Application of regression analysis for the optimization of drilling fluid formulation

Abstract

Drilling fluids are a critically important, yet costly, component in the overall well drilling budget. Their formulation optimization is a key engineering task aimed not only at the direct reduction of chemical reagent costs but also at ensuring a smooth and safe drilling process. An improperly selected or overly "cheap" formulation can lead to significantly greater total losses: damage to the productive formation due to high filtration, reduced well flow rates, and increased non-productive time (NPT) due to complications such as differential sticking [1]. Furthermore, formulation optimization is directly related to environmental and logistical costs; effective composition management and fluid reuse can reduce the total volume of waste (cuttings) by up to 30%, which significantly lowers disposal costs. Thus, true optimization seeks not the minimum formulation cost, but the minimum total cost of drilling operations, while ensuring compliance with all technological parameters.