PDO launches first-ever drilling mud production plant
Published: 02:03 PM,Mar 12,2022 | EDITED : 06:03 PM,Mar 12,2022
1937525
Building on its successful In-Country Value (ICV) programme, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) celebrated on Thursday the inauguration of a first-of-its-kind Drilling Mud Production Plant at Nimr in the south of its Block 6 licence.
Announcing the launch of the facility, which recycles drilling mud fluids, the majority state-owned energy firm said: “PDO’s ICV programme has been enhancing and supporting the local industry culture to compete internationally while also developing human capital. We continue to pave the way for a brighter economy for Oman.”
Drilling mud, also called drilling fluids, in petroleum engineering, is a heavy, viscous fluid mixture used in drilling fluids jobs. They promote borehole stability, remove drilled cuttings from borehole, cool and lubricate bit and drill-string, control subsurface pressures, suspend cutting/weight material when circulation ceases, supports partial weight of drill-string or casing and minimise adverse effects on productive formations.
The opening of the unique facility comes as part of PDO’s strategy to localise industries related to the oil and gas sector, develop local capabilities in this field and preserve the environment.
“Drilling muds are traditionally water-based, either fresh water, sea water, natural brines, or prepared brines'', a petroleum engineer explained. “Many types of slimes are petroleum-based, using direct products of petroleum refining such as diesel oil or mineral oil as the fluid matrix. In addition, many purported synthetic slimes are prepared using high-purity liquid compounds that are manufactured to specifications for more precise properties than conventional petroleum-based oils.”
“In general, water-based muds are satisfactory for the less demanding drilling of conventional vertical wells at medium depths, while oil-based muds are better for greater depths or for directional or horizontal drilling, which puts more stress on the drilling rig. Synthetic muds were developed in response to environmental concerns regarding oil-based fluids, although all drilling muds are highly regulated in their composition, and in some cases the use of certain formulations is prohibited in certain environments'', he added.
Announcing the launch of the facility, which recycles drilling mud fluids, the majority state-owned energy firm said: “PDO’s ICV programme has been enhancing and supporting the local industry culture to compete internationally while also developing human capital. We continue to pave the way for a brighter economy for Oman.”
Drilling mud, also called drilling fluids, in petroleum engineering, is a heavy, viscous fluid mixture used in drilling fluids jobs. They promote borehole stability, remove drilled cuttings from borehole, cool and lubricate bit and drill-string, control subsurface pressures, suspend cutting/weight material when circulation ceases, supports partial weight of drill-string or casing and minimise adverse effects on productive formations.
The opening of the unique facility comes as part of PDO’s strategy to localise industries related to the oil and gas sector, develop local capabilities in this field and preserve the environment.
“Drilling muds are traditionally water-based, either fresh water, sea water, natural brines, or prepared brines'', a petroleum engineer explained. “Many types of slimes are petroleum-based, using direct products of petroleum refining such as diesel oil or mineral oil as the fluid matrix. In addition, many purported synthetic slimes are prepared using high-purity liquid compounds that are manufactured to specifications for more precise properties than conventional petroleum-based oils.”
“In general, water-based muds are satisfactory for the less demanding drilling of conventional vertical wells at medium depths, while oil-based muds are better for greater depths or for directional or horizontal drilling, which puts more stress on the drilling rig. Synthetic muds were developed in response to environmental concerns regarding oil-based fluids, although all drilling muds are highly regulated in their composition, and in some cases the use of certain formulations is prohibited in certain environments'', he added.