AES Drilling Fluids

Tune into this Water-Based Mud Series episode as Justin and Matt sits down to discuss why filtration control agents are used, incompatibility with cationic and anionic products, and much more!

Water-based muds require viscosifiers compatible with the base fluid. Several kinds of viscosifiers provide quality hole cleaning and solid-suspension characteristics. Tune into this episode of the #WBM Series as Matt and Justin discuss why viscosifiers are needed, the different kinds of viscosifiers, and much more!

In this new series of The #Flowline, Matt and Justin go in-depth into water-based mud. Each episode will break down different components and key functions of WBM. Tune into this episode of the #WBM Series, as our hosts talk about all things base fluid in water-based mud.

Too often, we assume there is sag and cause the ensuing panic. But, do we really have sag? Tune into this episode of the Flowline, as Matt and Justin dive into the conditions that induce sag, evidence-based questions to diagnose sag, and much more!

In this episode of The #Flowline, we answer a listener's request. What is "AES Culture" and what makes us unique? Tune into this exciting episode as Matt and Justin share their perspective on our company's culture.

One of our lab's most requested tests is XRD (X-ray diffraction). So, why has it become such a buzzword? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt break down what it is, why it's useful, and its added value.

Looking for a new book or movie to dive into?

Can you really hate an inanimate molded piece of plastic? Justin talks to Matt about the sag shoe test - what it is...and why he hates it.

Altered volcanic ash can create havoc while drilling. Justin and Matt break down why it's an issue – and anything you can do when encountering this troublesome material.

Justin and Matt talk about screen blinding - what it is, what you can do about it, and why people sometimes get it wrong.

There's lots of buzz about PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances). We don't use them, but people keep asking about them like we do. Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt explain what PFAS are, how they are used, and why we don't use them.

It's 2024 and things are picking up. So, let's analyze 2024's landscape, navigating knowns and confronting uncertainties. Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin talk about what they think lies ahead this year.

Other than cheap, what is ABO (Asphaltene based oil)? How can it help (or hurt) a drilling fluid? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt discuss the pros and cons of ABO, and much more.

Lubricant testing is notoriously inconsistent. The data can cause misleading insights and requires both working knowledge and lots of skepticism to make an interpretation. As you might guess, Matt hates lubricant testing.

There are lots of diesel alternatives, and GTL is a synthetic oil that's made some appearances in the land drilling market. What is it? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt dive into what GTL is, where it comes from, and what we get out of using it.

pH and alkalinity share similarities, but have differences worth defining. So, tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt run through the distinctions as they relate to water-based muds.

You're drilling with a finely dispersed mud and then you take a flow. It's time to swap systems. Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin run through this scenario and things to think about when drilling doesn't go according to plan.

Every once in a while, someone asks "Can I break this polymer mud and reuse the brine?". Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt break down why this process is so complicated, especially in xanthan-based systems.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Diesel is a common drilling fluid additive, but there is not just one kind of diesel. This has implications for drilling fluid properties. Tune in to this episode of The Flowline Justin and Matt discuss these variances and what to do about them to keep drilling ahead.

Drilling fluids continue to evolve, but where did they originate? How have they evolved with drilling technology? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin walk through some key moments and technologies that got us to where we are today.

The discussions around LCM are constantly evolving, and The Flowline is here to provide updated information!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we at The Flowline would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners. We hope that you have many things to be thankful for, just as we do. Tune in to this special episode of The Flowline as our hosts, Matt Offenbacher and Justin Gauthier, share their gratitude for this year.

Drilling efficiencies have made big strides over the years. This raises the question, how might this advancement impact drilling fluids? Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin delve into this question and more on drilling efficiencies!

Let's be honest, it's not often that somebody comes to the table asking, "Hey, why don't we just add diesel?" Diesel as a lubricant comes with its own set of rules and regulations, so tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin delve into the applications of diesel!

Mud technology may seem to stagnate, but is it? New applications are being discovered, and as a result, research is also surfacing. Join Matt and Justin in this episode of The Flowline as they discuss the mud technologies that impact rigs today.

Desanders and desilters move around with rigs, but they seem to be rarely used. So, what are the benefits of these machines and why aren't they being used? Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin explore the topic of desander and desilter in solids control.

In this week's episode of The Flowline, Matt and Justin answer a listener's question: How can a leader overcome challenges in the field, office, labs, and plants? What are some of the lessons learned to avoid repeating the same mistakes? If you have a question of your own, please leave a comment or send us a message, we'll love to hear from you!

Did you know that many things we use in the oil field are also in your kitchen? Polysaccharide, which is a carbohydrate (e.g. starch and cellulose), is one example of this! Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin explain the chemistry behind polysaccharides in water-based muds!

Grab your lab coats and safety goggles for this episode, it's time for a little chemistry refresher. Join Matt and Justin as they delve into the chemistry behind esters as a lubricant.

Want to learn how something great starts? In this episode, we sit down with Ken Zinger, CEO of CES Energy Solutions, the parent company of AES Drilling Fluids. Join Matt Offenbacher and Justin Gauthier, MSc, as they gain insight into Ken's career, business philosophy, and how he evolved his passion for drilling fluids into a multi-faceted corporation.

It's back-to-school season for the kids, but school is always in session with us! Mud school has been a way for us to educate our customers on drilling fluids and applications to drive discussions in the industry. Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin discuss the conversations sparked by these mud schools!

It's a hot summer in Texas, and it can get even hotter subsurface!☀️

U-Turn wells, also known as Horseshoe wells, have been gaining attention lately! Don't miss out on this episode as Matt and Justin break down the challenges of drilling U-Turn wells.

As oil prices surge, recovering valuable base oils, such as diesel from oil-based mud, proves essential not only for efficient fluid management but also for capturing significant economic returns.

Open or closed? The question might be easier when it comes to your office door, but what about Open vs. Closed Loop Systems? Join Matt and Justin as they break down the basics on this week’s episode of The #Flowline

Open or closed? The question might be easier when it comes to your office door, but what about Open vs. Closed Loop Systems? Join Matt and Justin as they break down the basics on this week's episode of the #Flowline

What are the factors that go into cuttings transport? Listen in as Matt Offenbacher and Justin Gauthier discuss the intricacies of hole cleaning.

What are the factors that go into cuttings transport? Listen in as Matt Offenbacher and Justin Gauthier discuss the intricacies of hole cleaning.

Mud chillers do some important things, but what fluid properties work best with them? Justin and Matt discuss the difference between fluid for best thermal properties and best drilling properties.

Mud chillers do some important things, but what fluid properties work best with them? Justin and Matt discuss the difference between fluid for best thermal properties and best drilling properties.

What fluid properties allow you to drill the fastest? Justin and Matt talk about what makes clean mud, among other things, great for fast drilling.

What fluid properties allow you to drill the fastest? Justin and Matt talk about what makes clean mud, among other things, great for fast drilling.

What’s the deal with calling the endpoint of your chloride titration? What’s the chemistry behind it and why do we need to get it right?

What’s the deal with calling the endpoint of your chloride titration? What’s the chemistry behind it and why do we need to get it right?

What are cross-linked fluid loss control pills? Why don’t we see them more often in drilling applications? Matt and Justin discuss how they work and what it takes to deploy them.

What are cross-linked fluid loss control pills? Why don’t we see them more often in drilling applications? Matt and Justin discuss how they work and what it takes to deploy them.

Why is lime so important for invert emulsion systems? Justin and Matt run through how lime works with emulsifiers and provides alkalinity.

Why is lime so important for invert emulsion systems? Justin and Matt run through how lime works with emulsifiers and provides alkalinity.

Spontaneous potential? Join Matt and Justin as they tackle a listener’s request and explore how fluid affects downhole logging operations.