GILSONITE IN DRILLING FLUID
WHAT IS GILSONITE DRILLING FLUID LOSS CONTROL ADDITIVE (FLC)
Gilsonite Drilling Fluid Loss Control Additive (FLC) is a specialized product derived from Gilsonite, a natural bitumen-like substance. It is used in the oil and gas drilling industry as an additive to drilling fluids or muds to control fluid loss into the formation being drilled. (FLC) is a specialized product derived from Gilsonite, a natural bitumen-like substance. It is used in the oil and gas drilling industry as an additive to drilling fluids or muds to control fluid loss into the formation being drilled. Fluid loss control is essential in drilling operations to maintain wellbore stability, prevent formation damage, and optimize drilling efficiency. Here’s more information about Gilsonite Drilling Fluid Loss Control Additive:
- Composition: Gilsonite FLC is primarily composed of Gilsonite, which is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin. It is mined from specific deposits and then processed to meet the requirements of the drilling industry.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Gilsonite FLC is to reduce fluid loss from the drilling mud into the formation. When drilling through permeable or fractured formations, the drilling fluid can invade and damage the formation, leading to a loss of circulation, reduced drilling efficiency, and potential wellbore instability. Gilsonite FLC helps seal and reduce this fluid loss.
- Benefits:
- Fluid Loss Control: Gilsonite FLC forms a thin, impermeable filter cake on the formation’s surface, preventing drilling fluid from infiltrating the formation and maintaining wellbore stability.
- Temperature Resistance: It can withstand a wide range of temperatures commonly encountered in drilling operations, making it suitable for both high-temperature and low-temperature environments.
- Environmentally Friendly: Gilsonite FLC is a natural product, which can align with environmental regulations and guidelines.
- Application: Gilsonite FLC is typically added to the drilling fluid system at the wellsite. The dosage varies depending on the specific drilling conditions and the desired level of fluid loss control.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with various drilling fluid formulations, including water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based muds.
- Versatility: Gilsonite FLC can be used in a wide range of drilling applications, including both onshore and offshore drilling, and it is suitable for drilling through different types of formations.
- Environmental Considerations: Gilsonite FLC’s use can contribute to environmentally responsible drilling practices by reducing the potential for fluid loss and the associated environmental impacts.
In summary, Gilsonite Drilling Fluid Loss Control Additive (FLC) is a valuable tool in the oil and gas drilling industry for controlling fluid loss into formations. Its ability to create an effective seal on formation surfaces helps maintain wellbore integrity and drilling efficiency while being adaptable to various drilling fluid systems. Additionally, its natural origin can align with environmentally conscious drilling practices.
THE POWER OF GILSONITE IN DRILLING FLUID LOSS CONTROL
Gilsonite, also known as asphalt, uintaite, asphaltite, or asphaltum, is a naturally occurring solid resinous rock composed of different hydrocarbons with a high melting temperature. Its versatile applications include being a common component in drilling mud fluids, asphalt modifiers, and oil well cementing.
In drilling operations, Natural Asphalt proves to be a game-changer, enhancing efficiency, filter development, and wellbore stability. As a primary ingredient in drilling fluid products, this rock boosts drilling power while reducing costs and mitigating the impact of typical drilling fluid additives. Furthermore, it reinforces cementing systems, finding utility in mines and wells’ cementing formulations.
In water-based drilling fluids, treated Gilsonite plays a crucial role in ensuring shale stability and preventing fluid loss in permeable formations. With various grades and formulations available, Gilsonite significantly strengthens and stabilizes roads, reduces susceptibility to temperature changes, and enhances resistance to deformation. Its multifaceted benefits make it an indispensable asset in the world of drilling and beyond.
One of the important features of Gilsonite is it’s softening point temperature, Which has made Gilsonite effective in the following cases:
1- In oil-base muds, it is used as a fluid loss control agent The addition of Natural Asphalt to oil well cements reduces slurry weight without loss of compression strength and acts as an effective bridging and plugging agent to seal fractures in weak formations while cementing.
2- In water-base muds, it is used as a shale-stabilizing additive and is difficult to evaluate unless tested at or above its softening point.
It helps minimize hole washout by stabilizing troublesome shales, and seals off highly permeable sands while reducing torque and drag
PREPARING GILSONITE
The extraction of Gilsonite involves hand-mining in underground locations, employing jack hammers or suitable tools. However, caution must be exercised during its use and storage. It is essential to avoid proximity to substances like peroxides, nitrates, and chlorates, as they can react unfavorably with the pure resinous rock. Additionally, proper ventilation is crucial during storage to prevent the accumulation of excess dust, which could pose a risk of explosion if exposed to open flames. Safety measures are paramount to handle this valuable material effectively.
GILSONITE PREVENTS FORMATION DAMAGE
Gilsonite’s remarkable properties enable it to prevent formation damage effectively. Through its physical and chemical bonding with permeable formations, Gilsonite forms a robust seal, halting the passage of drilling fluid. Its dual role as both a malleable and solid plugging agent allows it to control fluid loss and seepage, safeguard against lost circulation, and shield reactive and low-reactive shale surfaces, even under high bottomhole temperatures.
BENEFITS OF NATURAL ASPHALT IN DRILLING
- Enhanced filter cake development for improved performance.
- Shale stabilization, minimizing fluid loss and seepage.
- Reduction in differential sticking occurrences.
- Prevention of lost circulation issues.
- Strengthening of the wellbore, leading to enhanced stability.
- Versatility in application, suitable for both water-based and oil-based drilling muds.
BONDING CAPABILITY
Gilsonite exhibits an unparalleled ability to form distinctive chemical and physical bonds with porous formations. This unique bonding creates an effective barrier that blocks the passage of drilling fluids. As a result, Gilsonite acts as both a solid plug and a flexible agent, effectively preventing lost circulation, fluid loss, and seepage while also providing a protective shield for reactive shale surfaces.
EFFECTIVE ADDITIVE AGAINST DIFFERENTIAL STICKING
Gilsonite serves as a highly effective additive for preventing differential sticking. Its sealing properties are particularly valuable in permeable formations, significantly reducing the likelihood of pipes and logging tools getting stuck.
ENVIRIMENTAL ADVANTAGES OF GILSONITE
Being a natural substance, Gilsonite offers numerous health benefits compared to synthetic alternatives. Unlike synthetic products like coal, Gilsonite is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
PURCHASE GILSONITE FROM RAHA OIL
Rahaoil is your top destination for premium-quality Natural Asphalt, offered in both solid and liquid forms. Our product comes in various grades and specifications to cater to diverse requirements. If you’re interested in acquiring Natural Asphalt, visit our website or reach out to us for more information.
GILSONITE PACKING FOR DRILLING FLUID LOSS CONTROL
Gilsonite is available in both lump and powder form for drilling fluid loss control. The lump form, resembling rock, is packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bags. The powder variants come in different mesh sizes:
- FLC 200 mesh is packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 300 mesh is packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 30-40 mesh is packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 100 mesh is packed in 500~1000 kg jumbo bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 300 mesh is packed in 25 kg pp bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 200 mesh is packed in 25 kg multi-paper bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 200 mesh is also available in 50 lbs multi-paper bags.
- Drilling fluid additive 30-40 mesh is packed in pp bags on pallets.
Our various packaging options ensure convenient and efficient handling of Natural Asphalt for drilling applications.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF DRILLING FLUID LOSS CONNTROL
TEST | RESULT | TEST METHOD |
---|---|---|
ASH CONTENT,WT% | 5 | ASTM-D3174 |
MOISTURE CONTENT,WT% | 1 | ASTM-D3173 |
VOLATILE MATTER,WT% | 63 | ASTM-D3175 |
SOLUBILITY IS CS2,WT | 81 | ASTM-D4 |
SPECIFIC GRAVITY @25C | 1.11 | ASTM-3289 |
NORMAL NEPTHAN INSOLUBLES,WT% | 79 | ASTM-3279 |
COLOR IS MASS | BLACK | ———————- |
COLOR IN STREAK OR POWDER | BLACK | ———————- |
SOFTENING POINT,C | 210 | ASTM-D36 |
PENETRATION @25C | 0 | ASTM-D5 |
ELMENT ANALYSIS
CARBON,WT% | 84 | ASTM-D5291 |
---|---|---|
HYDROGEN,WT% | 7.1 | ASTM-D5291 |
NITROGEN,WT% | 3.67 | ASTM-D5291 |
OXYGEN,WT% | 3.1 | ASTM-D5291 |
SULPHURE,WT% | 4 | LEGO(S)ANALYSER |