Physicochemical Properties of Potential Ultralow-temperature Drilling Fluids for Antarctic Deep Ice Core Drilling

Abstract:

Drilling fluid properties and performance parameters have significant influence on Antarctic scientific drilling. Drilling fluids should have appropriate viscosity and density to cool drill bit, balance hole wall pressure, carry ice chips and clean hole bottom; in addition, its properties, such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and corrosion, also have important influence on drilling tools for normal operation and downhole information transmission. According to the types of drilling fluid used in Antarctic, experimental tests were made on the conductivity, thermal conductivity and corrosion on sealing components of 6 kinds of medium DSO-3.0cst, KF96 silicone oil-2.0cst, ethyl butyrate, n-butyl butyrate, n-amyl butyrate and n-propyl propionate respectively under different temperatures, the drilling fluids and sealing materials suitable for Antarctic are selected, which can be important reference for drilling fluid selection and drilling tools design.