Achievement of Maximum Mud Weights in K-Formate WBM with Micromax and Its Successful Implementations in Deep HPHT Wells

Abstract

Abstract The Jurassic reservoirs of deep wells in Kuwait have traditionally been drilled with OBM. Barite is utilized as the weighting material in the OBM resulting damages to these reservoirs, thereby reducing the productivity to a significant extent. The higher oil to water ratio (95/5) of OBM limits the possibilities of identifying the micro fractures in reservoirs due to the limited conductive medium in OBM. Potassium formate WBM, with Manganese Tetraoxide as weighting material was successfully applied in HPHT wells overcoming these limitations. K-Formate brine was utilized up to maximum density of 12.5 ppg to reduce the impacts of solids in the mud. For the first time, maximum mud weight of 17.8 ppg was achieved operationally using micromax (Mn3O4) in this WBM. Also, for the first time in Kuwait, this kind of fluid was used to drill the section with the inclinations above 60° in deep wells. As a result of using K-Formate WBM in the reservoir sections, production increased significantly when compared to the wells drilled with OBM and barite. Wells were simulated easily without the presence of barite. Water based conductive medium gave better quality of image logs. Unlike other WBM's, K-formate WBM was stored for long periods, over a year in the mud plants without any damage to the mud properties. Recycling reduced the overall fluid costs in the subsequent wells drilled with K-formate WBM. Environmental damage due to the OBM spills and cuttings were completely avoided; K-formate WBM is highly bio-degradable under atmospheric conditions and is environmentally friendly. The experience and success gained with its use on the initial wells led to the planned usage of this WBM on all deep exploratory wells. This paper explains the experiences gained and the achievements made over the years with K-formate WBM used for drilling the deep HPHT wells.