See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/268979010

UNDERBALANCED DRILLING AND ITS ADVANCEMENTS: AN OVERVIEW

Article · September 2014

CITATION READS

1 2,037

1 author:

Amit Saxena
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology
11 PUBLICATIONS   24 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Development of foam fluid for drilling of coalbed methane wells View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Amit Saxena on 05 May 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)
Volume 4, Issue 2
www.stmjournals.com

Underbalanced Drilling and Its Advancements: An

Overview
Saxena A., Ojha K. *, Pathak A. K.
Department of Petroleum Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India

Abstract
Ever increasing global energy demand associated with depletion of conventional
hydrocarbon resources drives exploration and production (E&P) industry to invent
advanced new technologies in frontier areas of drilling, production and reservoir
engineering to enhance hydrocarbon production from unconventional resources or
depleted reservoirs. Demand to produce from a low pressure marginal reservoir and the
discoveries of naturally fractured reservoirs lead to the development of new drilling
techniques like underbalanced drilling along with other technological advances.
Underbalanced drilling (UBD) technology can overcome a number of problems
encountered during drilling, which is otherwise impossible with conventional
overbalanced drilling. However, in-depth understanding of the characteristic behavior of
different components during operation is an essential criteria for efficient application of
this technology. In drilling operation, drilling fluid plays a very important role in
controlling the entire operation efficiently without any interruption or damage to the
reservoir. Foam-based drilling fluid, one of the most favored techniques of UBD needs a
thorough study for its applicability and smooth functioning under bottom hole condition.
Foam fluid is very much unpredictable for its very sensitive rheological behavior,
specifically for small variation in pressure, temperature, and composition along with
other parameters during drilling. Hence, utmost care should be taken for proper
designing of foam-based fluid, failing of which may negatively affect the process. Present
paper deals with the developments of foam fluid as an efficient drilling fluid since its
inception, composition and rheology, merits and demerits, comparison with conventional
fluids which will help the researchers working in the field to get the intensive information
without consulting a large literature.

Keywords: Underbalanced drilling, Foam, Formation damage, Differential sticking,

Fluid loss

*Author for Correspondence E-mail: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION production rate by alleviating formation

In order to meet the ever increasing global damage caused by migration of drilling fluid
energy demand, especially of fossil fuels, new into it. However, failing to design the fluid and
techniques and other domains of hydrocarbons process efficiently may result in severe
are being explored for continuous exploration damage [1–3].
of oil and gas. The essentiality of the technical
development can be understood in view of Aerated drilling fluids have been used in
increasing production from naturally fractured, drilling technology since the mid of 1930s [4].
depleted or tight formations. Underbalanced The commercial use of underbalanced drilling
drilling, which was not considered to be in the form of aerated mud has started in the
economical and efficient for conventional recent past [5, 6]. Aqueous foam, which is a
reservoirs, nowadays takes over the baton for special class of aerated fluid, has been used in
efficient extraction of hydrocarbons from these drilling operations since 1975 [7–9].
reservoirs. Maintenance of the lower Formations having pressure lower than the
hydrostatic head at the bottom-hole during pressures exerted by the hydrostatic head of
underbalanced drilling improves the the fresh water column requires being drilled

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 37
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

underbalanced. Ill effects caused by conven- The main cause for its lesser success is the
tional drilling fluid may be overcome by using difficulty in maintaining the underbalanced
specially designed fluids which are capable of conditions. Also, its stability under bottom
efficiently performing necessary drilling hole condition is susceptible to increased
operations without causing formation damage temperature and column weight. Moreover,
[10]. Air, aerated water, foam fluids is foam-based drilling is the only technique in
frequently used to mitigate the problems the domain of underbalanced drilling, which
related to formation damage, pipe sticking or can handle large water influxes and has a
lost circulation with the added advantage of maximum cutting carrying capability as
the high rate of penetration. Foam fluids can compared to any other underbalanced drilling
provide the maximum efficiency as it can also fluid. This review work enables a better
prevent fire and explosion in addition to other understanding of the underbalanced drilling
advantages of underbalanced drilling fluid [11, techniques and its applications in various
12]. When the condition arises that the domains of exploration and production (E&P)
formations under consideration are highly industry.
fractured and cannot be drilled using
conventional drilling fluid, use of CLASSIFICATION OF DRILLING
underbalanced drilling technique becomes TECHNIQUES
inevitable. Subnormal pressured formation or The drilling industry has evolved over the
mature reservoir is being encountered and the years with the development of new techniques
reservoir has depleted from its original to drill the more complex formations even up
condition then it becomes impossible to use to a few miles which were thought to be
over balanced drilling technique. In this impossible in the recent past. The intricacies
situation foam developed by inclusion of are overcome by utilization of innovative
noncondensable gases such as nitrogen, CO2, technologies and applied chemistry involved
etc. in an aqueous surfactant media can be in the process. Scientists have made
used as the best candidate for drilling the well revolutionary contributions to drilling fluid by
underbalanced [13]. Foam drilling prevents continuous development of fluids which can
formation damage that can be induced by efficiently drill in more and more complex
conventional techniques and applies less environments.
pressure than the formation pressure [14]. The
reduced pressure differential between the A drilling fluid is considered to be an efficient
reservoir and the wellbore during foam drilling one if it performs its functions.
encourages production of formation fluids and (i) Carrying and suspend the cuttings.
gases [15]. (ii) Lubrication and cooling of bit.
(iii) Stabilizing the well bore.
In foam drilling, flow from the reservoir is (iv) Forming cake to prevent fluid invasion to
driven into the wellbore during production, formation and other jobs in an efficient
rather than away from it as in the case of manner [17, 18].
conventional drilling. Although initially more
costly, underbalanced drilling reduces Thus, there is no existence of any universal
common conventional drilling problems such fluid which can efficiently drill every
as loss of circulating fluid, differential formation. Each category of formations
sticking, reduced formation damage, etc. demands for very specialized drilling fluid.
Additionally, underbalanced drilling extends Thus, it is obvious that highly fractured and
the life of the drill bit because the foam cools tight formations cannot be drilled with the
the bit while quickly removing cuttings [1]. same fluid. Conventionally used drilling fluids
An important factor in successful have high density and they may cause severe
underbalanced drilling is maintaining the problems such as lost circulation, formation
underbalanced condition throughout the damage, and differential sticking during the
drilling operation. To accomplish this, drilling operation of highly fractured
preplanning and onsite engineering are critical reservoirs. So the need for an alternate drilling
to the success of underbalanced drilling fluid becomes inevitable to conserve and
procedures [16]. economically exploit the fast depleting energy

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 38
Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

resource [19, 20].The different conventional  It only exploits the most productive zone
and unconventional drilling fluids are and less productive zones are left
described below: unattended but economic feasibility of the
process overshadowed the negative
Conventional/Overbalanced Drilling prospects of this and eventually
Conventional drilling, the oldest method used production suffers.
for drilling well now has landed in the most  Formation damage up to a certain limit
sophisticated technology. Overbalanced cannot be avoided. Solid and fluid
drilling is defined as the process in which the invasion into the formation generally
hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid column results in skin damage and can greatly
exceeds the pressure exerted by the formation affect the production.
being drilled [21]. In the initial stages of E&P  Lost circulation, it occurs when the
industry when the formations were drilled injected fluid moves into the fractures and
underbalanced due to insufficient is not retrieved on the surface to
technological advancements there were unbalanced pressure conditions, thus
frequent instances of accidents due to lack of overshooting the drilling cost.
availability of effective wellbore control  Drilling rate (rate of penetration) is
techniques. But the technoeconomic comparatively slow and the drill string
development has ignited the development of wears out at a rapid rate.
fluid that could serve the purpose; and thus the  Unexpected blowouts can take place if
over balanced drilling came into existence high pressure zones are encountered.
[11]. Over balanced drilled wells provide a  Differential sticking is a common
mechanism for primary well control. phenomenon which results in loss of
drilling time and cost [21–25].
Characteristics of conventional drilling fluids
for stable and controlled operations may be Underbalanced Drilling
recognized for Underbalanced drilling is defined as the
1. Maintenance of hydrostatic pressure in the process in which the hydrostatic head of a
wellbore due to the high density of the drilling fluid is intentionally designed to be
fluid used (mud) and the density lower than the pressure of the formation being
contribution of any drilled cuttings. drilled [26].The reservoirs whose production
2. Dynamic pressure from the fluid have reached its peak and started to decline are
movement due to friction of the circulating referred as matured reservoirs. The decline in
fluid used and the relative fluid motion hydrocarbon production rate makes the drilling
caused by surge/swab of the drill pipe. of such formations an expensive affair. It is
3. Imposed pressure, which occurs due to the found that formations above and below
pipe being sealed at surface resulting in an matured reservoirs have high pore pressure
area with pressure differential (e.g., a and needs to be balanced with high density
rotating head or stripper element). drilling fluid. This high density fluid exploits
the depleted zones and problems of formation
For conventional drilling the bottom hole damage and lost circulation are encountered.
pressure can vary with hundreds of psi from The solution to this is drilling underbalanced
dynamic to static conditions. Hence drilling in which the density of drilling fluid has been
the formations with a narrow drilling pressure just enough to balance the lowest pore
window is considered unsafe and impractical pressure in the reservoir [7, 27]. If fractured
using conventional drilling techniques [22]. reservoirs are drilled using the conventional
This technique was reliable and safe. technique they could get damaged and
However, some disadvantages associated with production is hampered along with problems
it could be detrimental to the well bore of lost circulation and differential sticking.
production in the long term and may not be Underbalanced drilling technology is the
economically feasible [15, 20]. A few utilization of compressed air or other gases as
drawbacks associated with overbalanced the rotary circulating fluid to carry the rock
drilling are: cuttings to the surface that are generated at the

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 39
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

bottom hole during the advancement of drill conditions [31, 32]. Application of
bit along the course of well bore. The underbalanced drilling is growing at a rapid
compressed air can also be injected into the rate because of its properties to reduce
well along with the incompressible fluids such invasive formation damage and drilling
as water, drilling mud, etc. Aerated drilling problems associated with many horizontal
fluids are being used in drilling technology wells in challenging reservoir conditions [33].
since the mid of 1930s, though the first Application of underbalanced drilling is
engineering discussions on an aerated drilling becoming more popular and economical
mud was published in 1953 [4].Currently specifically to the depleted, marginal and
underbalanced drilling contributes to 20%– complex reservoirs [34]. The severity of the
30% of the total drilling operations [28]. The problems caused by conventional drilling fluid
hydrostatic head of the drilling fluid may be depends on mud rheology, time period through
naturally less than the formation pressure or it which it is exposed to the mud, pressure
can be created artificially. The artificial state exerted by the mud, the permeability of the
may be created by adding air, nitrogen, or rock and reservoir rock’s mineralogical
natural gas, to the liquid phase of the drilling composition. The “skin effect” comes into
fluid. Whether induced or natural, this can account because of solid and mud invasion
result in an influx of formation fluids to the which can be attributed to different damage
wellbore which must be circulated from the mechanism and can significantly alter the
well and controlled at the surface to prevent production and/or injection rates. Thus the use
accident [29]. of underbalanced drilling becomes inevitable
[25, 34].
Typical underbalanced drilling system/process
is shown in Figure 1 in which a high pressure If water influx is encountered while drilling
gas in injected down the bore hole which than drilling underbalanced using foam as a
carries the cuttings along its course to the drilling fluid if the most feasible option
surface. This cutting carrying stream is passed because of its high cutting carrying capability
through a cutting separator and cuttings are along with its water handling capacity.
separated. In this assembly the foam is being Furthermore shale’s are also found pressurized
produced by injection of nitrogen into a stream along with the sands. This requires
of base fluid (surfactant + polymer). The simultaneous pressure stabilization. Drilling
produced foam passes through the drill pipe to these formations safely with conventional
the bit from where it carries the cutting to the technique is a tedious job [35, 36]. The drilling
surface along with the formation fluid through fluid for highly fractured wells such as coal-
the annulus. The stream is fed into the UDB bed methane is selected after analyzing the
flow control manifold. Under balanced geological settings of the coal. Minimal use of
drilling is used in many locations in the world surfactant and polymer produced foam greatly
where sufficient reservoir depletion exists or reduces lost circulation and avoid damage of
the reservoirs are highly fractured which coal seams. More over foam can control the
damages the formation and prohibits the increased volume of methane gas liberated
economic production of hydrocarbon [30]. during multilateral horizontal drilling of coal
Success rate with the underbalanced drilling seams [37].
has not been up to the mark; the prime reason
is the improper application of this technology FIELD APPLICATIONS
and inability to maintain the underbalanced Underbalanced Drilling has been used in
condition all the time. Nonexistence of filter largest Algerian oil field Hassi Messaoud
cake results in a net outflow of fluid from which was discovered in 1956. The production
formation. Hence, slightest imbalance in the was from a hard sandstone reservoir [38].
pressure condition and relatively small rise in Sonatrach introduced the underbalanced
overbalance condition can cause huge invasion drilling in this field in March 2002 to
of solid and fluid into the formation leading to eliminate the problems associated with
severe damage. Sometimes it is more than the conventional drilling fluid. The encouraging
damage caused by overbalanced drilling using results were obtained in terms of increased
a good drilling fluid under the same reservoir drilling rates up to five times but reduced bit

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 40
Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

life. Eventually the total drilling time was southern Mexico along with northern and
reduced from the original. Also, the southern Gulf of Mexico offshore blocks. The
production rates were increased above field revamping of these fields enhanced the growth
average. In 2004, UBD was introduced into a of the associated companies attributed to the
carbonate field in northern Oman to avail increased production rates and minimal
increased production and enhanced drilling damage.
rates [39]. Up to 2006, 16 wells were
successfully drilled in this field using UBD The Quinn #3H a highly fractured high
and are today producing at double the initial temperature well is located in Brooke land
production rate. Field in Tyler County near Spurger, Teaxs.
Over the years it has witnessed six failed
In 1995 Mexican oil companies started using drilling attempts following a blowout. In 2009
UBD with intent to exploit depleted reservoirs. Signa Engineering successfully drilled this
But soon it was being implemented in fields well using managed pressure drilling [41]. It is
experiencing formation damage to enhance the evident from the available literature that UBD
productivity and reduce formation damage and is in the phase of development all around the
other associated problems [40]. In early 2000s globe serving the demand for increased
UBD was employed from the Burgos basin in production and minimal damage.
Northern Mexico to the rich classic fields of

Fig. 1: Underbalanced Drilling Operation [34].

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 41
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

OBJECTIVES OF UNDERBALAN Early Rate of Production

CED DRILLING Due to maintenance of lower hydrostatic
The prime objectives of underbalanced drilling pressure in the wellbore, as soon as the drill-
can be broken down into two main categories bit encounters the pay-zone, formation fluid
[42, 43]. will start to flow into it. Hence, hydrocarbons
 Maximizing hydrocarbon recovery. may be collected as soon as the productive
 Minimizing drilling problems. zone is encountered during under balanced
drilling. It is only possible in underbalanced
Maximizing Hydrocarbon Recovery drilling to sell the produced hydrocarbon
Underbalanced drilling ensures higher during drilling stage [45].
hydrocarbon recovery in the following
manner: Reduced Stimulation
Removal of extreme and expensive completion
Reduction in Formation Damage and stimulation process as there is a less/no
Reduction in invasive formation damage and invasion of drilling fluid and solids into the
near wellbore skin effects result in higher reservoir. Underbalanced well generally does
production rates from formation under not need any stimulation. Moreover,
consideration and it also eliminates the stimulation may also reduce well productivity
necessity of stimulation and completion in some cases, e.g., when the wells are acid
operations [31, 44]. When conventional washed [15].
drilling is employed for drilling the fractured
or matured reservoir the pressure of the Enhanced Recovery
hydrostatic column is above the pressure Application of UBD can significantly increase
exerted by the formations being drilled. the life of a well by alleviating the formation
During overbalanced drilling operations, damage [46]. Moreover the lower draw down
higher hydrostatic pressure of the well bore in UBD may lower the possibility of water
may cause invasion of drilling fluid into the conning during production. UBD has been
formation, thus causing a skin around the practiced in number of fields so far where
wellbore. Skin formed around the wellbore recovery of the hydrocarbon also significantly
restricts formation fluids to move into the enhanced. An example of such a case is
wellbore during production and reduce the described here.
production. Invaded filtrate may also reduce
formation damage because of Underbalanced drilling being carried out in
noncompatibility with formation fluid. This Eastern Middle East in a sand stone reservoir
also leads to high fluid loss. These effects are having a true vertical depth of 10,500 ft, pore
more prominent in case of fracture reservoirs. pressure of 3400 psi, with a hole size of 5–
Drilling fluids may move into long distance 7/8″. The well type was directional new drill.
into the formation causing recovery of It witnessed an increase in production rates
hydrocarbon a very difficult job. Moreover, in from 1.5 to 5.2 MMcfd. Another sandstone
tight reservoir, higher hydrostatic pressure can reservoir in Arabian Golf having a true vertical
create fracture and similar effects may be depth of 3250–4500 ft and measured depth of
observed as discussed for fractured reservoirs. 4800–6000 ft with a pore pressure of 970–
1320 psi, having hole size 6–1/8” was drilled
If a UDB technique is employed in drilling underbalanced. The well type was 1600 ft
such formation where the pressure employed horizontal laterals. This well reduced the
by drilling fluid is kept below the pressure of recovery time just to half from 30 days in first
the formations being drilled, the lesser to 15 days in seventh [25].
hydrostatic pressure keeps the existing
fractures intact in the same state and the Minimizing Drilling Problems
hydrocarbons can be retrieved at surface along The second main objective which has acted as
with the drilling fluid. This reduces the a fulcrum of underbalanced drilling is its
formation damage drastically [28]. capacity to minimize the drilling problems
associated with conventional drilling.

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 42
Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

Differential Sticking Additional Advantages

Underbalanced drilling reduces the challenges It can decimate the problems related to
associated with differential sticking [47]. As in disposal of exotic and costly mud. It helps in
underbalanced condition the reservoir pressure identifying the productive zone in the reservoir
exceeds well bore pressure which pushes the efficiently. It also has the potential to test the
pipe away from the walls of the bore well while drilling [49, 1].
combined with the lack of any filter cake.
Thus the possibilities of formation damage and CLASSIFICATION OF UNDERBAL
differential sticking problems are uncommon. ANCED DRILLING TECHNIQUES
This is especially useful when drilling with Underbalanced drilling may be classified into
coiled tubing in absence of tool joint a number of categories such as Air and gas
connections [47]. drilling, Mist/unstable foam drilling, stable
foam drilling as described below [50].
No Fluid Losses
Maintenance of the underbalanced condition Air and Gas drilling
of the well bore alleviates the fluid loss The use of air or gas as a circulation medium
problem. This reduces the extra fluid started in early 1950s. Encouraging results are
requirement during the fluid in turn reducing achieved from this low density media when it
the cost of operation. As per the previous is being used to drill hard formations
discussion regarding reduction in formation producing minimal formation fluids. It utilizes
damage during employing UBD technique it is the compressed air or gas to serve as a drilling
mentioned that hydrostatic head is maintained fluid for cutting transport [51]. Normally the
at low value than the formation pressure. Thus, density of compressed air or gas varies in the
formation fluid pressure is high enough to range of 0.01–0.1 pounds per gallon (ppg). It
prevent the drilling fluid into flow into the has a very poor cutting carrying capability and
formation, and fractures/fissure etc. if any. the cuttings are small in size such as dust. It
Hence, there is no loss of circulation fluids may be because they get grinded by their
into the reservoir as in case of conventional mechanical interaction with drill bit and drill
drilling fluid where there are fluid losses due pipe. Its application is restricted to only very
to higher hydrostatic pressure created by the dry formations. When drilling of wet
drilling fluid column [48]. formation is carried out, a high gas flow rate is
required to bring the cuttings to the surface. If
Improved Penetration Rate wet formation is being drilled with this
The reduction in the over pressure above the technique the fines along with formation fluid
formation pressure has a significant effect on forms a mud. It develops a restriction at the
the penetration rate. The increased production top of drill collar and restricts the fluid flow.
rate along with effective cleaning of cuttings This leads to an increase in bottom hole
from the wellbore prolongs the bit life [49]. pressure and fluid density there by reducing
fluid velocity and cutting carrying capacity of
Reduction of Equivalent Circulation Density drilling fluid [52]. It may cause slugging
in Extended Reach Wells depending on velocity in annulus to bring
The drilling of long horizontal or near cutting to the surface. However, air and gas
horizontal sections creates more and more drilling is suitable for drilling of dry
friction pressure in the annulus. This friction formations as it can provide
pressure acts on the bottom of the well and  faster rates of penetration,
slowly increases the overpressure over the  longer bit life,
formation interval. This results in a reduction  good cement jobs,
of the rate of penetration (ROP) and increases  better production, and
the chances of formation fluid loss. UBD
 Minimalwater influx requirement [51].
provides a reduction in annular friction losses
as it allows the reservoir energy (formation
Mist/Unstable Foam Drilling
pressure) to push fluids out of the borehole
It is similar to air drilling, except for the
[31, 48].
incorporation of liquid into the system.

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 43
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

Compressed air or gas is injected into the employed [54]. The field results gave a boost
borehole along with an incompressible fluid to the users of this technique. Foam was used
such as water or oil in this technique. The in different parts of the world where mature,
addition of liquid into the gas stream leads to depleted or highly fractured reservoirs are
formation of mist/unstable foam making it encountered. Comparative results showed
unstable foam drilling technique. This liquid is increased productivity, early oil production,
added to saturate the cuttings and preventing it enhanced ultimate recovery, reduced drilling
from choking the top of drill collar and time, and safer operations [21]. Stable foam
prevent pipe sticking. It also can reduce the consists of water, surfactant or foaming agent,
risk of mud ring formation. It is widely used gas or air. The water and surfactant form a
for formations such as CBM, etc. where water continuum of foam. The incompressible fluid
is present because of its higher efficiency to (with surfactant) and compressible air (gas) are
lift liquid to the surface compared to air. simultaneously injected from the top of the
Cutting removal is governed by annular drill string. These fluid streams get mixed
velocities. However, it requires a higher along the course and pass through the nozzles
volume of air (30%–40 % more than dry air of drill bit. The stable foam is generated at the
drilling) and pressures exceeds normal air bottom of the annulus. Produce foam entrains
drilling operations. Incorrect air/gas liquid the cutting to the surface [30].
ratio can lead to an abrupt increase in pressure.
The foam quality is defined as the volume
Characteristics of mist-drilling: fraction of gas phase of foam. It has been
 Similar to air drilling, but with addition of studied that foam qualities in the range of
liquid. 70%–95% are best suitable for being used as
 Cutting removal rate is governed by drilling fluid. The specific gravity of the foam
annular velocities of fluids. can vary in the range of 0.2–0.7. When gas
 Reduces formation of mud rings. fractions in the foam exceed 95% it forms
 High volumes required (30%–40% more unstable foam or mist which is unsuitable for
than dry air drilling). being used as a drilling fluid as it cannot hold
 Pressures generally higher than dry air the cuttings in their matrix [55, 56]. The large
drilling. viscosity of these systems is attributed to
 Incorrect air/gas-liquid ratio can lead to an increased surface areas. The viscosity of these
abrupt increase in pressure [53]. foams is improved by adding vicosifiers in the
base solution [57]. Under given reservoir
Stable Foam Drilling condition and given liquid and gas flow rates
They are being used as circulation fluids in foam quality is a function of pressure.
drilling and work over operations from 1960s. Backpressure is often required to keep the
The use of preformed foam as a drilling fluid foam stable along its course to the surface.
gained importance in the 1970s when the When the gas phase fraction falls below 60%
problems of lost circulations were the foam structure collapse and phase
encountered. Lost circulation is undesirable separation occurs. This makes the foam
because it requires additional drilling fluid to unsuitable to be used as a drilling fluid [52].
make up for the loss, thereby adding a
significant cost to the drilling operation. Lost With the growth in use of underbalanced
circulation also damages the productivity drilling techniques, the use of foam as a
zone, which can lead to well blowout with drilling fluid has increased drastically. The
serious safety and environmental flow and behavior properties of foam are more
consequences. Earlier, air was used to drill complicated as compared to other drilling
underbalanced but the foam’s ability to carry fluid. Its properties change along its course
large amount of cutting along with its ability within the well bore. So the study of its
to inhibit down-hole fire and explosion made it rheology and variation with varying reservoir
a worthy competitor. The advent of foam as a condition is inevitable. Proper estimation of its
drilling fluid saved thousands of dollars and rheological properties helps in modeling of its
reduced other associated problems which were hydrological behavior [58]. The selection of
not even thought of when it was being underbalanced drilling pressure window can

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 44
Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

be explained easily using the line diagram in operations are discontinued for work over
Figure 2. The blue line demarcates the jobs or making connections.
reservoir pressure at a particular depth. The  Stable foam possesses very high carrying
light red line above it denotes the pressure that capacity. Improved cuttings transport
will be exerted if conventional drilling results in reduced pump.
technique is employed in drilling the  Stable foam increases the production rate.
formation. This pressure is almost 200–1000  The breaking down of the foam at surface
psi greater than the formation pressure at that needs to be addressed at the design stage
particular depth. While the red line below it [52].
denoted the pressure which will be employed
when underbalanced drilling technique is More sophisticated surface equipments are
employed. It can be seen the UBD pressure is required to carry out underbalanced drilling
slightly lower than the formation pressure, but operation [60]. A comparative study of
is really very advantageous when compared to different underbalanced techniques is shown in
conventional drilling methods [59]. It can Table 1. Surfactants reduce the interfacial
eliminated most of the problems associated tension between the liquid films thereby,
with conventional drilling technique. Figure 2 providing the stability of the liquid film. With
clearly gives us the operating window for changing requirements in drilling industry the
pressure that is needed during the modification in production techniques of foam
underbalanced drilling operation. is taking place. Some polymers or stabilizer
such as hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Guar
Characteristics of foam-based drilling can be gum, Xanthan Gum, Carboxymethylcellulose
described as (CMC), PHPA, PAA, etc. are added to
 This technique helps in eliminating the use enhance the stability and mechanical strength
of additional down hole equipment. of the bubbles. These surfactants and polymer
 Since the major portion of the annulus is get adsorbed on the surface of the films and
occupied by the foam, the variety of provide interfacial elasticity to the lamella of
bottom hole pressures can be achieved. the bubbles, thereby enhancing its stability and
 The stable foam matrix has a high yield foamabilty [61]. Polymers used to enhance the
point. This can keep the small rock properties are selected on the basis of stability
cuttings suspended when the drilling they provide, bio-degradability, cost etc.
[9, 62].
Depth (ft)

Fig. 2: Schematic Diagram for Selection of Pressure Window for Drilling with Height.

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 45
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

Table 1: Comparison between Different Underbalanced Drilling Techniques.

Classification Principal Ingredients Characteristics
Air Dry air Fast drilling in dry and hard rocks no water influx dust
Mist Air, water or mud Wet formations but little water influx high annular velocity
Foam Air, water, foaming agent Stable rock, moderate water flow can be tolerated
Large volumes of water, reduced pressure conditions, big
Air, water containing polymers cuttings removed at lower annular velocities, polymer and
Stable foam
and/or bentonite; foaming agent foaming agent selected to afford hole stability, Tolerate salts,
foam can be formed at surface

ADVANCEMENTS IN FOAM nonaqueous-based drilling fluids have also

DRILLING TECHNIQUE been developed [36, 64]. The shell of these
The introduction of gelled foam/stiff foam was effective aphorn is strong and impermeable.
a revolutionary technical advancement in this The strong shells prevents the leakage of
field. This reduces pressure drilling encapsulated air and help it to sustain down
contributed largely to the lost circulation and hole pressures. Nowadays a blend of polymer
formation damage in the U.S. This fluid was and surfactant called aphorn stabilizers are
prepared by mixing water, soda ash, betonites introduced into the system which enhances
clay, and guar gum in suitable combination their properties to a much greater extent [65].
and forms slurry. The foaming agent was
added to the slurry at the drill site. The Limitations of Foam-based Drilling Fluid
injection rates of the air and slurry were Limitations of foam-based drilling are
controlled to maintain the foam quality and considered on the basis of technical and
produce consistent quality foam [63]. This economical grounds. Broadly these limitations
improved well bore stability, especially in can be classified as
caving zones and a very low rising rate of (a) problems in well bore stability,
foam was sufficient to bring the cuttings to the (b) problems of liquid influx,
surface. A further advancement of this was the (c) problems in directional drilling,
development of a foam generating unit. In this (d) problems in safety, and
device known quantities of gas and liquid was (e) Economic consideration.
mixed and the preformed foam was introduced
down the bore hole. The advantage of this Problems in Well Bore Stability
technique is that the composition of material The imbalance between the formation and
and the gas can be varied according to the hydrostatic pressure can lead to mechanical
requirement of well bore [34, 52]. The foam collapse of the borehole. Large shale pieces
produced from above technique is used to drill are observed during underbalanced drilling
shallow depth. But when deeper wells are operation. These shale pieces are not the result
needed to be drilled, it is impossible to drill of cutting action of the bit, but due to
with preformed foam. The rheology and other sloughing or caving of the bore hole. This kind
properties of foam vary along its course within of stability is encountered in water sensitive
the drill pipe. Thus, base liquid for foam clay formations. Sudden sloughing can also
production flows as an aerated liquid and trigger drill pipe sticking. A lower limit for
when it passes through the bit nozzle foam is borehole pressure is put on underbalanced
produced and flows up the annulus as foam drilling pressure to maintain the stability
[28]. Recent advancements have been the [66, 67].
development of aphorn-based drilling fluids.
Aphorn are defined as the micro bubbles Problems of Liquid Influx
consisting of air encapsulated in a multilayer Liquid influx is referred as the flow of
shell. This shell is made up and maintained by formation fluid and water into the wellbore.
the chemical equilibrium along with various Water influx can lead to mud ring formation
other components in base fluid. Initially which can eventually trap the drill string. Very
aphorn drilling fluid used in the fields was large water influx increases the flowing
made up of polymeric water-based systems. bottom hole pressure, which reduces the
Now clay water-based alternative and cutting carrying capability of the drilling fluid.

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 46
Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

This can lead to pipe sticking. Moreover the tremendous cutting carrying capability of foam
cost of disposal of excessive water is a major can outclass all other methods of
concern. The other favorable component is the underbalanced drilling amongst all the classes.
hydrocarbon production. But too high It can handle enormous amounts of water
production rate, which is beyond the handling influx making it a strong candidate for drilling
capacity of the surface equipment can lead to while drill underbalanced.
blow out. Hence this needs to be converted to
overbalance [68–71]. A detailed investigation of hydrodynamics
properties and rheological behavior of
Problems in Directional Drilling underbalanced drilling fluid is needed to be
Conventional directional drilling tools are carried out before implementing it into a
designed to drill overbalanced. Most of these million dollar project. The study is important
tools cannot be used with compressible because of the compressible nature of the
drilling fluids. Mud pulse telemetry drilling fluids used in UBD which influences
measurement while drilling tool cannot be the behavior of drilling fluid drastically during
used as the pulse does not propagate through reservoir bottom hole conditions.
compressible fluids which are used in
underbalanced drilling. Hence, specialized This study will be helpful in understanding the
electromagnetic measurement while drilling basic theories and advancements in the field of
tool are needed to carry out the operation. The underbalanced drilling along with its future
performance of motors is greatly reduced prospects in the E&P industry. Also, it will
whey they are used on compressible fluid [52, provide thoughtful information in the selection
71–72]. of the best technique for drilling a particular
formation by assessing the pros and cons of
Problems in Safety different techniques available.
Some of the safety considerations associated
with foam drilling is the conditions of pressure REFERENCES
imbalance. Sometimes high pressure zones are 1. Ramalho J. Underbalanced in the
encountered while drilling, which can lead to reservoir, an integrated technology
blow out. So specialized equipments are approach. Presented at SPE Russian Oil
required for trouble free drilling operation [73, And Gas Technical Conference and
74]. Exhibition; 2006 Oct 3–6; Moscow,
Russia. SPE; 2006.
Economic Consideration 2. Bennion DB, Lunan B, Saponja J. Under
In many locations the environmental balanced drilling and completion operation
considerations make the disposal of excessive to minimize formation damage- reservoir
water a costly affair. The benefits of foam screening criteria for optimum application.
drilling may not be able to compensate for the J Can Pet Technol. 1998;37(9):36–50p.
increased cost of liquid handling. Moreover, 3. Qutob H, Khlaifat AL, Barakat N.
local equipment availability and logistics play Underbalanced drilling technology for
a vital role during the consideration of unconventional gas reservoir. Presented at
underbalanced drilling project [16, 52]. SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling
Technology Conference and Exhibition;
CONCLUSION 2011 Oct 24–26; Muscat, Oman. SPE;
Underbalanced drilling is becoming an 2011.
emerging technology for marginal and 4. Bobo, RA, Barrett HM. Aeration of
fractured because of its nondamaging drilling fluids. World Oil. 1953; 145(4).
character, low fluid loss, and enhancing 5. Rankin MD, Friesenhahn TJ, Price WR.
productivity of well without workover or Lightened fluid hydraulics and inclined
stimulation job after drilling. However, intense boreholes. SPE/IADC Drilling
attention is needed to control the wellbore Conference; 1989 Feb 28–Mar 3; New
fluid hydrodynamics to obtain the maximum Orleans, Louisiana. SPE; 1989.
benefit out of it. The versatility and

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 47
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

6. Claytor SB, Manning KJ, Schmalzried 16–18; Calgary, Alberta, Canada. SPE;
DL. Drilling a medium-radius horizontal 1996.
well with aerated drilling fluid: A case 16. Ding Y, Herzhaft B, Renard G, et al.
study. SPE/IADC Drilling Conference; Near-Wellbore formation damage effects
1991 Mar 11–14; Amsterdam, on well performance–A comparison
Netherlands. SPE; 1991. between underbalanced and overbalanced
7. Negrao AF, Lage ACVM, Cunha JC. An drilling. SPE Product Oper. 2006; 21:51–
overview of air/gas/foam drilling in Brazil. 7p.
Presented at SPE/IADC Drilling 17. Rabia H. Well Engineering and
Conference; 1999 Mar 4–6; Amsterdam, Construction. London: Entrac Consulting;
Netherlands. SPE; 1999. 2001.
8. Ozbayoglu E, Ergun K, Stefan M, et al. A 18. Apaleke AS, Al-Majed AA, Hossain ME.
comparative study of hydraulic models for Drilling fluid: State of the art and future
foam drilling. J Can Pet Technol. 2002; trend. Presented at North Africa Technical
41: 52–61p. Conference and Exhibition; 2012 Feb 20–
9. Stéphane S, Herzhaft B, Toure A, et al. 22; Cairo, Egypt. SPE; 2012.
Rheological properties of aqueous foams 19. Reid P, Santos H. Ultra low invasion
for underbalanced drilling. SPE Annual drilling fluids: A practical route to reduce
Technical Conference and Exhibition; wellbore instability, reduced mud losses,
1999 Oct 3–6; Houston, Texas. SPE; wellbore strengthening and improved
1999. wellbore productivity. Presented at
10. Kitsios E, Quaresma V, Rovig JW, et al. SPE/IADC Indian Drilling Technology
Underbalanced drilling through oil Conference and Exhibition; 2006 Oct 16–
production zones with stable foam in 18; Mumbai. SPE; 2006.
Oman. SPE/IADC Drilling Conference; 20. Garrouch AA, Lababidib HMS.
1994 Feb 15–18; Dallas, Texas. SPE; Development of an expert system for
1994. underbalanced drilling using fuzzy logic. J
11. Al-Yami AS, Schubert J. Underbalanced Pet Sci Eng. 2001; 31:23–39p.
drilling expert system development. 21. Cullen MS, Harthi S, Hashimi H. A direct
Presented at SPE Western Regional comparison between conventional and
Meeting; 2012 Mar 21–23; Bakersfield, underbalanced drilling technique in Saih
California, USA. SPE; 2012. Rawl field, Oman. Presented at
12. Calvin HS, Wilkes TM. A holistic IADC/SPE Underbalanced Technology
approach to underbalanced drilling for Conference and Exhibition; 2003 Mar 25–
ultimate recovery. Presented at Offshore 26; Houston, Texas. SPE; 2003.
Technology Conference; 2001 Apr 30; 22. Handal A. Safety barrier analysis and
Houston, Texas. SPE; 2001. hazard identification of blowout using
13. Bennion DB. An overview of formation managed pressure drilling compared with
damage mechanism causing a reduction in conventional drilling. IADC/SPE Managed
the productivity and injectivity of oil and Pressure Drilling and Underbalanced
gas producing formations. J Can Pet Operations Conference and Exhibition;
Technol. 2002; 41:29–36p. 2013 Apr 17–18; San Antonio, Texas,
14. Guo B, Ghalambor A. A guideline to USA. SPE; 2013.
optimizing pressure differential in 23. Bennion DB, Thomas FB. Under balanced
underbalanced drilling for formation drilling of horizontal well: Does it
damage. Presented at SPE International eliminate formation damage. Presented at
Symposium and Exhibition on Formation SPE International Symposium on
Damage Control; 2006 Feb 15–17; Formation Damage Control; 1994 Feb 7–
Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. SPE; 2006. 10; Lafayette, Louisiana. SPE; 1994.
15. Bennion DB, Thomas FB, Bietz RF. 24. Rafique MA. Underbalanced drilling:
Formation damage - a productivity killer. Remedy for formation-damage, lost-
Presented at International Conference on circulation, and other related conventional-
Horizontal Well Technology; 1996 Nov drilling problems. SPE Western Regional
and Pacific Section AAPG Joint Meeting;

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 48
Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

2008 Mar 29–Apr 4; Bakersfield, Petroleum Engineering; 1988 Nov 1–4;

California, USA. SPE; 2008. Tianjin, China. SPE; 1988.
25. Qutob H. Underbalanced drilling; remedy 35. Montilva J, Ivan CD, Friedheim J, et al.
for formation damage lost circulation and Aphron drilling fluid: Field lessons from
other related conventional drilling successful application in drilling depleted
problems. Presented at International reservoirs in lake Maracaibo. Offshore
Petroleum Exhibition and Conference; Technology Conference; Jun 5; Houston,
2004 Oct 10–13; Abu Dhabi, UAE. SPE; Texas. SPE; 2002.
2004. 36. Growcock FB, Simon GA, Rea AB.
26. Abdollahi J, Carlsen IM, Mjaaland S. Alternative aphron-based drilling fluid.
Under balanced drilling as a tool for IADC/SPE Drilling Conference; 2004 Mar
optimised drilling and completion 2–4; Dallas Texas. SPE; 2004.
contingency in fractured carbonate 37. Rogers RE. Coalbed Methane: Principles
reservoir. Presented at SPE/IADC and Practices. UK: PTR Prentice Hall;
Underbalanced Technology Conference 2007.
and Exhibition; 2004 Oct 11–12; Houston, 38. Moore DD, Bencheikh A, Chopty JR.
Texas. SPE; 2004. Drilling underbalanced in Hassi
27. Belkin A, Irving M, Bob O, et al. How Messaoud. SPE/IADC Underbalanced
Aphron drilling fluids work. SPE Annual Technology Conference and Exhibition;
Technical Conference and Exhibition; 2004 Oct 11–12; Houston, Texas. SPE;
2005 Oct 9–12; Dallas, Texas. SPE; 2005. 2004.
28. Lyons WC. Air and Gas Drilling Manual. 39. Al-Saadi AJ, Al-Bahlani S, Al-Mahrooqi
Gulf Professional Publishing, Elsevier, SM, et al. Underbalanced drilling
2009. experience in PDO. International Oil &
29. Bennion DB, Thomas FB, Jammaluddin Gas Conference and Exhibition; 2006 Dec
AKM. Using under balanced drilling to 5–7; Beijing, China. SPE; 2006.
reduce invasive formation damage and 40. Beltran JC, Lupo CPM, Chable MAC, et
improve well bore productivity - An al. The use of single and multi-phase MPD
update. Presented at Annual Technical and UBD techniques on numerous wells
Meeting; 1998 Jun 8–10; Calgary, Alberta. and hole sections have made it possible to
SPE; 1998. drill the un-drillable in Mexico. SPE/IADC
30. Saxena A, Ojha K, Pathak AK. Managed Pressure Drilling &
Optimization of characteristic properties Underbalanced Operations Conference &
of foam-based drilling fluids. Braz J Pet Exhibition; 2014 Apr 8–9; Madrid, Spain.
Gas. 2014;8(2):57–71p. 2014.
31. Babs MO. The Robert Gordon University, 41. Medley GH, Elmore RJ, Goodwin RC, et
Aberdeen UK challenges of underbalanced al. Successfully drilling sidetrack # 7 with
drilling for West Africa. Presented at SPE MPD/UBD combination after six failed
International Conference And Exhibition; conventional drilling attempts. SPE/IADC
2003 Aug 4–6; Abuja, Nigeria. SPE; 2003. Managed Pressure Drilling &
32. Saad AE, Schubert JJ. Optimum selection Underbalanced Operations Conference &
of underbalanced techniques. Presented at Exhibition; 2014 Apr 8--9; Madrid, Spain.
SPE/IADC Middle East Technology SPE; 2014.
Conference And Exhibition; 2003 Oct 20– 42. Sajjad H, Saleem S, Sabir SM. First
22; Abu Dhabi, UAE. SPE; 2003. horizontal well drilled with underbalance
33. Bennion DB, Thomas FB, Bietz RF, et al. (nitrified stable foam), downhole
Under balanced drilling: Praises and deployment valve and extended range em-
perils. SPE Drill Completion. 1998; mwd technologies in middle east region -
13(4):214–22p. Case study and lesson learned. Presented
34. Fan S, Li W, Xie J, et al. Laboratory at SPE/PAPG Annual Technical
experiment of foaming drilling fluid and Conference; 2011 Nov 22–23; Islamabad,
study of its application in the field. Pakistan; SPE; 2011.
Presented at International Meeting on

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 49
Underbalanced Drilling Overview Saxena et al.

43. Shatwan MBB, Qutob H, Vieira P. 53. Wilkes TM, Watson RW, Graham RL. A
Horizontal underbalanced drilling new improved method for the design and
technology successfully applied in field field implementation of air-mist drilling.
AA- Libya: Case study. Presented at Presented at IADC/SPE Drilling
SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Conference; 1998 Mar 3–6; Dallas, Texas.
Technology Conference and Exhibition; SPE; 1998.
2011 Oct 24–26; Muscat, Oman. SPE; 54. Bentsen NW Veny JN. Preformed stable
2011. foam performance in drilling and
44. Doane RD, Bennion DB, Thomas FB, et evaluating shallow gas wells in Alberta. J
al. Special core analysis designed to Pet Technol. 1976; 28:1237–40p.
minimize formation damage associated 55. Kubala G. Aqueous gelling and/or
with vertical/horizontal drilling foaming agents for aqueous acids and
application. Presented at Technical methods of using the same. US Patent
Meeting/Petroleum Conference of The Number: 4,695, 389, 1987.
South Saskatchewan Section; 1995 Oct 56. Sydansk RD. Polymer enhance foam
16–18; Regina. SPE; 1995. drilling fluid. US Patent Number: 5,513,
45. Qutob H, Ferreira H. The SURE way to 712, 1996.
underbalanced drilling. Presented at SPE 57. Gumati A, Hiroshi T. Experimental study
Middle East Oil and Gas Show and and modeling of pressure loss for foam-
Conference; 2005 Mar 12–15; Kingdom cuttings mixture flow in horizontal pipe. J
of Bahrain. SPE; 2005. Hydrodyn. 2011; 23:431–8p.
46. Pia G, Fuller T, Haselton T, et al. 58. Harris PC. Rheology of crosslinked foams.
Underbalanced-undervalued? Direct SPE Prod Facil. 1996; 11:113–6p.
qualitative comparison proves the 59. Herzhaft B, Toure A, Bruni F. Aqueous
technique. Presented at IADC/SPE foams for underbalanced drilling: The
Drilling Conference; 2002 Feb 26–28; question of solids. Presented at SPE
Dallas, Texas. SPE; 2002. Annual Technical Conference and
47. Regen NV. Horizontal underbalanced Exhibition; 2000 Oct 1–4; Dallas, Texas.
drilling. J Can Pet Technol. 1997; 36:8– SPE; 2000.
16p. 60. Shale LT. Underbalanced drilling:
48. Bakhtiarizadeh S, Asadi IS, Sadat AY. Formation damage control during high
Solving bore hole stability problem of angle or horizontal drilling. Presented at
underbalanced drilling in several Iranian SPE Formation Damage Control
oil fields. Middle East Drilling Symposium; 1994 Feb 7–10; Lafayette,
Technology Conference & Exhibition; Louisiana. SPE; 1994.
2009 Oct 26–28; Manama, Bahrain. SPE; 61. Bera A, Ojha K, Mandal A. synergistic
2009. effect of mixed surfactant syatem on foam
49. Tudor R. Underbalanced drilling in behavior and surface tension. J Surfactants
Canada. J Can Pet Technol. 1997; 36:11– Deterg. 2013; 16:621–30p.
3p. 62. Edrisi AR, Gajbhiye RN, Kam SI.
50. Guang C, Chen X, Cheng X, et al. The Experimental study of polymer-free and
application of air and air/foam drilling polymer-added foams for underbalanced
technology in Tabnak gas field, Southern drilling: Are two foam-flow regimes still
Iran. IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling there? Presented at SPE Canadian
Technology Conference and Exhibition; Unconventional Resources Conference;
2006 Nov 13–15; Bangkok, Thailand. 2012 Oct 30–Nov 1; Calgary, Alberta,
SPE; 2006. Canada. SPE; 2012.
51. Cooper LW, Hook RA, Payne BR. Air 63. Caenn R, Darley HCH, Gray GR.
drilling techniques. SPE Deep Drilling Composition and Properties of Drilling
and Production Symposium; 1977 Apr 17– and Completion Fluids. Gulf Professional
19; Amarillo, Texas. SPE; 1977. Publishing, 2011.
52. Guo B, Ghalambor A. Gas Volume 64. Growcock, FB, Khan AM, Simon GA.
Requirements for Underbalanced Drilling. Application of water-based and oil-based
Tulsa: Pennwell Books, 2002. aphrons in drilling fluids. SPE

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 50
 Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology
Volume 4, Issue 2
ISSN: 2231-1785 (online), ISSN: 2321-5178 (print)

International Symposium on Oilfield 69. Sun K, Guo B, Ghalambor A. An

Chemistry held in Houston; 2003 Feb 5–8; analytical solution for aerated mud and
Texas. SPE; 2003. foam drilling hydraulics in deviated holes.
65. Growcock FB, Belkin A, Fosdick M, et al. J Can Pet Technol. 2006; 45:23–7p.
Recent advances in aphron drilling fluids. 70. Holmberg K. Surfactant and Polymer in
IADC/SPE Drilling Conference; 2006 Feb Aqueous Solution. England: John Wiley
21–23; Miami, Florida, USA. SPE; 2006. and Sons; 2003.
66. Hou X, Liu G, Hao L. An effective 71. Meng, FY, Lou PY, Jiao D. Horizontal
approach for unsuccessfully drilling into drilling technology with cycling using of
naturally fractured reservoir (NFR): A inert foam. Presented at International
field study. Presented at SPE Middle East Conference on Horizontal Well
Oil and Gas Show and Conference; 2005 Technology; 1996 Nov 18–20; Calgary,
Mar 12–15; Kingdom of Bahrain. SPE; Alberta, Canada. SPE; 1996.
2005. 72. Johnson PW. Design Techniques in air
67. Luo S, Li Y, Meng Y, et al. A new drilling and gas drilling: Cleaning criteria and
fluid for formation damage control used in minimum flowing pressure gradients. J
underbalanced drilling. IADC/SPE Can Pet Technol. 1995; 34:10–20p.
Drilling Conference; 2000 Feb 23–25; 73. Li S, Li Z, Lin R, et al. modelling of sand
New Orleans, Louisiana. SPE; 2000. cleanout with foam fluid for vertical well.
68. Chen Z, Ahmed RM, Miska SZ, et al. Soc Pet Eng. 2010; 15:805–13p.
Rheology and hydraulics of polymer 74. Purvis DL, Smith DD. Underbalanced
(HEC) based drilling foams at ambient drilling in the Williston basin. Presented
temperature conditions. SPE Production at Rocky Mountain Regional/Low-
Operations Symposium; 2005 Apr 16–19; Permeability Reservoirs Symposium; 1998
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 2005. Apr 5–8; Denver, Colorado. SPE; 1998.

JoPET (2014) 37-51 © STM Journals 2014. All Rights Reserved Page 51

View publication stats