The Flowline

Episode 140 | Trips & Mud Weight
Dec 29 ,2021

Episode 140 | Trips & Mud Weight

Justin was recently asked why the mud weight is lighter after a trip but returns to the original mud weight after circulating. Matt and Justin discuss minor settling versus sag and other mud weight fluctuations that occur during trips. 

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Episode 139 | ‘Tis The Season
Dec 23 ,2021

Episode 139 | ‘Tis The Season

We want to thank our listeners, guests, and team for their support for another successful year of The Flowline! The holidays are in full swing and we want to give a special shout-out to all the field personnel making sacrifices over the holidays to keep the world spinning.

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Episode 138 | Total Cost of Ownership

There’s the price of something, and then there’s the actual cost. What are factors that help determine the total cost of a drilling fluid solution relative to overall drilling costs?

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Episode 137 | HFLS Case Study
Dec 08 ,2021

Episode 137 | HFLS Case Study

High fluid loss squeezes are used when loss rates are at their worst. We discuss a field application of a new squeeze with special guests Richard Toomes and Jordan Benge, who were instrumental in the design and execution of successful treatment.

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Episode 136 | Electrophoresis
Dec 01 ,2021

Episode 136 | Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis techniques allow for separation and reuse in a number of industrial and biomedical processes. What can they do for drilling fluids?

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Episode 133 | Gas Hydrates
Nov 10 ,2021

Episode 133 | Gas Hydrates

Gas hydrates present a number of challenges in drilling, completion, and production operations. What causes them and what prevents them from forming?

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Episode 132 | Mud Weight Adjustment
Nov 03 ,2021

Episode 132 | Mud Weight Adjustment

What are our options when we need to change the mud weight while drilling? Is one solution better than another? Can solids control do all the work? Justin and Matt discuss options and selection factors to adjust drilling fluid density.

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Episode 131 | Social Octane & The Future of Oilfield Events
Oct 27 ,2021

Episode 131 | Social Octane & The Future of Oilfield Events

What do you get when you combine the oilfield, charities, and an organization that brings people together? Magic. In this episode, Justin brings in Adelaide Nortier, Strategic Marketing at AES, to meet the masterminds behind Social Octane. They sit down with founders Marc L’heureux and Madison Lenberg to discuss the growth of Social Octane, views […]

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Episode 130 | Conditioning Fluid for Cementing
Oct 20 ,2021

Episode 130 | Conditioning Fluid for Cementing

Cement integrity is critical for both well security and production performance. What can you do with a drilling fluid to make sure the cement job succeeds? Justin and Matt review drilling fluid properties for effective cement displacement.

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Episode 129 | Foaming
Oct 13 ,2021

Episode 129 | Foaming

Foaming usually happens at the worst possible time. What’s causing it and what can you do about it? Justin and Matt will talk through the mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of drilling fluid foaming issues.

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Episode 128 | Cheap Base Oil
Oct 06 ,2021

Episode 128 | Cheap Base Oil

There are all kinds of drilling fluid base oil options out there. We’ve talked a lot about more environmentally friendly options, but in this podcast, we’ll talk about price-driven options and if they’re really that cheap after all. 

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Episode 127 | Rock Mechanics
Sep 22 ,2021

Episode 127 | Rock Mechanics

How can you predict wellbore instability? What are some of the key terms and concepts? Matt and Justin provide an overview – and, of course, talk about how it all relates to mud.

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Episode 125 | Tool Failure
Sep 08 ,2021

Episode 125 | Tool Failure

So, there’s a tool failure. You know where this is headed. What can you do at the rig site to gather information and help identify the cause? No matter what they say, it might not be the mud after all.

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Episode 124 | Hole Instability
Sep 01 ,2021

Episode 124 | Hole Instability

So, you see some cavings at the shakers? Is it a mud weight issue? Could it be the water phase salinity? Something else? Justin and Matt take you through some steps to gather the data to start troubleshooting.

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Episode 123 | Lost Circulation Pt.2
Aug 25 ,2021

Episode 123 | Lost Circulation Pt.2

Lost circulation happens all the time in the mud business. It’s expensive and no good field hand wants it to get out of hand on their watch. We’ll discuss key pieces of information to diagnose, treat, and prevent future issues.

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Episode 122 | So, You’re Stuck
Aug 19 ,2021

Episode 122 | So, You’re Stuck

As a mud engineer, what are the first steps you take when you hear those dreaded words “we’re stuck”? What kind of information do you collect, and where do you start? Matt and Justin walk us through the steps to take, starting with removing the panic from the scenario.

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Episode 121 | Global Supply Chain, Freight, & Barite Markets with Rory Allen
Aug 11 ,2021

Episode 121 | Global Supply Chain, Freight, & Barite Markets with Rory Allen

What do the global supply chain, inflation, and barite have in common? Plenty. In this episode, we will talk with Rory Allen, Managing Director of Anglo Pacific Minerals about shipping, barite mines, and the impact all of it has on drilling fluids.

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Episode 120 | Mudding Up Brines
Aug 04 ,2021

Episode 120 | Mudding Up Brines

As with many things in the oilfield, there’s more than one way to skin a potato. In this case, there’s more than one way to mud up a brine. In this episode, Matt and Justin compare and contrast different approaches and products that can be used to adjust properties in a brine-based fluid.

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Episode 119 | Josh Young 2.0
Jul 28 ,2021

Episode 119 | Josh Young 2.0

What’s going on with OPEC+? Are things getting more expensive for the long haul or just re-balancing from disruptions due to COVID 19? This week, we sit down with Josh Young, Chief Investment Officer of Bison Interests, to discuss the state of the oilfield and many of the factors that are impacting the oilfield and […]

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Episode 118 | Amines
Jul 21 ,2021

Episode 118 | Amines

We have lightly touched on Amines when talking about shale inhibition in other episodes. This week, we dive deeper into the details from a chemistry standpoint, discussing reactions and how Amines apply to drilling fluids.

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Episode 117 | What Does A Mud Engineer Do?
Jul 14 ,2021

Episode 117 | What Does A Mud Engineer Do?

Mud engineers just watch TV and perform mud checks, right? Definitely not. Justin and Matt walk us through a day on location as a mud engineer – minus the bologna sandwich Justin likes to eat.

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Episode 116 | Temperature Modeling
Jul 14 ,2021

Episode 116 | Temperature Modeling

Hot or Cold? Let Justin and Matt warm you up with some banter about Temperature Modeling. There is a lot of information that can affect your drilling outcomes, we discuss the complexities that come with temperature modeling in this episode of the #Flowline.

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Episode 115 | Sampling
Jul 14 ,2021

Episode 115 | Sampling

Why is it important to properly collect, categorize and label mud samples? What happens to that sample once it gets to the lab? Matt and Justin discuss sampling and why correct procedures make all the difference.

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Episode 114 | Relaxed Filtrate Systems
Jul 14 ,2021

Episode 114 | Relaxed Filtrate Systems

It’s not anything fancy, but let’s discuss Relaxed Filtrate Systems. In episode 114 of the Flowline, Matt and Justin give a quick history of filtrate systems, what they are and why they work.

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Episode 113 | Brine Fluids Pt.II
Jun 16 ,2021

Episode 113 | Brine Fluids Pt.II

Justin and Matt revisit brine fluids in this weeks episode of the Flowline. Part 2 of this series touches on different applications and functions on brine in the drilling fluids world.

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Episode 112 | Surfactants
Jun 10 ,2021

Episode 112 | Surfactants

The term ‘surfactant-based’ is thrown around a lot when discussing drilling fluid materials  – but what does that actually mean? In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss different types of surfactants, why they are used and key aspects in relation to drilling fluids.

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Episode 111 | PHPA
Jun 02 ,2021

Episode 111 | PHPA

PHPA does some great things for shale inhibition. Matt and Justin discuss what it is, how it is used, and offer a few pointers.

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Episode 110 | Gilsonite
Jun 02 ,2021

Episode 110 | Gilsonite

Uintaite, more commonly known as Gilsonite®, is a natural, resinous hydrocarbon found in the Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah. It is used to reduce fluid loss, is efficient at mitigating stuck pipe, and enhancing wellbore stabilization. In this episode, we dig into its properties and drilling fluid applications further.

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Episode 109 |Interview with Nicolas Acuna
May 19 ,2021

Episode 109 |Interview with Nicolas Acuna

In this episode, Matt and Justin had the pleasure of chatting with Nicolas Acuna, 2021 Petroleum Engineering graduate of the University of Houston & President of the UH AADE Chapter. They gain his perspective on the industry, what it is like entering the job market and his positive advice for future P.E. students.

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Episode 108 | Mud Weight Window
May 12 ,2021

Episode 108 | Mud Weight Window

In this episode, Matt and Justin revisit what a “mud weight window” is, the key elements, and why mud weight is important for well control. 

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Episode 107 | Interview with Josh Nordquist
May 05 ,2021

Episode 107 | Interview with Josh Nordquist

This week, we talk with Josh Nordquist of Ormat, a fully integrated geothermal energy company. We discuss geothermal concepts how oil and gas technology contributes to geothermal energy production. Josh also takes us through the story Geothermal Rising, an organization designed to connect and educate everyone in all things geothermal. 

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Episode 106|Geothermal
Apr 28 ,2021

Episode 106|Geothermal

Geothermal drilling has become a hot topic for renewables across the energy industry. In this episode, we discuss geothermal drilling fluids and as Justin so cooly put it, “the United States is sitting on a good bit of heat and it’s picking up steam” (no pun intended). Let’s dig in.

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Episode 105| Scavenger Slurries
Apr 21 ,2021

Episode 105| Scavenger Slurries

Scavenger Slurries – Occasionally mentioned in a mud manual, they can affect us and need to be part of the drilling fluids conversation… Matt breaks down what scavenger slurries are and what they’re used for in Episode 105 of The #Flowline

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Episode 104 | Interview with Alexander Davis
Apr 14 ,2021

Episode 104 | Interview with Alexander Davis

In this episode, Matt and Justin had the pleasure of chatting with Alexander Davis, Petroleum Engineering Student at Texas Tech University & President of TTU AADE Chapter. They gain his prespective on the industry, what the vibe is leading up to graduation, and the changes this graduating class had to endure over the year that was 2020. […]

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Episode 103 | Case Studies
Apr 07 ,2021

Episode 103 | Case Studies

A case study is a research method to gain a better understanding of a subject or process. They are an example of using something, whether it be a product or method to solve a challenge. In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss what case studies are and what makes a good one.

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Episode 102 | Interview with Leonel Lujan
Mar 31 ,2021

Episode 102 | Interview with Leonel Lujan

Solids control is an important part of running a cost effective drilling fluid system. In this episode, we’ll talk with our solids control expert, Leonel Lujan, who helps our customers make sure their equipment is running efficiently.

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Episode 101 | 101st Episode Spectacular
Mar 24 ,2021

Episode 101 | 101st Episode Spectacular

This week we’re celebrating a milestone as we release the 101st episode of The Flowline. We’ve had so much fun recording each episode to share with you, our loyal listeners, each week. For this special episode, Matt and Justin talk about the infancy of The Flowline and its growth to where it is today, touching on […]

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Episode 100 | Interview with Justin Disney
Mar 17 ,2021

Episode 100 | Interview with Justin Disney

In this episode, Justin and Matt talk to Justin Disney, Director of Laboratory and R&D Services at Jacam Catalyst. They’ll talk about Jacam Catalyst, Justin’s history and role, and how AES Drilling Fluids and Jacam Catalyst work together as sister companies to support our customers.

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Episode 99 | Drilling Fluid Selection
Mar 10 ,2021

Episode 99 | Drilling Fluid Selection

It depends. When asked, “what is the best drilling fluid?” the answer is, “it depends.” Nothing is cookie-cutter: every drilling formation, environmental and regulatory specification varies from one well to the next. 

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Episode 98 | H2S Considerations
Mar 03 ,2021

Episode 98 | H2S Considerations

During the drilling process, it is possible to encounter formations that contain H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide). In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss operational concerns, precautions to take, and treatment applications if you come in contact with this poisonous, corrosive, and flammable gas.

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Episode 97 |Nanotechnology
Feb 24 ,2021

Episode 97 |Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology – one of those ‘buzz words’ you hear around the industry, but what is it and how is it applied when it comes to drilling fluids? In this episode, Matt and Justin bridge the gap between the term and how it relates to drilling fluids and the potential it has. Be sure to listen […]

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Episode 96 | Energy Outlook
Feb 17 ,2021

Episode 96 | Energy Outlook

There’s lots of anxiety around the words and actions of a new administration. Matt and Justin share a few thoughts about energy and the practical reality that makes oil and gas essential for a healthy and thriving world.

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Episode 95 | KPIs
Feb 10 ,2021

Episode 95 | KPIs

Whether we know it or not, we are always collecting data that can be an indicator of how well we are performing. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide a focus for strategic and operational improvement, create an analytical basis for decision making and help focus attention on what matters most. As Peter Drucker famously said, “What […]

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Episode 94 | Things To Forget
Feb 03 ,2021

Episode 94 | Things To Forget

History has taught us a lot of things, but as things change, we have to remember our old habits had a rationale that may no longer apply. Matt and Justin discuss some expensive distractions that continue to limit how we move forward.

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Episode 93 | Automation and Mud Testing
Jan 27 ,2021

Episode 93 | Automation and Mud Testing

“Automation” is a buzz word that has been flying around the industry for a few years, but how does it apply to our day to day drilling operations? In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss automation in drilling fluids, touching on the technology available to the market and the properties of drilling fluids that can […]

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Episode 92 | Weird Mud Tests
Jan 20 ,2021

Episode 92 | Weird Mud Tests

In this episode, Matt and Justin dig into ‘weird’ mud tests. Justin brings up different mud tests and checks, things that are not common in the drilling process, but do pop up occasionally. Matt explains what scenarios these tests are for, why we do them, how we do them.

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Episode 91 | Managed Pressure Drilling
Jan 19 ,2021

Episode 91 | Managed Pressure Drilling

Managed Pressure Drilling or MPD, comes up often enough, so it’s important to be aware of it and what the implications are. In this episode, Justin picks Matt’s brain on what MPD is, what the different applications are, and why we use it.

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Episode 90 | Interview with Elizabeth McNeill
Jan 06 ,2021

Episode 90 | Interview with Elizabeth McNeill

Our first Special Guest of 2021 is Elizabeth McNeill, VP and General Manager of AES Drilling Fluids. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the culture at AES. She takes us through how we’ve adopted our culture, why it’s important for building a successful company, and how we’ve kept that high standard through several acquisitions. 

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Episode 89 | TRACERS
Dec 30 ,2020

Episode 89 | TRACERS

In this episode, we end 2020 with one last technical topic… Tracers. A type of nonreactive, easily differentiated material placed in a small portion of a circulating mud system at a certain time to be identified when it later returns to the surface from downhole. We dig into what they are, how are they applied […]

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Episode 88 | Merry Christmas
Dec 25 ,2020

Episode 88 | Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thanks for all your support of the Flowline throughout the year. All the best for 2021, fingers crossed!!

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