ABSTRACT

The paper presents some of the results of the research started a few years ago Concerning-in particular- the optimization of the most significant drilling muds used and usable by the offshore oil industry nowadays. Within the environment of the European area, new paths have been followed so far by the applied research which is in progress, according to the new laws established by EEC after 1985, also varying according to the different areas.

INTRODUCTION

The more and more restrictive regulations which have been issued by EEC Commissions during the last 10–15 years have produced, as a direct market result, the huge development of production lines and segments dealing with particular chemical products and special synthesis derivates, thus significantly reconditioning all the existing chemical industry as well. Alternative mud systems keep being studied and developed nowadays by the Oil Companies, which have to withstand all the related costs in order to go on obtaining the offshore exploration leases in the North Sea. Technical attidues and properties are required to the non conventional mud systems (mainly Pseudo Oil Based Muds and Synthetic Based Muds), equal to conventional mineral oil based muds, place adequate toxicologic features with reference to the in force regulations.

EVOlLUTION OF THE EUROPEAN REGULATION AND RELATED CONSEQUENCES

During the last decade applied research has been, of course, conditioned by heavy law evolution and changing, according to more and more severe trends and regulations. Generally speaking, the following research and validation iter has had to be approximatively followed by the Oil Companies:

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    substitution of gasoil by means of low toxicity base oils;

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    progressive reduction of the oil/water ratios within inverse emulsion muds by developing and tpen employing innovative chemical agents, able to stabilize emulsions having water content reaching or overgoing 40 percent in volume;

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    reduction of residual oil content in the cuttings by developing and employing innovative chemicals and innovative cutting cleaning techniques, usable and adoptable onboard offshore platforms nowadays

Keywords:
drilling fluids and materials, mud system, drilling fluid formulation, interdrill, drilling fluid chemistry, drilling mud design, regulation, aromatic component, disposal, lab study
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties)
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1996. The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers
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