The Evolution drilling fluid system is the result of an intense R&D initiative undertaken by Newpark to develop an environmentally sound water-based drilling fluid solution to the rigorous operational demands of unconventional shale hydrocarbon development. System formulation and effectiveness is validated through laboratory investigation for use in specific operational areas.
Long coveted by operators who value both operational efficiency and responsible environmental stewardship, developing a water-based alternative to diesel-based fluids for extremely demanding drilling applications has historically proven particularly elusive to drilling fluid providers.
Through disciplined scientific method, the Evolution drilling fluid system was built from the ground up, incorporating entirely new water-based chemistry and components to create a unique, clean and rugged fluid developed specifically for unconventional shale gas applications.
The Evolution drilling fluid system’s developmental process was grounded in practicality, from examining field geology and establishing operational criteria through component identification, final system design and validation. No assumptions or shortcuts were accepted.
An uncompromised process is undertaken to qualify drilling fluid formulation for each and every proposed application for the system:
Hundreds of hours were devoted
to each step in the process |
- Characterize the unique qualities of shales and anticipated overall geology found in the geographical area of interest.
- Identify unique operational criteria of the specific field of interest.
- Conceptualize system design
- Identify components
- Examine and validate formulations for application
- Exhaustive HPHT rheological and contaminant testing
- Stress system: Design for most hostile drilling conditions
- Validation: Thorough testing with Newpark’s unique Downhole Simulation Cell
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This is how drilling fluid R&D should be conducted. This is the Newpark method.
