Shale inhibitors are chemicals used in the drilling process to prevent the degradation and dispersion of shale formations. The function of shale inhibitors is to protect the integrity of the formation and improve drilling efficiency while reducing the risks of wellbore instability.
Shale formations are composed of fine-grained sedimentary rocks that can easily disintegrate and become unstable when exposed to water or other drilling fluids. This can cause problems such as stuck pipe, lost circulation, and wellbore collapse, which can be costly and time-consuming to remediate.
Shale inhibitors work by forming a protective barrier around the shale particles, which helps to prevent their degradation and dispersion. They may also help to reduce the friction between the formation and the drilling fluid, which improves drilling efficiency and reduces torque and drag on the drillstring.
There are several types of shale inhibitors available, including polymeric compounds, surfactants, and minerals such as bentonite and attapulgite. The choice of shale inhibitor depends on factors such as the type of shale formation, the drilling fluid properties, and the reservoir conditions.
Use of shale inhibitors is an important tool for maintaining wellbore stability and optimizing drilling efficiency in shale formations.
Amine Based Shale Inhibitor
MDF-1 is a new type of shale inhibitor used in high-performance water based drilling fluid, which is a poly-amine-modified polyether polyols shale inhibitor. MDF-1 possesses good cationic absorbability, inhibitory capacity and a long duration of action. It has overcome the problems which caused by cation, such as serious flocculation, increase water loss and so on. Since the introduction of amines compounds to molecular chain, which give it greater shale inhibition and its anti-collapse mechanism is different from the ordinary polyether products. It mainly depends on the special structure which firmly absorbs on the clay to reduce the clay layer spacing to prevent water from invading into the formation in order to stabilize the borehole. The product can be directly added to all kinds of water-base drilling. The recommend dosage is 0.5-1% (v/v).
Technical Specifications
| Items |
Specifications |
| Appearance |
Light yellow viscous liquid |
| pH (2% water soluble solution) |
8-12 |
| Freezing point, ℃ |
≤-45 |
| Fluorescence grade |
≤5 |
| The increased ratio of the third time shale recovery, % |
≥90 |
| Note: The ratio of first time shale cuttings recovery in distilled water shall be 20 - 40%. |
Features
Inhibit shale effectively with minimal viscosity and filtration loss increasing, control the clay dispersing, prevent bit balling. It’s especially suitable for soft mud stone formation, salt gypsum formation and water-sensitive formation and other complex formation.
Resist salt, calcium and magnesium and can be applied to freshwater, saltwater and seawater drilling and completion fluids.
Resist high temperature up to 200℃ can be applied to deep well and ultra-deep wells.
Freezing point is low, has cold-resistance, can be used for cold areas.
Protect oil and gas reservoirs.
Package and Storage
It is a liquid packaged in 25 L, 50 L cans and 200 L drums. International packaging may vary. And they shall be stored in a shady and dry place with good ventilation.
Safety
They shall be avoided contact with eyes, skins and clothes, otherwise flush it with water. Handling methods and dangerous data shall be referred to MSDS.
