Abstract: An apparatus for estimating an oil, water, and solids fraction of a drilling fluid includes a conduit containing the drilling fluid, an electromagnetic sensor in communication with the drilling fluid that senses a combined water and solids fraction, and at least one of a conductivity sensor or a density sensor, each in communication with the drilling fluid. The apparatus also includes a processing system determining the fraction of oil, water, and solids in the drilling fluid using the combined water and solid fraction and at least one of the conductivity value from the conductivity sensor or the density value from the density sensor and a controller coupled to the processing system, the controller having an output coupled to a drilling fluid additive control device controlling an additive to be added to the drilling fluid based on the fraction of oil, water, and solids of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: Examples described herein provide a method that includes determining, by a processing device, a first pressure differential across a first high-pressure filter of an automated high-pressure filter system. The method further includes selectively controlling, by the processing device and based at least in part on the first pressure differential, a switching unit of the automated high-pressure filter system to cause fluid to selectively flow through at least one of the first high-pressure filter and a bypass line of the automated high-pressure filter system.

Abstract: Polymer-modified asphalt is used in drilling fluids for filtration control, lost circulation control, drill string differential sticking prevention, or wellbore stabilization. The latex modified asphalt provides a mixture of latex-asphalt complex, asphalt, and latex particles that help maintain wellbore stability while drilling into shale formations. The polymer-modified latex is effective for controlling laminated and microfractured shale. Polymers may be functionalized to react with the asphalt to create copolymer modifications of the asphalt for improved performance as drilling fluid additives. The drilling fluids may be water-based or oil-based, or based on an emulsion of oil and water.

Abstract: Polymer-modified asphalt is used in drilling fluids for filtration control, lost circulation control, drill string differential sticking prevention, or wellbore stabilization. The latex modified asphalt provides a mixture of latex-asphalt complex, asphalt, and latex particles that help maintain wellbore stability while drilling into shale formations. The polymer-modified latex is effective for controlling laminated and microfractured shale. Polymers may be functionalized to react with the asphalt to create copolymer modifications of the asphalt for improved performance as drilling fluid additives. The drilling fluids may be water-based or oil-based, or based on an emulsion of oil and water.