toolbox talk should be held detailing the chemicals to be mixed and the
appropriate PPE to be utilised while mixing, as per the MSDS sheets. The pH of this fluid will be in the 3
– 4 ranges and care should be taken to prevent exposure. Note that anybody present on the cement
unit will be required to wear the same PPE as the person responsible for mixing the chemical.
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SPOTTING FLUID FORMULATION - LTOBM OPTION (50bbl) (NOTE: drop solvent if in WBM)
PILL #1
Base Oil 50 bbl
PILL #2
Water 24 bbl
K+ Acetate Brine 24 bbl
Musol Solvent (from cementing company if possible) 4 bbl
Citric Acid 80 ppb
SAPP 30 ppb
Alternatively, the following products can be used; PIPELAX ENV
PLACEMENT
For the SPRP to be effective, it must be kept as a discrete pill as it is pumped into the annulus. In the
case of SBM, without viscous spacers each side, the mutual solvent part of the pill would be depleted by
intermingling with the SBM. The density of the pill is considerably lower than the mud so the pill would
naturally want to ascend through the SBM column. This affect can be reduced by placement of high
viscosity SBM pill each side. The pill should be spotted neat around the suspected stuck point area, and
allowed to soak for 15 to 20 minute intervals before moving the fluid, whilst jarring. It is important to
move the fluid around the BHA at regular periods, in order to expose the stuck area to new, un-spent
product. The suppliers recommend a maximum treatment time of four hours after initial displacement. If
the string has not been freed in this time then the operation should be repeated or abandoned.
Reaction times will vary depending on mud type.
Reaction times will vary depending on the formation in which the string is stuck. Typically,
Carboniferous and Calcareous formations react quickest, with Jurassic and Tertiary clay formations
somewhat slower to react.
Recommended Treatment
Hole Size Spotting Time bbl SPRP
12 ¼” 60 min. to 4 hours 30
8½" 60 min. to 4 hours 24
6" 60 min. to 4 hours 18
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HOLE CLEANING
In order to ensure good hole cleaning all sections of the well bore must be cleaned under expected
operating conditions. The most difficult angles to clean will be over 40°. Time based ECD trends and
cuttings return behavior on the shakers should be used to judge hole condition. It is essential to clean
the hole before tripping and clear the cuttings from the BHA before making a connection. If overpull on a
trip exceeds the specified limit, it is recommended to run back in the hole and circulate clean with
rotation rather than to continue out back reaming.
Wellbore instability will mean larger hole and more cutting’s volume; both increase the difficulty of hole
cleaning. Ensure that the 6-RPM reading is kept above the minimum specified value.
Mud Rheology: The flow properties of the fluid should be maintain or adjusted to minimize the formation
of cuttings beds. This involves the following strategy;
A) Maintain the required level of low shear rheology i.e. elevated 6 / 3 RPM readings
B) Maintain elevated flat gel strengths (Recommended minimum 6 RPM values are usually greater than
the hole diameter in inches. Multiply the hole diameter by a factor of 1.2 to calculate the minimum 6
RPM value necessary). It should be stressed that the important rheological value in a vertical well is
the 6 RPM value. This is the value that affects the shear thinning characteristics of the fluid. Yield
Point, although not so critical should be controlled at whatever level the 6 RPM value allows it
C) Control penetration rates to avoid excess build up of drilled solids/increased PV.
D) If cuttings beds are suspected, turbulence + pipe rotation will aid erosion of bed.
E) Use the highest annular velocity possible with whatever rheology is present.
Vigilance should be maintained and the following guidelines must be adhered to:
Maintain rheology within spec with DUOVIS (WBM) or VG supreme/VG plus (OBM).
Rotation should be at the maximum allowable rate for the downhole tools.
Maximize pump rates (ensuring no whole mud losses at shakers)
Prior to a trip out of the hole, the well should be circulated clean. As a guideline, this will entail
circulating bottoms up as follows:
Drilling loose sands will not drill a near gauge hole and annular velocity to aid hole cleaning will be
reduced.
*the key is to be patient; it may take several circulations for the hole to clean up.
Pills should not be used as a substitute for spending sufficient time circulating with rotation to clean the
hole
High-density viscous sweeps (+/- 3.0 ppg higher than the mud) can be used to check hole cleaning
efficiency, not as a substitute for flow rate, pipe rotation or time spent circulating clean. The effect on
down hole hydrostatic and fracture pressures needs to be assessed before pills are pumped. If possible,
the sweeps will be diverted to a separate pit on returning to surface, to avoid weighing up the active
system. Alternately the centrifuge can be used to control the mud weight if they are incorporated in the
active.
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Water-Base Fluids
Product Health and Safety Reference
HARD RATINGS
PRODCUT FUNTION Health Flamability Ractivity PPE
CAUSTIC SODA Alkalinity Control 3 0 1 X
SODA ASH Hardness Treatment 1 1 0 E
DRISPAC SL Filtration Control 1 1 0 E
POLYPAC UL Filtration Control 1 1 0 E
POLYPAC R filtration and Viscosity 1 1 0 E
CMC HV Viscocifier 1 0 0 E
BARITE Weighting Agent *1 0 0 E
BENTINITE API Viscocifier/Filtration control *1 0 0 E
M-I CIDE Bactericide 1 1 0 E
KLASTOP Shale Inhibitor 3 0 1 X
IDCAP D Encapsulator 0 0 0 E
POLYSAL Filtration Control 0 1 0 E
DUOVIS Viscosifier 1 1 0 E
DRISTEMP Hi Temperature Filtration Control 0 1 0 E
DUALFLO HT Hi Temperature Filtration Control 0 1 0 E
SAFE CARB 40 Bridging Agent 1 0 0 E
SAFE CARB (All Grades) Bridging Agent 1 0 0 E
G-SEAL PLUS Lost Circulation 1 1 0 E
C- SEAL Lost Circulation 1 1 0 E
KWIK SEAL (All Grades) Lost Circulation 1 1 0 E
MIX II (M/C) Lost Circulation 1 1 0 E
MICA (All Grades) Lost Circulation *1 0 0 E
NUT PLUG (All Grades) Lost Circulation 1 1 0 E
SODIUM BICARBONATE Hardness Treatment 1 0 0 E
PIPELAX ENV Pipe Freeing Agent 2 2 0 J
CITRIC ACID Alkalinity Control 2 1 0 E
DRILL THIN Thinner 3 1 0 E
DEFOAM-A EH Defoamer 1 1 0 J
SAFE - COR Corrosion Inhibitor 2 1 0 J
SAFE SCAV NA Oxygen Scavenger 3 0 1 X
Version 1.1 2
PERENCO
Version 1.1 2
PERENCO
Version 1.1 2