Geothermal Aerated Fluids Drilling Operations in Asia Pacific

Abstract

Aerated fluids drilling is a widely accepted technique for drilling geothermal wells for a variety of reasons, which include but are not limited to minimization of circulation losses, increase in penetration rate, material savings, elimination of differential sticking, lesser water requirements, the ability to discharge during drilling, and the prevention of formation damage. The technique, which involves the application of air, mist, aerated liquid or foam fluid systems to lower the density of the drilling fluid and is mainly intended at reducing costs by drilling faster, has been proven to produce positive results in geothermal applications all over the world. As this paper shows, the same can be said for geothermal aerated fluids drilling operations in the Asia Pacific region. It provides an assessment of aerated fluids drilling projects performed in geothermal fields in the Asia Pacific region, as well as a comparative look at the equipment, technique, procedures and engineering involved in the same. Lessons learned and recommendations for the improvement of geothermal aerated fluids drilling operations are also included.