Organophilic Clay-Free Drilling Fluid Enriches Tight-Reservoir Productivity

This paper presents the methodology for developing drill-in organophilic clay-free invert-emulsion-fluid technology that enhances well production through fundamental geological studies and fluid testing.

November 1, 2026

Journal of Petroleum Technology

Fig. 1—Full-diameter core samples are aligned and scanned using CT imaging. Red laser guides ensure precise core positioning within the scanner, allowing for the capture of high-resolution, nondestructive internal structural data.

Maximizing asset value is a major drilling challenge in supertight fields. This paper presents the methodology for developing drill-in organophilic clay-free (DIOCF) invert-emulsion-fluid (IEF) technology that enhances well production through fundamental geological studies and fluid testing. Using a customized DIOCF system resulted in successful drilling and completion of substantially tight-permeability reservoirs.

Lithology

The target reservoir is a significant Ordovician-age geological formation. It is characterized by tight sandstone formations primarily composed of mature quartz arenites with a high silica content.

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Organophilic Clay-Free Drilling Fluid Enriches Tight-Reservoir Productivity

This paper presents the methodology for developing drill-in organophilic clay-free invert-emulsion-fluid technology that enhances well production through fundamental geological studies and fluid testing.

Lithology

This paper presents the methodology for developing drill-in organophilic clay-free invert-emulsion-fluid technology that enhances well production through fundamental geological studies and fluid testing.