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: 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: 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.