Drilling Gilsonite – Fluid Loss Control (FLC)

Fluid Loss Control (FLC) – Gilsonite use in Drilling sector

Gilsonite is used in drilling fluid loss control (FLC) and oil well cementing. Gilsonite, in a range of softening points and particle sizes, is a standard ingredient in oil-based drilling muds used in shale and other difficult geological formations. The addition of specially-treated Gilsonite to water-based drilling fluids helps minimize hole washout by stabilizing troublesome shale and seals off highly permeable sands while reducing torque and drag. The addition of Gilsonite to oil well cement reduces slurry weight without loss of compressive strength and acts as an effective bridging and plugging agent to seal fractures in weak formations while cementing The maintenance of circulation of the drilling fluid is essential to successful drilling by the rotary method. The drilling fluid loss control or mud is supplied at the surface of the well in large earthen pits or metal tanks and is pumped from these into the borehole through the drill pipe and the drill bit to the bottom of the hole. The mud returns to the surface between the drill pipe and the borehole wall, bringing with it the drill cuttings. The circulation of the mud serves not only to carry the cuttings to the surface but also to cool and lubricate the drill bit, thus making possible the further effective penetration of the bit into deeper geological strata. In conventional drilling operation, a drilling mud based on bentonite or other materials such cane fiber, ground walnut hulls, sawdust, etc. is commonly used, but The solid organic materials used are difficult to keep suspended in the drilling fluid, being of a higher specific gravity than the fluid, while materials such as expanded perlite, though easily to suspend, become compressed to a specific gravity higher than that of the fluid under the borehole. Furthermore, the commonly used materials lack adhesive power and are insoluble, and they have been known to become lodged in the wall of the borehole so as to obstruct or seal off a producing oil or gas zone, thus causing a costly or even a complete loss of production.

Gilsonite is used in drilling fluid loss control (FLC) and oil well cementing. Gilsonite, in a range of softening points and particle sizes, is a standard ingredient in oil-based drilling muds used in shale and other difficult geological formations. The addition of specially-treated Gilsonite to water-based drilling fluids helps minimize hole washout by stabilizing troublesome shale and sealing off highly permeable sands while reducing torque and drag. The addition of Gilsonite to oil well cement reduces slurry weight without loss of compressive strength and acts as an effective bridging and plugging agent to seal fractures in weak formations while cementing The maintenance of circulation of the drilling fluid is essential to successful drilling by the rotary method. The drilling fluid loss control or mud is supplied at the surface of the well in large earthen pits or metal tanks and is pumped from these into the borehole through the drill pipe and the drill bit to the bottom of the hole. The mud returns to the surface between the drill pipe and the borehole wall, bringing with it the drill cuttings. The circulation of the mud serves not only to carry the cuttings to the surface but also to cool and lubricate the drill bit, thus making possible the further effective penetration of the bit into deeper geological strata. In a conventional drilling operation, a drilling mud based on bentonite or other materials such as cane fiber, ground walnut hulls, sawdust, etc. is commonly used, but The solid organic materials used are difficult to keep suspended in the drilling fluid, being of a higher specific gravity than the fluid, while materials such as expanded perlite, though easily to suspend, become compressed to a specific gravity higher than that of the fluid under the borehole. Furthermore, the commonly used materials lack adhesive power and are insoluble, and they have been known to become lodged in the wall of the borehole so as to obstruct or seal off a producing oil or gas zone, thus causing a costly or even a complete loss of production.

Gilsonite- Drilling Fluid Loss Control (FLC)- Drilling Fluid Additive

With industry-wide pressure to reduce expenditures, many service companies have found it cost-effective to reduce the total number of drilling fluid additives by incorporating a premium multi-purpose additive. RAHA Gilsonite provides a range of important benefits while also producing cost savings of more than 80%.
With its unique chemical properties and physical characteristics, Gilsonite is scientifically proven to improve wellbore stability, plug micro-fractures, and bond and seal all types of formations.

Fluid Loss Control (FLC) – Unique properties control fluid loss and seepage

Gilsonite has unique bonding and plugging properties that prevent formation damage. Gilsonite forms a physical and chemical bond with permeable formations, creating an effective seal to prevent the passage of drilling fluid. By uniquely functioning as both a malleable and solid plugging agent, Gilsonite controls fluid loss and seepage, prevents lost circulation, and protects reactive and low-reactive shale surfaces, even at elevated bottom hole temperatures.

Exceptional bonding and plugging properties avoid formation damage

By creating a physical and chemical bond with porous formations, Gilsonite forms an effective seal that inhibits the passage of drilling fluid. Exclusively working as both a ductile and solid plugging agent, Gilsonite controls fluid loss and seepage, avoids lost circulation and protects reactive and low-reactive shale surfaces, even at elevated bottom-hole temperatures.