An ultimate challenging issue:
Drilling fluids for ultra high temperature wells

The increased hydrocarbon producing potential and related long-term perspectives of deep, high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) reservoirs have led to significant progress in drilling fluid technology in order to meet new challenges.

In Hungary we have focused on water-based systems due to environmental and economical considerations.
Several HTHP/U-HTHP wells (180-230 °C and 1800-2300 kg/m3) have been drilled successfully using the developed fluid technology in the last few years. Using the proper temperature model to estimate downhole fluid properties and extensive laboratory studies to support field mud treatments were essential to success.

József Dormán, Dr.