Drilling fluid formulations and methods relating thereto

Abstract

Abstract Figure 9 A drilling fluid formulation comprises fertiliser components selected to provide drilling fluid inhibition during drilling while retaining fertiliser properties following drilling. The fertiliser components preferably comprise one or more phosphate fertiliser components selected from diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), dipotassium phosphate (DPP), monopotassium phosphate (MPP), pyrophosphates or polyphosphates. The formulation may further comprise one or more buffering components selected from ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate together with modified starches and monoamine and / or diamine compounds to optimise drilling fluid inhibition. The formulation may be selected according to the geological formation to be drilled and may be used as an alternative to, or to reduce the use of, potassium chloride in inhibited drilling fluids. After drilling, recovered drilling fluid and cuttings may be applied to land at a rate determined according to the fertiliser component concentrations. 20 26 20 54 52 09 J ul 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 5 4 5 2 0 9 J u l 2 0 2 6

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