Drilling fluid designed to eliminate barite sag
The new INNOVERT drilling fluid system is designed for use in areas where paraffin-mineral oil is the preferred base oil.
It’s derived from barite sag-eliminating technology used in ACCOLADE drilling fluid.
The INNOVERT system bypasses other approaches that have been used to address the problem of barite sag. For instance, some existing treatments rely on the use of ultrafine weighting agents to treat sag, which can lead to escalating costs and an increased likelihood of formation damage, the company says. The INNOVERT system ends this reliance on fine particles by providing operators with a low-solid, nonformation-damaging fluid.
The gel structure of INNOVERT drilling fluid also eliminates the need for excess thickening of the mud.
Source: Baroid Fluid Services, Fluid Systems Div., Halliburton Co., Box 3, Houston, TX 77001.
Drilling bit designed for underbalanced uses
New Challenger Jet Air journal bearing drilling bits comprise a new tungsten carbide roller cone product line specifically designed for underbalanced drilling applications.
This generation of premium roller cone bits features enhanced cutting structures to improve rate of penetration and an advanced bearing package to extend seal life and bit life.
The cutting structures are specially engineered for underbalanced applications. The inserts are made from harder, more water resistant grades of tungsten carbide and are further enhanced using the patent-pending high energy tumbling (HET) process. HET improves fracture toughness and impact resistance of standard tungsten carbide inserts. The use of special bit and cone geometries and insert arrangements results in efficient drilling while reducing sliding contact and wear, effectively extending bit life, the firm points out.
Bits feature interchangeable steel nozzles held in place with nail retention. This interchangeability allows nozzle sizes to be selected based on the surface equipment and application to optimize hole cleaning. The nail retention system is reliable in underbalanced drilling applications.
Bits are available in sizes 6¼-11 in.
Source: Varel International, 1434 Patton Pl., Suite 106, Carrollton, TX 75007.
