MAINTAINING RATE OF PENETRATION WITH WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS

Here we highlight the importance of drilling fluid selection when using WBM and maximizing the rate of penetration (ROP) that we know can be challenging, especially in formations prone to swelling or bit balling. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to maintain efficient drilling rates.

In a recent project drilling a 12,25 inch well, through a clay-rich shale formation, the team experienced a drop in ROP due to bit balling and poor hole cleaning. To resolve this, they added potassium chloride (KCl) to the WBM, which acted as a clay inhibitor, preventing swelling and reducing material buildup on the bit. They also increased the fluid’s flow rate to improve hole cleaning and switched to a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit designed to reduce bit balling.

By continuously monitoring real-time drilling data, the team adjusted parameters on the go, maintaining an optimal ROP of 15 meter per hour, significantly improving from their initial 10 meter per hour. The well was completed ahead of schedule, demonstrating that with careful fluid management, bit selection, and real-time monitoring, it is possible to maintain high drilling efficiency with WBM in challenging formations. Using MudSim in the future will ensure that same success story will happen in the future as well.