Gilsonite in FLUID LOSS CONTROL additive in oil-based Drilling muds (OBM)
To achieve more effective drilling, in drilling rigs, mud is applied to the driller in order to reduce the temperature of the hole while providing an efficient drill. Drilling mud is a lubricant applied in this process. In stricter environmental drilling, where Synthetics Muds are used, applying Gilsonite may decrease the costs by 80% compared to the substitute material UHT-Co Polymers.
While Using American Gilsonite is very cost-effective compared to alternatives, Iranian Gilsonite can perform at relatively same level with even more economical price range than US Gilsonite costs giving the mud manufacturers a big leverage on optimizing the production in the current oil market.
It can be applied according to its hydrocarbon nature and the proper softening point to cause a significant decrease in the loss of fluids during the drilling process. The Gilsonite Solubility in Oil matters (measured by solving in TCE, CCL4 & CS2) allows the additive to act well with the oil material of the drilling mud, in most cases diesel. Also, same characteristics result in the composition of Gilsonite powder in synthetic-based muds (SBM) since the base material is a polymer.
- The high softening point of Gilsonite (160 degrees Celsius and above) results in over 50% fluid loss reduction comparing to other additives.
- Being a non-toxic material, Gilsonite adapts best to HSE limitation applied to Oil Based and Synthetic Based Muds.
- Elevates filter cake expansion.
- Acts as Shale Stabilizer
- Using Gilsonite is very cost-effective as FLC additive.
An international oil company successfully drilled multiple HP/HT wells offshore in Asia but experienced delays and problems during logging operations due to the tendency of logging tools to stick. Well, depths ranged from 14,010 ft to 15,960 ft with bottom hole temperatures from 400º F to 432º. Mud densities ranged from 10.4 ppg to 14.4 ppg. The oil company and the drilling fluids provider conducted laboratory testing that confirmed that adding a high softening point Gilsonite to the Oil Based drilling Muds (OBM) would improve filtration characteristics and filter-cake development.
This treatment strategy was adopted during the final drilling phase and before logging commenced. Gilsonite proved to be effective in optimizing drilling fluid performance characteristics, eliminating logging tool sticking tendencies and allowing wireline logging over 90 hours, and reducing costs by eliminating nonproductive time during the logging process.
Gilsonite is a safe, naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin with a high softening point. It performs in the most extreme drilling environments, where few mud additives can survive – and at a lower cost.
Gilsonite has significant health advantages over synthetic products. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, and requires only standard PPE safety measures for handling or disposal.
