|
|
|
HALLIBURTON'S HYDRO-GUARD PROVIDES SOLUTION TO HIGHLY REACTIVE CLAY FORMATION CHALLENGES IN GULF OF MEXICO
This water-based fluid prevents hydration and disintegration of clay-rich formations,
especially in troublesome "gumbo-type" formations found in deepwater drilling.
Houston, Texas - The Baroid product service line of Halliburton Energy Services (HES) has developed an inhibitive water-based fluid - HYDRO-GUARD™-- which is designed for maximum shale inhibition in highly reactive formations like those found in the Gulf of Mexico. Halliburton Energy Services is a business unit of Halliburton (NYSE: HAL).
Field tested in early 2002, the HYDRO-GUARD system provides well bore stability, high rates of penetration, and acceptable rheological properties over a wide range of temperatures. It has been run successfully on Gulf of Mexico shelf and deepwater operations.
"Development of HYDRO-GUARD was in answer to our clients' requests for an effective water-based fluid that offers good inhibitions in highly reactive clay formations," said Craig Floyd, senior vice president, Baroid product service line, HES. "With this product, we have answered the customers' call for a more effective solution to a persistent problem in the Gulf of Mexico."
HYDRO-GUARD exhibits very stable yield point and gel strength values over the entire range of temperatures normally encountered in deepwater and shelf drilling. This is attributed, in part, to the absence of commercial clay and to the system's powerful inhibition capabilities. The unique polymer chemistry that controls rheological properties provides shear-thinning at the bit for fast drilling, yet ensures the efficient capture and removal of drill solids. The wellbore remains stable and in-gauge, reducing the need for frequent wiper trips.
Two unique proprietary polymeric additives minimize shale hydration almost instantaneously - one is a potent flocculant that is effective at low concentrations, allowing the encapsulation of drill solids as they are produced at the bit; and the other prevents hydration and disintegration of clay-rich formations, especially in troublesome gumbo-type formations found in deepwater drilling.
Typically, when using conventional water-based fluids, gumbo chains and boxes must be cleaned every few hours as they become plugged with large, sticky lumps of clay. HYDRO-GUARD coats the highly reactive clays, dramatically reducing the bit and bottom hole assembly (BHA) balling problem that affects the overall drilling rate and significantly decreasing the need to spend expensive rig time removing accretion from the BHA and bit.
During a recent GOM endeavor to drill 3,200 feet of 17-inch hole, use of the HYDRO-GUARD system yielded an exceptionally low 7.5 methylene blue test (MBT), as compared with 25-30 MBT for a typical partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) polymer fluid under equivalent drilling conditions. The drill solids were flocculated, encapsulated and removed from the system with conventional solids control equipment. At the shaker, cuttings appeared crisp and glossy, indicating excellent inhibition.
The system is especially well-suited for rigs with limited deck space or those operations located in the eastern areas of the Gulf of Mexico where synthetic base fluids cuttings are not currently permitted for discharge.
Halliburton Energy Services provides products, services, and integrated solutions for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Capabilities range from initial evaluation of producing formations to drilling, completion, stimulation, and well maintenance - for a single well or an entire field. With more than 300 service centers in over 90 countries, Halliburton Energy Services possesses the global perspective that is increasingly important for energy exploration and production.
Halliburton, founded in 1919, is one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the petroleum and energy industries. The company serves its customers with a broad range of products and services through its Energy Services Group and Engineering and Construction Group business segments. The company's World Wide Web site can be accessed at www.halliburton.com
Contact
Wendy Hall
wendy.hall@halliburton.com
Halliburton Public Relations
(p) 713.676.4371
Zelma Branch
zelma.branch@halliburton.com
Halliburton
Public Relations
(p) 713.676.7067
Employment Contact
jobs@halliburton.com
(p) 800.888.7668
ext. 8005
Supplier/Procurement Contact
kbr_supplier_relations@halliburton.com
Supplier Diversity Contact
Erin Petkovich
supplier_diversity@halliburton.com
Back to Top
| |
|
