WBM verse SBM to drill 6 1/8" Hole

27 October 2011 Hi Spread members,
I would like to see your current opinion and/or experiences on the following drilling fluid questions for high-level well designs:-

• In normal pressure and temperature exploration shallow wells (i.e. BHST less than 120 deg C and reservoir pressure less than 5,000 psi, well TD around 2500m in Clastics formation and water depth of around 50m, well could be designed with high angle for side-track option, final hole size would be 6-1/8"), which WBM system can make similar or better technical / operational performance comparing to Synthetic Oil Base mud system?
• Why Operators still tend to use SBM for 6â…›” slim hole drilling even with increasingly environmental concerns for normal pressure & temperature wells (SBHT less then 150degC and reservoir pressure less then 10,000psi)?
• The same questions as above but for WBM vs. SBM drilling fluids comparing on HPHT wells (is there proved alternative WBM system that can be used instead of using SBM, please specify maximum operating temperature and pressure limits of the WBM system).

Best regards,
Hung TN
Salamander Energy (Vietnam) Ltd.

5 Answer(s)

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