A solids-free brine drilling fluid system for coiled tubing drilling

• Published in: Petroleum exploration and development 2018-06, Vol.45 (3), p.529-535
• Main Authors: WANG, Xiaojun, YU, Jing, SUN, Yunchao, YANG, Chao, JIANG, Lizhou, LIU, Chang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: borehole stability; brine drilling fluid; coiled tubing drilling; Liaohe Oilfield; properties of drilling fluid
• ISSN: 1876-3804; 1876-3804
• DOI: 10.1016/S1876-3804(18)30058-2

There are many problems associated with coiled tubing drilling operations, such as great circulation pressure loss inside pipe, difficulties in weight on bit (WOB) transferring, and high probability of differential sticking. Aiming at these problems, solids-free brine drilling fluid system was developed on the basis of formulation optimization with brine base fluid experiment, which was evaluated and applied to field drilling. Based on the optimization of flow pattern regulator, salt-resisting filtrate reducer, high performance lubricant and bit cleaner, the basic formula of the solids-free brine drilling fluid system was formed: brine + (0.1%−0.2%) NaOH + (0.2%−0.4%) HT-XC + (2.0%−3.0%) YLJ-1 + (0.5%−2.0%) SDNR + (1.0%−2.5%) FT-1A + (1.0%−5.0%) SD-505 + compound salt density regulator. Lab evaluation showed that the fluid had satisfactory temperature resistance (up to 150 °C), excellent cuttings tolerance (up to 25%), and strong inhibition (92.7% cuttings recovery); Moreover, its lubrication performance was similar to that of all oil-based drilling fluid. The wellbore could be fairly cleaned at annular up-flow velocity of more than 0.8 m/s if the ratio of yield point to plastic viscosity was kept above 0.5. This fluid system has been applied in the drilling of three coiled tubing sidetracking wells in the Liaohe Oilfield, during which the system was stable and easy to adjust, resulting in excellent cuttings transportation, high ROP, regular hole size, and no down hole accidents. In summary, the solids-free brine drilling fluid system can meet the technical requirements of coiled tubing drilling.