| Baroid's
Hydro-Guard fluid tests positive on Gulf of Mexico
Posted: 7 May 2003
Designed for maximum shale inhibition in highly reactive
formations, this water-based fluid system provides wellbore stability,
high rates of penetration, and acceptable rheological properties
over a wide range of temperatures.
HOUSTON, Texas — Based on the independent
tests of three major operators, Baroid's HYDRO-GUARD inhibitive
water-based fluid system, shows a superior inhibition as compared
to similar systems, resulting in the awarding of a contract for
a deepwater well offshore Brazil in 3,400 feet water depth.
Baroid is a product service line of Halliburton Energy Services
(HES), which is a business unit of Halliburton.
"To date, the HYDRO-GUARD system has been used on eight deepwater
wells and four shelf wells in the Gulf of Mexico with excellent
results," said Gary West, Baroid Product Development Manager.
"The rates of penetration achieved with the HYDRO-GUARD system
have equaled or exceeded the performance observed on offset wells
where synthetic-based fluids (SBF) or other highly inhibitive water-based
fluids were used."
On one shelf well in the South Marsh Island area of Louisiana,
a 13 ppg HYDRO-GUARD system drilled twice as fast as SBFs and seven
times faster than water-based fluids used on offset wells. In addition,
the HYDRO-GUARD system was used to drill an S-type shelf well (maximum
deviation 48 degrees) to a total depth of 15,000 feet measured depth.
Based on hook load comparisons used to measure drag, the HYDRO-GUARD
fluid performance closely tracked that achieved with SBF, confirming
the extremely lubricious nature of the HYDRO-GUARD system.
Field performance has now verified laboratory results indicating
that the HYDRO-GUARD system is as effective as an SBF in minimizing
accretion on the drillstring. Additionally, good production rates
observed on HYDRO-GUARD wells support the high return permeability
results obtained in the testing phase of the HYDRO-GUARD system
development.
A major operator used the HYDRO-GUARD system to drill four deepwater
wells in Green Canyon (GOM). According to this operator's estimates,
the system saved an estimated half million dollars per well when
compared to an offset drilled with an SBF.
These savings were attributed, in part, to fast penetration rates,
lubricious and workable wellbores, no whole mud losses, and trouble-free
casing runs with good cement jobs, thus eliminating the need for
squeeze operations.
The operator also cited additional cost benefits related to the
absence of discharge and solids handling issues associated with
SBFs. The rig was released after drilling four initial wells. When
the rig became available again, the operator elected to drill two
more wells with the HYDRO-GUARD system.
The HYDRO-GUARD system uses two unique proprietary polymeric additives
that minimize shale hydration almost instantaneously. The two polymers
work synergistically to create a "water blocking" barrier
between the fluid phase and the reactive clays drilled.
With this new polymer chemistry, the HYDRO-GUARD system reaches
inhibitive qualities similar to that of an invert fluid. Troublesome
shales are readily drilled and reactive drilled solids are effectively
and efficiently removed from the circulating system.
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 more than 100 countries,
Halliburton 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.
For more information see www.halliburton.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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