Baroid Fluid Services

BOREMAX High-Performance Fresh-Water Fluid

A Water-Based Fluid with Invert Emulsion Performance

The BOREMAX non-dispersed, low-solids system is a

unique fresh-water drilling fluid that can compete with
invert emulsion systems in terms of penetration rates and
wellbore stability, while helping operators minimize
environmental impact and save on dilution and
disposal costs.

HAL16037

For the first time, the colloidal content of a water-based

fluid can be commercially controlled by the addition of
CLAY GRABBER non-ionic polymer, a powerful but
field-friendly flocculant. The BOREMAX system
demonstrates exceptional performance even under the most
extreme conditions, including high differential pressures,
acid gas, wet cement, temperatures up to
South Wyoming Project
375F and densities up to 17.5 ppg.
Drilling Fluid
Total Days
Total Mud
Total Bits
Total Footage
These characteristics have been
Comparison
to TD
Cost
Used
Drilled
documented on more than 100
Lime
Mud
122
$813,251
26
15,677
challenging wells where operators

BOREMAX
Fluid
91
$576,432
17
15,382
previously depended on either
Difference
31 days
conventional lignosulfonate systems or
(3 well total)
@ $35 k/day =
$236,819
9 bits
(295 ft)
diesel-based invert emulsion fluids to
$1.1
million
achieve shale inhibition and sustain fast
Same field, rig crews, solids control equipment, casing depths and hole angle as previous wells
penetration rates. The system offers
economical fluid-loss control and helps minimize or
The system exploits the benefits of a controlled
prevent thermal flocculation. BOREMAX fluid is simple
concentration of commercial bentonite through the activity
to manage and can be implemented successfully using only
of a unique polymer that extends and satisfies the reactive
conventional rig solids control equipment. The cost-effective
sites of hydrated commercial clays.
system helps lower overall drilling cost per foot compared to
The key components of designer polymers and
conventional dispersed or diesel-based systems.
synergistically designed blends used to formulate and
Using BOREMAX fluid helps reduce dilution requirements,
maintain BOREMAX fluid are listed below:
making the available water supply more efficient, conserving
CLAY GRABBER engineered non-ionic polymer
a valuable resource and reducing waste volume for haul-off
for inhibition and flocculation
and disposal.

Multiple Applications
The BOREMAX fluid performs comparably to oil-based
systems at the approximate cost of conventional water-based
fluids, and allows operators to minimize or eliminate
damage to the environment related to the production of
solid, liquid and aromatic waste discharges from land and
inland waters drilling operations. The BOREMAX system
has also proven highly effective in casing-while-drilling
operations with restricted annular clearances.

Unique Polymer Chemistry Based

on Molecular Modeling
The components of the BOREMAX system work
synergistically to give the fluid good inhibition, flat
rheology, low colloidal content and excellent wall cake
quality. Molecular modeling was used to produce specially
designed polymers which together impart the fastest, most
stable and most complete inhibition to reactive formations.

BORE-VIS proprietary premium bentonite/

engineered polymer blend for viscosity
BORE-PLUS engineered polymeric blend
for fluid loss control
These products successfully provide the plugging properties
needed in the absence of colloid-sized particles, allowing the
operator to achieve the high rates of penetration possible
with ultra-low-solids systems. Proper maintenance using
the above products helps lessen the surface area for a given
solids content and helps reduce the amount of dilution and
waste generated from the drill site.
The BOREMAX system is maintained without the need for
dispersants and caustic materials. Overall, the system is run
with very few chemical additives, thus reducing the number
of lifts per job. The proprietary blend of polymers makes the
system easier to engineer and helps assure the same quality
from job to job.

HALLIBURTON

Proof of Performance
1. The operator had drilled the intermediate interval with
a lignosulfonate system on previous wells in Zapata
County, Texas. At total depth, up to three days were
needed to condition the fluid and log the interval. When
a BOREMAX system was used to drill the intermediate
hole, there were no wellbore stability problems. Offsets
had taken seven days to drill this interval, but only six
days were required with the BOREMAX system. The well
was successfully logged at the first attempt. The operator
saved $90,000 by eliminating two days of conditioning
and logging time.

HAL16038

2. Using the BOREMAX system in Lavaca County, Texas,

an operator drilled over 8,000 ft of 12 1/4-in. hole to
intermediate casing point at 10,640 ft. The interval was
logged and 9 5/8-in. casing was set with no hole
problems. The interval was drilled in eight days,
equaling oil-based fluid performance on the best offset
well. The operator saved $60,000 in disposal costs vs
oil-based fluid (3,000 bbls @ $20/bbl).

Comparison between hole sections drilled with

BOREMAX system versus oil-based fluid on
consecutive wells in Brooks County, Texas

3. The operator drilled several 7,000 ft wells in

Webb County, Texas, using lignosulfonate systems.
The seven-day period required to drill each well was
considered the most efficient time achievable in the field.
The BOREMAX system was implemented on the next
four wells, drilled with the same rig and crews. The first
well using BOREMAX fluid was drilled with only one
pump and took seven days. The next two wells were
drilled 18 hours and 24 hours faster, respectively.
The fourth well was drilled in five days, saving the
operator $28,000 in rig time on that specific well,
and significantly improving the well economics.

HAL16039

Dilution and system maintenance comparison between wells drilled by the same operator in South Texas (BOREMAX system vs
conventional lignosulfonate system)

www.halliburton.com
SDS-040 04/07
2007 Halliburton
All Rights Reserved
Printed in U.S.A.

Sales of Halliburton products and services will

be in accord solely with the terms and conditions
contained in the contract between Halliburton and
the customer that is applicable to the sale.

HAL16041

HAL16040

Comparison between wells drilled with BOREMAX system versus

lignosulfonate system in Lavaca County, Texas