Drilling Fluids are mud mixtures used to aid in drilling oil and gas wells. These muds carry rock cuttings to the surface and lubricate and cool the drill bit. They also help avoid the collapse of unstable strata into the borehole and the intrusion of water from water-bearing formations. A well-prepared mud can also prevent contamination of the surrounding environment. Waste mud is typically stored in a dedicated pit, which can be lined with brick or pressure treated wood. A separate storage pit may be used to hold drilling fluid that is not being used or pumped at a particular time, such as after a rig has been shut in for a workover or completion operation.
Market Dynamics:
The significant increase in the number of shale gas drilling operations taking place across North America and other regions driving the demand for drilling muds with higher viscosity. This in turn is expected to propel growth of the global drilling fluids market over the forecast period.
However, a major restraint in the market is the environmental impact of using drilling fluids. These fluids contain toxic chemicals that are discharged into the groundwater during the down-hole injection and onshore disposal processes. This factor in turn is expected to hinder growth of the global drilling fluids market over the forecast period.
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