Importance of Completion Fluids in Oil and Gas Exploration

Unique Clear Brines:

Oil and gas industry makes use of special types of fluids called clear brines which help in the completion of an oil well. Ideally there shouldn’t be any solids in the liquid which are salt solution made with the addition of one or more salts. These liquids are used to minimize damage to the well bore and to provide stability to the well. Brine solutions are given more preference over mud because of the salt content which mixes with water rather than forming suspension which settle after a certain period of time.

Clear brines are salt solutions which are usually mixture of bromides, chlorides and formats. They have the required density and characteristics which are necessary for completing oil and gas extraction safely. There ionic composition is high and there pH value is also on the higher side. These liquids are identical to reservoir formation chemically. Oilfield chemicals are not used for ordinary purposes because they are expensive and corrosive.

Oilfield Chemicals:

Completion fluids are used widely in oil and gas exploration by various companies who take up these projects. These liquids are used when the drilling process is towards the end and while testing the well. The fluid is introduced into the well to help ease the operations before the production of hydrocarbon is started. This enables reduction of friction between the equipment and the wall and of the well. It controls the temperature from rising due to fiction and prevents the equipment from damage.

A vast amount of study and research is employed in studying drilling fluids. The success of drilling operations depends a Great Deal on Completion Fluids. Up to 100% success can be achieved with this selection of right type of fluid for billing purposes. Therefore, it is important to understand the chemistry of drilling fluids while choosing oilfield chemicals.

Zinc Bromide Crystallization:

One of the commonly used liquids is Zinc Bromide (7699-45-8) which is used as a work over fluid and a completion fluid. It is used when the required density is 19.2lb/gal. It is usually mixed with calcium bromide or calcium chloride to get varied densities as per the wellbore conditions. Fluids created in this manner can be manufactured for various crystallization points and can also be used for special applications as well as for winter use. To get therequired density and crystallization temperatures he blending table should be consulted.

It should be stored in appropriate corrosion resistant containers and should be closed and sealed ensuring there is no leakage. Since it is a hygroscopic salt solution which absorbs water from the atmosphere, the density of the liquid will go down if exposed to air. Caution should be exercised while handling and all safety measures should be taken as prescribed by the manufacturer.