Paper: Stability and Corrosivity of Packer Fluids

For over twenty years the industry has been concerned with problems of gelation and suspension of solids in packer fluids. In recent years considerable attention has been given to corrosion aspects. This paper discusses types of water-base packer fluids used in the past and difficulties encountered. It presents laboratory data comparing suspension agents for oil muds and cites field examples of oil muds used successfully to suspend weighting material and to protect against corrosion. Corrosion protection when using clear liquids as packer fluids is also discussed.