Case Studies

Case Studies

PROVEN RESULTS WITH AMERICAN GILSONITE®

The unique chemical and physical properties of Gilsonite® make it a versatile, performance-enhancing additive for a wide range of applications. Here are examples of clients achieving superior results by using Gilsonite® uintaite.

New multifunctional product improves drilling performance in water-based systems

A global drilling fluids company working in the Gulf of Mexico on highly deviated deep wells found that Gilsonite® uintaite consistently achieves the necessary fluid loss control with significanly lower concentrations than alternative asphaltite product.

Gilsonite® G-Bond provides exceptional slurry for Western U.S. wells

A global drilling fluids company working in the Gulf of Mexico on highly deviated deep wells found that Gilsonite® uintaite consistently achieves the necessary fluid loss control with significanly lower concentrations than alternative asphaltite product.

Gilsonite® uintaite provides superior fluid loss control using less product

A global drilling fluids company working in the Gulf of Mexico on highly deviated deep wells found that Gilsonite® uintaite consistently achieves the necessary fluid loss control with significanly lower concentrations than alternative asphaltite product.

New low-cost Gilsonite LCM improves pumping 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 pressure charts.

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,…

Impressive results achieved by replacing OBM fluid loss additives with Gilsonite®

A large U.S. independent drilling fluids company was experiencing inconsistent performance in their Eagle Ford and Permian operations. After conducting field trials, they determined using American Gilsonite® uintaite as an OBM additive resulted in a net fluid loss additive cost reduction, reduced additive consumption and fluid loss performance improvement. A company spokesperson noted, “American Gilsonite®…