The Optimum Types and Characteristics of Drilling Fluids Used During Drilling in The Egyption Westren Desert

Abstract

In this study, the factors that affect the selection of the types and characteristics of drilling fluids that were used while drilling nine wells in the Egyptian Western Desert were investigated. This study proves that the selection of drilling fluid type is not only based on the applications of drilling fluids, cost of drilling fluid or previous experience but also on other factors combined together such as geology of the area, potential problems for each section, make up base fluids availability, waste management techniques, environmental regulations, rig and drilling equipments and drilling data. In this study also, the evaluation of the designed characteristics of the selected types of drilling fluids was made to achieve the required functions such as good hole cleaning, well control, hole stability and to reduce lost circulation problem.