In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss the application of drilling fluid sweeps and their respective functions as they relate to enhancing wellbore conditions. Drilling fluid sweeps are typically pumped to help clean the wellbore of cuttings that have not been removed with normal fluid circulation or to apply lost circulation material to the wellbore […]

The listeners have questions and we have answers. In this episode we answer the question of, “What are the key components of oil based mud and what are their functions?” In this episode, we break down each product of what makes up an oil based mud and describe their functions and importance of each.

Wellbore ballooning or “breathing” is a topic often discussed but not properly understood. Ballooning or breathing is when fluid is forced into the rock’s micro-fractures while pumping which are open only enough to contain fluid but not enough to permanently fracture the rock. When we stop pumping and reduce the hydrostatic or equivalent circulating density, […]

Brine based drilling fluids are a widely utilized system for drilling and completions due to their ability to protect the formation. These fluids are formulated with a brine as the liquid phase and selected bridging solids and polymers. Listen to this week’s episode while we dive into the world of brines and their use in […]

In this episode Matt and Justin discuss the topic of wellbore instability. As the name implies, wellbore instability refers to wellbore that has the tendency to cave or collapse due to unconsolidated formations, fractured formations and chemically/mechanically stressed shale. Drilling fluids have a key role in preventing such phenomenon.

Reservoir drill-in fluids are fairly special systems used to minimize formation damage. Matt and Justin review when a reservoir drill-in fluid is used, how they are designed, and how they are run in the field.

In this episode we discuss the true meaning of wellbore strengthening and how we can use this type of program to help increase a well’s fracture gradient. We also go through proper planning and lab testing to determine the right products and application for a given job.

Matt and Justin review the applications of conventional and low-clay/clay-free drilling fluids. They will discuss the differences in the products used and how low-clay/clay-free systems provide performance benefits in certain drilling environments.

We had a question about the difference between dispersed and non-dispersed water-based mud systems. In this episode, we will go over a brief summary of what they are and when we use them.

How do we determine the right chloride level for our invert emulsion systems? How can it relate to osmosis between the brine phase and the formation?

What makes a high performance water based mud so high performance? What are drillers doing with all that performance? We’ll talk about the chemistry elements and applications.

We hear about lubricants all the time. We’ll review lubricant options and how they are tested and selected.

Steven Segrest of Segrest Oilfield Consulting, has helped design and drill some of the longest horizontal unconventional wells (super laterals) in the United States. We’ll learn about his career and his design strategy, among other things.

There are a lot of complex chemicals in drilling muds, but there are also critical commodities required. We’ll talk about how global events can impact the mud supply locally.

What are the facilities required for a full service drilling fluids operation? From warehouses, mud plants, and logistics, AES Operations Manager Nate Castaneda reviews how products and mud are managed and delivered.

We’ll take a look at Electrical Stability in depth and try to explain a lot of the misunderstanding associated with this key property for invert emulsion fluids.

What is sag? What’s the relationship between low shear rate viscosity and sag? Listener James asked, and we answered!

Why do some wells require a really high mud weight while others can use a lighter one? We’ll talk about some of the factors in mud weight selection.

We’ve dedicated this episode to a listener question! What lies next when it comes to drilling fluid technology? Have you seen some neat technologies change the game where you work? We’ll discuss what we’ve experienced – and what we expect in the near to long term.

In this episode, we’ll talk a little bit about viscosity – a key property of drilling fluids. Hopefully we answer a few common questions and inspire a few more!

Who’s in charge on a drilling rig anyways? What’s a roughneck? We’ll discuss some of the key roles of the people you find at a drilling location.

In this episode, we’ll review the drilling fluid circulating system from surface to downhole and back to the FLOWLINE!

In this episode, we review some of the criteria used to select a drilling fluid.

In this episode, Matt and Justin review what a drilling fluid is and how it helps the drilling process.

In this episode, you’ll get to know our hosts, Matt and Justin, and the motivation behind The Flowline.

In this episode, we’ll talk to Vice President James Strickland, hear a few words of wisdom, and a story or two.