Page 166 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language

Chapter 7 – DRILLING FLUIDS 157

4. Fluids with oil as the continuous phase and less than 10% water
by volume, with any water forming an emulsion of water within
the oil (“oil muds”).

5. Fluids with oil as the continuous phase and more than 10% water
by volume, with the water forming an emulsion of water within
the oil (“invert oil emulsion muds”).
6. Fluids with air as the continuous phase (“air drilling”).

7. Water-based systems incorporating air present in gaseous form
within a liquid (“aerated” and “foamed” systems).

Each of these types will be briefly described. Their particular properties

and uses will then be covered.

Fig. 7–1. Continuous phase

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