Capacity Limitations of brine Contamination on High Density Oil-Based Drilling Fluid

Abstract

Aimed on the problem that the Drilling fluids were easily intruded by the saline water in high-pressure salt-gypsum formations, and the properties of the drilling fluid were damaged and accidents easily occur. The mechanism of drilling fluid contamination by the formation brine was analyzed and the capacity limits of the contamination were found out. The results show that small amount of brine invasion causes emulsification while large amount of brine invasion lead to demulsification. Two capacity limitations were proposed. The first limitation is 10% of saline water concentration, below which the performance of the drilling fluid remains relatively good. The second limitation is 30% of saline water concentration, below which the drilling fluid needs to be systematically maintained, and after which the fluid has no potential for maintenance. This proposal has been successfully used in 8 wells in Kuqa foreland area, and the drilling cycle was saved by 35 days on average.