In this episode of The #Flowline, we answer a listener’s request. What is “AES Culture” and what makes us unique? Tune into this exciting episode as Matt and Justin share their perspective on our company’s culture.

Grab your lab coats and safety goggles for this episode, it’s time for a little chemistry refresher. Join Matt and Justin as they delve into the chemistry behind esters as a lubricant.

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 you’re talking loss circulation and loss prevention materials, how do you measure and describe the size of the blend? Justin and Matt break it down.

Is there a clear way to define if a drilling fluid additive is environmentally friendly? Justin and Matt shed some light on how to be data-driven regarding the environment – and why it’s so difficult.

Calcium carbonate is a common drilling fluid additive. What makes it so useful and how is it used?

What happens when you get sodium chloride with your calcium chloride internal phase? Justin and Matt break down the two-salt titration and why you need it.

Join Matt and Justin as they explore the oilfield’s current supply chain challenges. Discover the impact of global economic trends on product availability and investigate whether decreasing oil prices could lead to lower prices for drilling fluids.

Listener Request! Justin and Matt discuss the basics of dewatering and how it enhances solids control performance.

Matt and Justin spill the tea on their experience at last week’s AADE National Technical Conference in Midland. They give our listeners insights into drilling technologies, induced seismicity, and drilling fluid automation. In addition, they discuss the fantastic networking opportunities, the involvement of students from across the country, and AES’ unforgettable afterparty attended by people […]

Ditch magnets are a common yet underappreciated debris removal tool. Justin and Matt discuss their applications, placement, and provide a few pointers for their use.

In this episode, Justin and Matt talk to Christian Grimes, a graduate student at Colorado School of Mines headed to the “real world” of drilling. Christian shares his story and outlook on the future of the oilfield.

Conferences offer a lot of opportunities to meet people and learn a few things. Justin and Matt break down different types of conferences, how to prepare, and why you might want to attend.

What is a specialty product? Are they really all that special? Justin and Matt break down the ups and downs of using products that your mud company didn’t make when they’re on location.

What’s casing drilling and what problems does it solve? What impact can casing drilling have on drilling fluid properties and selection? Justin and Matt discuss…

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

Are invert emulsion lubricants snake oil? Matt finally found one he likes – and he tells Justin why. 

Xanthan gum is a staple of water-based drilling fluids (and fake cheese). What makes it so special? Are there any cheaper alternatives?

The capillary suction timer, or CST, is sometimes used to test shale inhibitors. And Matt hates it.

What’s the makeup of a typical technical conference? Matt and Justin discuss what a conference is like and the different ways you can learn and grow professionally when you attend.

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?

Normally, when a chemical reaction occurs with drilling fluid, there is probably a lot of work required to get the mud back into shape. Are there situations and additives where we can use chemical reactions to our advantage?

You’re ready to start the job, but is it better to mix everything at a liquid mud plant or at the rig site? Like everything else, it depends. Justin and Matt run through the decision factors.