Method of using biologically-derived monoesters as drilling fluids

摘要

The present invention is directed to the method drilling a borehole with monoester-based drilling fluid compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such monoester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols so as to produce high value monoester-based drilling fluids. In some embodiments, such monoester-based drilling fluids are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.

主权项

1. A method for drilling a borehole in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of:
a. rotating a drill bit at the bottom of the borehole; and b. introducing a drilling fluid into the borehole to pick up drill cuttings and to carry at least a portion of the drill cuttings out of the borehole, wherein the drilling fluid comprises:
i. at least one additive selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, wetting agents, viscosifiers, weighting agents, and fluid loss control agents; andii. a quantity of monoester isomers, the monoester isomers being secondary monoesters and independently having a Formula I: wherein R1 and R2 and are independently selected from C1 to C8 alkyl and R3 is C5 to C13 alkyl wherein the monoester isomers of Formula I have an Oxidator BN of greater than 30 hours.