Drilling machinery is important when it comes to opening up holes in the ground for wells. The right drilling fluid additives are critical to ensuring that a hole is properly formed in the least amount of time and with the lowest amount of wear and tear on the drill itself. Learn about the various additives below.
Soda Ash
This drilling fluid additive is used to help raise the pH level of water, as the optimal pH level for drilling is between 8 and 9. Soda ash is an easy and effective way to raise that pH level to that range.
Bentonite
This drilling fluid additive helps to make the water thicker, thereby causing the water to slow its flow while increasing its weight. This additive can be effective in areas where the ground is stable, but not if the ground is loose, as it could create a larger hole than is needed and make the hole for the well less stable.
Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide (PHPA)
This type of additive can help keep the fluid from swelling and absorbing, which helps to keep it from sticking to the drill.
Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC) Polymer
An additive that works really well in sand and similar loose ground conditions, as this type of polymer can prevent fluid loss within the hole and keep the ground from becoming oversaturated and the hole from collapsing.
High Molecular Weight (HMW) Polymer
This additive is best used in gravel, sand, and cobble ground conditions, as the drilling fluid’s gel strength is increased so that heavier cuttings can be easily removed from the drill path.
Foam
This drilling fluid additive is effective when drilling through rock formations, as any chips that occur from the drilling can be easily removed from the drill path.
