Method for determining aqueous activity of subsurface formations

Abstract

Abstract Shaley earth formations are drilled or otherwise treated with reduced difficulty through the use of water-in-oil invert emulsion fluids wherein the aqueous phases of the emulsions possess particular water vapor pressures relative to the formations which they contact. The aqueous vapor pressure of an oil-base fluid containing dispersed water is controlled to prevent damage to water-sensitive shale formations by monitoring the vapor pressure of the aqueous phase of the fluid and maintaining a vapor pressure depressant in the aqueous phase in a concentration sufficient to substantially prevent the migration of water from the fluid to the formations. The aqueous vapor pressure of an earth formation is determined. A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the compatibility of a well fluid with a water-sensitive subsurface formation wherein a substantially unaltered sample of the formation is immersed in the fluid and the direction and extent of water migration between the well fluid and the sample are logged. Improved water-in-oil invert emulsion fluid compositions for drilling and other oil field uses are obtained wherein the aqueous phases of the emulsions possess particular water vapor pressures relative to the formations which they contact.

Inventors

• 👤 Martin E Chenevert

Bibliographic Details