Drilling fluid loss prevention and lubrication additive
AssigneeSuperior Graphite Co.
InventorsPeter L. Zaleski, David J. Derwin, Donald J. Weintritt, George W. Russell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of preventing or controlling the loss of well drilling fluid into the pores and fractures of subterranean rock formations by the addition of resilient graphitic carbon particles to the drilling fluid in sufficient amounts to plug the pores and fractures. The graphitic carbon material reduces loss of circulation, lowers torque and drag, prevents casing wear while drilling, and provides a new method for the controlled release of graphite at extreme pressure. The material is non-toxic and imparts the well-known lubricating properties of graphite without contributing to surface sheen development under US EPA offshore cuttings discharge rules.
Claims23
A method of improving the properties of a well drilling fluid comprising the step of adding to the drilling fluid resilient graphitic carbon particles having a size of larger than about +200 mesh.
A method of reducing torque and drag when rotating, raising or lowering drill pipe, comprising the step of adding resilient graphitic carbon particles of about -20 to about +200 mesh size to drilling fluid while the fluid is being circulated.
A method of controlling the loss of drilling fluid from an oil well borehole into subterranean formations penetrated by a drill bit comprising adding resilient graphitic carbon particles of larger than about +200 mesh to the borehole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.