New water-based system enabled major operator to drill 2.5-mile lateral
Gilsonite® H2O: A game-changer for WBM systems Gilsonite® H2O enabled a major operator in the Permian Basin to overcome a challenging downhole environment and successfully reach TD (Total Depth) in an extended reach lateral well while utilizing a water-based mud system. The project was impacted by water influx within the lateral section requiring the replacement…
New multifunctional product improves drilling performance in water-based systems
The first in a new line of multifunctional WBM products optimizes operational results and costsAmerican Gilsonite Company approached the Rockies operations group of a drilling fluids provider with the concept of running a field trial with a unique water-based additive. The service provider agreed to run the product in an intermediate section (4,000 to 11,000…
Gilsonite® G-Bond provides exceptional slurry for Western U.S. wells
Western U.S. operators face circulation loss, wellbore isolation issuesWells drilled in a Western U.S. state commonly encounter formations that result in lost circulation during primary surface pipe cementing. Resource Cementing company was pumping slurry in a well with 1,025 feet of 9.625˝ casing set in a 12.5˝ open hole with an 11.0 ppg lightweight cement….
Gilsonite® uintaite provides superior fluid loss control using less product
Difficult drilling conditions of highly deviated offshore wells present technical challengesA global drilling fluids company operating in the Gulf of Mexico typically works on highly deviated wells with an average total depth of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Drilling challenges observed in these wells include salt domes and wellbore stability related to coal extrusions. Therefore, achieving…
New low-cost Gilsonite® LCM improves pumping operations
New Gilsonite® LCM yields cost savings at purchase and during operations For wells drilled in the Midland Basin, West Texas Cementers adopted a new, competitively priced lost-circulation material (LCM) additive from American Gilsonite Company. West Texas Cementers (WTC) observed that the cement jobs with Gilsonite® LCM pumped smoother than jobs using Kol-Seal®, as evidenced by…
New cost-effective Gilsonite® product provides crucial filtration control, maintains stable rheology
Ultra-deep wells and gypsum-salt formations present unique drilling challengesThe Sichuan Basin in southwest China is rich in ultra-deep natural gas and deep shale gas resources. Successful wells must be 7,000 to 8,000 meters (23,000 to 26,000 feet) deep. In addition, thick gypsum-salt rock formations present extreme engineering challenges, notably maintaining a stable rheological profile. Other…
Rigorous trials prove genuine Gilsonite® uintaite will not remass
In laboratory testing and in client use, Gilsonite® uintaite, supplied by American Gilsonite Company, has proven its resistance to caking or remassing, even under high pressure, extreme temperatures and long-term storage. The chemical composition and refined purity of American Gilsonite® uintaite allow particles to remain loose and easy to mix, as opposed to competing products…
Gilsonite® uintaite controls fluid loss without damaging the formation
Gilsonite® reduces formation damage Lab tests show that Gilsonite® uintaite used as a fluid loss control additive in synthetic-based drilling mud (SBM) causes negligible formation damage. Third-party lab testing indicated that mud with Gilsonite® uintaite reduced damage to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation compared to synthetic-based mud alone. Low-tier “black powder” additive damages the formation, reduces permeabilityTesting…
Slurry with Gilsonite® increases yield and reduces cost
A West Texas O&G operator wanted to reduce slurry costs for its lightweight cement applications in the Permian Basin. The cementing company, West Texas Cementers (WTC), an independent cementing company in Odessa, Texas, replaced hollow beads with Gilsonite® uintaite. The result was a significant reduction in slurry costs. WTC had typically used hollow beads as…
Drilling fluid with Gilsonite® outperforms alternative in same field
A large, international E&P oil company with a significant presence in the US unconventional market was experiencing inconsistent drilling fluid performance from two service companies operating within the same field. One service company, using an alternative product to American Gilsonite® uintaite, experienced poor drilling fluid performance, including issues with stuck pipe, wellbore instability, high rheology,…