Underbalanced Drilling

Underbalanced drilling is an advanced method of negotiating underground pressures. We are specialists at this technique and here's why. [More...]

Air Drilling

The utilization of air as the circulating fluid on a standard rotary rig is referred to as "air drilling." Air is the extreme in the progression from high density drilling fluid. Air Drilling can result in increased penetration rates, longer bit life resulting in fewer pipe trips; reduced potential for lost circulation, reduction of formation damage and reduced differential sticking.

Dust Drilling

If the formation is dry or the water influx is minimal so that the water can be 100% absorbed by the air stream, the cuttings return to surface as dust and the drilling technique is commonly referred to as 'dust drilling." If the hole makes too much water for the air stream to absorb it, a foaming agent in a water-based solution is injected with air as a mist arid is referred to as "mist" drilling.

Foam Drilling

"Foam" drilling occurs when a very stable air-in-mud emulsion is form­ulated using foaming agents and mud stabilizing additives, The foam is very stiff, having the consistency of an aerosol shaving cream. Foam drilling is used for large diameter hales, unconsolidated formations and low pressure producing zones.

Aerated Fluid Drilling

When both air and drilling fluid are injected into the standpipe simultaneously, the drilling technique is known as aerated fluid" drilling. The primary purpose of aerated fluid drilling is to reduce the specific gravity of the return fluid column to reduce the potential of lost circulation that would exist with the higher density of straight fluid drilling. Aerated fluid also increases the rate of penetration as compared to straight fluid drilling.

Alberta Mobile Air supplies compressors, mist pumps, blouey lines, air strings, foaming agents and stabilizing chemical for all your air drilling services.

Vertical Drilling

Air or mist drilling increases the possibility of a downhole fire. Operators have taken this risk over the years because of the cost of liquid nitrogen. With NGU's available, it will no longer be necessary to risk a downhole burnoff if you drill with nitrogen through the zone to perform a barefoot completion.