Case Study: Continental Resources cuts mud costs 40% with SLB's HydraGlyde water-base drilling fluid system

Continental Resources Cuts Mud Costs 40% While Drilling in Reactive, High-Temperature Formation

SLB worked with Continental Resources, a leading Oklahoma oil company, to drill the 8¾-in production interval in Oklahoma’s STACK shale play using water-base mud instead of oil-base mud. The challenge was high-temperature, reactive shale that caused wellbore stability, torque, and rate-of-penetration issues, especially in a long lateral.

SLB recommended the HydraGlyde high-performance water-base drilling fluid system, combining additives for ROP enhancement, shale inhibition, encapsulation, and thermal stability. The system drilled the full 8¾-in section with one BHA, ran casing with no issues, and reduced drilling fluid costs by 40% while also eliminating waste transportation and disposal costs and lowering HSE risk.