STUDY OF ANTI-FOAMING AGENTS IN THE COMPOSITION OF A DRILLING MUD
Introduction. The drilling practice of inclined directed wells in Eastern Siberia involves different materials and reagents with defoaming and foam suppressing properties. However, different substances work selectively in different media where it is supposed to suppress foam. The efficiency of an anti-foaming agent is evaluated by the comparison results of its action with other anti-foaming agents when processing a drilling mud of a certain composition. We have conducted comparative researches aimed at the determination of the most efficient foam suppression and foam prevention performed by anti-foaming agents on a drilling mud used in the construction of producing wells on the Yarakta oil-gas condensate field. Methods. Two methods are applied in this research: evaluation of foam suppression efficiency by the method of drilling mud density variation and determination of foam prevention efficiency. Results. It has been revealed that all tested anti-foaming agents have different compatibility with initial drilling mud. It has been concluded that BauDF Antifoam and Reapen 1408 reagents have the best lubricating ability. It has been determined that the most optimum anti-foaming agent for the drilling mud of this composition is Atren Antifoam C of 1% concentration which has one of the best indicators of both foam suppression and foam prevention. Conclusions. Application of Atren Antifoam C in 1% concentration as a part of the drilling mud will allow to prevent its foaming while being prepared and prevent the adverse impact of foam on drilling equipment.