In this new series of The #Flowline, Matt and Justin go in-depth into water-based mud. Each episode will break down different components and key functions of WBM. Tune into this episode of the #WBM Series, as our hosts talk about all things base fluid in water-based mud.

Too often, we assume there is a sag and cause the ensuing panic. But, do we really have sag? Tune into this episode of the Flowline, as Matt and Justin dive into the conditions that induce sag, evidence-based questions to diagnose sag, and much more!

One of our lab’s most requested tests is XRD (X-ray diffraction). So, why has it become such a buzzword? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt break down what it is, why it’s useful, and its added value.

Desanders and desilters move around with rigs, but they seem to be rarely used. So, what are the benefits of these machines and why aren’t they being used? Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin explore the topic of desander and desilter in solids control.

Chrome and chlorides have beef with each other, and Matt is here to explain why. Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin talk about the corroding relationship between chrome-coated rotors and chlorides.

In this week’s episode of The Flowline, Matt and Justin answer a listener’s question: How can a leader overcome challenges in the field, office, labs, and plants? What are some of the lessons learned to avoid repeating the same mistakes? If you have a question of your own, please leave a comment or send us […]

Did you know that many things we use in the oil field are also in your kitchen? Polysaccharide, which is a carbohydrate (e.g. starch and cellulose), is one example of this! Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin explain the chemistry behind polysaccharides in water-based muds!

Want to learn how something great starts? In this episode, we sit down with Ken Zinger, CEO of CES Energy Solutions, the parent company of AES Drilling Fluids. Join Matt and Justin as they gain insight into Ken’s career and how he evolved his passion for drilling fluids into a multi-faceted corporation.

It’s back-to-school season for the kids, but school is always in session with us! Mud school has been a way for us to educate our customers on drilling fluids and applications to drive discussions in the industry. Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin discuss the conversations sparked by these […]

It’s a hot summer in Texas, and it can get even hotter subsurface!☀️ 🔥 So, what type of mud can withstand the heat? Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin answer this question and more about High-Temp Fluids!

U-Turn wells, also known as Horseshoe wells, have been gaining attention lately! Don’t miss out on this episode as Matt and Justin break down the challenges of drilling U-Turn wells.

As oil prices surge, recovering valuable base oils, such as diesel from oil-based mud, proves essential not only for efficient fluid management but also for capturing significant economic returns.

Open or closed? The question might be easier when it comes to your office door, but what about Open vs. Closed Loop Systems? Join Matt and Justin as they break down the basics on this week’s episode of The #Flowline

What are the factors that go into cuttings transport? Listen in as Matt Offenbacher and Justin Gauthier discuss the intricacies of hole cleaning.

Mud chillers do some important things, but what fluid properties work best with them? Justin and Matt discuss the difference between fluid for best thermal properties and best drilling properties.

What fluid properties allow you to drill the fastest? Justin and Matt talk about what makes clean mud, among other things, great for fast drilling.

What’s the deal with calling the endpoint of your chloride titration? What’s the chemistry behind it and why do we need to get it right?

What are cross-linked fluid loss control pills? Why don’t we see them more often in drilling applications? Matt and Justin discuss how they work and what it takes to deploy them.

Why is lime so important for invert emulsion systems? Justin and Matt run through how lime works with emulsifiers and provides alkalinity.

Spontaneous potential? Join Matt and Justin as they tackle a listener’s request and explore how fluid affects downhole logging operations.

Why do we always feel the need to try new things and change our current products? How do we decide which alternative products to explore and which ones to resist the temptation of?

When do you really need acid soluble materials? Matt and Justin talk about when these materials can help and when they probably just make us feel good.

Loss categories vary, and perhaps one of the most subjective is evaporation. When does drilling fluid evaporate? Why is it so hard to measure? Justin and Matt discuss.

Sometimes, mud and tools interact and create issues. Other times, directional companies make absurd claims. And Matt and Justin don’t like it. 

Drilling surface hole is often overlooked because it happens so fast…or at least it should. Matt and Justin discuss the typical and not-so-typical fluid challenges.

What is pH anyways? Justin and Matt run through the basics and how they apply to drilling fluids.

Bentonite or gel is used to drill almost every well. Matt and Justin run through the basics of this versatile drilling fluid additive.

We came across a breakdown of wells costs put together by Richard Spears on LinkedIn. In this episode, we talk about all those cost factors. Is drilling mud that expensive after all?

It got really cold in Houston recently. Matt grills Justin on how they stay warm on Canadian rigs and what to look out for on rigs in locations where it doesn’t get cold very often.

Old habits die hard. What are some traditional views and methods in the fluids domain that might hold us back?

Happy Holidays from the Flowline! Matt and Justin share their holiday wishes and thanks to our listeners for their listening loyalty!

How can you learn what operators and service companies are saying about the state of our industry? Justin and Matt discuss what companies talk about and how you can learn.

A few years ago, the API updated the testing procedure for shaker screen classification. Matt and Justin discuss how screens are sized and the limitations to keep in mind. 

What is it like to open a new mud plant? Matt goes on location with Zane Yastro, Regional Operations Manager at our new Midland Mud Plant, to talk about it.

When you’re living out of a trailer and cooking for yourself, the food can get pretty bland. Matt and Justin discuss why a good meal can be great for rig morale and share some of their favorite memories. 

Matt and Justin welcome a very special guest – Matt’s Dad, Larry Offenbacher, to the show. Matt’s Dad shares his experience of 40 years in the oilfield and a few tips for surviving the energy industry.