The Role of modified Starch in Oil and Gas Industry

Modified starch makes the access to oil and gas deposits easy! Drilling starch is a chemically modified variant of starch derived from Maize, Potato and Tapioca that plays a crucial cameo in the complex and challenging process of oil and gas drilling. It helps by controlling the viscosity and fluid properties of the mixture of fluids, solids and chemicals, combinedly called the ‘mud’; used for perforating, lubricating and helping move the broken rock out of the way while drilling.

The starch molecules absorb water and then work like a thick gel that sticks to the walls of the hole being drilled. This gel seals the walls, preventing the precious drilling fluid from leaking into the surrounding rocks. Think of it as a plug in a leaky faucet to stop the water from dripping out. This helps keep the drilling process efficient and prevents the loss of valuable drilling fluid.

Additionally, Drilling starch can also enhance the filter cake formation on the borehole walls, further reducing fluid loss by creating a more robust barrier against fluid migration.

As hydrocarbon exploration is becoming more challenging especially during drilling in ultradeep water and high temperature and high pressure formations, conventional drilling muds fail to be effective as the high temperature and pressure alters the rheological properties of the drilling fluid. 

Bluecraft Agro offers an economic yet highly effective solution to this challenging  and complex procedure. We produce three impressive starches that simplify the task of drilling oil and gas, namely, High temperature drilling starch (HTDS), Low temperature drilling starch (DS) and DRILFLO 1009TM Carboxymethyl Starch (CMS) 

HTDS, is a modified starch based filtration control agent that meets all high temperature drilling requirements. Bluecraft’s HTDS will reduce filtrate in freshwater as well as saturated salt environment whilst not increasing the fluid viscosity. Our uniquely engineered modified starch ensures seamless functionality without compromising fluid viscosity, making it a reliable choice for applications in both Drilling Fluid and reservoir settings.

Specifications:

ParameterSpecificationMoisture10 %Performance simulated Well site water after Hot Rolling @ 140°C600 rpm≤ 18pH7 – 8API Fluid Loss (ml)≤ 12 mlPerformance Saturated Solution after Hot Rolling @ 140°C600 rpm≤ 18pH7 – 8API Fluid Loss (ml)≤ 12 ml

Another feather in Bluecraft’s cap is the Low Temperature Drilling starch (DS). It proudly meets the API specification 13A. Our drilling Starch (DS) is proven to regulate filtration rates, bolstering bore-hole stability and handling drill cuttings in diverse water-based drilling fluid systems. Its adaptability to various drilling conditions and non-damaging characteristics position it as a dependable option for streamlining drilling operations. Formulated to diminish mud filtrate without substantial viscosity increments, DS guarantees optimal drilling performance by efficiently managing fluid properties.

Specifications:

AppearanceOff white, free flowing granular powderMoisture (%)10.0 max.Viscometer Dial reading (600 rpm)in 40 g/L salt water
in saturated salt water
18 max20 max
Filtrate Volumein 40 g/L salt water
in saturated salt water
10 cm3 max10 cm 3 max
Pass through US 140 mesh15 % maxParticle size fraction-35 mesh50 % maxParticle size fraction -60 mesh50 % minParticle size Distribution -D50250-500 μm

Bluecraft also boasts of producing Drilflo1009TM, which is a Carboxymethyl starch-based filtration control agent that meets drilling specification. It like our previous variants is also used as an additive to control fluid loss in most water-based fluid system. Drilflo1009 is functional in simulated well site water as well as saturated salt environment and does not increase fluid viscosity. Drilflo1009 is non-damaging and can be used in both drilling fluid and reservoir drill-in fluid application.

Specifications

S. N.ParametersSpecification1AppearanceWhite free flowing powder2Moisture12.0 % max.3NatureHigh Temperature Stabilized Non-Ionic4Brook Field Viscosity(8% paste at 25oC/20 rpm)
10000 cps min5% Degree of Substitution0.2 % min6Particle Size Fraction retained on 40 Mesh3.0 % maxRheological Parameters1Viscosity (600 rpm)40-1752Viscosity (600 rpm)40-175310 sec Gel6-12410 Minute Gel8-155Apparent ViscosityMin 106Plastic Viscosity10-247Yield Point10-248[email protected] RPMMin 275009HTHP Fluid LossMax 20 mlConclusion:

When venturing into the intricate and hazardous task of oil and gas exploration through drilling, amongst the plethora of options available, no matter which starch manufacturer in India you go to, you shall keep coming back for Bluecraft Agro’s well researched and proven selection of Drilling Starches  to streamline and enhance your operations. Our Maize, Tapioca and Potato based drilling starches are exported worldwide and are known for their consistent quality and performance at an unbeatable price.