Introduction

Gilsonite is a natural hydrocarbon resin, otherwise known as natural bitumen, and is well respected across the oil and gas industry. Due to its unique properties, it plays a critical role in both drilling fluids and cementing operations, significantly improving efficiency, wellbore stability, and overall well integrity.

Gilsonite in Drilling Fluids

Gilsonite has been a core additive to drilling fluids for generations and has performed effectively in water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based mud systems globally. Some of the most troublesome problems faced when drilling have

been addressed with specialized Gilsonite formulations:

Ideal Filtration Control: Filtration is controlled extremely well by Gilsonite, effectively reducing both API (American Petroleum Institute) and HTHP (High-Temperature High-Pressure) fluid losses. This results in a more stable drilling environment.

Shale and Clay Stabilization: It is better at stabilizing troublesome shales and clays, minimizing hole collapse in water-sensitive formations. This saves time and costly delays and increases drilling efficiency.
Borehole Instability Combat: Gilsonite combats various borehole instability problems for a more trouble-free drilling operation.

Improved Lubricity: Especially critical in high-deviation holes, Gilsonite provides improved lubricity, reducing friction and torque.

Bridging Agent: Being an effective bridging agent, it deactivates differential pressure sticking and helps in the avoidance of stuck pipe incidents.

Low Invasion Coring Fluid: Gilsonite also helps to provide a low invasion coring fluid, which is greatly required for geological sample collection precision.

Wellbore Strengthening: Through the creation of a thin wall cake and an inter-matrix filter cake, Gilsonite creates a wellbore strengthening matrix, thereby reinforcing the wellbore.

Improved Emulsion Stability: In OBMs, Gilsonite significantly improves emulsion stability.

Gilsonite in Oil and Gas Well Cementing

Apart from drilling, in cementing oil and gas wells, Gilsonite is utilized for the integrity of isolation and long-term wellbore.

Prevention of Lost Circulation: Gilsonite is being used intensively and successfully in preventing or curing loss of circulation of cement slurry during the cementing process. The irregularly shaped Gilsonite solids form a unique bridging effect in the zone of lost returns, closing off fractures effectively.

Better Isolation: The use of Gilsonite material in the cementing of oil wells enhances the isolative characteristics of the cement sheath, which play a significant role in preventing communication among different formations.

Minimizing Gas Flows: It helps to minimize vertical gas flows and annular gas migration, thereby preserving the integrity of the well.

Optimized Slurry Properties: Gilsonite's low specific gravity, optimized particle-size distribution, impermeability, resistance to corrosive fluids, chemical inertness, and low water demand produce a slurry with:

• Excellent bridging qualities
• Low slurry weight
• Compatibility with other additives to cement
• Quite good compressive strength in comparison to other slurries of equal weight.
• Mud Removal and Density Control: Natural Bitumen (Gilsonite) aids in good mud removal and assists in density
• control of the cement slurry.

Health & Safety of Gilsonite

Safety is the top priority in the oil and gas industry. Gilsonite is a safe additive, as it is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-mutagenic, and thus provides a means to a safer work environment.

Ready to Enhance Your Operations with Gilsonite?

Gilsonite products are critical inputs to optimizing the performance of any oil and gas well project. If you need more product information or if you need to order Gilsonite for your drilling or cementing operation, our sales representatives are ready to assist.