Technical Bulletin

Xanthan Gum in Oil Field Spacer Fluids

Spacer Fluid Applications
Spacer fluids are used in the oil industry to displace and separate different fluids in a wellbore. Their purpose is to minimize the contact or mixing of the two fluids. These applications include: Separating cement from drilling fluids. Displacing drilling fluids with brine waters. Separating oil-based drilling fluids from water-based drilling fluids. Recovering expensive oil-based fluids and brine waters. Preventing dilution of chemical treating solutions. The unique rheological properties of xanthan gum fluids offer two key functions. First, they shear thin at the wall, providing a desirable scouring effect. Second, they provide superior suspension capabilities toward the center of the flow stream where the shear rate is substantially lower

Spacer Fluid Rheology

For optimum displacement efficiency, the effective annular viscosity of the spacer fluid should be greater than the fluid in the hole. To determine the best spacer fluid viscosity, the viscosity of the fluid in the hole can be measured by an appropriate instrument such as a variable speed viscometer. Another method is to compare the "K" value from the Power Law model as calculated from the same instrument. Since the "K" value is the viscosity of the fluid at one sec1 shear rate, keeping the "K" value of the spacer fluid higher than that of the fluid to be displaced will normally ensure a good displacement. Kelco Oil Field Group technical bulletin, Drilling Fluid Rheology -"n" and "K" applications' describe the procedure for determining the "n" and "K" values. Spacer fluid efficiency is also improved by maintaining a low "n" value from the Power Law model, coupled with high viscosity at shear rates below 10 sec-1. These features are readily achieved by formulating a spacer fluid with 1.5 - 2.5 lb/bbl of KELZAN XC, XCD, or XANVIS. The net effect is a flatter velocity profile with a distinct low shear rate region, which allows enhanced carrying capacity in the center of the flow stream. This results in cleaner fluid displacements and the efficient transport of debris being removed.

KELZAN XCD and XANVIS are useful in the various spacer fluids because of their unique rheological properties. The pseudoplasticity (high viscosity at low shear rates and low viscosity at high shear rates) of these polymers provides a high annular viscosity for optimum displacement efficiency. Considerable experimental and field-work have been done investigating the displacement of one fluid by another, primarily in cementing operations. The principles and fluid properties found desirable during these tests will normally apply to all fluid displacements. It was found that under most circumstances turbulent flow has the highest displacement efficiency due to its scouring effect at the wellbore and pipe surfaces. However, it has also been established in most drilling, workover, and completion operations, that optimum suspension properties are achieved under laminar flow conditions. Turbulent flow across the annulus is generally not possible because of normal pump limitations and pipe eccentricity, exceeding formation breakdown pressure, hole erosion and other considerations.

Kelco Oil Field Group

10920 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Ste 800

Houston, TX 77064

(713) 895-7575

www.kofg.com

Technical Bulletin

Figure 1. Annular Flow Profile of a KELZAN XCD or XANVIS Formulated, Low n Value Spacer Fluid, Illustrating Carrying Capacity

High Shear Rate

Region of High Viscosity, Low Shear Rate solids

Ref: SPE 26329 SPE 25767 SPE 22066

Figure 2. Viscosity vs Shear Rate of KELZAN XCD in 2% KCl@125F

10,000

1.5 lb/bbl 1.0 lb/bbl

1,000

Viscosity, cP

0.75 lb/bbl
100

10

1 0 0.1 1 10 100 1,000

Shear Rate, sec-1

www.kofg.com

Technical Bulletin

Additional features of KELZAN XCD and XANVIS spacer fluids: High annular viscosities Suspend weighting agents (9.0 to 20 lb/gal) Compatible with most salt solutions Not affected by drilling and work-over fluids generally being displaced Good temperature and pH stability Provide more friction reduction in tubulars More shear stable than cellulosics

Spacer Fluid Design

1. Determine the viscosity and "n" and "K" values of the fluid in the hole. Calculate the flow properties, plastic viscosity, and yield point. Also measure gel strengths and density. 2. Spacer Fluid Properties: "n" value "K" value Plastic Viscosity Yield Point 3 rpm reading Density - unweighted fluids 0.25 - 0.4 - weighted fluids 0.35 - 0.4 - greater than the fluid in the hole - less than the fluid in the hole - greater than the fluid in the hole - greater than the fluid in the hole - intermediate between the fluid in the hole and the displacing fluid.

Adjust spacer fluid flow properties by varying amount of xanthan gum. Use weight material or dissolved salts for density.

Table 1 Suggested Parameters for Fluid Design Well Fluid "n" Value "K", dynes-secn/cm2 PV, cP YP, lb/100 ft2 3 rpm reading Density, lb/gal 0.55 6.3 23 14 3 11.6 Spacer Fluid * 0.24 33 9 20 10 10.5 Displacing Fluid 0.9 0.2 7 1 0.5 9.0

* Ingredients: sea water, 1.5 Ib/bbl KELZAN XCD, 115 lb/bbl barite.
n and K calculated between 3 and 300 rpm.

KELZAN and XANVIS are registered trademarks of CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and may be registered or applied for in other countries. 2001 CP Kelco U.S., Inc. The information contained herein is, to our best knowledge, true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee, since we can neither anticipate nor control the different conditions under which this information and our products are used. It is our policy, to assist our customers and to help in the solution of particular problems, which may arise in connection with application of our products. Rev. 09/05