Gilsonite Deep Water Drilling
Gilsonite in Deep Water Drilling has been proven safe and effective in more than 60 years of oilfield performance. Gilsonite is a safe, naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin with unique chemical properties. Added to drilling fluids, it increases performance and reduces cost in deepwater drilling while minimizing risk.
Gilsonite eliminates deep water differential sticking
An international oil company drilling below 16,000 ft. in the Gulf of Mexico encountered a major pressure regression, and the pipe became differentially stuck. Unable to free the stuck pipe, the oil company and the drilling fluids provider decided to sidetrack the well, re-drilling the section with a zero fluid loss WBM. Onsite testing indicated that sized particles and calcium carbonate in combination with high concentrations of Gilsonite resulted in < 0.5 cc HPHT fluid loss, and fluid loss was nil as measured with a permeability plugging apparatus. Using the reformulated WBM, drilling proceeded through the major pressure regression without any sticking tendencies in the problematic wellbore. Gilsonite is proven under pressure.
Gilsonite is naturally better
- Non-toxic (unlike coal or fly ash)
- Non-carcinogenic
- Non-mutagenic
Uintaite Application in Deepwater Operations
A new study which evaluated the performance and environmental compliance for Uintaite (Gilsonite) in deepwater drilling operations has revealed that it is a safe and effective means of extending emulsion stability and increasing the temperature threshold in invert emulsion system formulations while fully complying with EPA standards for deep water discharge.
Gilsonite is known to be effective as an additive in a wide range of drilling fluid applications. It controls fluid loss and prevents lost circulation – protecting the formation from damage. Gilsonite is used extensively in onshore and offshore shelf applications around the world. However, its use has been limited in most deepwater areas due to the industry’s widespread belief that Gilsonite (and other asphaltic additives commonly referred to as “black powders”) are detrimental if discharged into a marine environment. The current perception is that Gilsonite use will lead to noncompliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards.
