Gazprom Neft reaping the benefits of new drilling mud

Drilling efficiency has seen direct improvements thanks to less time spent in horizontal well construction, with the re-use of KLRA-SHIELD mud leading to a reduction in drilling-mud preparation time. Testing and implementation of these new drilling muds is being undertaken as part of Gazprom Neft’s “Technology Strategy”, directed at utilising innovative technologies and resources to further improve production efficiency.

Testing of this new technology was initiated in 2015, with specialists from the Gazprom Neft Joint Scientific and Research Centre and Gazpromneft-Khantos evaluating the technological and economic performance of the KLA-SHIELD system in the course of drilling three horizontal wells over a period of six months.

Using this new technology has significantly improved efficiency in drilling complex wells with extensive clay sections, as the unique composition of the drilling-mud system reduces clay hydration (or “swelling”), limiting its ingress into the drilling mud through a three-fold improvement in hydration inhibition. Tests showed a 20-percent reduction in drilling-mud preparation time, as well as cutting drilling-waste disposal costs in comparison with traditional KCl-polymer muds. The faster drilling speeds facilitated by the KLA-SHIELD system, moreover, reduced well-construction times by 10 percent.

Igor Rustamov, Head of Drilling and Well Work, Gazprom Neft, commented: “Drilling is one of the most cost-intensive operations in the development of hydrocarbon fields. Construction of high-technology — horizontal or multi-stage — wells means Gazprom Neft can continually improve efficiency here. Added to which, the company is committed to adapting and implementing new technologies to make the drilling process faster, safer and more efficient.”