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This paper was presented at the 1998 SPE International Symposium on Formation Damage Control held in Lafayette, Louisiana, 18-19 February, 1998. Horizontal drilling technology has enhanced production through increased ability to expose formation openings. In most cases, these openings are fractured, vugular, or otherwise highly permeable. Many are drilled through low pressure reservoirs where drilling fluid losses occur and often cause severe formation damage. The use of conventional lost circulation control materials are restricted due to down hole tools required, and bore hole sealing techniques are mostly ineffective in this type of application. A novel new drill-in fluid is being used to drill horizontal and high angle wells through these damage-prone reservoirs. This fluid combines certain surfactants and polymers to create a system of "micro-bubbles" known as aphrons encapsulated in a uniquely viscosified system. These aphrons are non-coalescing and recirculatable so that density reduction is accomplished without expensive air or gas injection. A unique feature of the micro-bubble network, that of stopping or slowing the entry of fluids into the formation, creates down hole bridging. The unique viscosity builds to create a resistance to movement into and through the zone so that a true non invasive, at-balance fluid is achieved. Test data shows the enhanced hole cleaning and suspension properties. Case histories show that drilling problems are reduced, mud losses are prevented, and completions are simplified. Natural production was achieved in many cases. No problems with formation damage or inhibited production were seen. There is a presentation on this topic available here: If you do not have Power Point, you will need to download a plug-in by clicking here. English Presentation
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