Case Study: a large US operating company mitigates swelling and lost circulation with SLB's HydraGlyde and MPD systems

Operator uses HydraGlyde and MPD Systems to Mitigate Swelling and Lost Circulation, Siberia Ridge

SLB worked with a large US operating company in the Rocky Mountains that was struggling with wellbore swelling, ballooning, high torque and drag, and severe lost circulation while drilling unconventional wells with a water-based mud. The operator needed to drill both the intermediate and lateral sections with the same mud system while reducing drilling complications in reactive shale formations.

SLB implemented the HydraGlyde high-performance water-based drilling fluid system, using HydraHib shale inhibitor, HydraCap encapsulating additive, and HydraSpeed lubricant, along with an MPD system to help manage ballooning, early kick detection, and formation fingerprinting. The solution mitigated swelling and lost circulation, reduced risks from bit balling and packoff, and allowed casing to be landed without significant reaming or washing down; the operator has since drilled twelve wells with the system, including four laterals with MPD support.