Evaluation of polymer/bentonite synergy on the properties of aqueous drilling fluids for high-temperature and high-pressure oil wells

The increasing demand for energy sources has led to oil field exploration under inhospitable conditions, where non-aqueous drilling fluids are commonly used due their physical and chemical stability. However, they exhibit a number of environmental constraints and the cuttings produced require expensive treatments before disposal. Aqueous drilling fluids are currently less thermally resistant and generally entail the use of chromium...