Oil Based Mud

For the highest degree of inhibition and thermal stability, the Federal suite of oil-based drilling fluid systems are designed for a range of demanding applications. Our portfolio includes oil-based drilling fluids engineered specifically for technically challenging applications, including onshore and offshore shelf operations.

Products that work with Oil Based Mud Systems

VG-PLUS

VG-PLUS organophilic clay is an improved viscosifier and gelling additive for all synthetic-based and VERSACLEAN mineral oil-based systems.

This clay is an amine-treated bentonite that improves the carrying capacity, gel strength, and suspension of weight material. It also assists in improving filtercake quality, and filtration control.

VG-PLUS clay has particular application in mixing plants. The product provides viscosity for building new fluids that have not been exposed to shear or temperature.

Versatrol M

Versatrol M resin is a naturally occurring asphalt used for high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) filtration control in VERSA oil-based systems. It also has a lower softening point than the regular Versatrol resin, which makes it suitable for use over a wide range of temperatures. It is often used to seal low-pressure and depleted formations.

Versatrol M resin is designed to be used in applications where the anticipated bottomhole static temperature does not require the higher limits of the regular Versatrol material. It resin reduces both API and HPHT fluid loss in all oil-based muds. It helps improve the overall emulsion stability, thermal stability, and suspension characteristics of most oil-based formulations. Versatrol M resin also increases viscosity, especially at lower temperatures due to its partial solubility.

MUL S

MUL S is a secondary emulsifier for oil-based fluid systems to be used coupled with a primary emulsifier such as MUL P. MUL S produces a stable invert emulsion with preferential wetting of solids by the continuous oil phase and helps maintain a tight high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) fluid loss.

Initial treatments normally range from 1 to 3 lb/bbl depending on the type of base oil, total solids loading, desired properties, as well as other components of the system. Daily treatments will enhance the emulsion characteristics of these systems.

The product is effective in producing a stable invert emulsion over a wide range of oil/water ratios and temperatures between 250 – 300°F when used with a proper primary emulsifier, organophilic clay, and HTHP filtration control additive. Pilot test is recommended to determine the right treatment.

Benefits

Helps prevent water in the filtrate
Improves oil-in-brine emulsion characteristics
Helps improve thermal stability

MUL P

MUL P is a primary emulsifier for oil-based fluid systems recommended to be used along with the MUL S secondary emulsifier. MUL P is designed to create a stable brinein-oil emulsion, improve high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) fluid loss, electrical stability, and provide a stable rheological profile.

Initial treatments usually range from 6 to 8 lb/bbl depending on the oil/water ratio, mud density, and HTHP fluid loss target. Daily maintenance additions are usually recommended after the initial treatment in the 1 – 2 lb/bbl range.

MUL P provides a stable emulsion up to 300 °F when used along with a suitable secondary emulsifier, a high-performance organophilic clay, and HTHP fluid loss control additive. Pilot testing is strongly suggested to determine the actual treatment required to meet the desired fluid properties.

Benefits

Multi-functional primary emulsifier
Improves oil-in-brine emulsion characteristics

Lime

Lime is used as a source of calcium and alkalinity in both water- and oil-based drilling fluids. Lime, a widely available commercial chemical, is an economical source of calcium (Ca2+) and hydroxyl ions (OH–).

Drilling fluid applications for lime include increasing pH, providing excess lime as an alkalinity buffer, flocculating bentonite muds, removing soluble carbonate (CO32–) ions, controlling corrosion, and activating fatty-acid, oil-based mud additives.

M-I WATE

M-I WATE barite is a high-quality, drilling-grade barium sulfate used to increase the density of drilling fluids. This high-specific-gravity mineral is the most widely used weight barite, has application in all drilling fluid systems, and meets all API specifications for barite except density.