st Drilling Fluids for Geologists · AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014 1 1st August 2014 Drilling Fluids for Geologists Definition of a Drilling Fluid A Drilling fluid

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Drilling Fluids for Geologists1st August 2014

Definition of a Drilling Fluid

A Drilling fluid is any medium circulated down holewhile drilling to remove cuttings;

• Air

• Air with water, foam or polymers

• Water, oil or synthetic based fluid

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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What drillers expect

• Hole stability

• Ability to remove cuttings

• Increased productivity

What Geologists expect

• Sample integrity

• Hole stability

• Environmental impact

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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PreventativeDrilling fluids are not a cure

3 important processes;

– Filtration control

– Encapsulation

– Inhibition 

Filtration Control

• The process of;

– controlling the amount of filtrate being squeezed into the formation from pump; and 

– hydrostatic pressures via a filter or wall cake

Filter cake ‐

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Filtration Control

Filtration Control

Bentonite‐based muds and drill solids provide the building blocks for the filter cake;

– AUS BEN

– AUS BEN XTRA

– AUS GEL

– AUS GEL XTRA 

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Filtration Control

Polymers tighten the filter cake by either;• De‐flocculating the drill solids; or • Plugging existing pores to reduce permeability

– PAC R (High Viscosity Polyanionic Cellulose)– PAC L (Low Viscosity Polyanionic Cellulose)– AUS DEX (Starch)– FILTREX– RESIDRILL

Filtration Control

Lower filtration loss the tighter the filter cake.

Tighter the filter cake the greater the hole stability

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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EncapsulationFormation of a coating or protective film around the drill cuttings, core and side walls of the hole

Blocks chemical exchange and hydration

Encapsulation• Controls dispersion and fretting formations

• Increases matrix retention

• Increase integrity of sample

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Encapsulation

PHPA, or 

Partially HyrolyzedPoly Acrylamide

– COREWELL 

– CLAY DOCTOR

– AMC CR 650

Inhibition

Controls swelling formations through cationic exchange

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Inhibition

• Common inhibitors

– Potassium Chloride

– Potassium Acetate

– Potassium Formate

– Shalehib Ultra

Solids Removal Unit (SRU)

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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SRU – Sumpless Technology

Traditional drilling fluid sumps No sumps – closed loop system

• Reduce environmental footprint

• Reduce water consumption

• Reduced product usage

Recycling Units ‐ AMC 500‐R

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Recycling Units – 1500R

SRU ‐ Centrifuge

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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Underground SRU

HP‐SRU

Flinders Ranges, South Australia

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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SRU – Proven Benefits

SRU – Proven Benefits

Water consumption reduced by using the SRU

Results from UG‐SRU Field Trial, Goldfields, Western Australia

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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SRU – Proven Benefits

Mud consumption reduced by using the SRU

Results from UG‐ SRU Field Trial, Goldfields, Western Australia

SRU – Proven Benefits

Financial benefit of using the SRU

Results from SRU Field Trial, Chile

AIG‐ADIA Drilling for Geology seminar 1/08/2014

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AMC’s Services

• Experienced fluid technicians available for on‐site support and advice

• Customised training programs – Mud Schools

• Environmental Bulletins/Safety data sheets on all products

• Fully equipped lab in Australia

• Quality products manufactured and quality controlled in house

• Research and development team developing new products

• Environmental focused products