Gilsonite for drilling applications
“Gilsonite”, widely used for a black, lustrous, carbonaceous resin classified as an asphaltite. Gilsonite proper name is uintaite, An important characteristic of gilsonite is its softening-point temperature. In oil-base muds, Gilsonite used as a fluid-loss control agent. Being a hydrocarbon, Gilsonite naturally wetted by the oil. In water-base muds, gilsonite used as a shale-stabilizing additive and is difficult to evaluate unless tested at or above its softening point. As a hydrocarbon, the powder must be coupled to water by using a glycol or similar water-wetter.
Gilsonite is the only drilling fluid additive that provides all of these benefits:
- Controls fluid loss and seepage
- Stabilizes shales
- Prevents lost circulation
- Strengthens the wellbore to increase wellbore stability
- Minimizes differential sticking
- Promotes effective filter cake development
- Performs in oil- and water-based drilling muds
- Performs in HP/HT environments
- Minimizes HSE risks
