Its greatest operational water depth is 1688 m, and its highest well temperature is 167°C. Researchers have developed a new water-based drilling fluid for use in high-pressure, high-temperature (HP/HT) wells. The fluid, which is made of water and other chemicals, can be used to drill through rocks at high pressure without the need for expensive hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. In tests, a high-temperature resistant filtrate reducer was introduced along with different formulations of a hydrate inhibitor, and was found to perform steadily in the HP/HT well conditions.
Researchers have developed a new water-based drilling fluid for use in high-pressure, high-temperature (HP/HT) wells. The fluid, which is made of water and other chemicals, can be used to drill through rocks at high pressure without the need for expensive hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. In tests, a high-temperature resistant filtrate reducer was introduced along with different formulations of a hydrate inhibitor, and was found to perform steadily in the HP/HT well conditions.