No.3(47),2026 PP.192-204

Neftyanaya provintsiya No. 3(47), 2026

Overview of the possibilities of using aphron-containing fluids in oil and gas well drilling
E.L. Leusheva, A.O. Morozov, D.A. Russkov
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2026.3.192-204

Abstract

The paper reviews the potential application of aphron-containing drilling fluids for drilling oil and gas formations characterized by low formation pressure, fracturing and a high risk of lost circulation. Aphrons are gas microbubbles stabilized by a shell composed of surfactants, polymers and an aqueous phase; this structure enables temporary sealing of pores and microfractures, thereby reducing filtration losses and near-wellbore formation damage. The main advantages of the technology are summarized, including reduced drilling fluid density, preservation of reservoir permeability, improved cuttings transport, compatibility with conventional mixing equipment and the possibility of environmentally oriented formulation design. The limitations of aphron systems are also analyzed: thermal degradation of polymer stabilizers, sensitivity to surfactant concentration, high low-shear-rate viscosity and reduced efficiency in large-fracture reservoirs. Further development is associated with heat-resistant minerals, biodegradable surfactants, nanoparticles and adaptive formulations.

Key words:

drilling fluids, aphron systems, colloidal gas aphron, low formation pressure, filtration, lost circulation, surfactants, xanthan gum, attapulgite, thermal stability, rheology, reservoir drilling

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Authors

E.L. Leusheva, PhD (Engineering), Associate Professor, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University
2, 21st Line, St. Petersburg, 199106, Russian Federation
E-mail: Leusheva_EL@pers.spmi.ru

A.O. Morozov, student, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University
2, 21st Line, St. Petersburg, 199106, Russian Federation
E-mail: alexandr.05_07@mail.ru

D.A. Russkov, student, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University
2, 21st Line, St. Petersburg, 199106, Russian Federation
E-mail: Russkovdmitriy123@gmail.com

For citation:

E.L. Leusheva, A.O. Morozov, D.A. Russkov Obzor vozmozhnosti ispol'zovaniya afronsoderzhashchikh rastvorov pri burenii neftegazovykh skvazhin [Overview of the possibilities of using aphron-containing fluids in oil and gas well drilling]. Neftyanaya Provintsiya, No. 3(47), 2026. pp. 192-204. DOI https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2026.3.192-204. EDN ZVWBGL (in Russian)

© Non-governmental organization Volga-Kama Regional Division of the Russian Academy of Natural Science, 2015-2026 All the materials of the journal are available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Overview of the possibilities of using aphron-containing fluids in oil and gas well drilling E.L. Leusheva, A.O. Morozov, D.A. Russkov DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2026.3.192-204

Key words: drilling fluids, aphron systems, colloidal gas aphron, low formation pressure, filtration, lost circulation, surfactants, xanthan gum, attapulgite, thermal stability, rheology, reservoir drilling

Overview of the possibilities of using aphron-containing fluids in oil and gas well drilling
E.L. Leusheva, A.O. Morozov, D.A. Russkov
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2026.3.192-204

Key words:

drilling fluids, aphron systems, colloidal gas aphron, low formation pressure, filtration, lost circulation, surfactants, xanthan gum, attapulgite, thermal stability, rheology, reservoir drilling