”The principle of silicate mud is to provide a liquid phase that prevents the hydrous disintegration of water-sensitive shales. The liquid phase of silicate mud is far more effective in preventing disintegration than any of the variety of muds that we are currently using to retard disintegration and dispersion. When drilling with a silicate mud, the cuttings arrive at the surface unaltered, showing definite marks of the bit. Experience in more than 100 wells has confirmed that by using a mud that prevents the disintegration of the formation drilled, the hole stays to gauge even through soft water-reactive shales, which with conventional muds would be enlarged, often resulting in sloughing and heaving. Where high pressures are associated with the troublesome shale, it is necessary to carry sufficient weight to balance the pressures; otherwise, caving would result even with the protective silicate muds. It appears that the improvements that have been made in drilling muds and drilling practice during the past few years have eliminated the necessity for using silicate muds. We still think of them as being an “ace in the hole” should our best conventional practice fail to handle troublesome conditions that might be encountered.” Orien Van Dyke, Vice-President Magcobar, memo to manager Oklahoma City, 1956

1990’s - Mobil, Shell, BP, BW Mud, Anchor, M-I, Baroid, IDF/Dowell 1930’s - Garrison, Vietti, Baker, et al 100 Wells 100 Wells 1960’s - Darley 3 Wells 3 Wells Wingrave (DuPont/Conoco) WBS Technology (WBS) WBS Technology (WBS) HISTORY of SILICATE FLUIDS

Corrosion Ring shows great results. 8 % Sodium Silicate was used with No Bentonite. Corrosion Rate was less than 1 lb/ft 2 /year. Corrosion Ring shows a good result & a low corrosion rate. 7% Sodium Silicate was used with 5 ppb bentonite. Corrosion Rate was less than 1.6 lb/ft 2 /year. Corrosion Ring shows severe corrosion as scale, rust & pitting. Normal corrosion Inhibitor was used. No Silicate was used. Corrosion Inhibition

Look At This Mad Scientist Working With His State-Of-The-Art Equipment…pushing the envelope of drilling fluids technology! I won’t be able to push those silicates unless I can get that COF lower!!! Where is that Magcolube????

Silicate Glycol Glycol + 2% SilicateSilicate + 3% Glycol Lubricity

Lubricity – Field Evaluation

This mud system is kicking some ass !! I am sold !! I am sold on it. The cuttings are remarkable. Hole appears to be in good condition. We really wont know how good it really is until we trip through it, but what we are seeing right now. Every thing seems to be O.K. Should /- T.D. by early morning. I will keep you posted. Regards, Moe Plaisance, M-I Mud Engineer, India 1998