RIASSUNTO
Abstract
Testing of drilling fluids and new additives before use offshore has become a common practice in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Standards for testing these systems vary depending on the concerns and perspective of each country. Testing within a country can also vary between regions. This complies set of testing procedures can complicate attempts to market new products. The high cost of testing products worldwide can limit the marketability of useful products and ultimately increase drilling cost.
Testing of drilling fluid systems onshore has taken on a different tack. Onshore disposal of the used mud system is the primary concern. Regulations regarding heavy metals, oil, and salt content in muds can restrict the method (s) of disposal. Because of these restrictions, most drilling operators are now requiring up front analysis of mud systems. This issue has become critical in the United States that where each state has jurisdiction over disposal practices. Methods of disposal vary between states and practices. Methods of disposal vary between states and even within states and regions depending on the state's environmental concerns.
Uniform methods of evaluation are being discussed by regulatory agencies now. In the United States, we are developing and reviewing the New Source Performance Standards which will provide a uniform method of evaluation. In Europe, the E and P Forum has developed product data flow charts to check drilling fluid systems and additives in the hopes of developing one standard to be used by all European agencies. In Canada, the regulatory agencies are also re-evaluating their methods of testing and trying to develop a uniform standard. Once these standards are in place, changing them or getting variances for new products will be difficult.
This paper reviews the various test methods being used and offers a comparisons. It is hopeful that this information can be used by the various regulating agencies as they develop and review their countries standards.
Introduction
The disposal of used drilling fluids and cuttings has become a major problem and concern over the past 10 years. The threat of environment impact has forced countries to develop methods of testing discharges and disposal options. These methods vary for each country depending on the real or perceived environmental impact. In many countries, regional concerns have brought about various levels of restrictions. Until recently, most of the countries involved have not been in close contact with each other regarding environmental restrictions. The result has been a wide array of testing protocols to determine the overall environmental impact. Differences in opinions and concerns also have resulted in varying degrees of regulations. In the North Sea each country has a set of regulations and restrictions concerning the discharge of oil-wet cuttings.