Drilling fluid dewatering benefits and values
The concept of drilling fluids dewatering while drilling, was initially inspired from the need to reduce or eliminate liquid mud disposal. Today, DFD technology is used also to reduce operating cost and improve drilling efficiency. In order to provide bit lubrication and cooling, cuttings removal, and well control, the properties of drilling fluid must be carefully controlled. As cuttings build up in drilling fluid, the weight and viscosity of the drilling uid increases, which in turn increases drag forces on the drill bit slowing the ROP, increases the thickness of wall cake
On the borehole wall, and makes control of the well pressure more difficult. Studies have shown that the lower the colloidal content in a water-based drilling fluid, the faster the drill bit rate of penetration (ROP). Minimizing colloidal solids lowers the plastic viscosity of drilling fluid, contributing to greater horsepower at the bit. However, removing colloidal solids becomes cost prohibitive, if they are allowed to accumulate and further degrade when continuously recirculated in the drilling fluid.
For both environmental and economic concerns, it is better to reclaim the water phase of used mud and dispose of only dry solids than to haul off and dispose of whole liquid mud. Dewatering systems also enable water to be reclaimed from used drilling fluid and subsequently combined with unused or recirculated drilling fluid being pumped down the drill pipe and returned to the surface.
Using reclaimed water to maintain volume prior to being recirculated down-hole reduces the costs associated with transporting clean water to the well site for such purposes. After water is separated from used drilling fluid, the remaining solids for disposal are smaller in volume and lighter in weight, as compared to that of the used drilling fluid prior to dewatering, and can be transported from the well site and disposed at significantly less expense. In most installations, DFD Technology can also provide the additional benefit of eliminating the need for reserve pits, saving valuable room and further reducing operating costs.
Please contact Aipu for more information.
On the borehole wall, and makes control of the well pressure more difficult. Studies have shown that the lower the colloidal content in a water-based drilling fluid, the faster the drill bit rate of penetration (ROP). Minimizing colloidal solids lowers the plastic viscosity of drilling fluid, contributing to greater horsepower at the bit. However, removing colloidal solids becomes cost prohibitive, if they are allowed to accumulate and further degrade when continuously recirculated in the drilling fluid.
For both environmental and economic concerns, it is better to reclaim the water phase of used mud and dispose of only dry solids than to haul off and dispose of whole liquid mud. Dewatering systems also enable water to be reclaimed from used drilling fluid and subsequently combined with unused or recirculated drilling fluid being pumped down the drill pipe and returned to the surface.
Using reclaimed water to maintain volume prior to being recirculated down-hole reduces the costs associated with transporting clean water to the well site for such purposes. After water is separated from used drilling fluid, the remaining solids for disposal are smaller in volume and lighter in weight, as compared to that of the used drilling fluid prior to dewatering, and can be transported from the well site and disposed at significantly less expense. In most installations, DFD Technology can also provide the additional benefit of eliminating the need for reserve pits, saving valuable room and further reducing operating costs.
Please contact Aipu for more information.
Related Products
