Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and lubricant blends for increasing lubricity of a brine-based drilling fluid having an alkaline pH and a threshold divalent cation concentration. An embodiment of the methods herein comprise providing a produced water or a brine having a threshold divalent cation concentration and an alkaline pH; adding to the produced water or brine at least one source of free fatty acids; and optionally further adding a dispersant. Also provided are brine-based drilling fluids produced by the methods and lubricant blends disclosed herein. Also, provided are methods for improving lubricity in a wellbore during drilling operations, which comprise, combining in a modulated manner, a quantity of a produced water or brine and a quantity of a lubricant blend comprising at least one source of free fatty acids and a dispersant, to target formation of a semi-solid lubricant that adheres to downhole surfaces.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to drilling fluids that comprise an aqueous solvent and an ampholytic semi-hydrophobic polymer that is readily hydratable under field mixing conditions. The ampholytic semi-hydrophobic polymer comprises semi-hydrophobic monomer units comprising a C1-C7 hydrocarbyl substituent, a hydrogen substituent, or a combination thereof. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to use of a drilling fluid as defined herein to reduce bitumen accretion to a wellbore drilling component. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for reducing bitumen accretion to a wellbore drilling component, the method comprising introducing a drilling fluid as defined herein into a wellbore containing the wellbore drilling component.

Abstract: Rheology modifiers comprising dicarboxylic acid, additives and oil-based drilling fluids comprising said rheology modifiers, as well as methods and uses thereof are provided. The rheology modifier dicarboxylic acid may comprise, for example, dodecanedioic acid. Rheology modifiers as described herein may be used, for example, to increase low shear end viscosity of an oil-based drilling fluid.

Abstract: Aqueous drilling fluid compositions include one or more di-functional carboxylic acids in addition to common drilling fluid constituents such as viscosifiers, fluid loss control additives, weighting materials, and other materials. In certain embodiments, the one or more di-functional carboxylic acids comprise dodecanedioic acid. Such drilling fluid compositions are particularly beneficial for use in drilling operations in bitumen-laden formations such as oil sands, where the drill cuttings will introduce significant amounts of bitumen into the drilling fluid. The inclusion of the di-functional carboxylic acids, in suitable concentrations, reduces the tendency of bitumen to adhere to metal surfaces such as drill string components, and enhances wellbore integrity and stability.

Abstract: Aqueous drilling fluid compositions include one or more di-functional carboxylic acids in addition to common drilling fluid constituents such as viscosifiers, fluid loss control additives, weighting materials, and other materials. In certain embodiments, the one or more di-functional carboxylic acids comprise dodecanedioic acid. Such drilling fluid compositions are particularly beneficial for use in drilling operations in bitumen-laden formations such as oil sands, where the drill cuttings will introduce significant amounts of bitumen into the drilling fluid. The inclusion of the di-functional carboxylic acids, in suitable concentrations, reduces the tendency of bitumen to adhere to metal surfaces such as drill string components, and enhances wellbore integrity and stability.