Oil Based Mud Chemicals OBM Products

Here are some key chemicals used in OBM formulations collectively described as OBM (Oil Based Mud) Products. Catalyst Drilling Fluids provide a full range of specially formulated Oil Based Mud Products.

Base Oil

Diesel, Escaid 110 or Mineral oil: These are common base oils, chosen for their hydrophobic properties. The base oil is the primary fluid in the OBM system, giving it its name.

Synthetic oils: In some regions, the use of diesel-based muds is not preferabledue to environmental concerns, leading to the use of synthetic-based mud (SBM) or lower-toxicity mineral oil-based mud. Sometimes used to minimize environmental impact, synthetic oils can reduce the environmental footprint of OBM systems compared to diesel or mineral oils.

Emulsifiers

These chemicals ensure that water droplets are finely dispersed in the oil-based mud. They stabilize the water-in-oil (invert emulsion) system.

Primary emulsifiers CT-EMULTEC (e.g., fatty acid-based or amine-based emulsifiers): Used to stabilize the basic emulsion.

Secondary emulsifiers CT EMULSEC: Added to improve the stability of the emulsion, especially under high temperatures.

Viscosifiers

These materials increase the viscosity of the OBM to improve the suspension of cuttings and weighting materials.

Organophilic clays CT-ORGANOCLAY (e.g., bentonite treated with amine compounds): These are commonly used to thicken the oil phase.

Polymeric viscosifiers: Synthetic polymers designed to enhance viscosity and temperature stability.

Filtration Control Agents

These chemicals reduce the filtration loss, controlling the amount of fluid that invades the formation.

CT-FLC-OBM: A naturally occurring asphalt used to seal permeable formations.

CT-ORIG Organophilic lignite: Modified lignite that is compatible with the oil-based system, helping to control fluid loss.

Wetting Agents

CT-WET Wetting agents are used to ensure that solid particles like barite are well-dispersed in the oil phase and don't become water-wet. They are amine-based compounds or fatty acids: Typically used to ensure that solid particles stay oil-wet.

Rheology Modifiers

CT-RHM liquid rheology modifier used in oil-base mud systemsto increase low- shear-rate viscosities (LSRV) and gel strengths for improved hole-cleaning. The primary application is in large-diameter, high-angle, horizontal and extended-reach wells to increase cuttings-carrying capacity

Thinners or Dispersants

CT THIN-OThinner is a dispersant and thinner for synthetic oil based muds. It reduces viscosity and gel strength without the need for dilution.

Weighting Materials

These materials increase the density of the OBM, which helps to control formation pressures.

Barite (barium sulfate) CT-BAR: The most commonly used weighting material.

Hematite CT-HEM or CACARB Calcium carbonate: Alternatives for higher density or specific formation requirements.

Alkalinity Agents

Used to control the pH of the mud, ensuring proper emulsification and stability.

CT-LIME Lime (calcium hydroxide): Typically added to maintain the desired pH and help with the effectiveness of the emulsifiers.

Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide): Occasionally used to adjust alkalinity.

Corrosion Inhibitors

Chemicals like amine derivatives or organic acids are used to protect the metal components (e.g., drill pipes) from corrosion in OBM systems, especially in the presence of water and dissolved gases like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).

Salts

CCAL Calcium chloride: Often added to the brine phase (water phase) of the invert emulsion to control the salinity and avoid hydration or swelling of shales.

Lubricants

Additional lubricants may be added to improve the lubricating properties of the OBM and reduce torque and drag.

GESEAL Graphite-based or LUBEDRIL-EX ester-based lubricants: Used in situations where extra lubrication is needed, especially in deviated or horizontal wells.