Cost reduction in the construction of horizontal wells by optimizing the polymer-chloride drilling mud and its reuse

Abstract

One of the key tasks in oil and gas well development today is to optimize the cost of various technical processes, including the preparation of drilling muds. The article explores technological remedies to decrease the concentration of potassium chloride, which is the main inhibitor of the hydration of clay rocks, in the composition of drilling mud used for horizontal well drilling. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the drilling mud left after the initial drilling of the productive formation could be reused. Due to the fact that the interval of the horizontal section of wells is represented mainly by sandstone, the composition of the drilling mud must be refined so that the use of inhibitor reagents can be reduced. Reuse of spent drilling muds in the construction of horizontal wells reduces the consumption of multi-tonnage components without impairing the processability of the flushing fluid used. The implementation of this approach will enable the achievement of economic benefits through a reduction in expenses for the preparation of drilling mud and in the amount of drilling waste generated.