Odwracalne ciecze emulsyjne o wysokim stężeniu fazy wewnętrznej (HIPR)

Abstract

Invert muds are the most commonly used oil-based drilling muds. The oil to water phase ratio in invert drilling muds ranges from 65/35 up to 90/10, with the most common ones ranging from 70/30 to 80/20. At these oil to water phase ratios, the drilling mud is characterized with high stability and appropriate rheological and structural parameters allowing to adjust drilling mud density in a wide range. One of the disadvantages of invert muds is their cost (due to oil content) and environmental problems associated with waste and management of oily drill cuttings. Taking into account the properties of oil-based muds, the article presents laboratory tests aimed at developing the composition of an invert mud with a limited oil phase content and high internal phase ratio (HIPR). Drilling muds with an o/w ratio less or equal to 50/50 vary from conventional inversion muds in terms of their composition and properties. Due to the higher concentration of the dispersed inner phase, muds have reduced stability and high rheological and structural parameters. Maintaining the appropriate rheological and structural parameters of the drilling mud and its high stability is possible only through the use of appropriate chemicals adapted to the emulsion system with a specific oil to water phase ratio. In the drilling muds of this type it is also possible, due to the higher concentration of the internal phase, to partially adjust the density of the mud with the water phase, such as salt solutions, thus limiting the solids content (weighting agents) in the mud. The developed mud system should be more economical, have a reduced toxicity, while maintaining the operational advantages of invert mud. These types of muds can be used during the drilling of reactive shale formations, salt layers, gypsum and anhydrite layers, as well as for drilling productive horizons and for reconstruction works carried out in oil and gas wells.