This paper presents laboratory data and field application results on a new water based mud system which utilizes Potassium Carbonate, a special polymer formulation and a polyglycol. The surfactant properties of the polyglycol around it's cloud point, the existence of normal force and extensional viscosity in the mud prepared under low shear, and the successful application of the mud system in southern Italy to drill massive shale sections with high kaolinite clay content are all discussed.

Keywords:
mud system, surface tension, viscosity, spe 50580, successful shale drilling, drilling fluids and materials, drilling fluid property, hydration, environmentally compatible potassium spe 50580, drilling fluid formulation
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Reservoir Characterization, Environment, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties), Drilling fluid management & disposal
Copyright 1998, Society of Petroleum Engineers
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.