Oil Drilling Chemicals and their Functionsa

http://www.universaloilfield.org Oil drilling is a complicated procedure in which the boring and draining of underground wells yields crude oil. The process of drilling involves the use of different chemicals,known as drilling fluids,which are substances used to support the drilling of boreholes into the surface of the earth. The type of drilling fluid available in liquid state is also known as liquid mud. Types of Chemicals Used in Oil Drilling Various types of drilling fluids are utilized for the purpose of oil drilling on a daily basis. The type of drilling fluid required is mostly dependent on the kind of well present. There are a few wells, which need many sorts of drilling fluids to be applied in numerous parts of the hole. Other wells call for a combination of fluids. The major categories of are

Air Trapped air is pumped down the string of the drill itself or it can be forced down the annular opening of the borehole. Air/water It is almost similar to air-based drilling fluid but with the addition of water to boostthe level of thickness, cleanse the hole, offer additional cooling, and/or to check dust. Air/polymer Used to generate certainsettings. Water Water-based mud A homogenous mixture composed of water, clays and different chemicals. Oil-based mud A type of mud with a petroleum product serving as the base fluid. Synthetic-based fluid Used mainly when working with fluids in asurrounded space, it has synthetic oil as its base fluid.

Dispersants too are used to serve the process of oil drilling. They are chemicals, which are used to divide solids or liquids in fine particle or droplet state into a new medium. Functions of Chemicals Used in Oil Drilling The chemicals used in oil drilling serve a number of important purposes. Their main function is to make sure that the formation fluids are not able to enter into the well bore. They are also used to maintain the coolness and the cleanliness of the drill bit during the process of drilling. Drill cuttings are carried out with the help of these chemicals, which are used forthe hanging up of the drill cuttings while the drilling process is halted for a brief period andduring the timewhen the drilling construction has been brought in and out of thecavity. The chemical used for carrying out a specific task is chosen in such a way as to prevent formation damage and to curb corrosion. Cementing as well as completion is also possible with the help of drilling fluids. The chemicals used for drilling oil, however, have been seen subjected to severe criticism by ecological activists due to their adverse effect on the environment. They are highly toxic and are veryhard, not to mentioncostly, to dispose of.