Abstract: The method for releasing the stuck pipe of the present invention uses a combination of components which oxidize the mud cake and generated gas bubbles to create an upward buoyancy for the oxidized mud cake. The spotting method of the present invention comprises adding to the borehole in the region of the stuck pipe: 1) an oxidizer which oxidizes the mud cake; and 2) at least one component which reacts in the borehole to generate a gas. Optionally, but preferably, the spotting method further uses a lubricant which is added to the borehole in the region of the stuck pipe. The lubricant acts to lubricate the oxidized parts of the mud cake. Also disclosed is a spotting fluid system including 1) an oxidizer which oxidizes the mud cake, 2) at least one component which reacts in the borehole to generate a gas, and, optionally a lubricant which acts to lubricate the oxidized parts of the mud cake.

Abstract: A salt water drilling mud comprising a mixture salt water, a solid phase such as pre-hydrated bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, and extended bentonite, among others and optionally a synthetic oil, which is mixed with at least one of five different modules. A first module contains caustic, a natural wax and a natural thinner. A second module contains components of the first module and an alkali metal aluminate prepared by reacting the first module with aluminum metal. A third module contains the components of the first module and an alkali metal phosphate and/or alkali metal silicate. A fourth module contains the components of the first module, a saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid source, a surfactant, and a preservative. The fifth module contains a combination of the first, third and fourth modules.

Abstract: A drilling fluid contains caustic, a natural wax, a natural thinner, glycerol, phosphoric acid and/or boric acid, and optionally a gel. The drilling fluid can be prepared in modules. Each module contains additional compounds to improve or change the action of the drilling fluid depending on the condition found in the field. The drilling fluid adjusts the properties of conventional drilling muds including increasing lubrication, thins the drilling mud, decreases bit balling, decreases rock resistance and controls phase separation of the drilling muds.

Abstract: A modular drilling mud system is described in terms of five different modules. A first module contains caustic, a natural wax and a natural thinner. A second module contains components of the first module and an alkali metal aluminate prepared by reacting the first module with aluminum metal. A third module contains the components of the first module and an alkali metal phosphate and/or alkali metal silicate. A fourth module contains the components of the first module, a saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid source, a surfactant, and a preservative. The fifth module contains a combination of the first, third and fourth modules. The third, fourth and fifth modules can be used to effect various degrees of thinning and lubrication, and the second module can be used alone or in combination with another module to thicken the drilling mud.