Walid Sabry Very Important Mud Questions, February 2022

‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم " ربنا أتنا فى الدنيا حسنه وفى األخره حسنه وقنا عذاب النار"
صدق هللا العظيم‬
Very Important Mud questions.
1) What is the maximum mud weight you worked with in both WBM &OBM?
What is the maximum depth? What is the maximum BHT?
Max M.wt with OBM was 140 pcf with O/W 90/10 to avoid the increasing in
rheology and gel . The maximum BHT was 300 F. Max M.wt with WBM was 125
pcf. We converted the mud system from LSND Polymer mud to Dispersed Polymer
mud by adding thinners such as Spersene (Chrome Lignosulphonate) or lignite in
order to get good mud properties in such high solids content. Stopped using
PAC's, used Resinex II instead to obtain a thermally stable fluid loss reducer.
Added oxygen scavengers (sodium sulfide) to the mud, in order to extend the
polymer efficiency in such high temperature environment. Added a constant
stream of water on the sand trap to compensate the water evaporation value.
Maximum depth was 17,500 ft.
2) What are the problems accompanied with high mud weight mud?
• Barite sag: Especially in high deviated & horizontal wells. Maintain good
parameter for 6 RPM reading, LSYP & G/S.
• High solids content: Increases ECD, drag & torque, and swab &surge. Keep
adding water dilution gradually and add dispersant if needed. Dump sand
trap periodically to discard fine solids.
• Excessive viscosity & flocculation: Keep adding water dilution gradually
and add dispersant if needed.
3) What are the most challenges you faced?

A simultaneous loss of circulation and well flow, the well is kicking and we
increase mud weight to control it but at the same time the formation is fractured
and sucking all the mud. It was a difficult task of multiple assignments, preparing
mud continuously. Preparing mud cap. Increasing weight. Preparing LCM pills to
stop losses. requesting chemicals. communicating with the client and changing
strategies according to the updates. I was involved in almost all decisions.
4) What is your challenge/experience in horizontal wells? Hole

cleaning?
The most challenge in drilling horizontal well is "proper hole cleaning" due to the
frequent tendency of drilled cuttings to settle on the wellbore low side bed.
Proper hole cleaning can be achieved by the following items:
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‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم " ربنا أتنا فى الدنيا حسنه وفى األخره حسنه وقنا عذاب النار" صدق هللا العظيم‬
• Good mud rheology:

• 6 RPM reading >= 1.2 - 1.5 * hole size.
• Hole size <3 RPM reading < 1.5 * hole size.
• LSYP >= hole size.
• Good gel strength (Flat gel).
• Good drilling parameter: such as highest applicable flow rate & RPM, and
controlled ROP if possible.
• Pumping of tandem pills: That's low viscous pill for turbulence followed by
Hi weighted pill for cuttings removal by buoyancy effect and to make such
a plugging for the annulus for excellent cutting removal.
5) Define dispersion? What chemicals that can disperse, and with what theory?
What do we mean by dispersed or non‐dispersed fluids?
Dispersion is the act of breaking up large particles into smaller ones and
distributing them throughout a liquid medium. This is usually accomplished by
mechanical shearing or by the addition of dispersants chemicals such as lignite,
lignosulfonate and thinners. Dispersion mechanism is via ion exchange over clay
layers. WBM can be classified into two main categories: non‐dispersed and
dispersed systems;
The LSND polymer systems rely on high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight long chain
polymers to provide viscosity and fluid‐loss control, they contain little or no
bentonite at all. Low‐colloidal solids are encapsulated and removed at the
surface. In this system, there's no need to use dispersants include lignosulfonates
and lignitic additives.
The dispersed systems are treated with chemical dispersants that are designed to
deflocculate clay particles to allow improved rheology control in higher‐density
muds. Widely used dispersants are lignosulfonates, lignitic additives and thinners.
Dispersed systems typically require additions of caustic soda (NaOH) to maintain a
pH level of 10 to 11. Dispersing a system can increase its tolerance for solids,
making it possible to weight up to 150 pcf.
6) What is the mechanism of Spersene? What happens if we add it to a spud

mud?
Spersene is a chrome free lignosulfonate that has a primary function as a
deflocculant. Spersene mechanism, as any lignosulfonate, is a high anionic
polymer that neutralizes positive charges on clay edges and thus deflocculates
clay layers to become "face‐to‐face" bond instead of "face‐to‐edge" bond. In
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other words, causing clay particles to lay on each another. Due to its low pH
value, addition of caustic soda (or alternative alkaline) is required. As it contains
chrome, applicability of Spersene is restricted in some areas depending on the
environment regulation. Spersene will reduce apparent & inner viscosity of a spud
mud.
7) Define "Flocculation"?
Flocculation occurs due to the attractions between negative face charges and
positive edge charges of a clay layer or plate. Presence of Ca accelerates
flocculation occurrence due to its divalent positive nature forces a positive edge
of one layer of clay to attach a negative face of another layer. This "edge‐face
attraction causes flocculation phenomena. The most obvious example of
flocculation is in flocculating pre‐hydrated spud mud with lime in order to gain
the highest apparent viscosity.
8) Define Reynold's number, n & K?

It's the number that separates or defines the flow regime to either laminar
steady flow (when it's below RN), or turbulent flow (when it's higher than RN).
As per Bingham plastic model critical renold number is Rc N =2,100. Rc is the
critical renold numer, so if the RN greater than 2100 ( RcN) the flow will be
turbulent flow and if the RN less than 2100 ( RcN) the flow will be laminar flow. If
the fluid velocity lies between "2,000 – 2,100", then the fluid is in a transition
regime zone. As per power low model and Hershel, bulkily model RN less than
2000 for laminar flow and from 2000 – 4000 for transition zone and more than
4000 for turbulent flow.
“n” and “K” are two "non‐Newtonian rheological terms" that can be calculated
from any two shear‐rate/shear‐stress data points. “n” is the”Power Law
Exponent". It describes the shear thinning properties of a fluid, and its degree of
non‐Newtonian behavior. It also defines the velocity profile in the annulus. “n”
values are always less than 1. “n” values near 1 indicate fluids that immediately
Shear‐Thin which is desirable and easier to force into turbulent flow. Always n less
than 1 for non newtonian fluids and n = 1 for Newtonian fluids, so increase n
value to close 1 that is mean the fluids mor thin.
“K” is a "consistency constant" that gives a measure of mud thickness compared
to other fluids. K = (300 RPM reading)/511(n). K defines viscosity at a low shear
rate (around the casing). Higher K mean high viscosity and generally improves
hole cleaning but means higher annular pressure loss.
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9) Define D50? Particle Size Distribution? What's the meaning of Shaker screen
cut point 200 micron?
D represents the diameter of powder particles, D50 is a "Particle Size Distribution
term" and D50 means a cumulative 50% point of diameter, or 50% of particles will
pass the mentioned particle size. D50 is also called average particle size or median
diameter. For example, a D50 for marble medium is 200 micron means that 50%
of marble medium particles will pass through a 200 micron mesh. PSD: The net
volume of solid particles that fall into different size ranges. PSD is an important
term to describe bridging materials and LCM pills. Particle size can be determined
by sieve analysis or by Malvern Particles Analyzer, and is represented by D50
term. Shaker screen cut point 200 micron mean 100 % of cutting less than 200
micron will pass with the mud and more than 200 micron will separates at shakes.
10) Define the ECD? What are the 3 main factors affecting on EDC?
ECD stands for the "Equivalent Circulating Density". It's the effective density
exerted by a circulating fluid against the formation that takes into consideration
the pressure loss in the annulus due to the upward movement friction above the
point being considered.
• ECD (ppg): current mud wt + (Annular Pressure loss/(0.052*TVD)).
• ECD (pcf): current mud wt + (Annular Pressure loss/(0.007*TVD)).
• The ECD is an important parameter in avoiding kicks and losses,

particularly in wells that have a narrow window between the fracture
gradient and formation pressure gradient.
• The 3 main factors affecting on ECD are the 3 main factors that increase
annular pressure loss: 1) Mud viscosity, YP & PV values. 2) Solids content
and characteristics. 3) Annular clearance(depend on OD of BHA) &
annular velocity.
11) Define the Poor boy degasser?

It's a Mud Gas Separator or a degasser that locates beside the chock manifold in
order to immediately capture and separates large volume of free gas inside the
mud. It's used in gas‐kick situations. It differs from the regular degasser located
on mud system as this one is vertically placed, not horizontally.
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12) Define "End Point"?

Represents the end of a specific chemical reaction, and mostly is indicated by a
color change. It's the point at which titration process should be stopped
immediately, and the volume of used reagent to be recorded.
13) Define shear thinning fluid?
Shear thinning is the non‐Newtonian behavior of fluids whose viscosity decreases
under shear rate. Shear thinning is seen when the mud comes out of the bit
nozzles with a high velocity or a high shear rate. Shear thinning is desirable as it
indicates that the fluid can be easily forced into turbulent flow. It also reduces the
annular pressure loss.
14) Define tau zero?

It is the shear stress value at zero shear rate. On a Bingham shear stress/ shear
rate plot, shear stress shows as the Y-axis while shear rate shows as the X-axis.
15) How to mix 0.5 gal/bbl in a pilot test?

In a pilot test, 1 gm is equivalent to 1 lb, and 8.33 ml (350/42) is equivalent to 1
gal.
16) What are Pf, Pm & Mf? Why we perform a test to measure them?
Pf stands for the phenolphthalein alkalinity of the mud filtrate. Pf is different from
the Pm because it tests the effect of only dissolved bases and salts while Pm
includes the effect of both dissolved and non‐dissolved bases and salts in drilling
mud. Mf stands for the methyl orange alkalinity end point of mud filtrate. We
perform a test to measure them to determine CO3, HCO3 and CO2 contamination
in the mud. In other words, to determine where the pH alkalinity comes from, OH
group, CO3 group, HCO3 group or a combination of those. This determination is
important as the alkalinity comes from CO3 and HCO3 group makes the mud
unstable.
17) Can differential stuck happen in a Shale or Anhydrite Formation?

No, because shale is impermeable (although it has a high porosity). Regardless
the overbalance value, no differential stuck can happen in a shale formation.
On the other hand, mechanical stuck can be seen around a shale formation due
to shale instability. Also no differential stuck can happened in anhydrite
formations due to there is no porosity and no permeability in anhydrite at all.
May be differential stuck happened in fractured carbonate formations like lime
stone or dolomite.
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18) What is the difference between "Retort solids" & "Corrected solids"?
Retort solids are the sum of all LGS, HGS and even dissolved salt concentration
value. That's because salt can't be evaporated through the retort device.
Corrected solids are the retort solids minus the dissolved salt value. Corrected
solids are calculated through well‐known solids analysis calculations. Corrected
solids value is the more important term over the retort solids as it represents the
real solids content value.
19) What is the kill line? What it's used for? Where is it located? What about the
chock line?
Kill line is a high‐pressure pipe line landing from an outlet on the BOP stack to the
high‐pressure rig pumps. During normal well control operations, kill fluid is
pumped through the D/S and annular fluid is taken out of the well through the
choke line to the choke, which drops the fluid pressure to atmospheric pressure
before going back to the mud system. When pumping through the D/S is not
applicable, the kill line is used to pump the heavy kill mud into the annulus. The
kill line is also used to pump corrosion cap or heavy mud cap in the annulus in
case of drilling with partial or sever loss of circulation.
20) Write the mass balance equation for two different fluids together?
Vt. Wt. = V1. W1 + V2. W2
21) Why we use graphite materials? Why are they used for high over balance
drilling?
Graphite is used as a bridging agent & a lost circulation preventive material For
WBM & OBM in porous and fractured zones. Most of graphite materials are
resilient, which make them excellent bridging materials & LCM. It increases
lubricity of WBM, which subsequently helps reducing torque and drag. What
special about graphite materials that they are inert, so they don't affect
rheological properties. No chemical reactions are involved. Graphite is less
formation damaging when compared to most of inert mud additives and non‐acid
soluble LCM's. The reasons of using graphite materials for high over balance
drilling are: 1) Under compression, graphite resiliency allows it to re‐shape inside
the formation pores and micro‐fractures, which reduces the possibility of
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differential stuck occurrence and/or loss of circulation. 2)High graphite level had a
positive effect on fluid loss reduction by improving filter cake characteristics. 3)
Lubrication in WBM. 4) Less formation damaging effect.
22) If you've all parameters are good and ROP is controlled, still hole is not
clean, what could be the problem and how to fix it?
1) The Hole is highly deviated while drilling without pumping any tandem pills.
2) Low flow rate, or/and low RPM. 3) Unconsolidated formation delivers solids in
the hole (caving). Consult the company man to gradually and slightly increase M.
wt.
23) Why Hi Wt sweeps/mud shouldn't be Hi Wt Hi Vis at the same time? Why

we use Hi Wt pill? What's its mechanism?
Because of the following reasons: 1) I need force to push the cutting and not
allowing them to settle or accumulate on the wellbore bed due to the buoyancy
effect. 2) high weight mud make like a plugging flow for the annulus, push and
remove all the cuttings in it’s way and this is very good for hole cleaning. 3) Hi Vis
pill increases the overall mud viscosity, and increases the ECD. 4) Also Hi Wt
sweeps helps transmitting hydraulic energy to the down‐hole motors during
sliding or steerable drilling. 5) high viscosity pill will pass above the cuttings
settling down on the bottom and keeps it settled down.
24) What's the difference between Zinc Oxide, SourScav and Safe scav?
They are both Hydrogen sulfide scavengers, the difference is in the chemical
reaction. Zinc Oxide is a strong alkaline that reacts with H2S to precipitate Zinc
sulfate (ZnS ‐ Salt) and water but at Low PH may happened reverse reaction.
SourScav is "iron gluconate", free from Zinc. It reacts almost immediately with
H2S in solution to form stable" iron sulphide". Safe scav is a liquid H2S scavenger
and mostly used in OBM to start react immediately with H2S.
25) Talk about PPT, GGT & Hach kit?

PPT stands for "Permeability‐Plugging Test". It's a test performed in a specialized
filtration‐type apparatus, to determine the static filtration rate, and the
effectiveness of additives, mostly bridging agents, to prevent or reduce fluid
filtrate loss into a permeable medium in a condition that resembles down hole
condition. The PPT is designed to provide accurate simulation and measurement
of down hole static filtration quality. The immediate filtrate produced once the
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test starts (before the filter cake forms) is called "Spurt loss" and It's an
important indication of down hole static filtration quality, especially the quality of
fluid loss agents and the size of bridging materials which the final filtrate
represent the concentrations of the bridging materials.. The final filtrate volume is
doubled minus the spurt loss value, PPT uses a ceramic disk instead of filter
paper. Ceramic disk has the same size of HPHT filter paper so we double the value
of filtrate also but here will be minus the spurt loss value.
GGT is an instrument used for quantitative analyses of sulfides and carbonates
in the mud. The OBM procedure uses whole mud samples, whereas the WBM
procedure tests filtrate. The GGT unit is a clear, plastic block that contains three
interconnected chambers. A carrier gas is used to flow an inert gas through the
chambers (CO2 or N2 for H2S analysis, and NO or N2 for carbonate analysis). The
filtrate sample is placed in chamber #1 and is acidified by Sulfuric acid 5, 0.1, 1 N
in WBM or Isopronanol + Xylene + Citric acid in OBM to release sulfides as H2S or
carbonates as CO2. The appropriate Drager tube is used to measure the gas that
is evolved from the sample. watch for changes in the appearance of the Dräger
tube it will change to dark , note and record the maximum darkened length in
units marked on the tube. Continue flowing for a total of 15 minutes even if no
change happens meanwhile. A floating ball will show if the applied pressure is
enough or not during the test period and it should be positioned between the two
line showing on the middle chamber. Sulfide (mg/L) = {(Darkened tube length) X
(Tube Factor)} / Sample Volume (mL). The maximum readable sulfide value is
7,500 mg/l, which shall require 10 ml of filtrate sample. Selection of filtrate
sample volume depends on the estimated concentration of sulfide in the mud.
Another device to qualitatively measure H2S is "Hach kit". Its advantage is that
it's less complicated and easier to use over the GGT, but its limitation is that it can
be used only to determine the presence or absence of H2S in the mud, no
quantitative value is achieved. CO3 test: Acidified filtration convert CO3 & HCO3
to CO2 gas, collect that gas into a 1 liter plastic gas bag, a dragger tube at the end
of the bag will be darkened, staining a purple length. Carbonate (mg/l) = {2.5 X
Darkened length}/ Sample volume (ml).
26) For PPT, what does it mean if spurt loss is high and final volume is relatively
low? How about if spurt loss is low and final volume is high?
Spurt loss is the immediate filtrate produced once the test starts and before the
filter cake forms, that's why if spurt loss is high and final volume is relatively low,
it means that the size of bridging agent is not proper to the pores size while the
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bridging agents concentration & filter cake characteristics are good. On the other
hand, if spurt loss is low and final volume is high, it means that the size of bridging
is good and proper to the pores size while the bridging agents’ concentration &
filter cake characteristics are not good enough (thick & permeable filter cake).
Note: HPHT filtrate is referring to fluid loss reducer and PPT filtrate is referring to
size and concentration of the bridging materials.
27) What are the differences between HPHT &PPT?

HPHT PPT
Objective. Measures the static filtration rate Measures the static filtration rate in a
in limited condition at constant high condition of pressure &
factors of pressure & temperature that can resemble the
temperature (+/‐ 500 psi real down hole conditions. Pressure
differential & +/‐ 300 F). may reach 5000 psi and temperature
may reach 400 F.
Filter Uses a standard 2.5" size filter Uses a ceramic disk that has a variable
paper that has a fixed porosity, permeability values, so the
Paper.
permeability value. exact formation porosity, permeability
can be resembled.
Pressure The pressure source is a standard The pressure source is a hydraulic

cylinder.
Source. CO2 cartridges.
Collected From the bottom. From the top to avoid the gravity force
filtrate and any cutting settling and plugging of
the ceramic disk.
Result After 30 minutes double the value After 30 minutes double the value of
of collected filtrate. collected filtrate minus the spurt loss
value.
Interpretation High filtrate value. Should High spurt loss @ 1 min ---- size of
of results. increase fluid loss reducer bridging not correct. After 5 min-----
concentration and add bridging need to increase coarse size. After 7.5,
materials ex: marble medium and 15 min ------ increase medium size.
sized calcium carbonate. After 25 mi ---------- increase fine size.
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After 30 min -------increase ultrafine

size.
Total= Reading of 30 minutes * 2 Spurt loss: (4*reading of 7.5 minutes)-

(2* reading of 30 minutes) this is as per
Result
API.
Total= Reading of 30 minutes * 2
Mud volume Do not fill the cell closer than 0.5" Raise the piston 1.5” by using hydraulic
(13 mm) from the o-ring groove to pump the Add approximately 320 mls
allow for heat expansion of the of test fluid to the cell.
fluid.
28) How to calibrate the VG meter?

1) Fluid calibration checks using 50 & 100 CP calibration fluid.
2) Fresh water can be used to check the VG meter performance. Water has a
PV=1&a YP=0. 3) Dead weight calibration.
29) What is the flash point of a fluid?

Flash point is the lowest temperature at which application of a flame to the
fluid causes its vapors to ignite.
30) What is the effect of high pH in spud mud and why?

Decrease the viscosity because it increases dispersion of clay particles.
31) Why do you add hydrogen peroxide 3% and sulfuric acid H2SO4 in MBT?
To remove the effect of organic materials such as lignites, lignosulfonates.
Sulfuric acid H2SO4 to break down the polymers in the mud sample.
32) Can you calculate K concentration from CL?

‐ K= 1.103 X CL. However, this value is not accurate because the concentration of
k will decrease by shale consumption during the drilling while the concentration
of Cl should remain constant.
33) What is the maximum weight of?

‐ Barite…………….. 152 pcf ‐ Hematite…..……… 187 pcf
‐ Marble……..……… (87 pcf Mixing from scratch and 110 pcf when mixing with salt)
‐ NaCl………..…….. 75 pcf
‐ KCl…………...….. 73 pcf ‐ CaCl2…………..... 86 pcf
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‐ CaBr2…………....106 pcf ‐ CaCl/CaBr2…....112 pcf

‐ ZnBr2…………....143 pcf. - NaBr …………………. 93 pcf.
34) What are the types of losses?

‐ For WBM:
Seepage……………….. < 10 bbl/hr
Partial…………………. 10‐100 bbl/hr
Sever....………………... 100 ‐ 200 bbl/hr
Complete……………… No return
‐ For OBM: Less values of loss falls into the previously mentioned categories.
35) What are the main topics in basic/advanced mud schools?

Basic Chemistry of mud chemicals, Rheology, Contamination, Shale Stability &
inhibition, corrosion, SCE, solids analysis, hole cleaning, hydraulics, drilling
problems related to mud (such as kicks, loss of circulation, stuck, barite sag),
Brines and OBM.
36) Why we using "Pipe Lax" or "EZ Spot" to free stuck pipe?
PIPE‐LAX is used in diesel or in OBM to form a highly effective stuck‐pipe spotting
fluid. PIPE‐LAX enables spotting fluids to penetrate and “crack” the filter cake.
These features allow the PIPE‐LAX and oil solution to pass through the water base
mud filter cake between the stuck pipe and wellbore wall to facilitate freeing
differentially stuck pipe.
EZ SPOT fluid is a concentrated blend of emulsifiers, lubricants, and viscosifiers.
When added to base oil and mixed with water, EZ SPOT fluid forms a stable invert
emulsion that can be added to help free differently stuck pipe. It can be easily
weighted with any weighting agent.
37) What is the using of glycol?

1) Shale inhibitor (cloud point mechanism) or TAME mechanism which mean
thermally activated micro emulsion. Glycol solube at surface condition and at
certain point or depth on the down hole the glycol transfer from soluble to
insoluble and make coating around the cutting as inhibition and when reach the
surface while the temperature decrease again here the glycol become soluble and
return again to the mud and not separated with the cutting. Also the glycol at the
bottom hole invade the pore of formations and make micro gels and plug the
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pore so glycol prevent the pressure transmition. 2) Lubricant. 3) Anti‐freeze fluid.

4) Bitballing preventer.
38) What are the types of WBM, OBM & Brine you worked with?
1. Regular Water‐Base Mud: Spud mud, LSND mud (with CaCO3 or Barite),
Inhibited KCL Polymer mud, Inhibited PHPA Polymer mud, Inhibited NACL Polymer
mud, Salt saturated Polymer mud, heavy weight dispersed Barite mud and
CaCl2/CaCo3 Polymer mud.
2. Oil‐Base Mud: Conventional Oil‐Base Mud (Invert Emulsion Mud) and Low
Toxic Oil Based Mud (LTOBM ( Safra oil is the base fluid)).
3. Brine and completion Fluid: KCL Brine, NaCl Brine, CaCl2 Brine, CaCl2/CaBr2
Brine.
4. Especial Drilling Fluid Systems:
• Bariod Hydro‐Guard: Provides maximum shale stabilization in highly
reactive clays by both coating and encapsulating shale cuttings and doesn't
allow its hydration, and provides shale inhibition to mud. Clay Encapsulator
& Inhibitors are used in the system such as CLAY‐GRABBER, CLAY‐SYNC,
CLAY‐FIRM & CLAY‐SEAL.
• Baker MAX‐BRIDGE: A customized bridging system designed to drill low
pressure or depleted, permeable formations with a high overbalance
pressure (such as KHUFF),and to minimize the possibility of getting
differential stuck. Max‐bridge uses a selected bridging particle sizes to
ensure good wellbore strengthening and re‐enforcement. Maxbridge give
us very good inhibition and very good lubrications and very good bridging.
• RDF Fluids system (Na/K Formate): Formate is a non‐damaging reservoir
drilling fluid & completion fluid that's almost solids‐free as it gain the
desired weight from the base fluid itself up to 98 pcf using a blending of
sodium formate 83 pcf with potassium formate 98 pcf, or potassium
formate with cesium formate.
5.Special LCM.
Fuse‐It, X‐Link, Truplug, EZ‐Squeeze & Swell LCM:
Fuse‐It: A temperature tolerant, non‐fermenting special Bariod LCM that rapidly
reacts upon contact with water. X‐Link: Is a synthetic cross‐linking polymer
composition, specially‐designed to produce strong, durable, temperature‐tolerant
cross‐linked gels.
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Truplug: is an acid soluble blend of borate salt and polymers, used to cure sever
loss of circulation by squeezing off water and leaving a durable rigid plug which
still easy to drill.
Baker BIO‐DRILL: Enhances ROP especially when drilling sticky shale or any
formation with historically low penetration rates via regular water‐base mud. It
prevents bit balling & adds lubricity to the mud system. ‐ Baker PYRO‐DRILL:
Thermally stable and resistant to contaminants mud system. Weighted fresh and
salt water fluids have been used at temperature approaching 350 F.
39) If you have two different formation low and Hi‐pressure what you will do to
control formation pore pressure?
The well control priority states to select a mud weight that's high enough to
control the Hi‐pressure zone, but it's equally important to avoid fracturing the low
pressure zone which can be done by adding good bridging & micro‐fracture
sealing agents in order to re‐enforce/strengthen the low pressure or weak
formation. Max‐Bridge system is a good example to withstand such high
overbalance pressure surged on the low pressure formation. Select the shale
shaker screens as coarse as practically possible in order to maintain as much
bridging agents as possible in the circulating system.
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42) What is the typical concentration of KCL? Typical salinity value? What is the
test of KCL?
10% by wt or 35 pbb. 51,000 mg/l. Test procedure is as following:
1) 7 ml filtrate + 3 ml sodium perchlorite in a tube. 2) Counterbalance the
centrifuge tube with another tube (and 10 mL of liquid of a similar weight). 3)
Operate the centrifuge at a constant speed of approximately 1,800 RPM for one
minute and read the precipitate volume immediately. 4)Plot the volume of
precipitate in milliliters Vs ppb of KCl (or % of KCL)using a graph paper, or get the
ppb of KCl from a standard graph.
43) In milling operation, what is the main product added on the Hi‐ Vis sweeping
pill?
"Super‐Sweep". Super‐Sweep is a non‐corrosive, non‐magnetic, chemically inert
and thermally stable fiber that is used in small concentration in the Hi‐Vis sweep
pills in order to greatly increase the mechanical carrying capacity of the mud with
a minimal effect on the overall viscosity. At normal/high flow rates, Super‐Sweep
is rapidly dispersed in the mud with 100% flow‐ability. At low flow rates, Super‐
Sweep starts to gather around, holding steel shavings and cuttings, and removing
them on the shale shakers.
44) What is PHPA? What are its limitations?

Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide Polymer. It is a water soluble co-polymer of
anionic character (-ve charge) and high molecular weight. It is used for: Shale
inhibition by coating and encapsulating shale. Minimizing the occurrence of tight
spots, as well as preventing bit balling. It can be used as a flocculent in clear water
drilling. Limitations:
1) During the initial treatment, sever flocculation and subsequently excessive
hump viscosity may occur until all of the reactive solids are coated. 2) At
high pH values PHPA will be completely soluble and will release Ammonia
gas. PH should be < 11 3) Very sensitive to Calcium. PHPA starts to
precipitate when the calcium concentration exceeds 300 mg/l. Cement
contamination is catastrophic. 4) High solids content causes undesirable
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consumption of PHPA. It coats and encapsulates inert solids as well as clay

particles. 5) MBT should be less than 15. Note: Sometimes mixed with
water in separate tank like slug tank and add citric acid while mixing to
decrease PH to deactivate the PHPA until finish mixing to avoid hump in
viscosity and plug the hopper line.
45) What are the types of shale inhibition and the mechanism of each type?
• KCl: ( cation exchange, ion fixation) KCl is an excellent shale inhibition
because Potassium ion is highly reactive ion that replaces Na ion in Sodium
montmorillonite clays. Inhibition mechanism is provided through ion
exchange (cation exchange capacity) or the potassium ion can enter
between clay layer because it has the proper size to fit into the spaces
between clay layers, thus enters between the individual clay plates in the
shale and held them together, eliminating entry of water from the drilling
fluid ( Ion fixation). The Cl- part of KCl provides high salinity which in
return ensures the "Osmosis Effect" that prevents shale swelling and causes
its desirable dehydration.
• K= 2.66°A, Na= 1.96°A & the space between clay layers= 2.8°A.
• PHPA (New drill plus): (shale encapsulation) Inhibitor by coating and
encapsulating clay particles.
• Gilsonite (Black fury or Blacknite): it is an asphaltic materials soluble in
diesel and it seals micro fractured shale when drilling with water-base fluid
and thus restricts water invasion and reaction. It also adds lubrication in the
mud.
• Sulphonated Asphalt (Soltex or Driltex): Make plastering for the wall of
bore hole and make stabilization through seals small pores and micro-
fractures in stressed shale and thus restrict water invasion and reaction. It
also adds lubrication in the mud and improves filter cake characteristics.
• Ploy Amine (Max-Guard): Produces a lattice around clay minerals
(isolation), therefore electrostatically minimizing the absorption of water,
and reduce the lattice between the clay layers because it has + ve charge and
the clay layer has – ve charge by bonding the layers together so it reduce or
shrink the area between the layers subsequently prevents shale hydration or
swelling.
• Glycol: (cloud point) (TAME mechanism) thermally activated micro
emulsion) At certain degree of salinity and temperature, glycol clouds out,
thus coating the surface of clays and preventing shale absorption, hydration
or swelling. A careful selection of Glycol type will depend on mud salinity
& BHT in order to reach "Glycol Cloud Point" at down hole conditions. At
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glycol test with refractometer we take the sample from the filtrate of
retort after shak the tube very well to make the filtrate homogenious.
• Hydro-Guard system: A Bariod shale inhibition system that combines
shale encapsulators, grappers and shale inhibitors, such as clay-grabber,clay-
seal & sync.
• Maxshield (pore pressure transmition). Bridging system and shale
inhibition system
46) What are the shale types in KSA?

• Highly swelling like sodium Montmorillonite
• Non swelling or very low swelling like Kaolinite and Illite.
47) How to control fluid loss in WBM? What are the main chemicals used for
this purpose? What are its limitations?
* Starches (either potato or corn starches) up to 250°F (theoretical) but actual up
to 180° F. * PAC's up to 300°F. * Resinex II (resin & lignite complex) & Hosta drill
up to 400°F. * Baker Pyro‐ Drill system up to 500°F. Addition of polymer extenders
and/or oxygen scavenger will prolong PAC & Resinex II life & efficiency at high
temperatures. Limitations of Starches are 1) Low temperature withstand 2)
Bacterial degradation sensitivity 3) Fermentation tendency at low pH
environment. Limitation of PAC's is due to its anionic nature (‐ve charge), thus in
the presence of high concentration of calcium 200 mg/l it will connect and start to
precipitate and its performance in up taking water will be restrained.
48) Can you use PAC‐LV with CaCl2 Polymer mud? Why?
No, because of PAC's calcium limitation. Limitation of PAC's is due to its anionic
nature (‐ve charge), thus in the presence of high concentration of calcium it will
connect and start to precipitate and its performance in up taking water will be
restrained.
49) What are the indicators of each type of a stuck?
Mechanical stuck: No circulation, No RPM, little moving upward or downward.
An exception would be around a "Key Seat" when a partial circulation should be
seen.
Differential stuck: Full circulation, No RPM and No upward or downward
movement.
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50) What is the mechanism of differential stuck?
• Very High overbalance pressure on the D/S due to the differential pressure
between the mud column from one side, and the "permeable" formation
pore pressure from the other side so the stuck occur.
• A presence of a thick filter cake will enhance the impeding of D/S into the
permeable formation, and subsequently will increase the possibility of
differential stuck. * Absence of spiral D/C
• Absence good bridging & micro‐fracture sealing agents increases the
possibility of differential stuck.
• A presence of loss of circulation ( Mud pump off ex: while connection time).
51) Define the "Key Seat"?

A small‐diameter channel or groove worn into the side of a larger diameter
wellbore. Once the D/S is inside the "key seat", the overbalance or differential
pressure will work on the D/S from only one side, thus forces the stuck
occurrence. This can be the result of a sharp change in direction of the wellbore (a
sever dogleg, especially in the presence of a stiff BHA), or if a hard formation
ledge is left between softer formations that enlarge over time.
52) What are the common mud contaminations?

• Anhydrite: It's CaSO4, partially soluble in WBM so it increases Ca content,
increases mud rheology, increases F/L, and decreases all alkalinity
components (that's pH, Pm, Pf & Mf). It can be treated by adding Soda Ash
to precipitate Ca and maintain pH within acceptable range, and adding
Caustic Soda if needed. Rheology can be adjusted by gradually adding
water for dilution, or by using thinner in extreme conditions.
• Cement: While clean out cement after a cement job or drilling a cement
plug. Cement increases all mud properties such as rheology, Fluid loss,
alkalinity and Ca content. Before drilling cement, mud should be
pretreated with sodium bicarbonate or SAPP (sodium acid pyrophosphate)
and addition of Citric acid while drilling cement is essential to control the
increasing pH value. Cement setting or solidification degree is very
important factor in determining the contamination degree (hard cement is
much easier to treat over green cement).
• Carbon Dioxide: It can enter the mud from the formation drilled, and also
from the atmosphere through mixing hopper if it operates for a long time,
it will dissolve into the mud. Carbon dioxide can be treated out with lime
addition.
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• Carbonate and Bicarbonate: Main sources of Carbonate are: 1) Carbonate

formations such as Limestone & Dolomite (although they are considered to
be insoluble but carbonates may occur due to grinding action of bit plus
high jet velocity). 2) Overtreatment of Soda Ash or Sodium Bicarbonate
used to treat out calcium. 3) From Carbon Dioxide coming from formation
gases. 4) From Carbon Dioxide coming from air through mixing hopper
5)Thermal degradation of lignosulfonate and lignite at temperatures above
325°F. Carbonate increases mud rheology and Fluid loss. It also reduces
alkalinity components (except Mf which will increase), and causes alkalinity
to be unstable as the alkalinity source is not coming from the OH group.
Carbonate and Bicarbonate contaminations can be treated out with Lime
in order to precipitate CaCO3.
GGT can be used to quantitatively determine CO3 concentration in the mud.
• Hydrogen sulfide: Is a deadly gas that increases mud rheology, Fluid loss
and drastically decreases all alkalinity components. H2S can be treated by
adding proper concentrations of either Zinc Oxide or SourScav. Zinc Oxide is
a strong alkaline that reacts with H2S to precipitate Zinc sulfate (ZnS ‐ Salt)
and water. SourScav is "iron gluconate", free from Zinc, that reacts almost
immediately with H2S in solution to form stable" iron sulphide". Lime can
also be used to treat out H2S intrusion in some cases. Accurate
measurement of H2S concentration in the mud is essential to determine
the proper concentration of the scavenger. A Hach kit can be used to
determine the H2S qualitatively, in other words to determine the presence
or absence of H2S in the mud, but GGT is the most important device to
quantitatively determine H2S concentration.
• Massive Salt sections: Salts contamination has 4 main effects: 1)Will
flocculate free clays in the mud. 2) Will dramatically increase Cl content and
subsequently will slightly reduce polymer performance. 3)Slightly increases
Mwt. 4)When mud reaches total salt saturation degree, salts will stop
dissolving and will settle as crystal solids. 5) Decrease the PH due to the
high solubility of salt in water NaCl will be Na+ and Cl- and also caustic
Soda NaOH with water will be Na+ and OH -, so we have plenty of Na+ in
the solution which will make reversible reaction and make salt again and
the Cl- of salt will react with Na+ of Caustic making very high consumption
for caustic soda, so the PH decreased. The solution is to add fresh water or
"saline‐free mud" gradually to the active system. So it is better to use
caustic Potach KOH instead of caustic soda NaOH.
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• Formation water flow: Will dramatically affect mud properties as it'll

decrease mud weight, rheology and alkalinity, increase Fluid loss, and
change its salinity & Ca content. The solution is 1) Isolate as much volume
as possible of water influx, 2) Treat the circulating mud with the required
chemicals to regain the desired parameters and weight.
• Solids: Solids can be considered as a major type of contaminants as it
affects mud properties dramatically. Solids increase mud rheology,
especially PV & Gel Strength, solids produce a thick filter cake which
increases the possibility of differential stuck, solids increase ECD value
which if not controlled sooner, may cause formation induced fracture and
subsequently a loss of circulation, excessive solids can erode surface and
down hole equipment, excessive solids can also damage the reservoir by
invading pore spaces and thus reducing the formation permeability (skin
damage). Operating all SCE is essential for solids removal.
53) From where mud gets carbonate contamination? How you know you've
carbonate contamination (test)? What is its effect on the mud? How can you
treat it in low & high concentrations?
Main sources of Carbonate are 1)Carbonate formations (although they are
considered insoluble but carbonates may occur due to grinding action of bit plus
high jet velocity). 2) Overtreatment of Soda Ash or Sodium Bicarbonate used to
treat out calcium. 3) From Carbon Dioxide coming from formation gases. 4) From
Carbon Dioxide coming air through mixing hopper 5) Thermal degradation of
lignosulfonate and lignite at temperatures above 325°F. Carbonate and
bicarbonate can be determined by performing Pf & Mf tests, then comparing the
results will determine carbonate presence. GGT can be used to determine
carbonate value more accurately. Carbonate increases mud rheology (FV, YP &
GS), and fluid loss value. It also reduces alkalinity components (except Mf which
will increase), and causes alkalinity to be unstable as the alkalinity source is not
coming from the OH group.
54) If you have CO3 contamination, what is the test can you do to know it?
GGT test is quantitatively determines CO3 contamination value accurately. A
comparison between Pf & Mf results shall show a presence of CO3 and/or HCO3
contamination. If the Pf & Mf test is not applicable, due to absence of Ph. Ph for
example, then a regular Ca test can indicate CO3 contamination. That's if the Ca
content reduced without addition of Soda Ash or equivalent.
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55)Talk about Hydro-guard & Max-bridge systems?

Hydro‐guard system:
• Baroid’s HYDRO‐GUARD water‐based drilling fluid system provides
maximum shale stabilization in highly reactive clays. This system can
provide wellbore stability, high rates of penetration, and acceptable
rheological properties over a wide range of temperatures, up to 300°F and
up to 120 pcf. It also provides good lubricity, and more environmental
friendly cuttings disposal. HYDROGUARD encapsulates shale cuttings and
doesn't allow its hydration, and thus maintains good mud rheology and
properties. Its' a non‐dispersed/inhibited fluid system utilize ions such as
chloride (Cl¯), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) in the continuous phase to
prevent clay hydration by ionic replacement and by decreasing the activity
of the fluid & formation water exchange. Additionally, chemical thinners or
dispersants are not used. Instead, polymeric flocculants and encapsulations
are employed along with inhibiting amines to prevent clay from dispersing
in the system. This prevents the breaking up of drill solids into smaller
particles and thus improves the efficiency by which the solids control
equipment (SCE) can remove them. Main components for HYDRO‐GUARD:.
Flocculant/Encapsulator CLAY‐GRABBER, Clay Inhibitors CLAY‐SYNC, CLAY‐
FIRM & CLAY‐SEAL
Max‐bridge systems
• A customized Baker bridging system designed to drill a low pressure and
permeable formations with a very high overbalance hydrostatic pressure
(such as KHUFF), and minimize the possibility of getting differential stuck.
Max‐bridge uses a selected bridging particle sizes to ensure good wellbore
strengthening and re‐enforcement for the weak or low‐pressure zone. Keep
shale shakers as course as practically possible in order to maintain as much
bridging materials as possible in the circulating system.
56) How do you mix OBM?

1) Brine tank: Water + CaCl2 for salinity & less water activity, depend on WPS as
per O/W ratio.
2) Diesel tank:
- Diesel as O/W ratio.
‐ Lime (for alkalinity and "Calcium for Ca+ Soap" the primary emulsifier in
conventional OBM system)
‐ Primary emulsifier (surfactants, less wetting properties)
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‐ Fluid loss reducer

‐ Secondary emulsifier (surfactants, higher wetting properties)
‐ Mix diesel tank for 30 min.
‐ Transfer the brine to the diesel tank very slowly.
‐ Mix it for 2 hours on a high agitation shearing hopper.
‐ Add viscosifer (amine treated organophylic bentonite or clay)
‐ Add weighting material to the desired weight.
57) Why we use O/W ratio 70/30,80/20 in Aramco?

Because these water ratios provide the following advantages:
1. Optimum rheology. 2. Less water activity. 3. Acceptable PV values. 4.
Weight with very less solids because the weight coming from the dissolved
CaCl2 salt.
58) What is the mechanism of ES meter?

It Measure the electrical conductivity of the mud. The lower electrical
conductivity, the higher the resistance, the higher the emulsion stability. That's
because higher electrical resistance indicates well distribution of water droplets in
the OBM. The electrical stability is recorded in volts. A trend of electrical stability
is very important indication of emulsion stability. A mud with a high but declining
electrical stability may not be as stable as a mud with a lower but stable electrical
stability.
59) How can you check any drop in ES without ES meter?

From HPHT test, all filtrate should be oil, if you find water that mean ES
decreased.
60) If you found water in HPHT filtrate (OBM) and when you checked ES and
found it good, what could be the problem?
Emulsification is not good enough, especially wettability. Solids are still water
wet. Check lime content then Add wetting agent or secondary emulsifier.
61) What is the effect on the hole if you have emulsion breaking?
1. Separation of water & oil phases. 2. Shale Swelling. 3. Barite and solid settling
in the hole. 4. Steaky shale on shaker.
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62) What are the contaminations in OBM?

Solids, water & gas influx.
63) How to detect H2S in OBM?

Sudden and significant reduction in excess lime value (Pom), especially when the
ES value is good. H2S value is measured using GGT (use mud sample, not filtrate
sample as for WBM).
64) How do you displace the hole from WBM to OBM?
Use spacer (20-30 HI Vis water, 20 bbl diesel and 20‐30 bbl Hi Vis OBM then
OBM).
65) What's the wetting agent?
Wetting agents are amine surfactants that reduce the surface tension between
liquid phase and solids phase, thus it's used to wet the solid and the treatment
chemicals by diesel. In other words, wetting agents are amine surfactants that
changes solids wettability to become oil‐wet.
66) What is the emulsifier?

Primary emulsifiers are fatty acid surfactants that reduce the surface tension
between the water droplets and oil. They stabilize the mixture by being partially
soluble in water and partially soluble in oil through the chemical reaction
between H from fatty acid and Ca from lime to form calcium soap and form
coating around the water droplets to keep them from accumulation or
interconnection. Secondary. Emulsifier are a mixture of fatty acid surfactant and
amine surfactant that reduce the surface tension between solids and oil phase by
changing the wettability of solids to be oil wet. Surfactant has polar head (water
love, hydrophilic) and non-polar tail (oil love, hydrophobic). A good OBM
emulsion is called "tight emulsion". The test that measures OBM stability is called
"Electrical Stability" test.
67) What is the water activity?

The water activity or Aw is a measurement of the chemical potential of water to
be transferred from mud to shale. Activity is measured using the vapor pressure
(relative humidity meter or Hygrometer) of mud. Pure water would have an
activity of 1.0; higher salinity reduces the activity. That's why we use CaCl2 in
OBM instead of NaCL in order to increase the salinity for osmosis effect purpose
and subsequently reduces the "Aw" (Aw of CaCl2= 0.55 A at high concentration of
35% by wt).
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68) Define normality, molarity, calcium soap & buffer solution?

• Normality: A 1.0 normal (N) solution is defined as a solution with a
concentration that contains 1 gram‐equivalent weight of a substance per
liter of solution.
• Molarity: The number of moles of solute divided by the number of liters
of solution.
• Calcium soaps: Are formed by the reaction of H from a primary emulsifier
fatty acid surfactant with an alkaline like Ca from lime where the hydrogen
on the fatty acid is replaced by Ca and form Calcium soap.
• Buffer solution: Is a solution that has the ability to resist a large pH change
when an alkaline or acid is added to the solution.
69) Define "tight emulsion"?

A stable emulsion with small and closely distributed water droplets. A tight
emulsion is difficult to break, which is desirable.
70) Why we use both primary and secondary emulsifier in OBM, what the
mechanism of both?
Primary and secondary emulsifiers are both surfactants. Primary emulsifiers are
fatty acid surfactants that reduce the surface tension between the water droplets
and oil. They stabilize the mixture by being partially soluble in water and partially
soluble in oil through the chemical reaction between H from fatty acid and Ca
from lime to form calcium soap and form coating around the water droplets to
keep them from accumulation or interconnection. Secondary. Emulsifier are a
mixture of fatty acid surfactant and amine surfactant that reduce the surface
tension between solids and oil phase by changing the wettability of solids to be oil
wet. Surfactant has polar head (water love, hydrophilic) and non-polar tail (oil
love, hydrophobic, organophilic, lipophilic). Surfactants act by reducing the
surface tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. Primary
emulsifiers: Are used to primarily emulsify water in oil, it has low wetting
properties. Secondary emulsifiers: Are also used to emulsify water in oil, but has
more wetting characteristics for solids. Secondary emulsifiers change solids
wettability to become oil‐wet.
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71) Why we use water or brine in OBM?

For three main reasons: 1. The shale can be dried under osmosis effect by using a
high salinity water phase with lower activity than formation water. CaCl2 can
provide both the high salinity & the low water activity Aw. 2. Also using water in
oil emulsion enhances the performance of organophilic bentonites thus giving
better viscosities and higher carrying capacity for oil base muds. 3. CaCl2 brine
give more weight with less solids in OBM.
72) What's the indication on shakers that you've a good wetting for solids in
OBM?
When the cuttings are surrounded with oil instead of water. That means that
solids phase is oil‐wet.
73) In OBM, why we use CaCl2, not NaCl?

For three main reasons:1. Because CaCl2 provides more salinity than NaCl
(almost double because Ca is divalent so Ca need to Cl not only one like Na),
which is important for the osmosis pressure application. That's the transfer of
free water from the lower saline medium to the higher one through a semi
permeable membrane. 2. The water activity of Ca (0.55 A at high concentration of
35% by wt) is much less than Na (0.75 A). 3. CaCl2 brine give more weight with
less solids in OBM.
74) What is the viscosifier in OBM?

Amine treated organophilic bentonite. It provides viscosity and gel strength as
primary objective, and fluid loss reducer as a second objective. ‐ Product
examples. VG‐69. . And Polymeric Fatty Acid
75) Why PV for any OBM is higher than its equivalent in WBM?
Because the non‐continues phase (water droplets) acts as solids and in the OBM
systems, water friction is high (usually 20‐30%), that's the main reason why PV is
high for the OBM systems. i.e we have 20 – 30 % water in diesel act as solids so
PV will increase by 20 – 30 % over the solids %.
76) What are the brine types you worked with?

When low weight brine was needed, we used NaCl brine up to 75 pcf. When
higher weight was desired, we used CaCl2 Brine up to 86 pcf. When more high
brine weight needed, we used CaCl2/CaBr2 Brine to reach a weight up to 112 pcf.
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By mixing the CaCl2 brine first on water tank , ensures good solubility, And
adding, mix CaBr2 drums in separate tank to reach the desired weight and
volume. Then transfer CaCl2 brine to the CaBr2 brine tank as per volumes in the
Brine tables then Continue with mixing dry CaCl2 big bags salt on the final volume
of CaCl2/Cabr2 to reach the desired weight also as per brine tables.
77) What is the turbidity?

It's a measurement of brine cleanliness or purity. The unit of measurement for
turbidity is the "NTU" (Nephelometer Turbidity Unit). NTU shouldn't exceed 50.
78) What is more important factor for brine, NTU or TSS?

It's turbidity NTU , because it's a measurement of brine cleanliness or purity. As a
result, any kind of impurities will be taken into consideration, including solids. On
the other hand, TSS measures only the "Total Suspended Solids". TSS is measured
by Centrifuge device like that of KCL test by fill up the tube with 10 ml brine and
on the other hand tube with 10 ml water then centrifuge to 2 minutes and record
the solids that settled down.
79) How to use Hydrometer?

Hydrometer is a weighted, hollow glass bulb, with a long graduated tube filled on
bottom with lead, used for measuring the density of a non‐viscous liquid or brine.
A hydrometer is placed in the liquid and the bulb sinks according to the density of
the liquid. Graduations on the tube indicate the density. Hydrometers are used in
fluids that have no gel strength, that's why it can't be used for regular WBM or
OBM, but can be used accurately for all type of Brines.
80) Define TCT? Does TCT changes with density? If two solutions of 70 pcf& 86
pcf, which one has higher TCT? Why? What you do if you work in a surface
degree the same as TCT? What shall you do?
TCT is the "True Crystallization Temperature" and it is determined by cooling
brine until salt crystals form or it is the temperature at which first crystal appear
while cooling process but sometimes First Crystal to appear doesn’t actually
indicate the TCT, as the formation of salt crystals generates a small amount of
heat, which causes a slight rise in the solution’s temperature, so this crystal
dissolves again. The subsequent formation of salt "stable" crystal in a certain
25
temperature represents the TCT of the brine. Every single salt brine has a unique
composition and a unique TCT for a given density. For low brine weights, the
higher the brine density, the lower the TCT, which means it's going to be difficult
to reach crystallization temperature. When a certain critical density is reached
(eutectic point), it becomes the higher the brine density, the higher the TCT (V
shape relationship). That's because of the lower available free water presence
when the brine density increases, which will accelerate the crystallization process
and subsequently will increase the TCT. Multi‐salt brines can be blended to a
specific density several different ways, giving a wide range of TCT. However, a TCT
should be chosen that is below the minimum expected average ambient
temperature through the circulating system. The solution is to prepare multi‐salt
brines blend in order to get a lower TCT over the minimum expected average
ambient temperature through the circulating system. In all cases, if the TCT
equals the surface temperature, no salt crystallization will occur as the wellbore
temperature is higher than the surface temperature. Note: TCT should be at least
10° F less than the coldest temperature can found at surface.
81) Define the eutectic point?

It is the lowest temperature at which a solid‐free brine can exist before
crystallization happens. It's the lowest possible TCT. It's the critical temperature
located in the bottom of the V‐Shape relationship between brine density & TCT.
82) If you've Cl contamination in CaBr2 brine, how to measure it without Cl test?

The total weight will be reduced due to the difference in mud weight between
CaBr2 brine and formation water.
83) Displacements operations to brine?

A recommended spacer/pill train for displacement from OBM to brine:
1 - Base oil. 2 - viscosified water spacer with surfactant.
3 - Chemical wash. 4 - Viscous brine. 5 - Clean filtered brine.
84) A recommended spacer/pill train for displacement from WBM to brine?
1 - viscosified water with surfactant. 2 - Chemical wash.
3 - Viscous brine. 4 - Clean filtered brine.
Note: For both WBM & OBM: Viscousified water with Surfactant, Chemical wash,
viscous brine & Clean filtered brine.
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85) What are the types of gel? Difference between them? Causes of increasing
Gel?
• Gel strength is the measure of drilling fluid attractive forces in static. It is
important in the suspension of cuttings and weight material, at the same
time gelation should not be allowed to become Excessive to the extent
where it may lead to drilling complications like high pressures to break
circulation that can lead to loss of circulation and excessive surge and swab.
The strength of the gel formed is a function of the amount and type of
solids in suspension, time, temperature and chemical treatment.
• Flat Gels (Fragile gels)
Gel strength readings taken at 10-sec ,10-min & 30-min intervals are near in
range this is most of the time seen in Polymer muds with chemicals like
DUOVIS (Branched polymer) as the polymers Link together by
electrochemical forces forming a network in static, once shear is applied
the linking breaks easily. So, measuring the strength of gel structure over a
period of time (10 sec/10 min/30 min) will give readings that are near in
values.
• Progressive gels When there is a wide range (difference) between the
initial (10 sec) and 10- or 30-min gel readings it is called progressive gels,
and is an indication of solids buildup.
• Flash gels happened when the initial and 10-min gel readings are both high
with little difference between the two, may indicate that flocculation has
occurred (in muds with clays added or drilled). Depending on the mud type
used progressive gels can be caused by solids build up in the system or
contamination from calcium source, salt or carbonate and bicarbonate.
N.B: Some fluid systems like FLO PRO are operated in the flash gels range
for hole cleaning in deviated and horizontal drilling, in this case the polymer
network breaks easily applying shear so you have to differentiate based on
mud system used.
86) what the relation between ECD, GPM & PV? What is PV? Effect of increasing
of PV in mud parameters and drilling operation?
Relation between ECD and flow rate: ECD is directly proportional to annular
pressure loss. And annular pressure loss is directly proportional to square of
annular velocity which also increases by increasing flow rate as per the below
equations, when flow rate increases, annular velocity and annular pressure loss
increase and ECD increase.
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ECD (lb/gal) = Current Mud weight (lb/gal) + Annular pressure loss (psi) / 0.052 x
TVD (ft).
ECD (EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY): The pressure on a formation while
circulating is equal to the total annular circulating pressure losses from the point
of measurement to the bell nipple, plus the hydrostatic pressure of the mud. This
force is expressed as the density of mud that would exert a hydrostatic pressure
equivalent to this pressure.
Relation between ECD & PV: Plastic viscosity is described as that part of
resistance to flow caused by mechanical friction. it is affected by: Solids
concentration. Size and shape of solids. Viscosity of the fluid phase. The presence
of some long chain polymers (POLY-PLUS) , the Oil-to-Water (O/W), However, an
increase in plastic viscosity can mean an increase in the percent by volume of
solids, a reduction in the size of the solid particles leading to increased surface
area of cuttings which will be reflected in increased plastic viscosity, if not
controlled it will eventually cause undesired overall viscosity of the mud system
and result in significant changes in pump pressure. Pv will reflect an increased
pressure loss especially inside the drill string as if the Pv increased, this means
that the 600-rpm reading increased (it will increase the friction coefficient inside
string and the eventually the pressure loss).
87) What is YP & LSYP, and what is the difference between them?
Yield Point (YP) in (lb/100 ft2) is the resistance to flow in a drilling fluid under
dynamic conditions, it is measurement of the electro-chemical or attractive forces
in a fluid. Another definition is the force required to initiate flow. It is calculated
based on extrapolation of 600 and 300 rpm readings. Yp in general over estimates
the actual low shear viscosity. LSYP (lb/100 ft2), sometimes named as the true
yield point or shear stress at zero shear rate in the modified power law, it has
more significance for hole cleaning especially in Horizontal and Extended reach
wells where low pump rate occurs.
88) Why we are adding water in high density mud & the dilution rates?
High pressure wells require high density mud. As additional solids (both desirable
weight material and undesirable low gravity drilled solids) are incorporated into
the system, water requirements become greater. Additional solids rapidly
increase the surface area to be wet, leaving less free water available.
Consequently, the viscosity of the mud increases. Colloidal particles which have a
greater specific area that are absorb more water. The free water available in a
28
high-density mud can quickly become depleted leading to poor flow properties
and gelation. When the mud is subjected to high temperature, free water will be
depleted more rapidly due to evaporation at the surface. Replacement of
evaporation water is the starting point when determining water addition
requirements, in general dilution rates ± 20 bbl per hour is required below 150
pcf, as the mud density go up to 150 + pcf the fluid needs a minimum of 20 to 25
bbl/hr water addition to avoid mud dehydration.
89) What is the mechanism of shale inhibition for KCL?

In general, potassium is used to inhibit reactive shales especially smectites. Clay
layers have a negative charge on surface and have positive charge on the edge.
The net negative charge is compensated by the adsorption of cations (positive
ions) on the unit layer surfaces. The cations that are adsorbed on the unit-layer
surfaces may be exchanged for other cations and are called the exchangeable
cations of the clay. The quantity of cations per unit weight of the clay is measured
and reported as the CEC. The cation may be a single charge ion such as sodium
(Na+) or a double-charge ion such as calcium (Ca2+) or magnesium (Mg2+).When
dry clays come into contact with water the interlayer Spacing expands, and the
clay adsorbs a large “envelope” of water. The water makes hydrogen bonding
with clay surfaces and as a result the clay swells and well bore instability starts.
The thickness of the adsorbed-water film is controlled by the type and amount of
cations associated with the clay. Water adsorbed to the large, flat, planar surfaces
comprises the major part of the total water retained by hydratable clays. Divalent
cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ increase the attractive force between platelets,
thus decreasing the amount of water that can be adsorbed (in formation clays),
one cation will attract two negative ions. Monovalent cations such as Na+ give
rise to a lesser attractive force and allow more water to Penetrate between the
platelets. That’s why smectites are always the most swellable shales. Illite have
the same basic structure as montmorillonites (smectites), but they do not show
interlayer swelling. The compensating cations are primarily the potassium ion
(K+). The spacing between unit layers is 2.8 Å. The ionic diameter of the K+ is
2.66 Å. This allows the K+ to fit snugly between unit layers forming a bond that
prevents swelling in the presence of water. Since the unit layers do not swell and
separate when exposed to water, the potassium ions (K+) between The unit layers
are not available for exchange. Increasing the concentration of any given cation
will increase the probability that it will displace another cation, this is why using
high potassium ion concentration in drilling fluids makes potassium more
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exchangeable with other clay ions like sodium, thus reducing the clay hydration
effect (like transforming smectites to Illite).
Two ways that potassium can become associated with clay minerals (Eberl
concept):
1. Ion exchange (CEC)(by exchange with clay associated cations).
2. Ion fixation.
The ion exchange reaction is governed by the law of mass action; that is the rate
of exchange depends on the concentration of the ions (i.e. the higher the ratio of
K ion to Na ion, the faster the rate of exchange of K+ for Na+). In addition to ion
exchange, ion fixation will occur in clays with a high layer charge and once
potassium is associated with the clay platelets, it is very difficult to become
exchanged as a result of fixation and it stabilizes smectites. The fixation of
potassium is a unique property for potassium only that once its fixed, it’s very
difficult to become exchanged again unless the other cations are significantly
increased.
90) What is cation exchange capacity?

The compensating cations that are adsorbed on the unit-layer surface may be
exchanged for other cations and are called the exchangeable cations of the clay.
The quantity of cations per unit weight of clay is measured and reported as the
CEC.
• The CEC is expressed in milliequivalents per 100 g of dry clay (meq/100 g).
The CEC of montmorillonites is within the range of 80 to 150 meq/100 g of
dry clay. The CEC of Illite and chlorites is about 10 to 40 meq/100 g, and for
kaolinites it is about 3 to 10 meq/100 g of clay. The Methylene Blue Test
(MBT) is an indicator of the apparent CEC of a clay.
91) What are the types of stuck pipe and what is the difference between them?
What causes stuck pipe? Why we pump weighted pill (weighted brine) before
and after the glycol pill to free stuck pipe?
Mechanically stuck pipe can be grouped into two major categories:
1. Hole pack off and bridges. 2. Wellbore geometry interferences.
Pack offs and bridges are caused by:
Settled cuttings, Shale instability, Unconsolidated formations
Wellbore geometry interferences are Caused by:
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Key seats, Under gauge hole, Stiff drilling assembly, Mobile formations (like plastic
salt) Ledges and dogleg, Mechanical sticking is caused by physical obstruction or
restriction. Mechanical sticking usually occurs when the drill string is moving. It
also is indicated by obstructed circulation. however, a limited amount of up/down
mobility or rotary freedom is evident, even when the pipe is mechanically stuck.
Differentially stuck pipe usually occurs because of one of the following
causes/high-risk conditions:
Very high overbalance pressures, Thick filter cakes, High-solids muds, High-density
muds, the formation is permeable.
Differential sticking is defined as stuck pipe caused by the differential pressure
forces from an overbalanced mud column act on the drill string against a filter
cake deposited on a permeable formation. When a filter cake builds up on the
formation, it increases the contact area between the wellbore and the drill pipe.
Excessive drill solids and high fluid loss increase filter-cake thickness increasing
differential sticking probabilities. It usually occurs while the pipe is stationary
during a connection or when taking a survey, and is indicated by full circulation
and No Up/Down mobility or rotary freedom, other than pipe stretch and torque.
We pump weighted pill or weighted brine before glycol pill because the glycol pill
is unweighted and we need to maintain the hydrostatic pressure for well control
issue.
92) Define static barite sag, what are the causes and indications?
Barite sag is the settling of barite, which causes significant variations in mud
density. It is a major concern, particularly when weighted muds are used in
drilling directional and Extended - reach wells( ERD ) .Sag is most often associated
with well angles of 50 to 80°, low annular velocities( less than 100 ft/min) and
low viscosity clean muds. Possible consequences include lost circulation, stuck
pipe, pack offs, wellbore instability and well-control problems. Barite sag can
happen on static or dynamic conditions, static sagging is usually noticed after long
trips typically, bed growth under static conditions (pumps off) is minimal,
although slumping is most likely to occur during Static periods. For these reasons,
drilling practices prior to and after trips can often prevent static sag-related
problems, one of the practices is tripping in stages and circulating Bottoms up.
93) Define dynamic barite sag and its relation with flow rate & temperature?
Dynamic barite sag is barite settling under dynamic conditions (while drilling or
circulation), many factors contribute to dynamic settling like fluid rheology, hole
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angle, interval length, flow rates, pipe eccentricity, and rotation, and annular
velocities.
From drilling fluids perspective maintaining adequate low shear rate viscosities
minimize sagging the same concept of hole cleaning in deviated and ERD wells
applies. High temperatures cause mud thinning and increased settling. HTHP
testing is necessary to ensure that rheological properties are adequate under well
conditions, in critical ERD wells, Fann Model 50 and 70 for WBM and oil/
synthetic-base muds is recommended for LSRYP measurements at actual wellbore
conditions (pressure and temperature). Large annular clearances or low
circulation rates promote sag due to low annular velocities. Higher flow rates will
reduce sag tendencies, but pressure limits and down hole tools can limit this as an
option. Long intervals sliding without rotation also promotes barite sagging,
usually if high rpm is used in ERD wells sagging is greatly minimized.
Well design may require compromises in order to minimize and control sag. Sag
tendency generally increases with hole angle and probably is most critical in
extended-reach drilling under High Temperatures and High Pressures (HTHP).
94) Why we use both primary and secondary emulsifier in OBM, what the
mechanism of both?
Non-aqueous drilling fluids are formulated using additives based on a broad group
of chemicals called surface-active Agents or surfactants. These chemicals include
Emulsifiers, Soaps and Wetting agents. They act by reducing the interfacial
tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants have a
hydrophilic (water-loving) polar head and an organophilic (oil-loving or lipophilic)
non-polar tail.
Primary emulsifier: Primary emulsifier us used to primarily emulsify water in oil, it
exhibits low wetting properties such as VERSAMUL, One Mul. In tight emulsion
systems usually, the primary emulsifiers are soaps that are formed by the reaction
of a fatty acid ester with an alkali (such as lime) where the hydrogen on the fatty
acid is replaced by a metal, such as calcium from lime. Secondary Emulsifiers:
Exhibits more wetting characteristics for solids and also emulsifier for water in oil.
In tight emulsion systems secondary emulsifiers are used to supplement water in
oil emulsion and change the wettability of solids to oil wet (VERSACOAT). A
wetting agent is a surface-active agent that reduces the interfacial tension and
contact angle between a liquid and a solid. This causes the liquid to spread over
the surface of the solid. Wetting agents have one end that is soluble in the
continuous-phase liquid and the other that has a strong affinity for solid surfaces
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thus causing the solids to be oil wet and kept in solution, if the solids become
water wet they will aggregate and settle of the solution.
95) Why we use water in OBM, why we use CaCl2 in OBM?

Water activity (AW) is a measure of the chemical potential for water to be
transferred between mud and shales. Activity is measured using the vapor
pressure (relative humidity or Hygrometer) of shale or mud. Activity can also be
estimated based on the chemical composition of the brine (salinity). Pure water
has an AW of 1.0. Calcium chloride brines used in most non-aqueous emulsion
muds have an AW between 0.8 (22% Wt) and 0.55(35% wt.), Lower values for
activity are more inhibitive. The transfer of water between an emulsified brine
and a shale is often compared to osmosis.
In osmosis, a solvent (water) diffuses through a semipermeable membrane from a
low concentration of solute or salt, to a high concentration of solute or salt, to
equalize the concentrations. Shale control using this controlled (or balanced)
activity is limited mainly to oil- and synthetic-emulsion muds. Water-base muds
containing additives (such as glycols and silicates) exhibit only weak semi-
permeable membrane characteristics.
Consequently, not only we can inhibit the shales by having lower activity of the
water phase, theoretically the shales can be dried under osmosis by using a high-
water phase salinity fluid with lower activity than formation water. Calcium
chloride (CaCl2) is normally used to obtain activities from 1.0 to 0.40, due to the
high salinity of calcium chloride solution it can be used to give the least activity
compared to other salts like sodium chloride. Also using water in oil emulsion
enhances the performance of organophilic clays thus giving better viscosities and
higher carrying capacity for oil base muds.
96) What is the effect of thick filter cake and its relation with fluid loss?
Thick filter cake is formed by poor filtration control, Potential problems related to
thick filter cakes and excessive filtration include tight hole, increased torque and
drag, differential stuck pipe due to long contact area, lost circulation, poor log
quality, and formation damage. Adequate filtration control and the deposition of
a thin, low-permeability filter cake are often necessary to prevent drilling and
production problems.
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97) In spud mud, you add soda ash in the beginning to precipitate calcium then
you add lime, lime contain calcium?
Calcium is precipitated at the beginning to allow proper prehydration of bentonite
and water intake due to calcium is shale inhibitor and prevent bentonite
hydration. If calcium is present it will not allow proper hydration of clay platelets,
then lime is added if desired to flocculate the gel mud to give the highest rheology
for hole cleaning.
98) How to calculate Hydrostatic pressure and kill mud weight?
Hydrostatic pressure = Mud weight (ppg) x 0.052 x TVD (ft).
KMW = Original mud weight+ (SIDP)/ 0.052 X TVD
SIDP: Shut in drill pipe pressure.
99) What is the function and scientific name for the following specialty
chemicals?
KLA STOP, Max guard: Additive is a liquid polyamine shale inhibitor that acts by
reducing the lattice space between clay platelets due to the +ve chage of amine
and the – ve charge of clay surfaces so that water molecules will not penetrate
and cause shale swelling. Also produce lattice around the clay particles, coat the
grains and prevent swelling. Provides a buffered pH in the 9.0 ‐10.0 range,
eliminating any required additions of caustic soda or potassium hydroxide.
POROSEAL: polysaccharide/latex co - polymer technology, developed and used to
seal shales and low permeability formations. This product works through a
plastering effect thus minimizing pressure transmission and for instance
stabilizing the micro -fractures. It provides supplemental fluid loss control in high
temperature applications.
IDCAP D: Low molecular weight dry acrylic acid co - polymer, designed for clay
encapsulation and clay dispersion inhibition. It’s action is similar to PHPA but the
low molecular weight makes it unique as it has minimal effect in viscosity with
higher concentrations that aid in clay encapsulation.
SPERSENE CF: is a chrome free lingosulphonate, Lignosulphonates are organic
acids that supply anions (negative ions) to the fluid. These anions reduce the yield
point and gel strengths by neutralizing the cations (positive ions) on the clay
Particles (usually on the edges), thus deflocculating (as the clays are flocculated
they are bound edge to surface) the clay slurry causing clay particles to repel one
another.
100) PAC limitation with Calcium?
PAC chemistry is derived from polyanionic cellulose, it is anionic (-ve), thus in the
presence of high concentration of calcium it will bind and start to precipitate and
its performance in up taking water will be suppressed. Its mechanism is that it
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adsorbs a water envelop around the polymer chain by hydrogen bonding thus
reducing the free water. Calcium should be 200 mg/l.
101) What is the function of the mud?

Remove cuttings from the well, Control formation pressures, Suspend and release
cuttings, Seal permeable formations, Maintain wellbore stability, Cool, lubricate,
and support the bit and drilling assembly, Transmit hydraulic energy to tools and
bit.
102) What is the annular and slip velocity and the relation between them?
Annular velocity: The net velocity at whimud moves up the annulus. Slip
velocity: The rate at which a cutting settle in a fluid. The relation: If the annular
velocity of the drilling fluid is greater than the slip velocity of the cutting, the
cutting will be transported to the surface. Annular velocity should be > 150
feet/minute.
103) What is the PH?

The negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration.
104) Why do you make PF and MF test?

To determine CO3, HCO3 and CO2 contamination in the mud.
105) What is the relation between PF and MF and what is the contamination of
each case? And What is the end point of PF and MF
- PF = MF…………… OH - 2PF > MF…….... ….. OH & CO3
- 2PF = MF…………. CO3 - 2PF < MF…………. CO3 & HCO3
- PF = 0 ...…………... HCO3 & CO2
- MF end point is 4.3 - PF end point is 8.3.
106) What is the flash point of the fluid?

It is the lowest temperature where enough fluid can evaporate to form a
combustible concentration of gas.
107) What is the special about graphite materials, why are they used for high
over balance drilling?
It is used as lost circulation prevention in water base and oil-based drilling fluids in
porous and fractured zones, Increases lubricity of water-based fluids, Helps
35
reduce torque and drag, Does not adversely affect rheological properties, It is
used for high over balance drilling because it allows tightly packed particles under
compression in pores and micro-fractures to expand or contract without being
dislodged by changes in differential pressure.
108) What is the shear thinning fluid?

Shear thinning is the non-Newtonian behavior of fluids whose viscosity decreases
under increasing shear rate
109) What are the types of shale inhibition and the mechanism of each type?
KCL • K ion has diameter can fit the space between the shale layers.
PHPA (New drill plus) • Inhibitor by coating or encapsulating shale. PHPA limit for
Ca+ is 200 mg/l. and PH = 9 – 10.5. PH > 11 will release ammonia gas.
Gilsonite (Black fury or blacknite) • Seal micro fractured shale when drilling with
water-base fluid, lubricity and reduce accretion from sticky clays.
Sulphonated Asphalt (Soltex) • Seals small fractures in stressed shale
formulation.
Ploy amine (Max guard) • Enter into the lattice of the clay mineral,
electrostatically binding (reduce lattice between clay layers and produce lattice of
coating film around clay grains) and minimizing the uptake of water.
Glycol • (TAME theory) The glycol clouds out at higher down hole temperatures,
coating the surface of clays and preventing hydration and also make micro gels in
the pore and micro fracture of formation so prevent the pore pressure
transmition.
110) If you drill a section that has total loss circulation zone and shale
formation, what the mud type can you use?
Carbonate formations: fly mix (lime with water or only water) and Mud Cap.
Shale and clay formations: fly mix NaCl polymer mud and Mud Cap.
Shallow zones (loose Sand and silt): fly mix Spud mud and Mud Cap.
111) What are the types of shale?

Non- swelling shale: Attapulgite and Sepiolite. Slightly swelling to non swelling
shale: Illite, Chlorite and Kaolinite. Swelling shale: Montmorillonite (Smectite).
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112) Why do you add hydrogen peroxide 3% in MBT?

To remove the effect of organic materials such as CMC, lignosulfonates and
lignites .
113) Can you calculate K concentration from CL?

Yes, I can, K= 1.103*CL
114) Is this value accurate? Why?

No, because the concentration of k will decrease during the drilling and the
concentration of CL will be constant.
115) What are fluid loss reducer chemicals and what is the maximum
temperature of each one?
Starch…………………………….... 170-200° F or 180 F (theoretical 250 f)
Pac (pac-lv & mil pac-lv) ………......300° F
Resinex II…………………………. 400° F
Tannathin……………………......… 400° F
Dristemp…………………………... ≥400° F
Amine Treated Lignite for OBM
116) Why do you use Cacl2 not NaCl with OBM?
Because CaCL2 give salinity more than NaCl to control the osmosis pressure and
the water activity of Ca (0.4) less than Na (0.75) and also give more weight.
117) How do you make hole cleaning in horizontal well?

Good mud rheology:
• 6 RPM reading >= 1.2 - 1.5 * hole size.
• Hole size <3 RPM reading < 1.5 * hole size.
• LSYP >= hole size.
• Good gel strength
Good drilling parameter: High flow rate, High RPM, Control ROP.
Pump tandem pill: (low viscous pill and high weight pill).
118) What is the maximum weight of the following chemicals?

Barite……………..152 pcf Hematite…..……… 187 pcf Marble……..……… (87 pcf when
mixing from scratch, 110 pcf when mixing with salt) NACl………..…….. 75 pcf
KCL…………...….. 73 pcf CACL2…………..... 86 pcf CABR2…………....106 pcf
CACL/CABR2…....112 pcf ZNBR2…………....143 pcf NaBr2 …………………. 93 pcf.
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120) Why use Cacl2 instead of Nacl in OBM?

Because Aw for Cacl2 is 0.4, AW for NaCl is 0.7. Saturation of Cacl2 is 355,000
mg/l and saturation of NaCl is 190,000 mg /l. CaCl2 give weight more than NaCl.
121) What are the main 2 reasons to control down hole pressure?
The drilled rock must be supported and stabilized. • The pressure of gases and
fluids in the rock must be balanced so they do not enter the wellbore. This is
particularly important for safety. As the mud density supports the rock, excessive
down hole pressure can also damage it by “fracturing” it in the manner that a
hose pipe can be split by too high a pressure. A key to a successful operation is
the knowledge of the formation stresses. Formation strength, and pore pressures,
so that the correct mud weight and casing depths can be selected. Hopefully, the
casing depths will isolate section problems. The pressure applied by the mud
column will depend on whether the mud is static or being pumped.
122) What is the optimum value rate of Annular velocity ft/min and why the 5
½” drill pipes is better thanb 4 ½” drill pipes for hole cleaning in 8 3/8” hole ?
Between 150 - 200 ft/min and may be reach 300 feet/ minute. Due to the effect of
conveyor bed and the cutting travelling fast upward in the annulus due to decrease
hole clearance and increase the annular velocity.
123) What is the Thixotropic properties?

Drilling fluids should have the ability to form a reversible gel structure when
circulation is stopped (Thixotropic properties), so that the cuttings and weighting
material remain suspended. Upon resumption of circulation the fluids revert to
their initial flow properties.
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124) What is skin effect?

An increase or decrease in the pressure drop using the value of permeability
thickness.
125) What is the primary factors causing formation damage?

Wellbore condition temp & pressure, Chloride based brine may encourage
chloride stress lead to crack in well bore, Solids in drilling fluid (Weighting
material, Polymers, Drill solid) Can plug the pores in the reservoir and well bore
fluid can form precipitate, Formation pores may also be lined with clays that can
hydrate or become dislodged following fluid invasion.
126) State the types of contamination you can face in OBM and how you can
treat it?
Barite sag fix it by add more viscosifiers, High Viscosity remove LGS using SCE add
wetting agent, Water wet solid will blind the shakers and give low ES add
emulsifiers, High solids mud viscosity will increase and ES decrease so work SCE,
Acidic gases is detected by drop alkalinity, add lime to be excess lime, Oil
separation free oil may appear on surface of mud tanks so work agitators.
127) What Are the Main Factors in Clay Dispersion?

According to clay Chemistry studies to make a clay dispersion it happen by
physiochemical reaction between the cations ( Monovalent-Di-valent) and also It
need the water to happen also Formation Salinity because if the formation
Salinity is greater than the Mud salinity the formation fluids will transfer from
formation to Mud and lead to caved shale if the Opposite condition the mud
water will transfer to Shale Fm and it will make shale swelling(Dispersion ) By
Osmosis forces.
128) Rule of Thumb to Increase the Mud weigh 1 pcf? And what is the Kill Mud
Weight equation?
11 PPB Marble Fine = Increase the Mud Wt with 1 pcf
8.9 PPB Barite = Increase the Mud Wt with 1 pcf.
Kill mud weight ppg = old mud weight + SIDP/ 0.052*TVD
Kill mud weight pcf = old mud weight + SIDP/ 0.007*TVD
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129) What are the common chemical reactions in mud?

Soda ash with Anhydrite: CaSO4 + Na2CO3 →CaCO3 + 2Na+ + SO4.
Cement with sodium bicarbonate: Ca(OH)2 + NaHCO3 →CaCO3+ NaOH ( Increase
PH)+ H2O.
Carbon dioxide with lime: Ca(OH)2 + CO2 →CaCO3 + H2O.
Hydrogen sulfide with zinc oxide: H2S + ZnO ↔ ZnS+ H2O. (At low PH reverse
reaction happened)
130) What are the characteristics of the filter cake?

Impermeable, Non- Porous , Firm, smooth, thin to minimize well sticking and
reduce friction forces between drill string and pore hole wall.
131) What is tau zero?

It is the shear stress at zero shear rate.
132) What is the PHPA?

Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide Polymer, It is a co-polymer of anionic - ve
character and high molecular weight, It is a water-soluble polymer. It functions as
an inhibitor by coating or encapsulating shale, restricts the interaction of water
hydratable & dispersible shale, used as a flocculent in clear water drilling,
provides inhibition properties to fresh water, sea water.
133) What are the types of LCM and talk about Ballooning effect?
Non- reservoir LCM: Mica, barofiber, cotton seed, marble M & C, LC lube, LC lube
fine, steel seal and nut plug, Granular, Flakes, fibrous.
Reservoir LCM: Marble, baracarb and Soluflake (acid soluble).
Ballooning effect: Happened when the fracture pressure is close to the formation
pressure so while circulation the ECD increase the fracture pressure and cause
losses and when the circulation stop the formation pressure increase the hydrostatic
pressure and cause flow.
134) What is the H2S scavenger with WBM and OBM?

Powder: Zinc Oxide , Zinc carbonate, Sourscav.
Liquid: Safescav and some times Milguard used as H2S scavenger.
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136) What is the gel strength & type of it?

Gel strength (lb/100 ft2): Electro chemicals attraction forces between particles of
mud during static mode (carrying capacity of mud during static mode.
Types of gel strength: Flat or fragile gel is The gel strength reading taken ( 10
sec,10 min,30 min) are near value ,this formed from polymer mud with chemicals
like Xanthangum , which formed electro chemical attraction forces Once shearing
applied this forces breaking easy. Progressive gel: Wide rang value between 10
sec , 10 min & 30 min this indication for solids build up due to contamination
CO3,HCO3&Ca. Flash gel: The gel strength 10 sec & 10 min both hi & with near
value This indication for flocculation in mud (in muds with clays added
Or drilled).
137) what is the ECD, what is the relation between ECD & GPM, PV, What do
you expect the ECD value high or low at the same TVD but different MD (vertical
and horizontal well)?
Equivalent circulating density, pressure on formation while circulation, equal to
the total annular pressure loss from measurement point to bell nipple +
hydrostatic pressure.
ECD=Mud weight (ppg) + Annular pressure loss/TVD*0.052
Relation between ECD & GPM & PV: ECD direct proportional with square annular
velocity (Av2). Annular velocity(Av) direct proportional with GPM(Q). ECD direct
proportional with annular friction coefficient (Fa) direct proportional with PV
So when PV increases ECD increases. When GPM increases ECD increases.
ECD will be low at the vertical well and high at the horizontal well at the same
measure depth due to the reverse relationship between ECD and TVD from the
previous equation and the increase of pressure loss value at the horizontal wells.
138) What is the PV, Effect of increasing in mud & drilling operations?
PV( CP ): Electro mechanical attraction forces between particles of mud.
Factors affect on PV: Conc of solids, shape & size of solids, Presence of long chain
polymer, O/W ratio.
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Effect of increasing in mud & drilling operations: When PV increasing, annular

friction coefficient increases & annular pressure loss increases so ECD increases &
ROP decreases.
139) What is YP & LSYP, and what is the difference between them?
YP(lb/100 ft2): Electro chemicals attraction forces between particles of mud
during circulation (carrying capacity of mud during circ).
LSYP(lb/100 ft2):Carrying capacity of mud @ low velocity or true yield point or
shear stress @ zero shear rate in modified power low.
140) Why we are adding water in high density mud & the dilution rates?
To leaving free water available in mud, avoid increasing in Vis & PV. Dilution rates
± 20 bbl per hour is required below 150 pcf ,as the mud density go up to 150+ pcf
the fluid needs a minimum of 20 to 25 bbl/hr water addition to avoid mud
dehydration.
141) What is the mechanism of shale inhibition for KCL?
The spacing between shale layers is 2.8 Å. The ionic diameter of the K+ Is 2.66 Å.
This allows the K+ to fit the space between unit layers forming a bond that
prevents swelling in the presence of water.
142) What is cation exchange capacity?

The compensating cations that are adsorbed on the unit‐layer surface may be
exchanged for other cations and are called the exchangeable cations of the clay.
The quantity of cations per unit weight of clay is measured and reported as the
CEC, The CEC is expressed in millequivalents per 100 g of dry clay (meq/100 g).
The CEC of montmorillonites is within the range of 80 to 150 meq/100 g of dry
clay. The CEC of illites and chlorites is about 10 to 40 meq/100 g, and for
kaolinites it is about 3 to 10 meq/100 g of clay. The Methylene Blue Test (MBT) is
an indicator of the apparent CEC of a clay.
143) what is the meaning of D50 = 40 ? If you have Ceramic Disk 50 micron what
do you prefer for the formation Bridging size 25 or 50 or 100?
50 % from particles size of this product =40 micron. We prefer bridging size 50
and 100 due to the grinding and crushing force size 100 will decrease to less than
50.
144) what is meaning D90 separation = 75 micron?
90 % from particles size of this product can pass through screen less than 75
micron
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145) Define dynamic barite sag and it's relation with flow rate & temperature?
Barite settling under dynamic conditions. Factors: Fluid rheology, Hole angle,
Interval length, Flow rates, Annular velocities, Low RPM, High temperatures cause
mud thinning and increased settling.
146) What is the effect of thick filter cake and it's relation with fluid loss?
Thick Filter cake forming due to poor filtration control. Effect of thick filter cake:
Tight spot, Stuck pipe, Bad wire line log, Damaging for reservoir, Increase torque
and drag. To have good filter cake must be Thin, Compact, Impermeable, Non
porous.
147) What is the base oil types used for building OBM & SBM ? Difference
between each SG & Supplier?
Base fluid OBM : diesel (SG 0.84 ) aromatic content >1 & safra oil less toxic (0.79)
Base SBM: Paraffin & Olefin( S.G 0.79 ) depend on aromatic content<1 Using
SBM when drilling in aquifer, environmentally (biodegradable) very good for
reservoir& good in mud rheology. BAKER HUGHES SBM BIO‐MUL SYNTEQ.
148) Why barite need to be Oil –wet in OBM system?
To avoid barite sag & increasing in rheology.
149) How to select WPS and reason?

To be more than or equilibrium formation salinity to create osmotic effect which
prevent swelling shale due to transfer water from low salinity to high salinity.
150) What is the difference between barite sag and Barite settling?
Barite SAG: Settling barite causing variation in mud density specially when drilling
with weighted mud in High angle wells due to low velocity, low RPM , low mud
rheology, in OBM bad emulsion. Two Mechanisms Sag: Dynamic settling, Static
settling. Barite Settling: settling barite in mud tanks due to low rheology, Bad
mixing practice.
151)What is the difference between CaCo3 and Marble?

Sized Marble “sized Silicate CaCo3”: Metamorphic rock can using in high pressure
& high temperature as bridging & LCM.
CaCo3 Marble: cannot using in high pressure & high temperature due to crush the
particles under high pressure & high temperature and used for weighting mud.
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152)How to prevent H2S in WBM/OBM?

By maintain overbalance & good PH (if we have potential H2S influx increase PH
more than 10.5 in WBM) & good alkalinity (excess lime 4‐6 in OBM ).
153)How to treat H2S in WBM / OBM?

In case minor influxes, Increase in mud weight may be sufficient to control it.
If levels continues, we need Chemical treatment by Neutralization and
scavenging.
Neutralization of H2S With NaOH & lime. NaOH + H2S→NaHS+ H2O.
NaOH + NaHS→Na2S+ H2O, Ca(OH)2+H2S→CaS+ 2H2O
Scavenging of H2S by Zinc product (zinc oxide & zinc carbonate) WBM & OBM
ZnCO3 + H2S →ZnS + H2CO3 (not recommended for use in WBM due to
carbonate which create issues in mud parameters).
ZnO+ H2S →ZnS + H2O Zinc product not recommended due to it is heavy metal
(environmental restrict). Triazine product( WBM & OBM )Triazines have a large
capacity to react with H2S 3 molecules of H2S for every molecule of triazine
,stable reaction ,corrosion Inhibitors. Iron product (Iron Gluconate) (WBM & OBM)
Fe++ + S−−→FeS. 2Fe+++ + 3S−−→Fe2S3

Amin product ( Mono Ethelen Amin & Di Ethelen Amin ).
MEA: H2S + RNH2 ⇔HS−+ RNH3
DEA: H2S + R2NH ⇔HS−+ R2NH2
MDEA: H2S + R2R’N ⇔HS−+ R2R’NH+
However, these chemicals are not recommended for use in drilling applications
As the amine can be regenerated by application of heat. Milguard used as H2S
scavenger.
Affect H2S on mud
Cut in mud weight, decrease PH in WBM & Lime in OBM, May be dark color on
WBM, decrease ES in OBM, Make foaming in mud, increase rheology, increase API
& HTHP filtrate.
154) What is the H2S test?

Qualitative ( HACH test ). Quantitative garret gas train (GGT).
155)what is the PSD test?
PSD: Particles size distribution (detect D10, D50 & D90) BY laser beam on mud
sample to detect the % of size different bridging in mud (if we have more than 33
% from pores size it is indicate to good bridging less than 33% we need to add
44
more bridging from this size to avoid differential stuck in case drilling with very
high overbalance).
156)How to improve ES in OBM?
Detect excess lime If lime amount low add lime only if lime good add primary
emulsifier.
157)Hole cleaning scenarios in different hole angle?
By good drilling parameters (high GPM, high RPM, control WOB, control ROP) &
good mud Rheology. In vertical hole Pump high vis. In deviated wells to 35 Pump
low vis (turbulent flow )& hi vis ( laminar flow ) and More than 35 pump tandum
pill ( low vis & hi wt), maintain 6 RPM reading 1.2 to 1.5 hole size, 3 RPM reading
1 to 1.5 hole size, LSYP = Hole size, Yp = 2 hole size, PV = 3 * ( mud weight ppg –
4) & FV = 4 * mud weight ppg.
158)How to improve hole cleaning without affecting the whole drilling fluid
system rheology or weight or 6rpm reading or LSYP?
By good drilling parameters High GPM & High RPM , control ROP.
159) How to select LCM?

Depend on Formation :(reservoir or non‐reservoir) (non‐damaging or
conventional).Depend on type of losses: Partial, Sever, Complete.
Depend on BHA & Nozzle of Bit. Depend on size of LCM.
160) What is the type of polymers?

polymers: number of repeating similar atoms or groups ( monomers)
co - polymer : combined of 2 or more different monomers.
Organic polymer:
Naturally polymer: Starch200°F , Polysaccharides "Xanthan Gum" (bacterially
produced).
Modified: Carboxy methyl cellulose CMC 300 F "Anionic polymer that easily
adsorbs on clay surfaces" filtration control & viscofiers, PolyanionicCellulose
(PAC)300°F filtration control & viscofiers PAC more able to react w water than
CMC , limitation of Ca 300 mg/l because of Ca forming hydrogen bond with
envelop water and decrease free water in mud lead to precipitation pac.
Hydroxyethel Cellulose (HEC) Organic nonionic polymer viscofiers with brine mud
( not give yield & gel strength). Synthetic: Polyacrylates, Polyacrylamides,
Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamides (PHPA). Limitation of PHPA. PH not more
45
than 10.5 which release for NH3, Ca less than 300, MBT less than 15, LGS not hi
due to increasing in vis, Temperature 275 F. Lignosulfonate : Adsorbed on Clay
Surface ,Neutralizing Positive Charges causing deflocculating. Inorganic Poly
phosphates Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (SAPP) @170 F transfer to ortho
phosphate ( deflocculant ).
Polymer Applications: Viscosifiers, Suspension, Deflocculants, Flocculants,
Bentonite extenders, Filtration controllers, Shale stabilizers.
Polymer shape: Linear, Cross‐linked, Branched.
161) Talk about wettability of barite?

In OBM if barite wet with water lead to barite sag & increasing in mud rheology
Treated by add wetting agent to change wettability of barite to be oil wet by
decrease surface tension between oil & barite also add primary emulsifier & lime
In WBM must be Barite wet with water to avoid flocculation by open water hose
on active bit in case hi m.wt open 20 barrel per hour.
162) High Mud weight OBM issues?

High solids contents give high PV, YP and gel strengths. Thick filter cakes, Barite
sag. Treated by high Oil ratio (because water act as solids in OBM) and good
emulsion (wetting agent) & good rheology.
163) What is the type of kill well methods and after how many feet we should
make kill shaeet?
Wait and Weight method control well with one circulation. Kill weight
mud is displaced into drill string and kick (wellbore influx) is removed while
displacing a wellbore.
The Driller’s Method requires two circulations. first circulation, to circulated
out influx with the original mud weight. Constant BHP is maintained by
holding circulating drill pipe pressure constant through the first circulation.
If the original mud weight is insufficient to balance the formation pressure,
the well is killed by circulating a heavier mud (kill mud) in a second circulation.
VIP Note: Kill sheet should did every drilling 500 feet.
164) why we use salt saturated polymer mud?

In case drilling salt dome to avoid wash of formation & must be the salinity
of mud near salinity of formation ( +/‐ 10 k less ) they preferred less than 10 k.
46
165)Tack about High Bentonite mud?

Using to make sealing for formation in case we have potential for losses like wasia
formation in KSA in the past drilled it with emulsion mud to avoid losses by
making mud weight less than water weight But due to aquifer switched to Hi
Bentonite mud.
Mixing
Mix 35 ppb bentointe with caustic soda & soda ash, Prehydrated for 4 hr, Add 1
ppb thiner wiith 1/4 ppb caustic soda, Complete the dose of bentonite to 50 ppb.
166) What is the PSD?

PSD : provide real data about bridging distribution in mud. PSD using laser beam
on mud sample, results shows in chart which detect D10, D50, and D90. If high
percentage of pores size in mud this indication for good bridging.
167) Take about Calibration of VG- meter, Retort, PH meter & ES meter?
VG – meter calibrated with calibrated fluids 50 CP or 100 CP at surface room
temperature and take RPM 300 with error +- 1.5 or you can increase temperature
as per calibration table which show reading of RPM 300 at different temperature.
Retort: First calibration is calibrated with distilled water or diesel but take care
due to flammable point. Check maximum temperature for the device without
putting cell and it should be 950 F to 990 F. Second calibration is by weight the
empty cell and record the weight then fill with 50 ml distilled water which equal
50 gm and record the weight if there is any change in the weight so check the cell
may be has some erosion, cracks or some cutting or ash or rust precipitated in
the bottom of cell.
Note: Retort 220 volt ---------------- 3A fuse. Retort 110 volt ----------------- 5A fuse.
PH meter: Check with calibration fluids which have PH 4, PH 7, and PH 10 and
take the three readings and follow calibration procedure of the device. Other
device check only with two fluids PH 4, PH 7 or PH 7, PH 10.
ES meter: calibrate with the two calibrated plugs supplied with the device the low
resistor reading plug 610 V and the high resistor reading plug 1952 V with error -+
2. Or you can calibrate with diesel (put probe in diesel) or calibrate with Air(put
probe in air) with maximum reading 1999 V, ∞ V or calibrate with water (put
probe in water) reading < 3 V.
47
168) Take about lag time and lag mud check?

Lag time (bottom up): is the time for fluids or cutting from bit to shale shaker by
strokes or by minutes.
Lag mud check (from pit to pit): check the mud parameters or do complete test
for some volume of mud from certain pit and calculate the complete cycle then
do complete mud test for the same mud after back to the same pit to see the
change in mud parameters and properties for the same mud barrel and do the
right treatment.
169) why we double the volume of filtrate on HPHT test?

• Due to the filter paper of HPHT is 2.5 inch and for API is 3.5 inch and A= πr²
so for HTHP=π*6.25=19.625 and for API= π*12.25=38.465, A
(API)/A(HTHP)=1.96 ⸗≈≡ 2.
• The volume of API cell is 350 ml and the volume of HPHT cell is 175 ml (half
of API cell) and rule of thumb 1 barrel = 350 ml and the test should
equivalent for 1 bbl so API 350 ml equal 1 barrel and HPHT cell 175 ml equal
for ½ barrel so we double the volume of filtrate.
170) How to mix Resinex, Spersene, Soltex & PHPA?

Resinex: Resinex limitation is chlorides less than 70,000 mg/l, hardness less than
300 mg/l. so it is better to mix in water in slug pit to get high solubility then
transfer to active.
Spersene: spersene is better to mix in water in slug tank to get high solubility in
low PH then transfer to active tank and Increase the PH after or before transfer.
Aspasol soltex: Soltex is better to mix in diesel in slug tank due to high solubility
in diesel then transfer to active tank.
PHPA: PHPA is better to mix in slug tank with water in low PH or we can add citric
acid to make deactivation for the PHPA long chain polymer then transfer to active
and adjust the PH.
171) What is the effect of PH on foam?

Low PH increase foam due to expecting acid gases at low PH.
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172) What is the optimum horse power per square inch (HHSI) to prevent bit
balling?
Hydraulic horse power per square inch HHSI should be from 2 – 4 to prevent bit
balling in water base mud. because no bit balling in oil base mud.
173) How many PPB of CaCo3 that increase LGS 1 %?

9.4 PPB of CaCo3 increase 1% LGS.
174) What is the relation between increase in drill solids and increase of mud
weight?
10.92 ppg of drill solids increase mud weight by 0.1 ppg.
Ex: 0.1 * 2.6 (s.g of drill cutting) * 42 = 10.92 ppg.
175)Talk about pilot test?

Water = 8.334 * 1 bbls * 42= 350 ml.
1 bbls ------------------- 350 ml. 1 bound ----------------- 1 gram.
1 gal --------------------- 8.33 ml or 3.78 lb. 1 % ------------------------ 3.5 ml.
1 liter --------------------- 1000 ml. 1 bbls ----------------------- 159 liter.
Viscosity cup ----------------- 0.25 gal.
176)Talk about dogleg?

Dogleg is the high difference between two survey stations, it may be azimuth or
inclination. If the angle is more than 4 / 100 feet this will make dogleg.
177)What is the three factors that effect on concentration of chemicals on the

mud report?
Specific gravity, Transaction from or to active tanks & Recycled or Received
volume.
178) How to calculate motor revolution (Motor RPM) and what is the optimum
GPM for hole and talk about barite recovery?
Ask the MWD about the revolution per gallon (RPG) from the surface test for
MWD tools and the GPM for the test. EX: RPG = 0.2. RPM motor = RPG * GPM.
As A rule of thumb: GPM = 40 - 60 * hole size or 40 – 60 / Inch.
Barite recovery mode Centrifuge:
First Machine:
Low speed, High GPM, (Low RPM) 2000 RPM, G force 1200, coarse cut point,
Powel diameter > 18 inch.
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Second Machine: High speed, Low GPM, (High RPM) 3000 RPM, G force 3000,
Fine cut point, Powel diameter < 18 inch.
179)Take about the Losses and possibility of gain flow, mechanical or

differential stuck formation s in Saudi Arabia?
Losses in Dammam Fm: Fly mix with spud mud due to loose sand.
Losses in Rus Fm: Fly mix with lime with water due to fracture anhydrite in Rus
and Um radhuma Fm.
Losses in Wasia and Shuabia: Fly mix with Nacl polymer mud with PHPA( solids
not liquid due to Aquifer) due to Shale of Aruma Fm & Qusiebah Fm.
Note: Wasia Fm include Wara member which consist of Shale and Safaniya
Member which consist of depleted sand so sometimes we drill with high
bentonite mud to make thick filter cake across the sand zone.
Notes:
• No filter cake formed across the shale or anhydrite formations due to the
absence of porosity and permeability.
• Have swelling and Dispersed shale in Biyadah Fm.
• Mechanical stuck expexted in Aruma or Qusiebah Shale.
• Differential stuck expected in Arab Fm.
• Expected water flow in Jilh Fm so add Pes 300(product) and 1 % glycol
which help to prevent pressure transmission and also reduce water loss.
Pes 300 used with low concentration of lignosulphonate due to the –ve
charge of lignosulphonate and the Pes 300 and glycol has +ve charge.
• VIP Note: All thinners –ve charge. All inhibition +ve charge.
180) talk about RHELIANT System? And what about flat rheology in Rheliant
system?
Rheliant mud system is the mud with flat rheology at the same profile under
different temperature and pressure by using good emulsifier and with very little
or no organophillic clay or lignite but we can use two types of modified
organophillic clay. The most advantage of the Rheliant system is the low flat gel
which give low pressure for swab and surge.
Lime: 3-4 lb/bbl
Salinity: 25 – 30 %.
Surmul: good for emulsion , flatness, thinner, filtration control and activate the
Ecotrol ( Surmul for Ecotrol like PH in WBM for polymers). Concentration: 8-14
gal/bbls. Treatment 1 gal/bbl.
50
Surwett: wetting agent. Concentration 0.5 gal/bbl.

Rhethik: Rheology modifier, Increase 6RPM, gel, YP so should be careful while
treatment. Loss little effect during circulation due to temperature. Concentration
0.5- 1.5 gal/bbl. Traetment: 0.25 lb/bbl.
VG – Supreme: Increase gel, YP, 600,300 RPM & suspension with no shear so used
for anti-barite sagging and better to add before POOH. Concentration 0.5 – 2
lb/bbl.
VG – Plus: Increase gel, YP, 6 RPM but need shearing. Stable for long time at high
temperature. Concentration: 0.5 – 2 lb/bbl. Traetment: 0.25 lb/bbl.
Ecotrol: Fluid loss reducer. Concentration 2-4 lb/bbl. Treatment: 0.25 lb/bbl.
Flatness or Flat Rheology: is aconstant Rheological properties over wide range of
temperature and pressure. 3 parameters affect flatness: 6RPM, YP, 10 min gel.
Flatness rule of thumb: gel 10 min = 1.5 gel 10 sec.
Flatness at different temperature (100,120,150) = Max. reading of ( gel or YP or 6
RPM) – Min reading of ( gel or YP or 6 RPM)/ Min reading of ( gel or YP or 6 RPM).
181) Talk about foam? Causes and Solutions?

Causes:
Mechanical foam: Atmosphere-entrained by mud guns, Atmospheric exposure,
shakers, Injected air by hopper, air velocity and surface equipment. Atmospheric
absorption. Chemical foam: Injected air, Acidic gases influx from formation with
Low PH, High salinity mud, Low viscous mud. Lignosluphonate can cause foaming
at PH 8 so Add Caustic Soda to increase pH.
Solutions: Submerge guns and operate mixing equipment only when required.
Condition mud to maximize breakout. Operate degasser. Condition mud
properties. Raise pH to the maximum acceptable level. Pilot test treatment with
makeup water and foaming agents for compatibility. Add oxygen scavenger.
182) Talk about bit balling indicators?

Decrease torque , increase pressure, Low ROP, Sticky and aggregated shale or
clays on shaker screens.
183) What is relation between temperature and pH? Does high temperature
tend to decrease the pH?
51
PH is defined as negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration. It varies from

1 to 14. I to 6.9 is acidic and 7.1 to 14 alkaline. 1 is highest acidic and 14 is highest
alkaline. 7 is neutral, pH is measured by specific sensors/electrodes and in room
temperature along with proper calibrations. Therefore when pH measured at
room temperature there is no direct correlation between pH and temperature.
PH also is defined as the concentration of proton H+, so it depends on this
concentration. If we have a system, in which the concentration changes when
changing temperature, of course pH will change. Some system can produce
proton H+ when increasing temperature, so the pH value will decrease. On the
contrary it increases, the answer depends on the physical chemistry process of
detail system. Since a rise in temperature is associated with increased molecular
vibrations, up on increasing the temperature, the observable [H+] also increases
due to a decreased tendency of forming Hyderogen bonds, thus leading to a
reduction in the pH. So we can consider PH dropped when temperature
increased.
Explanation: H2O⇌H++OH−
This is an endothermic reaction. It is to consider that it is a bond-breaking
reaction that requires energy to break a strong O−H bond. Given that it is a bond-
breaking reaction, increase of temperature would probably drive the reaction
further to the right, and result in greater concentrations of H+. Since, by
definition, pH=−log10{H+}, PH should indeed decrease at higher temperature.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read).The pH level of pure water drops as temperature
increases and rises as temperature decreases, although these changes are too
small to be picked up by basic pH testing methods.
In water , PH decreases slightly with temperature this because the rate of
dissociation of H+ ions increases. At a higher temperature (more energy), you'll
see more water molecules splitting into H+ and -OH. If you try to calculate the pH
after raising the temperature, it will look like it went down because the
concentration of H+ has increased. That's because of the -log[H+] formula. What
you aren't factoring in is the equal increase in --OH, which will neutralize the H+.
The pH may be lower, but the water is still neutral.
The amount of dissolved oxygen becomes lower as the water becomes warmer.
Temperature is measured in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius (Centigrade). pH – pH
is the measure of hydrogen ions, or acidity, in the water. Water has hydrogen ions
and hydroxyl ions. When there are equal numbers of both, the water is neutral.
As the hydrogen ions increase, the water becomes more acidic; as the hydroxyl
52
ions increase, the water becomes more basic. pH is measured on a logarithmic

scale of 0 – 14: 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic; above 7 is basic. Most aquatic
organisms have a narrow pH tolerance range of 6.5 – 8.5. Acidic waters can cause
toxic heavy metals to be released into the water. Acid rain and mining operations
can lower the pH of water bodies.
Notes:
• Oxygen solubility rapidly decreases as temperature increases, at
atmospheric pressure.
• As the increase of temperature increases the solubility of corrosive gases
(O2, H2S & CO2) at down hole pressure and temperature of well.
• Due to air entrapment, the total oxygen content in a mud system can
exceed the anticipated oxygen solubility based on temperature, pressure
and salinity.
184) What is the relationship between pH and alkalinity? How are they
different? How does temperature affect them?
In simple terms, pH is the concentration of acid protons [H+]. On the other hand,
the alkalinity of a solution is its ability to neutralize acids. Alkalinity consists of
ions that incorporate acid protons into their molecules so that they are not
available as a free acid that can lower the pH. This is known as buffering. For
example acid reacts with (CO3)2- to make HCO3–, and converts PO42- to HPO4–
This makes it so that a significantly higher quantity of acid is required to lower the
pH compared to a solution that does not contain these ions. Deionized water can
drop from pH 7 to pH 2 with just one drop of acid, while natural well water may
require 200 – 300 ppm of acid just to lower pH from 7 to 6.
What is Alkalinity? Alkalinity consists primarily of carbonate, bicarbonate,

phosphate, borate, orthosilicate, sulfides, and organic acids. Most people refer
to alkalinity as the concentrations of carbonate (CO32-) and bicarbonate (HCO3–)
53
ions, which are the buffers that are typically present in the highest concentrations
in natural waters. Bicarbonate in particular, is the strongest buffer (largest Ka
value) and the effect of other buffers becomes insignificant in its presence.
At very high pH, like pH 12, the hydroxide ion [OH–] concentration is so high
that it takes a significant amount of acid to neutralize enough of them before the
pH drops. For that reason, hydroxides (OH) are considered as contributors to
alkalinity above ~pH 10.5. At very low pH, hydronium ion [H+] concentrations
are very high, and as a result, a much higher concentration of acid is required to
further lower the pH.
Higher temperature shifts the equation to the right, slightly increasing the
carbonate than bicarbonate ratio. At the same time, the acid (H+) concentration
increases slightly which causes a slight drop in pH. This means that a warmer
solution can have better buffering capacity despite a lower pH.
HCO3−⇔CO32−+H+. The opposite happens at lower temperature. So we can said

that warm or heat can produce H+
H2CO3⇔HCO3−+H+
H2CO3 converts instantly to CO2.
185) Talk about WBM & OBM Tests?
SEE THE WMB & OBM TESTS FOLDER.
WBM TITRATION
ALKALINITY
1. Collect at least 5ml of filtrate from API
Pm
1. Add 1ml mud to a titration dish
2. Add 5-10ml Distilled Water
3. Add 3 – 5 drops Phenolphthalein
4. Slowly titrate with 0.02N Sulphuric Acid until the pink colour just disappears
5. Record volume of Sulphuric Acid required
Pf
1. Add 1ml filtrate to a titration dish
2. Add 5-10ml Distilled Water
54
3. Add 3-5 drops Phenolphthalein

4. Slowly titrate with 0.02N Sulphuric Acid until the pink colour just disappears (this will occur at pH of 8.3)
5. Record volume of Sulphuric Acid required as Pf.
Mf
1. Use the above sample
2. Add 4 – 5 drops Bromocresol Green (or Methyl Orange)
3. Slowly titration with 0.02N Sulphuric Acid (N/50) until the colour changes to yellow (this will occur at pH of 4.3)
4. Record volume of Sulphuric Acid titrated and add the results from the above Pf
CHLORIDE (Cl-)
1. Add 1ml filtrate to a titration dish and add a stirrer bar
2. Add 2 – 3 drops Phenolphthalein
3. Slowly titration with 0.02N Sulphuric Acid (N/50) until the colour goes back to original (same volume as Pf)
4. Add 25ml Distilled Water
5. Add 10 drops Potassium Chromate
6. While stirring, slowly titrate 0.282N Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) until colour changes from yellow to orange-red
7. Record volume of Silver Nitrate titrated and times by 10,000 (mg/l)
TOTAL HARDNESS (Ca+2)

1. Add 20ml Distilled Water to a titration dish
2. Add 1ml filtrate
3. Add 1ml Versenate Buffer (Ammonia Buffer)
4. Add 3-6 drops Versenate Indicator (Calmagite Indicator)
5. Titrate with Standard Versenate Solution (0.01M EDTA) until the colour changes from wine red to blue
6. Record volume of Standard Versenate Solution
If Magnesium is to be measured, record this as “A”
Total Hardness as Ca+2 (mg/L) = A x 400 (0.01M EDTA)
Total Hardness as Ca+2 (mg/L) = A x 40 (0.1M EDTA)
CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM SEPARATLEY

1. Add 20ml Distilled Water to a titration dish
2. Add 1ml filtrate
3. Add 1ml 8N Sodium Hydroxide or Calver Buffer (1N Sodium Hydroxide)
4. Add a pinch of Calver II Indicator
5. Titrate with Standard Versenate Solution (0.01M EDTA) until the colour changes to blue
6. Record volume of Standard Versenate Solution
Record this as “B”
Calcium (mg/L) = B x 400
Magnesium (mg/L) = (A – B) x 243
pH MEASUREMENT
• Method 1: Neat (undiluted sample)
1. Place 20 cm3 of the brine into a clean, dry 50 cm3 beaker or equivalent bowl.
2. Stir thoroughly. Heat or chill the sample so that the temperature reaches 24 °C ± 3 °C (75 °F ± 5 °F)
55
• Method 2: 1:1 (diluted sample)

1. Place 20 cm3 of the brine into a clean, dry 50 cm3 beaker or equivalent bowl.
2. Stir thoroughly. Heat or chill the sample so that the temperature reaches 24 °C ± 3 °C (75 °F ± 5 °F)
METHYLENE BLUE
1 Add 2.0 mL of Mud to the 250ml Erlenmeyer flask
2 Add 10 mL of deionized water
3 Add 15 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide to the flask.
4 Add 0.5 mL of 5N sulfuric acid to the mixture
5 Boil gently for 10 minutes. Do not allow to boil to dryness.
6 Dilute the mixture to about 50 mL using deionized water.
7 Add methylene blue solution to the flask in increments of 0.5 mL After each addition of methylene blue solution
swirl the contents of the flask for about 30 seconds. If the approximate amount of methylene blue dye is known
from previous testing, then larger increments may be used at the beginning of the procedure.
8 While the solids are still suspended, remove one drop of liquid with the stirring rod and place the drop on the
filter paper. The initial end point of the titration is reached when the dye appears as a blue turquoise ring
surrounding the dyed solids.
9 When the blue tint halo spreading from the spot is detected, shake the flask an additional 2 minutes and place
another drop on the filter paper. If the blue ring is again evident, the final endpoint has been reached. If the blue
ring does not appear, then continue as before until a drop taken after 2 minutes shows the blue tint halo.
Methylene Blue = Methylene Blue (mL)

Drilling Fluid (mL)
The methylene blue capacity may also be reported as pounds per barrel of equivalent bentonite, based on bentonite
with a cations exchange capacity of 70 meq / 100 grams.
Bentonite equivalent (lb/bbl) = 5 x Methylene Blue (mL)

Drilling Fluid (mL)
Bentonite equivalent (kg/m3) = 2.85 × Bentonite equivalent (lb/bbl)
METHYLENE BLUE
1. volume of methylene blue solution added
2. no free, unabsorbed dye present
3. drilling fluid solids, dyed blue
4. moisture, no colour
5. free dye in water
6. endpoint reached
7. endpoint retest after 2 min reaction
8. endpoint exceeded
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WBM TITRATION
PHPA POLYMER
1. Pour 10-cc filtrate into a Centrifugal Tube, use filtrate collected bet. 7.5 & 30 min.
2. Add 6-drops Cresol Red Indicator
3. Add 0.2N HCL drop wise mix until color changes from Red to Orange
NOTE: Determine exact end point, back titrate with 0.2N NAOH
4. Add 2-cc Stannic Chloride, invert tube 3-4 times and allow to stand 3-4 minutes
5. Invert Tube again, then Centrifuge for 1-min.
Calculation: CC precipitate = ppb PHPA
BENTONITE
RHEOLOGY
1. Use a Hamilton Beach Cup
2. Add 350ml Water
3. 22.5g Bentonite
4. Stir for 20 minutes
5. Check periodically for any clay adhering to the walls or blades
6. Age Suspension in a sealed container for 16hrs @room temperature
7. Record storage temperature and storage duration
8. Stir Suspension for 5 minutes
9. Check rheologies. Record at 600 r/min and 300 r/min a at a 25 °C (77 °F)
PV = 600 - 300
YP = 300 - PV
YP/PV viscosity ratio = YP / PV
FILTRATE
1. Recombine all suspension from Rheology and add to API cell
2. Set one timer for 7.5 min and the second timer for 30 min
3. Start both timers and adjust the pressure on the cell to 100 psi
4. At 7.5 minutes remove cylinder and discard
5. Place a dry 10ml cylinder under drain tube and continue unit end of 30min timer
6. Record volume of filtrate collected
Filtrate volume = 2 x (volume collected between 7.5 and 30 minutes)
RESUDUE (greater than 75 μm)

1. Add 350ml Water to a Hamilton Beach Cup
2. Add 0.2g Sodium Hexametaphosphate while stirring on the mixer
3. Add 10g Bentonite
4. Stir for 30 minutes
57
5. Transfer to sieve and wash the material for 2 minutes

6. Wash the residue from the sieve into a tared evaporating dish.
7. Dry residue in oven and record residue mass and drying time
8. Calculate mass fraction residue of particles greater than 75 μm, in percent
Fraction residue = 100 x {residue / sample mass}
BENTONITE PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BARITE QC (Philips Test Method)

PROCEDURE
1. Fill Beaker with 250mL Distilled Water
2. Weigh 927g Barite
3. Add Barite to water while mixing on Hamilton beach
4. Mix for 10 minutes at Low Speed
5. Test to be performed immediately after mixing
• Slurry Viscosity @ 600 rpm
• Slurry pH
• Slurry Weight
SPECIFICATION
1. 600 rpm = 200 max
2. pH = 10.0 max
3. Density sg = 2.50 max
POSSIBLE DIFFERENCES AND CAUSES

1. High viscosity and pH 8.0 - 10.0 = Bentonite contamination
2. High viscosity and pH 11.0 - 12.0 = Cement contamination
3. Slurry density is related to Barite sg, and will be only slightly affected by any contaminants.
OBM TITRATION
ALKALINITY
1. Using a syringe, transfer 1ml of OBM into a 250ml beaker
2. Add 50ml solvent (Xylene/IPA)
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3. Add 100ml DI Water and start stirring

4. Add 20 drops Phenolphthalein
5. While stirring, slowly titrate 0.1N Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4) until the pink colour just disappears
6. Record volume of Sulphuric Acid titrated
7. Stop stirring and allow to stand for 5mins, if pink colour does not return then the endpoint has been reached
EXCESS LIME
1. Times above result by 1.295
CHLORIDE
1. Using the above sample
2. Add 20 drops Potassium Chromate
3. While stirring, slowly titrate 0.282N Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) until orange colour
4. The colour should remain stable for at least 1min
5. Record volume of Silver Nitrate titrated
CALCIUM IN WHOLE MUD (FLOPRO RDF)

1. Add 100ml PNP a 500ml Conical Flask
2. Add 2ml Sample
3. Add 200ml Distilled Water
4. Add 6ml 1N Sodium Hydroxide
5. Add 1g Calver II Indicator
6. While stirring, (only fast enough to agitate the aqueous lower phase) slowly titrate 0.1M EDTA until the reddish
colour goes to blue green
C(Ca++)TOT = (4000 x VEDTA)/Vs
C(Ca++)TOT = whole drilling fluid calcium content, in milligrams per liter
VEDTA = volume of 0.1 mol/l EDTA solution, in milliliters
Vs = volume of the drilling fluid sample, in milliliters
MAKE - CALVER BUFFER

1N Sodium Hydroxide Solution, Calcium Versenate Buffer Solution
• Dissolve 160 g Sodium Hydroxide, reagent grade in distillate water. Make up to 1litre
MAKE - METHYLENE BLUE

• Dissolve 3.2 g Methylene Blue (Laboratory grade) in 1000 cc distillate water
MAKE - AMMONIA BUFFER

Total Hardness Buffer, Versenate Hardness Buffer
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• 67.5 g Ammonium Chloride and 570 cc Ammonium Hydroxide dilute to 1000 cc Distillate Water
MAKE – POTASSIUM CHROMATE

• Dissolve 5 g Potassium Chromate and dilute to 100 cc distillate water
MAKE – HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3%

• Dissolve 100 ml H2O2 30 % (Laboratory grade) in 900 g distillate water
MAKE – METHYL ORANGE SOLUTION

Dissolve 1 g Methyl Orange Lab Grade and dilute to 100 cc Distillate Water
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-
OH present when pH > 7.0
-
CHO 3 present when pH is between 4.3 and 11.7
2-
CO 3 present when pH > 8.3
Most MUDS are in this pH

range
H+ OH -
0 7 14
ACID BASE
4.3 8.3 Pf 11.7
VOLUME 0.02N SULPHURIC ACID
Mf
Let's assume the Mud's
VOLUME 0.02N SULPHURIC ACID pH is here
Pm = Alkalinity of whole Mud, or Pm is the measure of both soluble and insoluble materials in a mud
Pf = Alkalinity of Mud Filtrate, or Pm is the measure of only soluble materials, reported as the volume of 0.02N Sulphuric Acid required to lower the pH of filtrate to 8.3
Mf = The Sum of the Pf, plus the additional volume of 0.02N Sulphuric Acid required to reduce the pH of filtrate to 4.3, is dubbed Mf
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186) What is the diesel viscosity and what will happened to the viscosity if we
added 5 – 7 % diesel to WBM?
Diesel viscosity is +/- 36 sec/quart and viscosity will be increased if we added 5 – 7

% diesel to WBM.
187) What happened for viscosity or polymer if the PH decreased or Increased?
PH < 7 burn polymers and viscosity decreased due to the acidic medium.
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PH = 7 deactivate polymers and viscosity decreased.
PH 8.5 – 10.5 good for polymers work and good for viscosity.
PH > 12 or = 14 deactivate polymers and viscosity decreased.
188) How to mix 6 lb/bbls from VersaCoat 55 gallon in 1000 bbls?
VersaCoat Specific Gravity is 0.86 s.g. ------------- Convert to ppg. 0.86 * 8.334 =
7.167 ppg.
q ( density) ppg = m ( weight) /v ( volume) gallon
so, m ( weight) = q ( density)ppg * v ( volume)gallon = 7.167 * 55 = 394.198.
6 * 1000 = 6000.
6000/394.198 = 15.22 Drums.
189) How to calculate Carbonate from Pf and Mf?
Carbonate = 1220 * (Mf – Pf )
190) What is the meaning of decreasing viscosity without affect mud weight?
• Due to Adding thinner or deflocculating chemicals like spersene.
• Due to good shearing mud with at high temperature like OBM.
• Due to adding lime while mixing Spud mud that flocculation happened and
increase viscosity then deflocculating happened and decrease viscosity.
• while mixing PHPA, Viscosity will increase and hump and after sometime it
will decrease again.
• while drill limestone, Anhydrite, Cement & Clay, Viscosity will increase and
due to good treatment it will decrease again.
• During drill salt, Viscosity increase due to Cl will flocculate the free clays in
the mud and then PH will decrease so the viscosity will decrease again.
• High PH in spud mud decrease viscosity due to increase dispersion of
bentonite and clays.
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191) What is the equation of dilution rate?

Dilution rate = ROP (Rate of penetration)/ 0.6.
192) Talk about PH and the contamination source?

PH =12→ Contamination with OH- → PF = MF
PH =10 →Contamination with OH-&CO3→ 2PF > MF
PH =9-10 →Contamination with CO3 → 2PF = MF
PH =8.3-9.3 →Contamination with CO3&HCO3→ 2PF < MF
PH =6-8.3→Contamination with HCO3→ PF =0 MF Very High
PH =4.3-6 →Contamination with HCO3& CO2
PH ≤4.3 →Contamination with CO2
193) Talk in brief about the stuck pipe chemicals and their functions?
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194) Talk about mud weight equation for Barite, Marble and Hematite?
Barite:
Barite (ppb) = 1,470 X (W2-W1) / (262 - W2) → mud weight by PCF.
Barite (ppb) = 1,470 X (W2-W1) / (35.4 - W2)→ mud weight by PPG.
Barite specific gravity= 4.2 → 4.2* 8.334 = 35.4 → 35.4*42→1470
Marble Fine:
CaCO3(ppb) = 945 X (W2-W1)/ (168.2 - W2) → mud weight by PCF.
CaCO3(ppb) = 945 X (W2-W1) / (22.5 - W2) → mud weight by PPG.
Marble Fine specific gravity= 2.7 → 2.7* 8.334 = 22.5 → 22.5*42→945
Hematite:
Hematite (ppb) = 1,750 X (W2-W1) / (311.5 - W2) → mud weight by PCF.
Hematite (ppb) = 1,750 X (W2-W1) / (41.65 - W2) → mud weight by PPG.
Hematite gravity= 5 → 5* 8.334 = 41.67 → 41.67*42→1750
Note:
W2 → The wanted mud weight & W1→ The original mud weight.
195) What is the equation to calculate number of barrels while flow check?
1 Hour → 60 minutes → 60 minutes * 60 seconds → 3600 seconds.
1 Barrel → 159 liters.
3600/ 159 = 22.6 → 22.6 / number of seconds = number of barrels per hour.
1 Barrel → 168 quart.
3600/168 = 21.4 → 21.4 / number of seconds = number of barrels per hour.
196) What are the constant factors for treating Ions contaminations?
Ca⁺⁺ * 0.00093 → Pounds per barrels of Soda Ash.
Ca⁺⁺ * 0.00074 → Pounds per barrels of Sodium Bicarbonate.
Mg⁺⁺ * 0.00116 → Pounds per barrels of Caustic Soda.
CO3¯ * 0.00043 → Pounds per barrels of Lime.
HCO3¯ * 0.00021 → Pounds per barrels of Lime.
197) What is the geothermal gradient OR how to calculate bottom hole
temperature?
Geothermal gradient = 1.8°F * (TVD/100 feet) + Surface temperature (80°F). OR
Bottom hole temperature = Flow line temperature + (TVD/100 feet).
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198) What is the shear stress and shear rate and define viscosity related to
shear stress and shear rate?
Shear Stress is the applied force per unit area required to move a regime of liquid
at a given shear rate. Shear stress Ʈ = Force F/ A Area.
Shear Rate is the change in fluid velocity divided by width channel through fluid
moving. Shear Rate λ= (V2 -V1)/ H
Fluid Viscosity μ = shear stress Ʈ / λ shear rate.
199) What are the types of free stuck pills after stuck in Oil Base Mud?
Mechanical Stuck.
Increase mud weight, Reduce GPM to avoid pressure increasing and cause
formation fractur, and follow the procedure according to type of stuck and the
current situation.
Differential Stuck
• Decrease mud weight
• Pump Citric acid pill 25-30 pound per barrel of citric acid mixed in water or
brine according to mud weight.
• Mixed pure glycol pill 50 barrels of mono- ethylene glycol or tri – ethylene
glycol.
• Mixed cocktail pill, 87 % glycol, 4 % Lubricant, 9 % Pipe lax.
• Prepare for acid job.
• Follow the procedure according to the current situation.
• Note: Pump high viscosity weighted brine pill before and after glycol pill,
cocktail pill and Acid job to avoid under balance situation.
200) What is the hydrostatic pressure equation in pcf, s.g & ppg?
Hydrostatic Pressure psi = 0.052 * TVD feet * mud weight ppg.
Hydrostatic Pressure psi = 0.007 * TVD feet * mud weight pcf.
Hydrostatic Pressure psi = 0.433 * TVD feet * Mud weight s.g.
201) Why, sometimes we use water while mixing OBM viscosifier (VG-69)?
To enhances the performance of organophilic bentonites, organophilic clay (VG-
69) thus giving better viscosities and higher carrying capacity for oil base mud.
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202) What is the D 50 for the marble chips, fine, medium and coarse?
Marble chips: CaCO3 & CaMg (CO3)2: A pure metamorphosed calcium carbonate
used as a lost circulation material and temporary bridging.
Median particles D-50: 1,900 – 2,100 microns (1.9 – 2.1 MM).
Marble fine: Median particle size D-50: 9-11 microns.
Marble medium: Median particle size D-50: 135 – 165 microns.
Marble coarse: Median particle size D-50: 550 – 650 microns.
203) Talk in brief about the following?

Primary Emulsifier: A fatty acid amide (a modified alkanolamide) surfactant. A
primary emulsifier used with lime to produce calcium soap for formulating stable
water or brine-in-oil emulsion drilling, workover and packer fluids. A fatty acid
amide (a modified alkanolamide).
Secondary Emulsifier: A Mixture of Polyaminated Fatty Acid surfactant and Partial
Amide of Polyamine with methanol surfactant: A fast acting secondary emulsifier
used to improve solids oil-wetting characteristics and emulsion stability.
VG 69: Organophilic clay (Amine treated bentonite).
Duratone, Carbotrol A9: gilsonite or lignite material treated with an amine to
make it oil soluble.
Dril-Treat: A conditioner and rheology control additive for invert emulsion mud
(water-in-oil emulsion). Dispersible in oil.
EZ SPOT: A mixture of emulsifiers, lubricants and gellants which quickly forms
a stable invert emulsion when mixed with diesel and water.
PIPE LAX: Oil-Base Surfactant For Stuck Pipe: A blend of surface active agents
designed to decrease the interfacial tension between oil and water.
Soltex: A Blend Of Hydroxylated Sodium Asphalt Sulphonate With Minor
Amounts Of Asphalt Phenalates, Inorganic Salts And Oxidized Asphalt.
LC-LUBE: A specially formulated sized graphite used to control loss of
circulation, partial loss, and seepage loss of drilling fluids. Used for seepage
control, bridging, plugging, oil muds, water muds, sealing of depleted zones,
prevention of stuck pipe. Water insoluble. Particle size: D-90 = 480 ,D-50 = 325, D-
10 = 180
LC-LUBE - FINE: A sized synthetic graphite to prevent lost circulation in water-
based and invert-emulsion mud systems. The material also acts as a mechanical
lubricant for reducing torque and drag when drilling deviated wells, and when
running pipe or casing. Water insoluble. Particle size: D-90 = 300, D-50 = 165, D-10
= 75.
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MAX-SHIELD: A sealing polymer for Performax water-based drilling fluid

system. LATEX, 60 WT%. Reduces pore pressure transmission by sealing pore
throats and micro-fractures and effectively generating a semi-permeable
membrane at the borehole interface. Max-Shield is effective in reducing
differential sticking and reducing mud losses across depleted sand sections by
bridging pore throat openings.
MAX-GUARD : A polyamine derivative, is the primary class hydration and
swelling suppressant of the Performax system. Clay and gumbo inhibition is
achieved by limiting water adsorption and providing improved cuttings integrity.
Max-Guard effectively inhibits reactive clays and gumbo from hydration and
becoming plastic, which provides a secondary benefit of reducing the tendency
for bit balling.
MAX-PLEX : Max-Plex is aluminum/sulfonated resin complex designed to
impart borehole and cuttings stability when utilizing the Performax water-based
drilling fluid system. Max-Plex may be used in fresh up to saturated salt water
base mud systems for stabilizing shale and prevention of bit and bottom hole
assembly balling.
NEW DRILL (PHPA): PHPA is a liquid emulsion designed to provide shale
stability, friction reduction, and viscosity in water-base drilling fluids. It is a high-
molecular-weight, partially-hydrolized polyacrylamide dispersed in a mineral oil.
PHPA can be used as a borehole stabilizer to inhibit the disintegration of
hydratible and dispersible shales. PHPA can be used as a selective flocculant in
non-dispersed mud systems and will provide viscosity to aid in hole cleaning.
PHPA can be used in freshwater, seawater and sodium and potassium chloride
brines.
SUPER SWEEP, Hole Cleaning Agent: A proprietary treated polymerized
synthetic fiber that disperses easily in the fluid and exhibits excellent suspension
qualities without adversely affecting any drilling fluid properties. WARNING: Fiber
Sweeps are NOT Acid Soluble.
PENETREX: Isomerised Olifins, 60 – 90%. Organic, surface acting ROP
enhancer. Extremely effective in reducing torque and drag and preventing bit
balling.
CLAY SYNC : A Low Molecular Weight, Non-ionic 100% Active Dry polymer.
Clay Sync is a clay inhibitor. It stabilizes shale also helps strengthening shale and
lubricates the wellbore.
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CLAY GRABBER: A High Molecular Weight, Non-ionic Liquid Polymer: Clay

Grabber is a flocculant and clay encapsulator. It stops shale dispersion and helps
stabilize shales in the wellbore.
HYDRO-GUARD SYSTEM: Baroid’s Hydro-Guard System is an alternative
system to Baker’s Max-Bridge system. Allows tightly packed particles, under
compression in pores and micro-fractures, to expand or contract without being
dislodged by changes in differential pressure. Lost circulation prevention in water
- based, synthetic and oil-based drilling fluids in porous and fractured zones.
Increased fracture propagation pressures of test samples exposed to oil-based
and synthetic-based fluids. Exhibits a resiliency that allows it to deform to
fracture size. Increases lubricity of water-based fluids with concentrations as low
as 2 lbs/bbl . Helps reduce torque and drag. Does not adversely affect rheological
properties even in concentrations as high as 100 lbs/bbl . 100% 200 mesh. Lowers
spurt loss and PPT values on both 20m and 35 m disc in laboratory study.
Concentrations up to 100 lb/bbl (300 kg/m³) have been added without plugging
drilling equipment or adversely affecting rheological properties.
Defoamer: Alcohol Base Defoamers, Highly molecular weight alcohol blended
with a modified fatty acid derivative in a hydrocarbon solvent: 70% min
RadiaGreen: Premium Lubricant (Radiagreen Eme Salt, A mixture of fatty acids,
C16-18 and C18-unsaturated compounds with 2,2,2”-nitrilotri ethanol and fatty
acids, esters with polyol. Lubricant for salt water based mud and brines,
dispersed, sea water, salt-saturated, formates, completion, workover fluids.
Blacknite Black-Fury: gilsonit resin Naturally occurring mined carbonaceous
material.A blend of gilsonite, carbon black, graphite, leonardite polypropylene
glycol & surfactants.
Resinex-II: Modified Lignite / Polymer, A blend of sulfonated lignite, phenol
formaldehyde and urea resin. Poly-electrolyte, Poly-phenol Modified Leonardite
complex. 100% soluble in water. High temperature fluid loss control and rheology
stabilizer for all water base muds. Reduces fluid loss in high density fluids without
increase in viscosity. Reduces temperature gelation. High concentration of salt
above 110,000 ppm and calcium above 2,000 ppm may reduce its performance.
MAX-BRIDGE SYSTEM: Baker’s Max-Bridge System is an alternative system to
Baroid’s Hydro-Guard system. Baker’s Max-Bridge System is an alternative system
to Baroid’s Hydro-Guard system. Reduces pore pressure transmission by sealing
pore throats and micro-fractures and effectively generating a semi-permeable
membrane at the borehole interface. Max-Shield is effective in reducing
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differential sticking and reducing mud losses across depleted sand sections by
bridging pore throat openings.
204-How do you mix spud mud? How to mix high bentonite mud?
• Check water salinity “must be less than 2000 mg/l”
• Check water hardness “must be less than 400 mg/l”
• Treat water with soda ash to precipitate calcium
• Add bentonite to fresh water and leave to perhydrate for 6-8 hours
• Add caustic soda before drilling to precipitate magnesium and increase alkalinity
to avoid flocculation.
• We can’t mix 80 lb/bbl, max close 45-50 lb/bbl “High Bentonite”
205- Why should you treat calcium before mixing spud mud? Because Ca+2 will
replace Na+ in the bentonite as Ca is divalent and Na is monovalent and Ca +2will
decrease space between bentonite and prevent bentonite dispersion & hydration.
206- What is the value of water loss in spud mud?12 - 16 ml “uncontrolled”
207- What is the maximum salinity of water that using for mixing bentonite?
Less than 2000 mg/l.
208- How do mix spud with sea water?

Mix the full dose of bentonite in fresh water then let the bentonite perhydrate
then add the sea water.
209- If you drill a section that has total loss circulation zone and shale
formation, what the mud type can you use?
Mix on fly “caustic soda 0.5 lb/bbl & PHPA 1-2 lb/bbl”
210- Why KCl is shale inhibitor?

KCl is an excellent shale stabilizer because Potassium ion is highly reactive ion that
replaces Na ion in Sodium montmorillonite clays. Inhibition mechanism is
provided through ion exchange; the potassium ion has the proper size
2.66 A to fit into the spaces between clay layers 2.8 A, thus enters/get adsorbed
between the individual clay plates in the shale and held them together,
eliminating entry of water from the drilling fluid. The second mechanism is ion
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fixation. It is very difficult to become exchanged again. The Cl- part of KCl
provides high salinity which in return ensures the "Osmosis Effect" that prevents
shale swelling and causes its desirable dehydration.
211-What is the ionic diameter of K and Na? 2.66 A, 1.9 A.
212-What are the types of shale?

• Non swelling shale: Attapulgite and sepiolite
• Slightly swelling shale: illite, Chlorite and Kaolinite
• Swelling shale: Montmorillonite “smectite”
213-Which types of shale that K is inhibitor? Smectite, illite and mica.
214-What are the shale types in KSA? Montmorillonite, Kaolinite and illite.
215-Why do you add hydrogen peroxide 3% in MBT? What is Methylene blue?
To remove the effect of organic materials such as CMC, lignosulfonates and
lignite. Methylene blue is a cationic dye that is used to detect reactive bentonite
in mud.
216-What is the typical concentration and salinity for K in KCl polymer? 10% by
weight or 37 ppb & 52K mg/l.
217-What is the test of KCl? 7 ml filtrate, 3 ml sodium perchlorite, put 10 ml

water in centrifuge at 1800 speed rpm and run then take the value “precipitate”
and multiply by 3.5 to know the lb/bbl from table, use the KCl table to know the %
wt.
218-Why do you make Pf and Mf tests?

To determine the alkalinity source “OH, CO3, HCO3” and to know CO2
contamination in the mud.
219-What should you do if you don’t have ph.ph indicator to make Pf and Mf
test? Use pH meter to determine the end point of Pf & Mf.
220-What is the end point of Pf and Mf? Pf end point is 8.3 while Mf is 4.3.
221-If you have CO3 contamination, what is the test can you do to know it? Not
Pf and Mf test?
Ca test if the concentration of Ca decrease, it means that the mud has CO3.
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222-What are fluid loss reducer chemicals and what is the maximum
temperature of each one?
223- Which fluid loss reducer chemicals can you use in the reservoir? Flotrol.
224-How do you mix OBM?

• Fill bits with calculated volume of base oil and circulate it through hopper
and fluid guns lines.
• Add the calculated amount of primary & secondary emulsifiers through the
hopper
• Primary emulsifier: Inver-Mul, Versa-Mul, Carbo-Tec
• Secondary Emulsifier: Versa-Coat, EZ-Mull, Drill-Treat “drill-treat work also
as thinner because it wet cuttings with oil then redistribute it in mud”
• Add calculated amount of lime through hopper and allow to mix for 30
minutes.
• Prepare the brine using calculated water and salt in a separate tank and
allow it to get homogeneous for 30 minutes through hopper and gun lines.
• Transfer brine to the oil premix and allow it to get homogeneous.
• Add organophilic clay and mix the suspension until well dispersed.
“Geltone-II, VG-69, Carbo-Gel”
• Add Fluid loss reducer through the hopper and mix for a minimum of
45min. “Duratone, Carbotrol, versalig” 6 bl/bbl
• Add weighting agents to attain desired fluid weight.
• Add supplemental rheological modifier & wetting agents as needed.
225-What is the important factor in OBM? Electrical stability and water phase
salinity.
226-What is the highest ES for OBM? Why?

We use emulsifier to make emulsion between oil and water to be homogenous.
The highest ES is 2000V because it is the maximum reading by the ES.
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227-What is the ES? How could you know that OBM which has low ES need
more shearing or more chemical treatment?
ES is the drilling fluid’s electrical stability related to its emulsion stability and oil
wetting capability. We can check ES from: 1. water content retort to check O/W
ratio if water increase this means I’ve to adjust it. 2. presence of water in HPHT
filtrate that the emulsifier level is low. 3. Check excess lime that is needed to
activate emulsifier. Also make confirmation by pilot test, put the sample at 3
speeds in beach mixer for shearing and measure ES, if increased so it needs more
shearing.
228- What is the mechanism of ES meter?

Electrical Stability is measured by applying voltage across a pair of electrodes
submerged in the OBM sample. The resulting current will remain very low until a
threshold voltage is reached. At this voltage, conduction between the two
electrodes occur resulting in a rapid increase in the current and peak voltage is
measured and reported as the ES for OBM. As conductivity decrease, ES increase
and vice versa.
229-How can you check any drop in ES without using ES meter? From HPHT test
if I found free water.
230-Why do use CaCl2 not NaCl with OBM?

• Because CaCl2 has higher salinity “mg/l” than NaCl “mg/l” so can help in
inhibition of the water phase.
• Has lower water activity of 0.4 while NaCl have 0.75 so don’t allow too much
water to enter shale.
• Has higher density than NaCl so can reduce the added barite to the desired mud
weight
• Help to activate emulsifier with lime due to common ion effect “calcium soap”.
231-What is the maximum salinity of CaCl2 and NaCl?

NaCl : 188700 mg/l, KCl: 132600 mg/l, CaCl2: 356600 mg/l.
232-What is the osmosis pressure? The pressure results from transferring the
water from low salinity to high salinity.
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233-What is the equation of CaCl2 in OBM?

• Whole chloride mud “mg/l” = ml of silver nitrate X 10000.
• CaCl2 mud “lb/bbl” = ml of silver nitrate X 5.48.
• CaCl2 % wt. = (15.65 X ml of silver nitrate X 100) / [(15.65 silver nitrate) + (water
factor X 1000)].
234-What is the effect on the hole if you have emulsion breaking? Shale swelling
and barite and solids settling/sagging.
235-What is the contamination of in OBM? Solids, water, gases “H2S”.
236-What is the wetting agent?

It is a type of surfactants that reduce the interfacial tension and contact angle
between oil and solids which causes the oil to spread over the surface of the solid,
it has one end that is soluble in oil and other phase that has a strong
affinity for solid surface. In OBM wetting agent is a chemical used to wet the
solids and additives to be oil wet. This keeps the viscosity effects of the solids low
so that high levels of weighting materials and drilled solids can be easily
incorporated into the mud. If solids become water wet “flip”, it will adhere to
each other and removed by the shaker screen “e.g. barite because it presents in
large quantities, it will contribute to the oil-wetting surfactants”.
Examples of wetting agents: Versa-Coat, EZ-Mull, Drill-Treat.
237-What is the mechanism of differential stuck? Will it happen at pure shale?

It is happening when there is big difference in pressure between hydrostatic and
formation pressure. It occurs in front of permeable low-pressure formation or
depleted zone and cannot be happen at pure shale because it is non-permeable.
238-Is there partial circulation with mechanical stuck? Which type?

May be happen with key seat because it is free down and restricted up in some
cases.
239-What is the mechanism of key seat stuck?

A small-diameter channel or groove worn into the side of a larger diameter
wellbore. Once the drill string is inside the "key seat", the overbalance or
differential pressure will work on the drill string from only one side, thus forces
the stuck occurrence. This can be the result of a sharp change in direction of the
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wellbore (a severe dogleg, especially in the presence of a stiff BHA), or if a hard

formation ledge is left between softer formations that enlarge over time.
240-Why do make sand content test?

To know the efficiency of SCE and because sand abrade/wear the drilling and rig
surface equipment. Also, there is a limitation of sand content for downhole MWD
tools.
241- What is the important of centrifuge? Why we control solids in mud?
It is the most important SC equipment in the rig site because buildup of solids has
undesirable effects on drilling fluid performance and drilling process like:
• Increase Mwt, ECD and losses • Reduced ROP • Excess drag and torque • Cost of
mud treatment • Poor rheology control • Stuck pipe • Abrasion erosion • Poor
cement job • Formation damage.
242-What is the mechanism of barite recovery?
It is a centrifugal system running in series consist of two centrifuges, first one is
low speed & G-force “less than 1200” to separate only barite and return it to mud
system then collect mud separately to holding tank “small one” this contain only
LGS & very small amount of HGS then puts it to high speed centrifuge & G-force
“>3000” so it discard solids and return mud to system.
243-What is the minimum solid size that centrifuge can separate? It is 2 microns,
but practically in field it is 5 microns.
244-What is the CaBr2?

It is a calcium Bromide brine used as completion fluid, it has density ranges from
11.7 to 15.1 ppg, it is a two-salt brine containing both calcium chloride and
calcium bromide. The effect of increase temperature on density can be
extremely significant with CaBr2 brine. It has summer blend of 15.5 ppg and
winter blend of 15.1 ppg.
245-What is the corrected solid and types of solids in mud? It is the undissolved
solids “total retort solids minus dissolved solids”.
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246-What is the equation of solids?

• AGS = ([11.98 X Mwt]- [water % X SGwater] – [Oil% X SG oil]) / Solids %.
• % LGS = [(4.2 - AGS)/(4.2 -2.6 )] X solids.
• LGSppb = LGS % X 3.505 X 2.6.
• % HGS = total solids – LGS %.
• HGSppb = HGS % X 3.505 X 4.2.
247-What is the mechanism of tandem pill? When should low viscos pill not
used?
Low viscos pill to make turbulent flow and disturb cuttings from low side cutting
bed and then high-density pill will lift the disturbed cuttings out of the whole with
buoyancy effect. I should not use low viscos pill if it will wellbore stability if it
affects the whole system viscosity or in milling operations.
248-Why do you use high weight not Hi VIS?

Because the buoyancy effect of the higher density will increase carrying
capacity of cuttings which depend on mud weight not viscosity will lift the
disturbed cuttings. And not to affect viscosity of the mud system.
249-Can you use high weigh –hi VIS?

Yes, we can within the optimum mud weight and rheology. If question about
tandem, so no because high vis only sweep don’t make turbulent flow.
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250-If you have good rheology, good RPM and good flow rate but have bad hole
cleaning, why? ROP, what about more sliding?
Bad drilling practice of high uncontrolled ROP which load annulus with high % of
cuttings. We should mix sliding with rotary drilling because RPM is a key factor in
hole cleaning and there is no drill string rpm in sliding.
251-If you hear the well control alarm, what should you do?
1. shut the well in to prevent further influx and more cut to the mud weight.
a. Keep GPM&RPM not to increase influx when pump stop and space out then
close the BOP.
b. Close pump and flow check from trip tank & visually.
c. Close pipe ram & annular preventer and check pressure on choke panel and
prepare kill mud weight not to exceed MAASP.
2. choose and use a kill method to restore the mud hydrostatic pressure to level
that re-establish primary well control.
3. Prepare a minimum of 1.25 from the hole volume and kill.
252-What is TCT? FCTA, LCTD?
• TCT: is the true crystallization temperature at which the salt crystals will form
and precipitate out of a solution. It is the maximum temperature reached
following the supercooling. API utilize the TCT as standard when brine is selected
and blended to meet the required temperature range that is expected at the well
site.
• FCTA: is the First Crystal To Appear Temperature. The temperature at which
crystal will start to form during the supercooling “cooling below the actual
crystallization temperature”.
• LCTD: The Last Crystal To Dissolve in the heating cycle at which crystals
disappear when sample is left to warm up. Mud companies utilize the LCTD as
standard when bine is selected and blended to meet the required temperature
range.
253-What is the pilot test?
It is a test done in the lab before making full scale treatments to the entire
circulating mud system to confirm a particular treatment will have the desired
effect or to avoid potential overtreatment. It is carried out using 1 lab barrel “350
ml” mud sample and 1gm/350 ml is equivalent to 1 lb/bbl. Electronic balance is
used for measuring the weight in gram to obtain the required concentrations. The
sample is sheared at high speed using the Hamilton Beach Mixer.
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254-What is the specific gravity and the maximum weight of the following?
255-What are the types of LCM?

Conventional acid soluble:
• Calcium Carbonate/marble: Fine, Medium, Coarse, Mintreat 5,25,50.
• Acid soluble fiber “N-Seal or OES Seal M,F”.
• Acid soluble flake - CaCO3 flake “Soluflake F/M/C”.
• Mineral metamorphic Carbonate “BaraCarb 5,25,50,150”.
Conventional non-Acid soluble:
• Cellulose “Baro-fiber, frac-seal, True-seal”.
• Synthetic fiber “Sun sweep or super sweep”.
• Mica.
• Granular “Nut shells e.g. wall nut”.
• Graphite “Stealseal 50/100/400, LC-Lube F, LC-Lube”.
Non-Conventional: Cross-linking polymer pill “X-Link”, Thermaset, Dia Seal and
Stop loss
256- What are the types of losses?
Lost Circulation formations:
• high permeability unconsolidated sands & gravel
• Cavernous or vagular zones in carbonates
• fractures, faults and in carbonates or shale.
• Induced fractures from excessive pressure
Lost Circulation severity: Seepage <10 bbl/hr, Partial >10 bbl/hr, Severe >100
bbl/hr, Total “no return”
Lost Circulation mechanisms:
• invasion to cavernous, vugular, fractured or unconsolidated formations.
• Fracturing due to hydraulic fracturing from excessive induced pressures.
257-What is the GGT?
It is a test kit contains the equipment and reagents for measuring the
concentration of soluble sulfides and soluble carbonates in drilling fluids. The GGT
kit consists of the Garret Gas Train apparatus, Drager tubes, gas cartridges,
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reagents and pressure regulator. The GGT has three chambers. Sample is added
to the first chamber where it is mixed with acid. An inert carrier gas carries H2S or
CO2 through the chambers. This gas steam passes through a dragger tube in the
third chamber. The Drager tube contains chemical reagent which reacts to the gas
and change color.2
H2S detection: the dragger tube responds to H2S by darkening along its length as
the H2S reacts with the reagent. The length of the darkened section depends on
concentration of sample gas, flow rate and time that sample flows
through the tube. For WBM test on filtrate while in OBM the entire fluid is
analyzed for active sulfide.
CO2 detection: Acid is added to filtrate in the GGT, and carbonates are converted
to CO2, which is transported by an inert gas. The gas stream is collected in a one-
liter bag and drawn through a Drager tube at a fixed flow rate. The Drager tube
responds to CO2 by staining along its length to purple. The stain length is sensitive
to the CO2 amount, distribution, total volume and gas flow rate.
258-What is the H2S scavenger with WBM?

• Safe scav “MI – organic chemical – zinc & iron free liquid”
• sour scav “Baroid - iron gluconate – zinc free powder”
• zinc oxide “react with sulfide to form ZnS precipitate that is removed by SCE-
powder”.
259-What is the chemical name of sourscav? Iron gluconate.
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260-What is the bit balling and how do you prevent it?

Bit balling is the tendency of drilled solids to adhere together and cling to the
metal surface of bit and BHA. The clay adhesion is a function of electro-chemical
attraction of clay to clay and clay to metal “surface tension”. It can cause
problems from decrease ROP to not being able to pull the BHA “Stuck”. Bit balling
is classified into primary “at bit surface” and secondary “at BHA”. It can occur
when drilling reactive clay “rock type”, non-inhibited WBM, PDC bits when
cuttings are compressed “bit design and depth of cut”, clay plasticity relative to
bottom hole pressure “effect of pressure”, due to poor hydraulics and hole
cleaning, and due to electrochemical attraction of clay to metal surface.
Indicators of bit balling:
• Decrease ROP which can’t be enhanced by changing drilling parameters.
• Increase in pressure drop across the bit due to nozzle plugging.
• Tendency to swap and high over-pulls when tripping out.
Prevention of bit balling by optimizing the following mechanisms:
• Control fluid invasion to the shale
• Use detergent/glycol to change surface tension between metal surface and
cuttings
• Minimize clay content in the mud system
• Use inhibitive mud systems “clay inhibitor, clay hydration suppressant, shale
stabilizer, cation exchanger and osmotic control”
• Optimize bit design and hydraulics “TFA with proper nozzle size, high blade
standoff, large junk slot areas”
• Use surfactants “e.g. Drilzone, penetrix”, detergent or glycol
• Control rheology and improve hole cleaning by sweeps and wiper trips
You can identify bit balling by sudden decrease in ROP which can’t be improved
by changing drilling parameters, increase hydraulic pressure drop across the bit
due to plugging of the nozzles, and high overpulls and tendency to swap when
tripping out.
Curing the bit balling
• Dispersing the balled materials by caustic pill, lignosulfonate and drilling
detergent
• Eroding the balled material by pumping nut plug or walnut pill
• Pumping non polar “anti bit balling” material “Glycol, detergents, etc.”
• HCl pill 15% to break up calcareous clay balling
• POOH if material is hard to get off the bit
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261-What is the ECD? Depend on what?

ECD is the sum of the additional pressure used to overcome frictional pressure
losses and viscosity effects due to the circulation of drilling fluid. Calculated in pcf
using this equation.
264-What is the using of Glycol? And Poly Glycol?

• Poly alkaline glycol such as Gem GP used as shale stabilizer and to increase
lubricity
• Mutual solvent “MS-90” is ethylene glycol mono butyl ether used clean the
OBM from wellbore “surface tension reducer” and dehydrate/reduce the filter
cake deposited on the reservoir face.
• MEG/TEG well stimulation products
• Aqua Drill system “baker” is high performance glycol base fluid system as an
alternative to OBM
Glycol is used as
1. shale inhibitor for WBM by making hydrogen bond with shale and prevent pore
pressure transmission to formation by forming adsorption layer on shale surface.
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2. Helps increase mud lubricity to reduce adhesion of pipe/cake

3. Reduce bit balling
4. Decrease HPHT filtration
265-What is the contamination of WBM?

• Carbonates: detected by increase in Mf/Pf – treatment with lime to precipitate
caco3.
• salt: detected by increase in Cl – use salt saturated system.
• calcium from cement: detected by increase in Pm – bicarbonate to precipitate
caco3, reduce alkalinity and treat system with thinner.
• calcium from other sources: detected by increase in Ca – treatment by soda ash
to precipitate caco3.
• magnesium: Detected by increase in Mg – treatment by caustic soda.
• H2S: detected by decrease in pH, increase in sulfide – treat with caustic soda to
raise pH, H2S scavenger such as zinc oxide or iron oxide to remove dissolved
sulfides.
• LGS: detected by increase in retort solid content – optimize SCE and dilute with
base fluid
• Foaming: decrease in mud weight and foam on surface of mud pit – add
defoamer, spray water on the surface and add viscosifier to reduce mechanical
aeration
• bacterial degradation: detected by increase in carbonate alkalinity – add
biocide or lime to increase pH and treat system with fresh polymer
• corrosion: detected by external or internal pitting on drill pipe – raise pH
between 11-11.5 and treat with suitable corrosion inhibitor
• Hydrocarbon influx: increase in pit volume and decrease in mud weight –
increase mud weight, open degasser, shut in the well and follow proper kill
procedure
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266-What is the equation of kill mud weight?
267-What is the chemicals name of Max guard? A polyamine derivative.
268-For what is poly amine using? It is used in shale inhibition.
269-What are shale inhibitor chemicals?

1) KCl: KCl is an excellent shale stabilizer because Potassium ion is highly reactive
ion that replaces Na ion in Sodium montmorillonite clays. Inhibition mechanism is
provided through ion exchange; the potassium ion has the proper size 2.66 A to fit
into the spaces between clay layers 2.8 A, thus enters/get adsorbed between
the individual clay plates in the shale and held them together, eliminating entry of
water from the drilling fluid. The second mechanism is ion fixation. It is very
difficult to become exchanged again. The Cl- part of KCl provides high salinity
which in return ensures the "Osmosis Effect" that prevents shale swelling and
causes its desirable dehydration.
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2) PHPA (New drill plus): Inhibitor by coating and encapsulating clay particles.
3) Gilsonite (Black fury or Blacknite): Seals micro fractured shale when drilling
with water-base fluid and thus restricts water invasion and reaction. It also adds
lubrication in the mud.
4) Sulphonated Asphalt (Soltex or Driltex): Seals small and micro-fractures in
stressed shale and thus restrict water invasion and reaction. It also adds
lubrication in the mud and improves filter cake characteristics.
5) PloyAmine (Max-Guard): Produces a lattice around clay minerals (isolation),
therefore electrostatically minimizing the absorption of water, and subsequently
prevents shale hydration or swelling.
6) Glycol: At certain degree of salinity and temperature, glycol clouds out, thus
coating the surface of clays and preventing shale absorption, hydration or
swelling. A careful selection of Glycol type will depend on mud salinity & BHT in
order to reach "Glycol Cloud Point" at downhole conditions.
7) Hydro-Guard system: A Baroid shale inhibition system that combines shale
encapsulators/grappers and shale inhibitors, such as CLAY-GRABBER, CLAY-SEAL,
CLAY-FIRM & SYNC.
270-What is the accepted concentration of CO3 in the mud? 500 mg/l.
271-What is the treatment you should add with CO2 contamination? From GGT
test for quantitative/accurate analysis. Increase pH to 10.7 with NaOH or KOH.
Treat with gypsum or lime to remove carbonate “avoid overtreatment”.
272-What is the mean of damage formation? Anything done to the formation

that artificially lower its natural permeability. We know it from return
permeability test = 100 X (damaged permeability/ undamaged permeability).
273-What is the definition of glycol cloud point? Depend on what? GCP is the
temperature where glycol comes out of solution as small dispersed droplets
forming a cloud. It depends on mud weight, salinity and temperature.
274-What are the types of gel strength? Flat, Fragile, Progressive (solid build up)
and Flush (chemical contamination).
275-What is the accepted concentration of Ca in the mud? 200 mg/l.
276- What are NTU and TSS? NTU should less than 20, in Aramco it is less than 50.
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• NTU: Nephelometric turbidity unit, a unit to measure turbidity/clarity of brines

which is the property of fluid that causes it to scatter or adsorb light.
• TSS: is the total suspended solids, defined as solids in brine that can be trapped
by a filter. The brine sample is filtered and the retained-on filter is dried in an
oven at 103-105 C until the weight of filter no longer changes, the increase in
weight of the filter represent the TSS.
277- What is the Soltex, Gilsonite? What is the difference between them?
Maxplex can be used as alternative for Soltex?
Soltex: sodium sulphonate of asphaltic material, it has negative charge that can
attack water and stabilize it. Also due to its sulphonate bulk group it prevents
water from entering the shale “hinderance effect”. Soltex is used also as
lubricant and to decrease HPHT filtrate. If shaker screen plugged with soltex you
can use water “70-80% solubility”.
Gilsonite: asphaltic material without sodium used as shale stabilizer and decrease
HPHT filtrate but it has low solubility in water, if shaker screen plugged with
gilsonite, you can’t use water, only diesel.
Maxplex is aluminum/sulfonated resin complex designed for cuttings/shale
stability and prevent pore pressure transmission “reduce HPHT” and bit balling in
PERFORMAX baker HPWBM system.
278- What is LSND? What is used for? Low Solids non dispersed mud used in high
ROP & low ECD due to polymer network give low rheology in compare high solid
system, so GPM can be increased.
279-Can you mix NaCl at CaCl2 brine or vice versa?
No, you can’t because the general rule of monovalent & divalent ions are not
mixed together to avoid precipitation as it needs certain concentration and
conditions of temperature and pressure which might not achieved during
drilling, but it can be blended at the lab.
280-What is the reason of foaming? Chemically and mechanically.
• Chemically: carbonate contamination, low MBT, H2S.
• Mechanically: due to rig surface equipment such as hopper, gun lines, pumping,
agitations... etc.
281- What is the ES of All oil mud? And if you have very good mud parameters
with ES 250 and ES 900 what do you prefer to work with and why?
The ES for all oil is the maximum reading of the ES which is nearly 2000 volt. I
prefer to work with mud has very good parameters with ES 250 than ES 900
because ES 250 is easy to break down while production as it is good for return
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permeability plugging test. Even though ES 900 is hard to get contaminated but it
also hard to break down while production and return permeability test.
282- What is the unit for the following?

PV: cp, YP: lb/100ft2, Filter cake thickness: 1/32 inch, API: ml/30min , HPHT:
ml/30min, March Funnel Viscosity: sec/quart, Gel: lb/100ft2, Solids: % or ppb,
pH: unitless.
283- Calibration of ES, VG, retort, pH meter?

• Electrical Stability: inspect the electrode probe and cable for evidence of
damage then disconnect the electrode probe and switch on, it should read
maximum voltage “2000”. inserting two standard electrodes “high calibration
standard & low calibration standard and check ES, should the marked value on
the standard +/-2%”. If they fall within the limits so it is working properly. Repeat
using tap water should not exceed 6 volts.
• VG meter: Calibration is checked by applying known torques to the bob shaft by
one of two methods:
First method is dead weight calibration check to check if the torsion spring
requires adjustment “only used when spring is changed or if spring/bob/shaft
having problems”.
Second method is the standard fluid calibration “Newtonian fluid” check to verify
the VG meter is working properly. “reading at 300 rpm and 600 rpm and from
temperature chart, check viscosity it should be within +/- 2 cp for 300 rpm and
within +/- 4 for the 600 rpm reading.
• Retort: by water or diesel in rig site. In the lab it should be done by certified
technician by checking the thermostat temperature with special thermometer
and measuring the mass of cell with/without water on a balance it should
increase 10 gm with water if using the 10 ml retort cell.
• pH meter: by immersing in standard buffering solution, measure pH and adjust
if needed and remove to clean and insert into the second buffer, pink:4 for acid,
blue: 10, yellow: 7 neutral at 25C =77F.
284-Types of defoamer? Alcohol base and silicone base.
285- What is the reversible viscosity? Exploring the possibility of describing a fluid
flow via a time, ability of fluid to form gel structure when in static mode.
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286-Pore pressure vs formation pressure?

• Pore Pressure: it is the pressure of the fluids within the pores of the formation
‘usually equal to hydrostatic pressure, If below it, is called abnormal pressure due
to restriction of fluid due to very low permeability normally inside shale and if it is
higher than hydrostatic it is called subnormal pore pressure if it is less than
hydrostatic pressure”. Pore pressure is expected by many methods while drilling
include:
1-Shale density, d exponent. 2-High volume and large size of cuttings & fast ROP
3-MWD, LWD and PWD tools 4-Mud gas content “background gas & Connection
gas”
• Formation pressure: It is the pore pressure plus the sum of vertical overburden
and horizontal stress.
287- Resilient graphite vs. Marble fine in mech degradation?

Marble fine degrade to fine and ultra-fine particles by shearing while resilient
graphite doesn’t because it is resilient which is designed to have softening point
at certain temperature downhole that allow it to expand and contract but doesn’t
degrade.
288- What is barite sag how can you calculate it?

Tendency for barite to settle towards the low side of the hole, creating a
stratification of lighter mud on top and heavier mud on bottom. The heavier layer
then begins to migrate downwards along the length of the hole due to the
gravitational pull. This prevent development of more gel and reduction in
hydrostatic head possibly leading to an influx of formation fluids. It can caused by
high temperature, hole angle, static time “tripping, logging, casing…..etc.”. It can
be prevented by adjusting LSYP as per program.
Use HPHT @ 100 psi and required temperature for required time and keep in
static conditions for the requested time “48,72 hrs etc.”, after cooling down
evaluate the barite sag tendency, measure weight of 20ml sample using syringe
and analytical balance from the top, then pour 150 ml and measure from
bottom then evaluate the factor if =0.50, no sag occurs, if 0.5<sag<0.53 mud
design is acceptable while if >0.53 sag will occur.
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289- What is your experience with High density WBM?

High pressure flow in base Jilh. It ranges from 135 to 152 pcf. Each barite sag will
increase the volume by 3.4 bbl. Hourly water addition will be 20-30 bbl to avoid
dehydration and provide medium for barite and other chemical to work. Don’t cut
water, this is usually the main cause of problems encountered with this type of
mud.
290- Talk about Marsh Funnel and Mud Balance Scale?

• Mud Balance.
1-lb/gal 2- psi/1,000 ft 3- lb/1,000 ft 4-Specific Gravity (SG)
• Marsh Funnel
The Marsh funnel is 6 inch in diameter at the top and 12 inch long. At the bottom,
a smooth-bore tube 2 inch long having an inside diameter of 3⁄16 inch is attached
in such a way that there is no constriction at the joint. A wire screen having 1⁄16-
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inch openings, covering one-half of the funnel, is fixed at a level of 3⁄4 in. below
the top of the funnel. Fill the funnel to the bottom of the screen (1,500 ml) with
freshwater at 70±5°F. Time of outflow of 1 qt (946 ml) should be 26 sec ±0.5 sec.
291- How to mix high weight WBM?

Make sure that there is enough space for the increase in volume due to added
Barite and needed water for dispersion to avoid pits overflow. Each Barite bag
(5000 lb) will increase the volume by 3.4 bbl and another 2 bbl of water is
required per barite bag (it is recommended to add the water using a hose placed
inside the hopper to properly water-wet the barite before it blends with the
active mud). Mix all chemicals as per program and increase weight up to 110-120
pcf. Add Lignosulfonate (Spersene) for rheology control; add 1 lb of Caustic Soda
for every 4 lb lignosulfonate to maintain pH between: 10.0 - 10.5. The maximum
chloride content should not exceed 25k mg/L, higher chloride content is not
recommended in high density muds. Usually solids content varies from 40 – 46 %
by volume for densities between 140 – 150 PCFs; in such high density fluids it is
recommended to stop using polymers and rely on pre-hydrated Bentonite,
Lignosulfonate and Resinex to control rheology and fluid loss. Maintain the
hardness content below 400 mg/L utilizing soda ash to avoid clay flocculation and
polymers cross linking if used. High density mud requires high volume of water
additions to prevent dehydration and viscosity humps. It could require 15 to 25
BPH to avoid mud dehydration.
Funnel Viscosity: 50 - 62
YP: 21 - 28 , PV: 45 - 60 , Gels: 15 - 25/ 25 – 40
HPHT: 16 – 18 cc , MBT 5-7.5, LSYP: ≥ 7 @150ºF
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292- Make a comparison between screen mesh and API?
293- Talk about Ecotrol, VG Plus, VG Supreme and Versagel HT?
Ecotrl: Filtration control synthetic co polymer can be used in all oil or in synthetic
base mud system. Reduced HTHP fluid loss up to 500 F.
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VG Plus: Organophilic clay is an improved viscosifier and gelling additive for all
synthetic base and mineral oil base mud system.
VG Supreme: Organophilic clay is an improved viscosifier and gelling additive for

all synthetic base and mineral oil base mud system.
Versagel HT: High temperature pure hectorite clay used as primary viscosifier for
increasing gel.
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294-What do you mean by flat rheology in Rheliant mud system?
295-What do you know about Innovert OBM system chemicals?
96
‫?‪296-What is the chart of water and oil evaporation in OBM‬‬
‫‪97‬‬
‫?‪297-Talk about hoe cleaning in deviated wells‬‬
‫‪98‬‬
Note: Do not make connection until sweep is at surface

298- Talk about the maximum and minimum shale stress and what is the types
of drilled shale or types of different shapes of shale on shale shakers screens?
Hydrostatic Pressure: Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that is exerted due to
the density and true vertical depth (TVD) of a column of fluid. TVD is always used
in pressure calculations. Hydrostatic Pressure, psi = 0.052 × MW1 × TVD. The
hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fluid column is the most important method of
controlling formation pressure. When formation pressure exceeds the total
pressure exerted on the formation, fluids can enter the wellbore causing a kick.
Pressure Gradient (psi/ft):
This is the pressure exerted by each foot of a fluid. The unit for pressure gradient
is psi/ft. To determine pressure gradient, the fluid weight is multiplied by a
conversion factor. Psi/feet= 0.052* Mud Weight.
Normal Formation Pressure:
Is the Fluid Pressure Found Within the Pore Spaces of the Formation. Can Be
Expressed As an Average Vertical Pressure or Equivalent Mud Weight. E.G. psi,
ppg, G/cc… When a formation is deposited, fluids in that formation, mostly
water, occupy the pore spaces. As new sediments are deposited above, the
formation compacts. Compaction reduces the volume of the pore spaces. If the
excess fluid occupying the pore spaces can escape to overlying formations during
compaction, the formation contains only the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the
water or fluid that remains in the pores. This is normal formation pressure.
Marine basins — 0.465 psi/ft (equal to 8.9 ppg saltwater).
Land areas — 0.433 psi/ft (equal to 8.33 ppg fresh water).
Abnormal Formation Pressure( Pore pressure):
When fluids are sealed within a formation (due to impermeability) and cannot
escape, they support part of the weight of the overburden. As the depth
increases, the overburden load increases, and formation pressure increases.
Note: No pore pressure in sand stone due to high permeability.
No pore pressure in any permeable formation ex. Sand stone, fractured
carbonates like lime stone or anhydrite.
Overburden pressure: Is the pressure exerted by the overburden load upon
underlying formations.
Overburden Gradient: This is an expression of the pressure unit per unit depth.
e.g. psi/ft/ ppg.
Factors Affecting Compaction Rate
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• Rate of deposition. / Tectonic forcess. / Formation permeability.

• Lithology. / Diagenesis. / Osmosis.
FRACTURE PRESSURE: Is the pressure needed to make a fracture in a formation.

The orientation of the produced fracture depend on the orientation of the
principal stress of the fracture point. Frp= MWt +( LOP/TVDt*.052).
Fracture Gradient:
The pressure required to initiate fracture development in a formation at a specific
depth, psi/ft.
Leak-Off Test:
Application of pressure to a formation to determine its fracture pressure, without
fracturing the formation. The leak-off test determines the maximum pressure
integrity of exposed formations at the casing shoe. Drill 10 to 20 ft of new
formation below the casing seat and circulate the hole clean. Close the well in.
Pump at low rate (0.2 to 0.5 bbl/min). The first three volume increments establish
the pressure profile. The pressure plotted is the drill pipe pressure after the pump
has been shut down for one minute. Record the surface pressure at this point.
Shut in the well for 5 minutes. Bleed off the pressure in one barrel increments.
Record the bleed-back volume to establish how much fluid has been lost to the
formation. Final pressure is the five-minute recorded pressure. After the surface
pressure at which leak-off occurs is established, determine the fracture fluid
weight (Fmw) using the following calculation:
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Soft Shales:
Soft shales, sometimes referred to as "Gumbo", usually contain large amounts of
water and have densities in the range of 1.2-1.5 g/cc. They contain large amounts
of smectite and/or illite, and can be associated with problems such as bit balling,
mud rings, plugged flow lines and hole washout. They are usually dispersible
shales.
Hard/Brittle Shales:
Hard shales are normally older than soft shales and may contain lesser amounts
of water with increased amounts of illite, kaolinite, and/or chlorite. These shales
typically have densities in the range of 2.2-2.7 g/cc and may have a water content
of two percent or less. MBT values are usually low. They present a different set of
problems than softer shales do.
Kick Recognition:
Some occurrences that might be associated with a kick include:
Drilling break (increase or change in drilling rate. Increase in flow rate. Increase in
pit volume. Circulating pressure drop. Well Flowing with pumps off. Increase in
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chloride content of fluid at the flow line. Increase in temperature of fluid at flow
line. Hole not taking proper quantity of fluid while tripping pipe.
Notes:
• Fracture pressure= Overburden pressure- Pore pressure
• Pore pressure always ≤ Fracture pressure
• Minimum shale stress= Overburden pressure at the normal formation
pressure (Formation not charged with any influx (Fluids or Gases)).
• Minimum shale stress value ≥ Overburden pressure< Fracture pressure.
• Maximum shale stress ≤ Fracture pressure.
Types of drilled or caved shale
1. Drilled shale at stable well bore (Small normal cuttings shape).
Well Pore pressure = hydrostatic pressure.
No need to increase mud weight, pump sweep for good hole cleaning. You can
see the traces or marks of bit teeth on the surface and edges of cuttings.
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2. Mechanical caved shale due to string vibration( Very small, Concave,

Blocky, Sub blocky).
Well Pore pressure = hydrostatic pressure.
No need to increase mud weight, Decrease RPM, Increase GPM, Pump sweep
for good hole cleaning. No traces or marks of bit teeth on the surface and
edges of cuttings.
3. Drilled shale at enlarged well bore (Pressurized shale, big and small size,
Plume shape, splinter shape, Concave shape, and Needle shape).
Well pore pressure is more than > hydrostatic pressure. We are drilling in the
same direction of shale layers or lamination even strike (Inclination) or dip
(Azimuth). We need to increase mud weight and pump sweeps for good hole
cleaning.
4. Drilled shale at well bore collapse (Big size, Angular and non-parallel
edges & gouged shape).
Well pore pressure is more than > hydrostatic pressure. We drilled in the opposite
direction of shale layers or lamination or perpendicular to shale layers or
lamination even strike (Inclination) or dip (Azimuth), the caved or drilled shale will
be angular and non-parallel edges shape so we need to increase mud weight and
pump sweeps for good hole cleaning. The angular and non-parallel edges shape of
shale will be created due to the weight of drill string while drilling, we looks like
drilling by hammering effect.
5. Drilled shale at rubble zones (Tabular with parallel surface shape).
Caved, stress or brittle shale due to drilling near to salt bodies or active faults.
Pump sweep for good hole cleaning.
6. Caved shale due to fracturing and ballooning effect.
Fractured open due to increase mud weight while circulating mud. Fractures
close when circulation stops. Pump sweep for good hole cleaning.
103
299- What is the high performance mud and the names of shale formations you
drilled in land and offshore rigs and talk about bit balling pills?
• Bit balling Pills:
• Names of shale formations in land and offshore areas.

Aruma Shale formation, wasiah Formation ( Ahmadi member), Biyadh formation,
Sudier formation, Qusieba Shale formation, Qasim shale formation.
104
High Performance Mud.
300- What is the V shape and the relation of TCT with low and high brine
weights?
NOTE: High temperature causes thermal expansion of brines, which causes a
reduction in density and hydrostatic pressure. Both temperature and pressure
effects should be considered when selecting a brine with density appropriate for
completion and workover fluids. Salt solution blends must be selected to be
chemically compatible with one another. The fluid density is usually selected so as
to exceed the reservoir pressure plus a predetermined safety margin. Commonly
used overbalance levels are 200 psi (13.6 bar) for oil wells and 300 psi (20.4 bar)
for gas wells. This should be sufficient to keep formation fluids from entering the
105
wellbore due to swabbing pressure created by tool movement. The density of a

brine decreases as the temperature increases due to the fluid’s thermal
volumetric expansion. As true solutions, brines are especially susceptible to
density changes with temperature. If the hydrostatic pressure from a fluid column
decreases due to thermal expansion, well control may become a problem. The
density of the brine must be corrected for temperature and pressure.
If the temperature drops too low for the selected fluid, the fluid will crystallize or
freeze. Each brine solution has a point at which crystallization or freezing occurs.
• First Crystal To Appear (FCTA). The temperature at which the first visible
crystals start to form as the solution is cooled. It is the lowest point on the
crystallization curve. It generally includes some “super-cooling” or cooling
below the True Crystallization Temperature.
• (TCT). As crystallization occurs, there is an abrupt increase in the
temperature of the solution, which eventually levels off to a constant value
before continuing to cool (showing a change in the slope of the
crystallization curve). This higher, “flatter” temperature, which occurs after
crystals form during the cooling cycle, is related to the thermodynamics of
crystallization. This temperature “jump” is most pronounced in calcium
salts.
• Last Crystal To Dissolve (LCTD). After crystals form, if the solution is
allowed to warm, the warming curve will show a change in slope as the last
heat-absorbing crystals disappear at the LCTD. LCTD is strongly influenced
by contamination with trace amounts of other salts.
Once the crystallization point of a fluid is determined, it can be reasonably
assumed that the fluid will not crystallize or freeze at a temperature higher
than the LCTD. Many operators specify a TCT that is 15° to 20° F (-9° to -7° C)
below the lowest temperature to which a brine will be exposed. Since salt
crystals have a smaller specific volume than the brine, brines do not expand
during crystallization. Therefore, fluid lines, valves or pump heads will not
rupture as they can when water freezes.
106
Generally, the lower-crystallizationtemperature brines will be more costly. The

most economical brine is usually the formulation with the highest safe
crystallization point. the crystallization temperature of calcium chloride as a
function of increasing density or a higher concentration (% by weight) of salt. As
the salt concentration increases, the crystallization temperature decreases up to
the eutectic point. In this region, the crystallization temperature indicates the
point below which freshwater ice crystals form, producing a brine with a higher
salt concentration. The eutectic point is the lowest possible crystallization
temperature, and is indicated by an inflection point. At salt concentrations
above the eutectic, the crystallization temperature indicates the precipitation of
salt crystals (not ice).
107
In the case of multisalt brines, the least soluble component will crystallize at the
TCT (Table 50). Thus, if a heavy brine is contaminated with minor amounts of NaCl
108
or KCl from formation brine or seawater, the TCT may be shifted to a much higher
temperature. This is due to the limited solubility of NaCl and KCl in heavy brines.
Although the brine at the altered TCT may appear cloudy, it can be cooled to the
original TCT with no further crystallization occurring.
Walid Sabry Abdelgalil Eid Amer

"‫" ال تنسونا من صالح الدعاء‬
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Walid Sabry Very Important Mud Questions, February 2022

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Very Important Mud questions.

3) What are the most challenges you faced?

4) What is your challenge/experience in horizontal wells? Hole

• Good mud rheology:

6) What is the mechanism of Spersene? What happens if we add it to a spud

8) Define Reynold's number, n & K?

• The ECD is an important parameter in avoiding kicks and losses,

11) Define the Poor boy degasser?

12) Define "End Point"?

14) Define tau zero?

15) How to mix 0.5 gal/bbl in a pilot test?

17) Can differential stuck happen in a Shale or Anhydrite Formation?

23) Why Hi Wt sweeps/mud shouldn't be Hi Wt Hi Vis at the same time? Why

25) Talk about PPT, GGT & Hach kit?

27) What are the differences between HPHT &PPT?

Pressure The pressure source is a standard The pressure source is a hydraulic

After 30 min -------increase ultrafine

Total= Reading of 30 minutes * 2 Spurt loss: (4*reading of 7.5 minutes)-

Total= Reading of 30 minutes * 2

28) How to calibrate the VG meter?

29) What is the flash point of a fluid?

30) What is the effect of high pH in spud mud and why?

32) Can you calculate K concentration from CL?

33) What is the maximum weight of?

‐ CaBr2…………....106 pcf ‐ CaCl/CaBr2…....112 pcf

34) What are the types of losses?

35) What are the main topics in basic/advanced mud schools?

37) What is the using of glycol?

pore so glycol prevent the pressure transmition. 2) Lubricant. 3) Anti‐freeze fluid.

44) What is PHPA? What are its limitations?

consumption of PHPA. It coats and encapsulates inert solids as well as clay

46) What are the shale types in KSA?

51) Define the "Key Seat"?

52) What are the common mud contaminations?

• Carbonate and Bicarbonate: Main sources of Carbonate are: 1) Carbonate

• Formation water flow: Will dramatically affect mud properties as it'll

55)Talk about Hydro-guard & Max-bridge systems?

56) How do you mix OBM?

‐ Fluid loss reducer

57) Why we use O/W ratio 70/30,80/20 in Aramco?

58) What is the mechanism of ES meter?

59) How can you check any drop in ES without ES meter?

62) What are the contaminations in OBM?

63) How to detect H2S in OBM?

66) What is the emulsifier?

67) What is the water activity?

68) Define normality, molarity, calcium soap & buffer solution?

69) Define "tight emulsion"?

71) Why we use water or brine in OBM?

73) In OBM, why we use CaCl2, not NaCl?

74) What is the viscosifier in OBM?

76) What are the brine types you worked with?

77) What is the turbidity?

78) What is more important factor for brine, NTU or TSS?

79) How to use Hydrometer?

81) Define the eutectic point?

82) If you've Cl contamination in CaBr2 brine, how to measure it without Cl test?