Product Sheet SAFE-LUBE Water-Soluble Brine Lubricant
Exceptional reduction in metal-to-metal friction when added to brine-base completion fluids at extremely low concentrations.
SAFE-LUBE
Water-soluble brine lubricant
SAFE-LUBE lubricant demonstrates exceptional reduction in metal-to-metal friction when added to brine-based completion fluids at very low concentrations.
Advantages
- Return permeability testing has shown that SAFE-LUBE lubricant is not damaging to the formation.
- Completion fluid oil and grease values are not elevated with as much as 10 times the recommended concentration of SAFE-LUBE lubricant.
- SAFE-LUBE lubricant does not contribute a sheen in a static sheen test.
- Soluble in most completion brines.
- Effective at low concentration (0.6% by volume).
- Filtration operations are not adversely impacted by addition to brine.
| Typical Physical Properties | |
|---|---|
| Physical appearance | Clear liquid |
| Specific gravity | 1.01 at 60 degF [16 degC] |
| pH | 6.5 |
| Solubility | 100% |
Applications
SAFE-LUBE lubricant is designed to reduce the coefficient of friction in seawater, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, calcium chloride, and calcium bromide completion fluids.
Torque and drag in completion fluids in high-angle, extended-reach wells have become a major concern to completion operations. SAFE-LUBE lubricant has reduced torque and drag up to 50% at extremely low concentrations in field applications.
The optimal concentration of SAFE-LUBE lubricant is one drum per 218 bbl (0.6% by volume). The product can be added before the fluid passes through a diatomaceous earth filter press or cartridge unit. SAFE-LUBE lubricant will not be removed by the filtration process.
Coefficient of friction (COF) data derived from tests using the OFI Digital Lubricity tester at 60 rpm and 150 inch-pounds torque gave the following results:
| Brine | COF | COF with 0.6% SAFE-LUBE |
|---|---|---|
| Seawater | 0.36 | 0.08 |
| Seawater with 3% KCl | 0.37 | 0.09 |
| 9.0-lbm/galUS KCl | 0.38 | 0.08 |
| 10.0-lbm/galUS NaCl | 0.37 | 0.08 |
| 10.7-lbm/galUS CaCl2 | 0.26 | 0.13 |
| 11.6-lbm/galUS CaCl2 | 0.09 | 0.08 |
| 11.2-lbm/galUS CaCl2 / CaBr2 | 0.11 | 0.09 |
| 12.2-lbm/galUS CaBr2 (20 TCT) | 0.15 | 0.04 |
Limitations
Not to be used with zinc-based fluids. Add product directly to mud pit. Do not add through a hopper as excessive foaming may occur.
Toxicity and handling
Bioassay information is available upon request. Handle as an industrial chemical, wearing protective equipment and observing the precautions as described in the safety data sheet.
Packaging and storage
SAFE-LUBE lubricant is packaged in 55-galUS (208-L) drums. Store above freezing temperature in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container closed. Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames. Store away from incompatibles. Follow safe warehousing practices regarding palletizing, shrinkwrapping, and stacking.
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