Opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of drilling fluids
Jonathan Getliff, Chevron Energy Ltd
Abstract:
Drilling fluids and drilling waste management are a major part of well construction costs. Correct management of drilling fluids and associated wastes can be a significant undertaking but is essential for the management of potential long-term liabilities. The key thing to remember is that planning, and waste minimization is key. This talk focusses on drilling fluid choices and the challenges of drilling waste management in diverse environments.
Experience shows that there is no global, one-size-fits-all, solution. Different regions have different approaches to managing the environmental effects of drilling fluids and cuttings. It is essential to understand the receiving environment and follow the regulatory drivers for each region. This presentation highlights key considerations, shares lessons learned and discusses the technical requirements of the drilling fluid. It also reviews the possible impacts of the chosen fluids and describes what can be done to reduce the amount of waste generated.
The most effective solution may not always have the lowest “up front” cost, but this presentation shows how to reduce the environmental impact of drilling fluids, how to increase re-use and recycling rates and thus reduce overall drilling waste management costs.
Biography:
Jonathan is a Fluids SME for the Tengizchevroil Wells Team in Kazakhstan. He holds a BSc in Applied Biology and a PhD in the Microbiology of Marine Sediments and has more than 25 years of oilfield experience. Jonathan has an extensive knowledge of drilling fluids, drilling waste management and the environmental impact of drilling fluids and has worked in research and development as well as technical and operational roles. He has authored numerous papers on drilling fluids and drilling waste management and holds U.S. and foreign patents.