Ester based invert emulsion drilling fluids and muds having negative alkalinity

A mineral-oil free invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising

• an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of esters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alcohols and C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 monocarboxylic acids;
• an non-oleaginous phase;
• and
• an emulsifying agent, wherein said emulsifying agent is a protonated amine having the structure
• [R--N.sup..+-. --H.sub.3 ]B.sup.- --
• wherein R is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.22 alkyl group or a C.sub.2 -C.sub.22 alkenyl group and B-- is a conjugate base of an acid, said emulsifying agent comprising from about 0.1 to about 10.0 percent by weight to volume of said fluid and
• wherein said mineral oil-free invert emulsion drilling fluids has negative alkalinity.

An invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising:

• an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of an ester of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alcohols and a C.sub.8 to C.sub.24 monocarboxylic acid;
• a non-oleaginous phase;
• a protonated amine emulsifying agent having the structure
• [R--N.sup.+ --H.sub.3 ]B.sup.-
• wherein R is a C.sub.12 to C.sub.22 alkyl group and B.sup.- is a conjugate base of an acid;
• and
• wherein said protonated amine emulsifying agent is capable of stabilizing the invert emulsion in the absence of an alkali reserve.

A method of drilling a subterranean well with an invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising:

• formulating an invert emulsion drilling fluid such that the drilling fluid includes, an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of esters of C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alcohols and a C.sub.8 to C.sub.24 monocarboxylic acid;
• a non-oleaginous phase;
• a protonated amine emulsifying agent having the structure
• [R--N.sup.+ --H.sub.3 ]B.sup.-
• wherein R is a C.sub.12 to C.sub.22 alkyl group and B.sup.- is a conjugate base of an acid;
• and
• wherein said protonated amine emulsifying agent is capable of stabilizing the invert emulsion in the absence of an alkali reserve;
• and
• drilling said well with said invert emulsion drilling fluid.

A method of drilling a subterranean well with a mineral oil free invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising:

• formulating an invert emulsion drilling fluid such that the drilling fluid includes, an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of ester;
• a non-oleaginous phase;
• a protonated amine emulsifying agent having the structure
• [R--N.sup.+ --H.sub.3 ]B.sup.-
• wherein R is a C.sub.12 to C.sub.22 alkyl group and B.sup.- is a conjugate base of an acid;
• and
• wherein said drilling fluid has a negative alkalinity;
• and
• drilling said well with said invert emulsion drilling fluid.

An invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising:

• an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of esters, said esters being a flowable pumpable fluid at temperatures in the range from about 0.degree. to about 5.degree. C.
• a non-oleaginous phase
• a protonated amine emulsifying agent
• wherein said drilling fluid has a negative alkalinity.

An invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising:

• an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of esters, said esters having a flash point greater than about 100.degree. F.
• a non-oleaginous phase
• a protonated amine emulsifying agent
• wherein said drilling fluid has a negative alkalinity.

An invert emulsion drilling fluid comprising:

• an oleaginous phase comprising substantially of esters, said esters having a viscosity less than about 15 centistokes at about 100.degree. C.
• a non-oleaginous phase
• a protonated amine emulsifying agent
• wherein said drilling fluid has a negative alkalinity.