WorldWide Drilling Resource

Boring Thoughts by Todd Tannehill Owner, Mud & More, LLC The Blurred Lines of Drilling Fluid Designing a drilling fluid mix is not black and white. Manufacturers’ mix rec- ommendat ions are a start ing point. Failure to pivot from the recommenda- tions, when the job conditions dictate, can be downright dan- gerous when designing a mix. When I first started my career in drilling fluids, I would double-check myself with several veteran “mud doctors” before providing an on-site mix. I worked with the best of the best, but guess what? They al l had a different way of approaching the soil conditions. The frustrating part was, I would get 3-4 different mixes and they were all effective. Some used more product, and some used less, but each of my peers had a favorite product or combination of products they trusted. One would prefer liquid polymer, and another dry; mangers who worked in cold weather states had a differ- ent product list than the southern manager. Like most people, the fluid experts become stuck on certain products. Being newer, I decided to experiment with the different combinations on different jobs. I had the luxury of good peer advice and my mind was open to new ideas. I integrated the advice and found a combination of products that worked well in each condition; consolidated and nonconsolidated varia- tions which soon became my trusted go-to products. The products stayed steady, but the ratios changed by the job. The lines are blurred when it comes to mixing drilling fluids; there is no black and white. The baseline is set as a starting point for our mix, but the rest of the charts or technical data sheet recommendations are all based on very average soil con- ditions. The published sand mix is a great start for a known sandy location, but what if you hit sugar sand or a sand with a clay mix? You must be ready to adjust to the current conditions at each jobsite. You can use your last success as a base, but be ready and willing to pivot to react to returns and operator feedback. I’ve seen drilling fluid mixes where the ingredients look like a recipe for Grandma’s wedding soup! They used so many products I am not sure how they duplicated the success in each tank. One of my colleagues and I rolled up on a job where the mix had many polymers, additives, and MMOs (mixed metal oxides) in it. Based on our knowledge of the added products, the mix was working against i tsel f. When we questioned the combination, we were told it was working, and they were uncertain what was working and not working - so they were using it all. Less is more as you set your base fluid. Four to five products, including soda ash and bentonite, is my goal. Keep it simple and the adjustments and fine-tuning are easier as you progress. Knowledge of the area to be drilled helps lessen the blurred lines and sets you up for success. Your trusted drilling fluids confidant can help you design a simple mix and adjust when needed on the job. Todd Todd Tannehill may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Announcing the 53 rd Annual Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic! April 17 - 18, 2018 La Vista Conference Center La Vista, NE The 53 rd SEDC will feature a National Drilling Association (NDA) program, indoor exhibitors, outdoor displays, and a full agenda of technical presentations. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information contact: Or visit http://sedc.unl.edu/clinic/2018clinic.asp Local Planning Committee Matt Marxsen mmarxsen2@unl.edu (402) 472-6863 Registration Jacki Loomis jloomis3@unl.edu (402) 472-7550 33 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MARCH 2018