drill-in fluid — Oil & Gas Glossary
A special fluid designed exclusively for drilling through the reservoir section of a wellbore. The reasons for using a specially designed mud are: (1) to drill the reservoir zone successfully, often a long, horizontal drainhole. (2) to minimize damage and maximize production of exposed zones. (3) to facilitate the well completion needed, which can include complicated procedures. A drill-in fluid
Detailed Explanation
should resemble a completion fluid. It may be a brine containing only selected solids of appropriate particle size ranges (salt crystals or calcium carbonate) and polymers. Only additives essential for filtration control and cuttings carrying are present in a drill-in fluid.