Influence of composition of KCl/silicate drilling fluids on rheological properties

Abstract

The changes of the rheological parameters, such as apparent viscosity (µ_a), plastic viscosity (µ_p), dynamic yield stress (τ_yd) and static yield stress (τ_ys) with the proportion of KCl, silicate and bentonite were discussed. It is found that the acceptable values of µ_a, µ_p, τ_yd and τ_ys can be obtained when the mass ratio of bentonite, KCl and silicate is kept around 1:7:10. The effect of other factors, such as the particle size distribution of bentonite and zeta potential of clay, on the values of µ_a, µ_p, τ_yd and τ_ys is also discussed. This discussion result could pave the way for better understanding of the subtle interaction between KCl, silicate and bentonite particles.

Keywords

silicate-based drilling fluids / rheological properties / inhibitive character / particle size distribution

References

[1] VIETTI W V, GARRISON A D. Method of drilling wells: US, 2165824[P]. 1939.

[2] DARLEY H C H. Stabilization of Hard Shale formations with Alkali Metal Silicate: US, 3640343[P]. 1970.

[3] WingraveJ. A., KubenaE., DoutyC. F., et al. . New chemical package produces an improved shale inhibitive water-based drilling fluid system[C]. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 1987, Dallas, Society of Petroleum Engineers

[4] RP 13B. Standard procedure for field testing drilling fluids, 12^th ed. [S].