What is the difference between drill solids and barite?

Learn the difference between drill solids and barite and how these 2 kinds of weighting material will affect drilling operation.

Drill Solid: It is solid particles from formation generated while drilling. Its specific gravity is about 2.6 which is normally defined as Low Gravity Solid (LGS). Drill solid can increase mud weight; however, it will degrade mud properties such as Yield Point, viscosity, gel strength, etc. If mud excessively gets drill solid, drilling fluid properties especially rheology (Yield Point, viscosity) will be higher and mud cake with a lot of drill solid will be poor quality. Higher rheology will lead to more required energy in order to make circulation. In addition, poor mud cake can also lead to pipe struck situation.

In order to control drill solid content in mud, solid control equipment as shale shakers, desanders, desilters and centrifuges must be operated properly and effectively.

Barite: It is the weighting agent with specific gravity about 4.2 normally called High Gravity Solid. Both Drill solid and Barite are able to be weighting agent; however, Barite does not degrade other mud properties such as PV, YP, gel strength, etc.

Reference books: Drilling Fluid Books