Abstract: A dense drilling fluid additive used to control lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations is disclosed. Such additive is formed from ground base materials, such as inorganic matter, and may be used to manage the rheological properties of drilling fluid.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering drilling fluid additives to a drilling fluid. According to one aspect of the invention, the delivery system comprises a softened, dispersible tablet containing drilling fluid additives, such as lost circulation, seepage control materials, and/or other additive materials. The tablet is preferably prepared by adding a softening agent or softening binder to the drilling fluid additive that will allow the tablet to disperse and revert, or break down, to release the drilling fluid additives in their original particle size into drilling fluids. It is also advantageous for the tablets to be dispersed top-side to ensure that the materials do not, for example, clog screens or damage downhole equipment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and composition of improved additives for use in control of lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations. In particular, the additive is formed such that the additive can be incorporated into the drilling fluid with much greater speed than powdered or ground additives of similar components. The steps to create this dense additive include grinding of the lost circulation and seepage control material to produce a small particle size and applying pressure to the lost circulation and seepage control material such that it densifies and is forced through apertures creating a pelletized dense additive.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of performing drilling operations wherein a drilling fluid is circulated in a well being drilled in the ground comprising the steps of grinding a tannin-containing organic waste to form granules, adding the ground tannin-containing organic waste product to the drilling fluid, and circulating the drilling fluid with the ground tannin-containing organic waste product in the well while drilling operations are being carried out. In a preferred embodiment, tannin-containing organic waste products include grape pomace, tomato pomace, yellow pine bark, yellow pine, wood bark and the like.

Abstract: The cork or pith portion of various nuts is utilized as a seepage loss reducing additive without increasing, and in some cases reducing, the viscosity of the drilling mud used in drilling boreholes.

Abstract: A by-product of corn is utilized in the drilling fluid while drilling boreholes to reduce friction and to reduce the normal adverse effects inherent in each drilling fluid.