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Year 2026
 
Vol 67, Issue 3, [06 - 2026]

Application of polyamine-based inhibitors in water-based drilling fluids for reactive shale formations in the Bach Ho field

DOI:10.46326/JMES.2026.67(3).08

  • Affiliations:

    1 Vietnam – Russia Joint Venture “Vietsovpetro”, Hochiminh City, Vietnam
    2 Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam National University, Vietnam
    3 Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam), Hanoi, Vietnam

  • *Corresponding:
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  • Received: 3rd-Dec-2025
  • Revised: 19th-Mar-2026
  • Accepted: 13th-Apr-2026
  • Online: 1st-June-2026
Pages: 92 - 106
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Abstract:

The Miocene and Oligocene formations at the Bach Ho field contain a high proportion of montmorillonite clay, which exhibits strong hydration and swelling behavior upon contact with water, thereby increasing the risks of wellbore tightness, pipe sticking, and drilling fluid instability. In the currently used water-based drilling fluid system, KGAC Plus M1, the inhibitor Hib-X has shown inconsistent performance when drilling through highly reactive clay intervals. This study evaluates a group of polyether diamine (PEDA) additives to identify a candidate with high inhibition efficiency and good compatibility with the KGAC Plus M1 system. The research approach consists of two stages: (1) individual screening tests of amine-based additives through bentonite inhibition tests, clay swelling measurements (Linear Swell Meter), sedimentation tests, and cuttings recovery evaluation; and (2) performance assessment of the selected additive within the complete drilling fluid formulation. The results indicate that PEDA-258 demonstrated the best overall performance, achieving a reduction in clay swelling of approximately 24÷25% compared with Hib-X, a cuttings recovery rate of 84%, and a pronounced ability to limit clay dispersion. Within the KGAC Plus M1 system, PEDA-258 maintained stable pH values (9.0÷9.5), low fluid loss (2.5÷2.6 ml/30 min), and stable PV-YP after hot rolling at 1300C for 24 hours. Field application in well H-8X showed that the KGAC Plus M1 system containing 1.5% vol PEDA-258 operated stably, with no occurrence of wellbore tightness or differential sticking. The PV-YP-FL parameters were maintained within a narrow range with increasing depth, and wellbore stability was improved compared with offset wells using Hib-X. The findings confirm that PEDA-258 is an effective polyamine-based inhibitor with high technical performance and good compatibility with the KGAC Plus M1 system, making it suitable for drilling through reactive clay formations in the Bach Ho field.

How to Cite
Nguyen, A.Trung Bao, Hoang, L.Hong, Do, K.Quang and Truong, N.Hoai 2026. Application of polyamine-based inhibitors in water-based drilling fluids for reactive shale formations in the Bach Ho field (in Vietnamese). Journal of Mining and Earth Sciences. 67, 3 (Jun, 2026), 92-106. DOI:https://doi.org/10.46326/JMES.2026.67(3).08.
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