Drilling Fluids
Gilsonite prevents formation damage
Gilsonite forms a physical and chemical bond with permeable formations, creating an effective seal to prevent the passage of drilling fluid. By uniquely functioning as both a malleable and solid plugging agent, Gilsonite controls fluid loss and seepage, prevents lost circulation and protects reactive and low-reactive shale surfaces, even at elevated bottomhole temperatures.
Proven to strengthen the wellbore
HP/HT wells, shales and underpressured zones require specialized drilling fluids and wellbore-strengthening techniques. Adding Gilsonite to an OBM, SBM or WBM strengthens the well by:
Reducing pore pressure transmission and sealing micro-fractures in shale and low-porosity sands
Keeping interbedding formations intact
Developing effective filter cake
Providing a “smear effect” that creates a continuous protective sealant along the wellbore wall
The most effective additive to prevent differential sticking
Gilsonite minimizes the occurrence of stuck pipe and stuck logging tools by thoroughly sealing permeable formations – even in zones with a highly overbalanced pressure differential – and improving filter cake lubricity.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES
All-natural Gilsonite is safe for Gulf of Mexico operations
Naturally occurring Gilsonite has significant health advantages over synthetic products. Gilsonite is:
Non-toxic (unlike coal or fly ash)
Non-carcinogenic
Non-mutagenic
Gilsonite is the only drilling fluid additive that provides all of these benefits:
Controls fluid loss and seepage
Stabilizes shales
Prevents lost circulation
Strengthens the wellbore to increase wellbore stability
Minimizes differential sticking
Promotes effective filter cake development
Performs in oil- and water-based drilling muds
Performs in HP/HT environments
Minimizes HSE risks
SIGNIFICANT COST ADVANTAGES
Compared to alternative products, Gilsonite offers comparable or superior performance at a much lower cost. In water-based mud (WBM) applications, Gilsonite’s performance compares favorably with sulfonated asphalts while costing 25-50% less.
Water-based Mud Applications
In HP/HT environments using synthetic-based mud (SBM), Gilsonite provides a cost reduction of more than 80% compared to premium co-polymer, while the high softening point of Gilsonite also results in a 45% reduction in fluid loss.
