Mono-quaternary amine alcohols for use of clay and shale inhibition agents for the drilling industry

摘要

The hydration of clays and shale in drilling operations may be inhibited by employing an aqueous based drilling fluid comprising a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbons, and X is an anion. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in the aqueous based drilling fluid in sufficient concentration to reduce the reactivity, such as swelling, of clays and shale when exposed to water-based drilling fluids.;

主权项

1. An aqueous based drilling fluid composition comprising:
i) an aqueous based continuous phase; ii) a reactive clay or shale material; and iii) a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: whereinR is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons,R1 is an alkyl group having 2 to 10 carbons, andX is chloride, wherein the shale hydration inhibition agent is present in sufficient concentration to reduce the reactivity of the clay or shale.