FLC 2000® Use Reduces Torque & Lubricant Cost for Operator in Qatar

An offshore Qatar operator was concerned with the potential of high mud losses and differential sticking while drilling a fractured carbonate formation. High torque was often encountered, which required 2-3% lubricant by volume in the 8 ½-in. lateral section. Wellbore instability typically occurred in areas with depleted zones and microfractures.

FLC 2000 was added to the drilling program to determine if it would eliminate problems encountered on previous wells. The objective with FLC 2000 was to reduce rig time, fluid losses and overall costs of the drilling operation. The operator tested the product prior to approval and determined they would run a concentration of 8 lb/bbl to keep the sand bed test (SBT) invasion at approximately 4 cm.