Drilling fluid suspensions

Abstract

A review of the composition and properties of water- and oil-based drilling fluids is presented. The basic functions of drilling fluids are described. The composition of water- and oil-based drilling fluids is described, together with the functions of each component. An account of the rheology of drilling fluids is given: measurements (rig site and laboratory), rheological models, and the effect of drilling fluid composition and drilling fluid hydraulics (influence of rheology on frictional pressure losses and cuttings transport). The filtration (fluid loss) properties are also described with a comparison of static and dynamic filtration and an account of the effect of composition on filtration rates. A brief account is given of several problems associated with tire management of drilling fluids including invasion and drilling induced formation damage,solids control, environmental aspects of drilling fluid waste, and composition monitoring of drilling fluids. 183 refs., 67 figs., 1 tab.