Inhibition of Gas Hydrates in Water-Based Drilling Muds

Summary A series of thermodynamic experiments were run on 16 simulated drilling muds and associated test fluids to improve the understanding of the equilibrium conditions for hydrate formation in water-based drilling fluids. Results indicated that, to a first approximation, the salt and glycerol contents of water in mud dominated hydrate formation. Other mud additives, such as bentonite, barite, and polymers, collectively promoted hydrate formation to a lesser degree.