Review of underbalanced drilling techniques highlighting the advancement of foamed drilling fluids

Al-Darweesh, Jawad; Aljawad, Murtada Saleh; Ramadan, Mustafa Al; Elkatatny, Salaheldin; Mahmoud, Mohamed; Patil, Shirish

doi:10.1007/s13202-022-01596-w

Cited by 12 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 147 publications

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“…34 In other words, the n L value can reflect the resistance of liquid migration between bubbles laterally. Equation (4) shows that the value of n L is related to the foam quality Γ and bubble radius r B , and considering the difference in the growth of Γ and r B , the value of n L increases simultaneously with Γ in this experiment. Therefore, the transport resistance of liquid between bubbles is continuously reduced with the increase in bubble quality.…”

Section: Foam Qualitymentioning

confidence: 72%

“…Foam is a reservoir mobility control system that has been widely proven to be effective 1,2 . Since the 1960s, extensive theoretical research and field practice have proved the significance of foam in oilfield work, and the current application of foam has included drilling, fracture acidizing, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), 3–6 among others. The special flow state of the foam makes it a potential intelligent fluid 7–9 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Factors influencing the mobility control ability of diutan gum‐enhanced foam in porous media

Lai,

Wang,

Wang

et al. 2023

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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Diutan gum (DG) is an anionic polysaccharide produced by Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 53159. The DG‐enhanced foam (DGEF) formed by the DG and foam has great application potential in enhanced oil recovery. In this research, the influence of injection parameters on DGEF was studied by conducting orthogonal experiment, with residual resistance coefficient (Rff) as the main evaluation index. The micro‐state of the foam was observed using an etching model and scanning electron microscope. The mechanism of different factors on the mobility control ability of the foam was discussed based on the apparent viscosity and surfactant depletion. The results show that the Rff of foam is correlated with the apparent viscosity, and the foam with high apparent viscosity had a good flow control ability. The calculation of the surfactant depletion shows that the bubble stability decreased significantly when the concentration of Sodium alpha‐olefin sulfonate (AOS) cannot meet the minimum stabilization concentration, thus weakening the mobility control ability. Based on the study of crude oils, the presence of oil phase will seriously weaken the mobility control ability of DGEF, but the effect of oil with higher content of resin and asphaltene will be relatively weak.

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Section: Foam Qualitymentioning

confidence: 72%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors influencing the mobility control ability of diutan gum‐enhanced foam in porous media

Lai,

Wang,

Wang

et al. 2023

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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“…6 Anionic surfactants have been utilized in foam-based underbalanced drilling. 16 These surfactants are well-regarded for their ability to produce stable and effective foams, which is a critical factor in improving drilling performance. Based on the literature review, commonly employed anionic surfactants include sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 17 alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS), 18,19 and cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) 20 for drilling foams.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Eco-Friendly Drilling Additives on Foaming Properties for Sustainable Underbalanced Foam Drilling Applications

Gowida,

Elkatatny,

Ibrahim

2024

ACS Omega

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Underbalanced foam drilling stands out as a drilling technique acclaimed for its capacity to enhance safety and efficiency in operations. Utilizing foams as drilling fluids offers several benefits over traditional methods, including lower density, diminished formation damage, and augmented borehole stability. However, the persistent challenge of sustaining foam stability in demanding conditions, particularly amid elevated water salinity and alkaline environments, remains a critical issue. Current literature lacks comprehensive insights into foam stability under such specific circumstances, raising concerns about the practicality of numerous reported foaming agents in field applications. This study aims to fill this knowledge void to align with industry standards. With a heightened focus on sustainability due to mounting environmental considerations, the research explores the use of an eco-friendly surfactant, ammonium alcohol ether sulfate (AAES). Additionally, the investigation delves into the impact of environmentally friendly drilling additives-polyanionic cellulose (PAC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and starch-on the stability of bulk foam under mildly alkaline conditions. Employing a dynamic foam analyzer, diverse foam properties of AAES foams were assessed, encompassing stability, foamability, and bubble structure. The results demonstrated that the optimal concentrations of the tested additives, in the order of PAC > CMC > starch, significantly prolonged the half-life of the AAES foam bubbles. The introduction of PAC and CMC additives elevated the viscosity of AAES foaming solutions, enhancing the liquid retention within the foam structure. In contrast, starch addition exerted no influence on the solution viscosity and did not impede liquid drainage, although it did reduce bubble coalescence. Furthermore, the PAC-and CMC-based AAES foams manifested as considerably wetter foams with a rounded bubble structure, while the starch-based AAES foam exhibited a dry foam characterized by a distinct polyhedral bubble structure. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential application of the AAES surfactant in foam drilling, showcasing its efficacy in improving foam stability and contributing to the evolution of eco-friendly drilling practices.

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“…This analysis revealed that an elevated pressure resulted in smaller bubble radii and denser foam. Conversely, elevated temperatures tend to diminish foam stability due to surfactant degradation …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Conversely, elevated temperatures tend to diminish foam stability due to surfactant degradation. 11 The current literature presents a range of conflicting findings pertaining to the impact of salts on foam characterization. For instance, Guo et al 12 conducted an investigation into the influence of salt concentration on foam stability under ambient conditions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Pressure and Temperature on Foam Behavior for Enhanced Underbalanced Drilling Operations

Gowida,

Elkatatny,

Ibrahim

et al. 2023

ACS Omega

Self Cite

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Foam, a versatile underbalanced drilling fluid, shows potential for improving the drilling efficiency and reducing formation damage. However, the existing literature lacks insight into foam behavior under high-pH drilling conditions. This study introduces a novel approach using synthesized seawater, replacing the conventional use of freshwater on-site for the foaming system's liquid base. This approach is in line with sustainability objectives and offers novel perspectives on foam stability under high-pH conditions. Experiments, conducted with a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) foam analyzer, investigate how pressure and temperature affect foam properties. The biodegradable foaming agent ammonium alcohol ether sulfate (AAES) is employed. Results demonstrate that the pressure significantly impacts foam stability. Increasing pressure enhances stability, reducing decay rates and promoting uniform bubble sizes, especially at lower temperatures. This highlights foam's capacity to withstand high-pressure conditions. Conversely, the temperature plays a substantial role in foam decay, particularly at elevated temperatures (75 and 90 °C). Decreased liquid viscosity accelerates the liquid drainage and foam decay. While pressure mainly influences the AAES foam stability at temperatures up to 50 °C, temperature becomes the dominant factor at higher temperatures. Temperature's impact on foamability is minimal under constant pressure, maintaining consistent gas volume for maximum foam height. However, foam stability is sensitive to temperature variations, with increasing temperature leading to a more significant bubble size increase gradient. These findings stress the importance of considering temperature effects in foam drilling, particularly in deep and high-temperature environments. AAES foam exhibits stability at lower temperatures, making it suitable for surface and intermediate drilling. Understanding temperature-induced changes in foam structure and bubble size is essential for optimizing performance in high-temperature and deep drilling scenarios.

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Review of underbalanced drilling techniques highlighting the advancement of foamed drilling fluids

Cited by 12 publications

References 147 publications

Factors influencing the mobility control ability of diutan gum‐enhanced foam in porous media

Factors influencing the mobility control ability of diutan gum‐enhanced foam in porous media

Impact of Eco-Friendly Drilling Additives on Foaming Properties for Sustainable Underbalanced Foam Drilling Applications

Impact of Pressure and Temperature on Foam Behavior for Enhanced Underbalanced Drilling Operations

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