Drilling Glycol or Cloud Point Glycol by the general chemical formula of CnH2nOx(OH)2, is a high-quality synthetic grade glycol used in water-based drilling fluids. It provides wellbore stability while drilling through problematic shale layers. Drilling Glycol has minimum adverse effects on rheological and filtration properties of fluids. Performance of Cloud Point Glycol is elevated in the presence of KCL salt. It can also be used in drilling fluids as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Drilling Glycol is completely water soluble in low temperatures. Upon the increase of a temperature, Cloud Point Glycol will produce micelles in the water which is known as cloud point phenomenon. The produced micelles are believed to be capable of plugging and coating the downhole formations and reduce possibility of shale instability by minimizing the pressure transmission. The mentioned cloud point is highly related to the salinity of used water.

TEAM Provides two type of Drilling Glycol including MC (Medium Cloud Point Glycol) and HC (High Cloud Point Glycol) grades.

History of Material

An accurate report for using Glycols in drilling fluids is not existed, but some technical papers has mentioned that Glycols were used for drilling gumbo shales in North Sea in the first half of 90s decade. Considering perfect performance of glycolic muds in providing wellbore stability, Glycols became an important drilling fluids additive in various part of the world such as the Middle East or Europe. Nowadays, despite development of state-of-the-art shale inhibitors, utilizing Glycol-based muds are still popular and common in the most countries, due to their high performance and reasonable cost.

Purchasing Cloud Point Glycol From TEAM

TEAM has been actively supplying Drilling Glycol to drilling fluid service companies and suppliers, and has competitive pricing. Our Cloud Point Glycol has been supplied to Iraq and neighboring countries; references are available upon request. We have a standard quality control system in place and can arrange for international inspection with the help of inspection companies such as SGS.

Drilling Glycol Pricing

The price of Drilling Glycol may vary depending on its purity and delivery method. Please contact TEAM sales department through our contact numbers.

Packaging

Due to the fact that this compound is liquid at normal temperature, Drilling Glycol is supplied in 230 kg drums and/or in IBCs (intermediate bulk containers). Tanks and barrels for storage of this material are made of metal as corrosion resistance is required.

Advantages of Drilling Glycol

Drilling Glycol provided by TEAM is compatible with different types of water-based drilling fluids. Cloud Point Glycol is proved to be an effective product for maximizing shale stability with minimum adverse effects on filtration and rheological properties of the fluid. Other advantages of Drilling Glycol are explained briefly:

  • Minimizes shale swelling by pore plugging and TAME (Thermally Activated Mud Emulsion) properties

  • Environmentally acceptable

  • Compatible with Gilsonite or asphaltic inhibitors

  • Improves lubricity of fluid

  • Provides thermal stability for polymers

  • Lowers potential risks associated with differential sticking

  • Reduces Torque and Drag problems

  • Minimize bit balling possibility

  • Improves filter-cake quality

  • Improves penetration rates

Disadvantages

It is recommended to be careful when working with Drilling Glycol. Please refer to TEAM MSDS for further details on Drilling Glycol hazards.