VeraTherm

Dual-function polymer benefits logging operations

Drilling wells with bottomhole temperature exceeding 300 degF requires the use of high-temperature-stable, water-based drilling fluids. Formate brines and supplemental thermal stabilizers are used to help extend the thermal stability of conventional polymer-based drilling fluids. However, this approach fails to provide the long-term thermal stability needed for extended wireline logging operations and requires substantial treatments plus several trips.

Currently under extended field trials, VeraTherm high-temperature water-based drilling fluid features a dual-function VeraVis branched synthetic polymer that acts as a viscosifier and fluid loss additive. This additive enhances the rheological profile and fluid loss control along with long-term stability and low sag tendency at elevated temperature conditions. The long-term thermal stability characteristic of the VeraTherm fluid is not only ideal for high-temperature wells requiring extended wireline logging, but has plenty of benefits:

• reuse of fluid to multiple wells
• many applications, such as overburden drilling, coiled tubing drilling, and intervention
• great potential as an alternative to oil-based mud, helping to move our industry toward carbon footprint reduction.