SILDRIL

The adaptable silicate fluid system with the

proven inhibition of an invert-emulsion fluid
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SILDRIL: Theonesystem
for optimumshaleinhibition
andenvironmental compliance

A P P L I C A T I O N S
Onshore and offshore wells,
including vertical and high-angle,
drilling through highly reactive
formations where an invert system
would be required but where envi-
ronmental restrictions preclude the
use of oil-base systems.

P R O B L E M S
Many onshore, offshore and deep-
water wells require highly inhibitive
drilling-fluid systems but are located
in areas subject to strict environ-
mental regulations.

S O L U T I O N S
The SILDRIL
*
system uses silicate
technology to inhibit reactive clays
while offering the environmental
benefits of a water-base formulation.

E C O N O M I C S
This one, versatile system
delivers optimum inhibition
characteristics, high penetration
rates, decreased trouble time,
superior wellbore integrity and
superb solids-removal performance.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L
In the field, the SILDRIL system has
proven itself with low dilution rates,
a full complement of non-toxic
products and safe-handling char-
acteristics. It has been designated
Category E (full discharge) in the UK
sector of the North Sea, and it meets
Gulf of Mexico toxicity standards.
Whether youre drilling in 7,000 ft
(2,133 m) of water or in the most envi-
ronmentally fragile jungle; in a gumbo
environment or in micro-fractured,
interbedded shales and chalks; in a
vertical or high-angle hole, the SILDRIL
system gives you flexibility you never
thought possible in a water-base drill-
ing fluid.
This uniquely formulated system
capitalizes on the very latest in sili-
cate technology to give you perform-
ance approaching that of oil-base mud
but with the environmental accept-
ability of a water-base fluid. This one
system delivers optimum inhibition
characteristics, high penetration
rates, decreased trouble time, supe-
rior wellbore integrity and superb
solids-removal performance all
with minimal environmental impact.
Its hard to match the shale
inhibition of the SILDRIL system
The SILDRIL system achieves its
superior inhibition through a
threefold approach:
Direct chemical bonding of the
silicate polymers to drill cuttings
and formation surfaces
Precipitation of the silicate
with divalent ions
Silicate polymerization that results
in complex, inorganic polymer
structures that react with the
shale surfaces.
The system generates highly com-
petent, inhibited cuttings that con-
tribute to optimum performance of
the solids-control equipment and
greatly enhanced formation evalua-
tion. By dramatically reducing solids
After treatment: In the same formation, SILDRIL
produces a high degree of cuttings integrity.
Before SILDRIL treatment: Cuttings from
a reactive formation drilled with a
conventional KCl polymer fluid.
contamination, the SILDRIL system
reduces dilution rates and the costs
associated with drilling-waste man-
agement. Field experience has shown
the solids-control efficiency of the
system can compare very favorably
to that achieved with typical invert-
emulsion fluids.
M-I SWACO takes proven
technology to a new level
Basic silicate chemistry has been
around for decades. But M-I SWACO
has exploited the latest advances in
polymer chemistry and solids-control
technology to develop this high-
performance, silicate-base system
that provides superior inhibition,
delivers consistently in-gauge well-
bores and has proven itself consis-
tently cost-effective. Depending on
application and logistic consider-
ations, the soluble sodium silicate
that is the basic building block of
the SILDRIL system is also available
in dry SILDRIL D form.
SILDRIL. An alkaline silicate fluid
composed of a complex mixture of
polysilicate ions. In this highly reac-
tive solution, these silicate ions form
covalent bonds the predominant
reaction in both the polymerization
and inhibition process. The silicate
polymerization and the interaction
of the silicate with the drilled solids
are the main mechanisms that
provide such superior inhibition.
SILDRIL D. A 100% active, dry silicate
product. Treatment of 3 to 4% by
weight in a brine-polymer fluid
provides excellent shale stability.
Fewer components
give you more flexibility
The relatively small number of
components that comprise the non-
dispersed SILDRIL system provide a
great deal of flexibility in matching
the system to the particular applica-
tion. Fewer products also mean ease
of maintenance, simpler logistics
and lower total fluid costs.
M-I SWACO also has developed
a unique lubricant SIL-LUBE
*

specifically for the SILDRIL system,

making it well suited for drilling high-
angle wells. The versatile SILDRIL sys-
tem is compatible with a variety of
inorganic salts that can be added to
enhance inhibition and help meet
specific environmental regulations.
Si
Si
O
O
H
H
Clay platelets
Non-clay particles
Filter-cake deposition
Physical and
chemical
barrier to
invasion
200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 100
Swellmeter Test
35Swelling (%)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
5
Time (min)
Low pH dispersed
SILDRIL
DI water/XC
KCl/glycol
Shale Recovery
100Shale recovery (%)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
FW/
polymer
NaCl/
PHPA
KCl/
glycol/
PHPA
SILDRIL Oil-base
mud
For systems formulated with SILDRIL, primary inhibition is achieved with the addition of a unique
2.6-ratio silicate. Polymerization of the higher-ratio silicate monomer effectively provides a physical
and chemical barrier to filtrate and particle invasion.
System Components
Product Functions Description
SILDRIL or SILDRIL D Inhibition Primary inhibitive
chemical additive
DUO-VIS
*
, XCD, FLO-VIS
*
Viscosity, LSRV Premium-grade
xanthan biopolymers
recommended for
optimum performance
POLYPAC
*
UL, POLYPAC ULV, Fluid-loss control All premium PAC
POLYPAC R, POLY-SAL
*
, materials and starch
FLO-TROL
*
, HIBTROL
*
products can be used
in the SILDRIL system. Selection
of additive(s) is dependent on
fluid and well specifications
KCl, NaCl Supplemental inhibition Salts used to provide
K
2
SO
4
, K
2
CO
3
, TKPP (to reduce shale swelling), enhanced shale
(TetraPotassium density stabilization and
PyroPhosphate) fluid density
K
2
CO
3
, Na
2
CO
3
Pre-treatment of seawater Alkalinity additives
to remove calcium and
magnesium ions
(with KOH or NaOH)
NaOH, KOH Pre-treatment of seawater Alkalinity additives
to remove calcium and (hydroxyl)
magnesium ions
SIL-LUBE
*
Lubricity Specialty product for
silicate fluids
M-I BAR
*
, calcium carbonate Weight As required for density
All this and a Category E
classification, too
From its well documented, high
drilling rates, to its reduced risk of
mud-related trouble time and lower
waste-management costs, the SILDRIL
system is not only a cost-effective
alternative to other water-base sys-
tems, but to synthetic and oil-base
fluids as well. Add to that its low dilu-
tion rates, a full complement of non-
toxic products and its safe handling
characteristics, and you can see why
the SILDRIL system has been desig-
nated Category E (full discharge)
in the UK sector of the North Sea
and why it meets Gulf of Mexico
toxicity standards.
Put the SILDRIL system
to work for you
To find out more about how the
SILDRIL system can optimize the drill-
ing efficiency and environmental
compliance of your next well, contact
your local M-I SWACO representative.
SILDRIL has recorded consistently high penetration rates in the most reactive shale environments,
resulting in an average cost per foot significantly lower than traditional inhibitive water-base systems.
Features
Outstanding inhibition
Low toxicity
Applicable for deepwater
Minimum number of components
Highly flexible fluid parameters
Benefits
High penetration rates
Optimum solids removal
Low dilution rates and
superb drilling-waste control
Excellent cuttings integrity and
stable wellbores
In-gauge holes
P.O. Box 42842
Houston, Texas 77242-2842
Tel: 2815611300
Fax: 2815611441
www.miswaco.com
E-mail: questions@miswaco.com
Technology Centers:
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Tel: 2815611300 Fax: 2815611441
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND
Tel: 441224334634 Fax: 441224334650
STAVANGER, NORWAY
Tel: 4751577300 Fax: 4751570605
1999 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved. *Mark of M-I L.L.C.
Order No. MS-04014 2.5M 9/04 Litho in U.S.A.
This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I SWACO
makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
accuracy and use of this data. All product warranties and guarantees shall be
governed by the Standard Terms of Sale.