Water Soluble Polymers

Water Soluble Polymers

Definitions and Terms

Classification of Reactive Group

Polymer Functions

Types of Polymers

Structural Variations of Polymers

 Water Soluble Polymers
Definitions

Monomers - Basic unit to build polymer, a single unit.

Molecular Weight - Weight of monomer units in the polymer

Degree of Substitution - Number of OH- replaced to impart

water solubility.

Degree of Polymerization - Number of monomer units in the

polymer.
 Water Soluble Polymers
Classification
Anionic - Ionize to form negatively charged particles. Sensitive To
Positively Charged Contaminants.
SO3- , COO-,

Nonionic - Do not ionize in solution, no charge. High Brine Solubility,

Least affected By Contaminants.
-OH , -O-

Cationic - Ionize to form positively charged particles.

-N - R+
 Water Soluble Polymers
Functions
Viscosifiers

Flocculants

Fluid Loss Agents

Deflocculant/Thinners

Shale Stabilizers

Scale Inhibitors

Friction Reducers
 Water Soluble Polymers
Structural Variations

Linear - long single chain of monomer units

A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A

Branched - monomers which branch off from each other

A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A
A A
A A
A A
 Water Soluble Polymers
Polymer Types
Natural Polymers - starch, guar gums

Polysaccharide - XC Polymer

Modified Polymers - Carboxymethyl Cellulose-CMC

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose -HEC
Polyanionic Cellulose - PAC
Carboxymethyl Starch - CMS
Synthetic Polymers - PHPA, SSMA, VAVS, Polyacrylates
 Water Soluble Polymers
Guar Gum

Seeds of the guar plant

Nonionic, medium molecular weight

Provides viscosity to salt water systems

Temperature stability to about 180 F

Bacterial susceptible
 Water Soluble Polymers
Starch

Comes from corn, potato, rice

Nonionic
Linear Molecule, high molecular weight
Fluid loss control in salt and lime muds
Stable up to 225 F, bacterial susceptible
Temperature stability increased with oxygen scavenger
Claim for hole stabilization
Precipitate out with chemical removal of calcium
 Water Soluble Polymers
CM Starch

Nonionic
Linear Molecule, high molecular weight
Fluid loss control in salt and lime muds
Stable up to 275 F, bacterial resistant
Temperature stability increased with oxygen scavenger
Increases low shear rheological properties
 Water Soluble Polymers
CMC

Made by reaction with cellulose, wood or cotton

Anionic
Linear Molecule, medium molecular weight
Fluid Loss, Viscosifier, Deflocculant

Stable up to 275 F

Somewhat sensitive to salt and hardness

Bacterial resistant
 Water Soluble Polymers
PAC
Increased D.S. of CMC
Anionic
Linear molecule
Fluid loss control, viscosifier
Tolerates higher concentration of chlorides
Performs best with low calcium, less than 500 ppm
Bacterial resistant
 Water Soluble Polymers
HEC

Reaction of cellulose and ethylene oxide

Nonionic, linear molecule
Viscosifier for many types of brines
Stable up to 250o F
Bacterial resistant
Treated with surfactants to disperse in heavy brines
High D.S. promotes brine solubility
 Water Soluble Polymers
XC Polymer

Branched polymer
Slightly anionic
Molecular weight - 2 million
Temperature stability up to 250o F
Susceptible to bacteria
Provides suspension for solids laden muds
Not effective in saturated calcium chloride brines
 Water Soluble Polymers
Polyacrylates Thinner/Degellant

Anionic
Low molecular weight 5000 - 7000
Deflocculant at low & high temperature, scale
inhibitor
Good salt stability but limited Ca++ stability
Bacterial resistant
Does not require caustic to function
Does not contain chromium
Liquid or dry product
 Water Soluble Polymers
Polyacrylates - Fluid Loss Control

Anionic
Medium molecular weight 300,000
Fluid loss control at low & high temperature
Good salt stability but limited Ca++ stability
Bacterial resistant
Does not require caustic to function
Does not contain chromium
Dry product
 Water Soluble Polymers
Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamides

Anionic
High molecular weight - 10,000,000
Flocculant, shale inhibition
Good salt stability but poor Ca++ stability
Bacterial resistant
Will breakdown at high pH
Temperature stability up to 250o F
Can be extended up to 300O F with oxygen scavenger
Liquid or dry product
Causes high viscosity in fresh water muds
 Water Soluble Polymers
VSVA
Anionic
High molecular weight
Good fluid loss control at high temperature
Good salt stability and moderate Ca++ stability
Performance can be affected at high pH
Causes high viscosity in fresh water muds
Most expensive high temperature fluid loss additive
Branched type polymer
Bacterial resistant
Oxygen scavenger will aid stability
Does not require caustic or contribute to carbonates
 KCL Polymer Glycol Performance
Polyamin
Glycol Performance
The recent track record of glycol-containing water based muds is impressive. Good performance is
consistently being achieved in problematic shale sequences, particularly in the softer and highly reactive
shales such as the gumbo types found in the Myanmar PVEP Central . There would appear to be few, if
any, technical drawbacks with these systems, and, with concentrations of the order of 1-10% being
sufficient, they are found to be very cost-effective. The mud often remains in good condition throughout the
drilled interval. This means that, in some cases, the fluid can be recycled to give further cost and
environmental savings - normally recycling of the fluid is only done with oil based muds.
Glycol additives have been researched by BP over the past few years. A brief history of our development
work, plus an account of some of the earlier field experiences in the North Sea, has been given by Reidetal.
A more detailed and recent case history of success in Papua New Guinea has been given by Twynam et al.
Such has been the success with glycols, there is now a great deal of interest in how these additives function.
Their mechanism appears not to be straightforward, but by knowing more about how they work, it is hoped
that further improvements in mud technology can be made.
Glycol Chemistry
The term glycol is used quite loosely in the context of drilling fluid additives. Glycols can in fact vary from
the simple dihydric alcohols (eg, ethylene glycol) to complex polymeric systems, such as random polymers
containing polyethylene or polypropylene oxides. Bland has given an account of glycol additives,
discussing some of the basic types and chemistry.
The molecular weights of glycols can be very high, giving rise to pastes or solid grades.
KCL PHPA/Polymer /Glycol
Polyamin
Mud System Planning
BLORA CENTRAL JAVA
 Mud Formulations
Premix

KCl 8% by Volume
Caustic 0.25 ppb
Bentonite Equivalent 1.0 16.0 ppb (MBT)
New drill Plus 0,75 ppb
PAC-LV 2.5 ppb
PAC-R 2.5 ppb
Biopolymer 1.0 ppb
Glycol 6.0 - 8.0 %vol
Biocide one pail (5 gals) per 300 bbls
Caustic 0.25 ppb for pH of 8.5 8.8
Oxygen Scavenger as required
PHPA 0.0 0.5 ppb (calculated)
Barite as required for 11.0 11.5 ppg
 Hole Interval 17
8% KCL Polymer
KCl 8% by Volume
Caustic 0.5 ppb for pH 9.0 strip
Barite 140 ppb ( 11.0 ppg )
Bentonite 3,0 ppb ( initial concentration )
New drill Plus 4 ppb ( clay encapsulation )
PAC-LV 4.0 ppb ( initial concentration )
PAC-R 2.5 ppb
Soda Ash 0.5 ppb
Sodium Bicarbonate 0.5 ppb
Biopolymer 1.0 ppb
Sulfatrol /K+ Soltex 4.0 ppb ( borehole stability )
POLY Glycol 1,2 gpb (3 % by vol) Clay suppression (Cloudy )
Oxygen Scavenger as required ( H2S Removal )
 Critical Mud Properties

Mud Weight 11.0 12.5 ppg

PV < 40
PV:YP >1:1.5
Gel streng 8-11/ 11-23
LSRV (6rpm) < 12
API Fluid Loss < 6.0 ml with a firm.thin cake
Total Hardness < 800 mg/l
Chloride > 52000
pH 9.0 strip
MBT <25.0 ppb
 Hole Interval: 12
KCL PHPA Glycol Polyamin
KCl 6% by Volume ( 30 - 40 ppb )
Caustic 0.25 ppb for pH 8.5 8.8 strip
Barite as Required
Bentonite 16 ppb MBT
New drill Plus 0,75 - 4 ppb ( clay encapsulation )
PAC-LV 4.0 ppb
PAC-R 2.5 ppb
PHPA 0.5 0.8 ppb (calculated)
Soda Ash 0.5 ppb
Sodium Bicarbonate 0.5 ppb
Biopolymer 1.0 ppb
Sulfatrol /K+ Soltex 4.0 ppb ( borehole stability )
POLY Glycol 1.2 gpb (3 - 4% by vol)
Oxygen Scavenger as required ( H2S Removal )
Biocide as Required ( Bactericed )
 Critical Mud Propeties
Mud Weight 12 13 ppg
PV < 38
PV:YP >1:1.5
Gel streng 8-11/ 11-23
LSRV (6rpm) < 12
API Fluid Loss < 5.0 ml with a firm.thin cake
Total Hardness < 800 mg/l
Chloride > 52000
pH 8.7 strip
MBT <25.0 ppb
 Hole Interval: 8
KCL /Glycol PHPA Polyamin
KCl 6% by Volume ( 30 - 40 ppb )
Caustic 0.25 ppb for pH 8.5 8.8 strip
Barite as Required
Bentonite 16 ppb 25 ppb ( MBT )
Starch 4.0 ppb
PAC-LV 1.5 2.0 ppb
PAC-R 2.5 ppb
PHPA 0.5 0.8 ppb (calculated)
Soda Ash 0.5 ppb
Sodium Bicarbonate 0.5 ppb
Biopolymer 1.0 ppb
Sulfatrol /K+ Soltex 4.0 ppb ( borehole stability )
POLY Glycol 1.2 gpb (3 - 4% by vol)
CLAYSEAL 3.0 - 4.0 ppb
Oxygen Scavenger as required ( H2S Removal )
Biocide as Required ( Bactericed )
 Critical Mud Properties

Mud Weight 11.0 12.5 ppg

PV <32
PV:YP >1:1.5
Gelstrength 8-11/ 11-23
LSRV (6rpm) <12
API Fluid Loss <5.8 ml with a firm,thin cake
Total Hardness <800 mg/l
Chloride <52000
pH 8.5 8.7
MBT <25.0 ppb
 Mud Properties

Mud Gels Gels API Mud LG Solids,

Report Date MD TVD Weight Viscosity PV YP Sec Min WL PM PF MF PH Chlorides Calcium MBT %
18-May-00 3951 3849 11 60 17 25 8 11 4.6 0.18 0.18 0.38 9.4 57200 280 1.5 0.3
19-May-00 5114 4801 11.3 52 18 26 10 16 4.2 0.1 0.1 0.22 8.6 55000 380 13.7 2.3
20-May-00 5494 5088 11.3 69 14 25 11 20 4.5 0.01 0.01 0.08 9.3 58000 600 16 2.1
21-May-00 6784 6081 11.5 58 22 25 9 18 4 0.01 0.01 0.1 8.6 72200 560 22.5 2.9
23-May-00 8078 7030 12 89 25 32 11 23 3.2 0.01 0.01 0.03 8.5 81000 480 25 3.8
24-May-00 8654 7340 12 68 26 36 11 19 2.8 0.01 0.01 0.05 8.5 85500 480 25 5.7
25-May-00 8843 7423 12.2 83 25 28 9 16 2.8 0.02 0.02 0.15 8.6 86500 480 27 5.1
27-May-00 8843 7423 12.2 76 26 25 10 15 2.2 0.03 0.03 0.55 8.1 88000 520 27.5 4
 Solids Tolerance

The mud system was extremely tolerant of solids, as reflected

by the optimal rheology and gels at a mud weight of 12.0 ppg
with an MBT of 25.0 ppb. The accurately specified KCl and
glycol concentrations are undoubtedly instrumental in providing
the solids tolerance but the PHPA and Clayseal treatments also
appear to have made a significant contribution.
 Dilution Rate

The dilution rate is critical as it has a significant effect

upon costs, a higher than anticipated dilution rate results in
increased material consumption and costs. This well was
programmed and costed at an assumed average dilution
rate of 1.0 barrels per foot whereas the actual dilution rate
averaged 1.32 barrels per foot.
 Hole Cleaning

The higher the deviation, the more difficult the hole cleaning even
when the cuttings are small for the 17 hole. hole is easier to
clean and improvements are seen with large drill pipe and higher
pipe rotation compared to a 17 hole.

The larger the cutting, the more difficult will be the hole cleaning.

More viscous mud does not improve the hole cleaning.

hole at 40 deg is suggested, as it is the easiest for better hole

cleaning performance.
 Directional Plot

B-17 Vertical Section

0 Vertical Section
2000
TVD

4000
6000
8000
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Vertical Section
 Mud Weight
Initial mud weight of 11.0 ppg and a final mud
weight at TD of 14.0 ppg, increased to 14.5 ppg
at TD prior to tripping and running casing.
Increased with depth as per the following
schedule.
Depth MD Mud Weight
3,750 ft 11.0 ppg
4,400 ft 11.3 ppg
6,000 ft 11.5 ppg
6,700 ft 11.7 ppg
8,100 ft 12.0 ppg
8,843 ft 12.0 ppg
8,843 ft 12.2 ppg
 Conclusions and Results

Two critical build sections were drilled without any sliding problems
Gauge hole with an average hole diameter of 8, at TD
Hole conditions were excellent throughout the entire hole interval
Mud properties were very stable throughout the entire hole interval
Cuttings integrity was excellent throughout the entire hole interval
Shaker efficiency and performance was excellent throughout the entire hole interval
Minimal tight hole (<50 klbs overpull) on trips
No wiper trip required at TD prior to running the 13.3/8casing
No down time to mud related incidents: bit balling, stabilizer balling, mud rings etc.
Mud Properties Discussion
Mud Weight
The mud weight should be 11 ppg initially. If signs of hole instability or indication of high gas background are observed then it may be necessary to increase
the weight above this level. Maximum MW prediction is 14.5 ppg.

Yield Point
It is recommended that the Yield Point (checked at 120oF) should be maintained between 15 - 20 lb/100ft2. The primary method of increasing the YP is
treatment with Xanthan Gum D. Excessive viscosity will result in inefficient hydraulics and poor solids separation at the shale shakers. Ensure that viscosity is
derived from the polymers and not dispersed clay solids. High levels of clay solids will show up as a high and increasing MBT and high progressive gel
strengths.

10 Minute Gel
It is recommended that the 10 minute gel is not allowed to progress further than 30 lb/100ft. Progressive gel strengths are a sign of drill solids contamination
which can lead to inefficient hydraulics, high ECDs, swab and surge problems and, in the worst case, to breakdown of the hole and resultant problems. It is
recommended that the 10 minute gel in combination with MBT figure are taken as a direct indicator of drill solids incorporation and should be treated
accordingly. A slowly rising MBT or slightly progressive gel can be treated by ensuring adequate concentrations of MAX-GUARD and NEW-DRILL PLUS in
combination with optimal solids removal efficiency and dilution rate. In more severe cases it is likely that acceptable gels can only be restored by reverting to
whole mud discharge and further dilution.

MBT
A trend in MBT is a very accurate indicator of drill solids incorporation and should be used as a measure of determining the requirement to optimise solids
control, increase dilution rates, make necessary treatment with NEW-DRILL PLUS or the requirements for whole mud dump and dilution. A rising trend or a
maximum figure of 15 ppb should be used as a trigger for remedial action. Whole mud dilution will be considered an absolute necessity at an MBT figure of 20
ppb.

Fluid Loss
The API fluid loss should be maintained in this section, below 4 ml. A rising fluid loss must be treated by additions of PACl-LV / CMC LV . The resin component
of Glycol Polyamin in the system will greatly assist in fluid loss reduction. HTHP filtration, if measured, should be in the range 10-12ml/30 minutes at 300F.

Total Hardness
The maximum Hardness level while drilling this section is 300 mg/l. Any excess hardness should be treated out with Soda Ash. Calcium & Magnesium will
reduce the effectiveness of many polymers and the key PERFORM additives and must therefore be minimal. It must be borne in mind that over-treatment
with Soda Ash can lead to self-induced Carbonate problems.
 Drilling Hazard
Shallow Gas in Ngarayong Formation
Mud Losses in Bulu Limestone Formation
Shale stability in Tuban Formation
Loss Circulation and HIGH Pressure in
Kujung Limestone Formation
 26 17 12-1/4 8 1/2
MUD PROPERTIES

GLYCOL /KCL GLYCOL/KCL

Mud Type Gel-KOH Spud mud KCL /PHPA POLYMER
POLYAMIN POLYAMIN

Mud Weight
11.0 11.5 12.0 13.0 9.5 14.5
12.5-13.0
Funnel Viscosity (FV)
30 45 40 50 40-50 40 50
Plastic Viscosity (PV) 25- 35 26 - 40 25 - 38
10 - 20

Yield Point 22 32 23 32 20 35
14 20
Gel strength (10/10) 8-10 / 8-13 / 10-15 /
6-8 / 10 18 12 20 15 23
10-12

Solid Content 20 - 25 25 - 30 26 - 35
ALAP
Fluid Loss <6 <5.8 5.8
<8
Chloride >52000 > 52000 < 52000
NC
pH 9.0 8.7 8.7
8.0 9.0
Hardness < 500 < 500 < 500
< 500