ALPHACLEAN coats drill cuttings and metal surfaces to reduce adhesion of hydrated shale. When applied directly to the bit or BHA prior to running into the well, the additive forms a strong lubricating film that is resistant to easily swelling, hydrating and dispersing clays. Anti-clumping with ALPHACLEAN contributes to higher ROP and easier running.
ALPHACLEAN is usually added directly to a fence pit or active drilling fluid system. Field practice has shown the need to add 4 to 9 L to the drill pipe during connections. For areas where clumping is more severe, spraying or directly applying the product to the bit, tools and BHA during or before running into the well has proven effective. After drying, a permanent lubricating layer remains on the instruments.
Although ALPHACLEAN is a highly concentrated surfactant, it is specially formulated to minimize foaming. Although the tendency to foam is reduced, slight aeration or foaming can still occur, especially if product is added to the mud system too quickly. Higher temperatures also increase the tendency to foam. In these cases, a little antifoam treatment may be required.
It is recommended that the mud system be treated with an additive prior to drilling formations that can cause clumping. Standard processing ranges from 0.6 to 1.4 kg / m³. In situations where bit jamming has occurred, higher concentrations are required, ranging from 1.5 - 3 kg / m³.