Gilsonite^® uintaite is the only drilling fluid additive that provides all of these benefits:

• Controls fluid loss and seepage
• Stabilizes shales
• Prevents lost circulation
• Strengthens the wellbore to increase wellbore stability
• Minimizes differential sticking
• Promotes effective filter cake development
• Performs in oil- and water-based drilling muds
• Performs in HP/HT environments
• Minimizes HSE risks

Gilsonite^® prevents formation damage
Gilsonite^® forms a physical and chemical bond with permeable formations, creating an effective seal to prevent the passage of drilling fluid. By uniquely functioning as both a malleable and solid plugging agent, Gilsonite^® controls fluid loss and seepage, prevents lost circulation and protects reactive and low-reactive shale surfaces, even at elevated bottomhole temperatures.

Proven to strengthen the wellbore
HP/HT wells, shales and underpressured zones require specialized drilling fluids and wellbore-strengthening techniques. Adding Gilsonite^® to an OBM, SBM or WBM strengthens the well by:

• Reducing pore pressure transmission and sealing micro-fractures in shale and low-porosity sands
• Keeping interbedding formations intact
• Developing effective filter cake
• Providing a “smear effect” that creates a continuous protective sealant along the wellbore wall

The most effective additive to prevent differential sticking
Gilsonite^® minimizes the occurrence of stuck pipe and stuck logging tools by thoroughly sealing permeable formations – even in zones with a highly overbalanced pressure differential – and improving filter cake lubricity.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES

All-natural Gilsonite^® is safe for Gulf of Mexico operations
Naturally occurring Gilsonite^® has significant health advantages over synthetic products. Gilsonite^® is:

• Non-toxic (unlike coal or fly ash)
• Non-carcinogenic
• Non-mutagenic

Gilsonite^® is safe to handle, use and store, and passes Gulf of Mexico EPA discharge requirements for deepwater operations.

SIGNIFICANT COST ADVANTAGES

Compared to alternative products, Gilsonite^® offers comparable or superior performance at a much lower cost. In water-based mud (WBM) applications, Gilsonite^®’s performance compares favorably with sulfonated asphalts while costing 25-50% less.

Water-based Mud Applications

In HP/HT environments using synthetic-based mud (SBM), Gilsonite^® provides a cost reduction of more than 80% compared to premium co-polymer, while the high softening point of Gilsonite^® also results in a 45% reduction in fluid loss.

PRODUCTS

American Gilsonite^® drilling fluid products perform in any application.

Deepwater Tech Sheet