Abstract

This invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the performance of invert drilling fluids. In particular, the invention relates to the use of waxes in drilling fluid compositions to improve the performance of organophilic clays within a drilling solution as well as improving seepage control.

Claims  (OCR text may contain errors)

• A method for controlling the viscosity of an oil and water emulsion comprising the step of introducing an effective amount of an emulsifier to an oil and water emulsion containing organophilic clay (OC) to produce a desired viscosity in the emulsion wherein the emulsifier is selected from any one of: beeswax, candelilla wax, camauba wax, ceresine wax, Montan wax, and shellac.

• A method as in claim 1 wherein the amount of emulsifier and organophilic clay are selected to maximize the performance of the organophilic clay for the desired viscosity.

• A method as in any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the amounts of organophilic clay and emulsifier are balanced to minimize the amount of organophilic clay for a desired viscosity and the amount of emulsifier is sequentially increased to produce the desired viscosity.

• A method as in any one of claims 1-3 wherein the emulsifier is selected to improve the seepage control properties of the emulsion.

• A method as in any one of claims 1-4 wherein the emulsifier is Montan wax.

• A method as in any one of claims 1-5 further comprising the step of blending an effective amount of gilsonite into the emulsion for seepage control.

• A method as in claim 6 wherein greater than 90% of the gilsonite has a particle size of greater than 150 mesh.

• A method as in claim 6 wherein greater than 80% of the gilsonite has a particle size of smaller than 200 mesh.

• A method as in claim 6 further comprising the step of blending an effective amount of a leonardite into the emulsion as a secondary seepage control agent.

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