Biodegradable, food grade shale stabilizer for use in oil and gas wells

摘要

A method of using an aqueous-based drilling fluid comprises: introducing the drilling fluid into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein the drilling fluid comprises: (A) a base fluid, wherein the base fluid comprises water; and (B) a shale stabilizer additive, wherein the shale stabilizer additive: (i) is made from a protein; (ii) is food grade; and (iii) provides a shale retention of at least 85% for the subterranean formation.