Aspects of environmental and industrial safety of non-aqueous process fluids in construction and completion of wells

Abstract

Nowdays, reserves complex in terms of geology, pressure and temperature are involved into production. That is accompanied by the increase in use of non-aqueous process fluids, especially invert-emulsion drilling muds. One of the key problems that are an obstacle for mass application of non-aqueous fluids in construction and completion of wells is a high man-made effect on the environment due to their environmental hazard and need to ensure enhanced industrial safety measures when used in field conditions. The classification of dispersion media used in modern non-aqueous process liquid formulations is proposed. The following indicators of “environmental friendliness” and industrial safety of this type of liquids are considered: toxic effects on ecosystems, ability to degrade in the natural environment to safe products under the influence of microorganisms, indicators of industrial sanitation and fire safety. The factors affecting the flash point temperature of non-aqueous process fluids were analyzed. Stricter requirements for environmental readings of the dispersion medium of process fluids on a non-aqueous basis will improve the environmental situation in areas of drilling operations. Knowing the basics of management of fire-hazardous properties of this type of liquids will increase the industrial safety of their use in field conditions. The aspects of environmental and industrial safety of process fluids on a non-water basis, presented in the paper, will be useful for specialists in the field of drilling and production who are engaged in design and development of process fluids, including shale oil and gas deposits.

Keywords

• non-aqueous process fluids
• invert-emulsion drilling muds
• olefins
• paraffins
• biodegradation degree
• hazard class
• toxic effects on ecosystems
• flash point