ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF USING KCl AS CLAY INHIBITOR TO PREVENT CLAY SWELLING

Abstract

This internship report discusses the impact of using Potassium Chloride (KCl) as a clay inhibitor to prevent clay swelling in drilling operations. The internship was conducted at PT China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) INDO, specifically in the Oilfield Chemical Division. The objective of this study was to understand the role of KCl in maintaining borehole stability by preventing swelling related issues such as stuck pipe and increased mud viscosity, which can lead to operational inefficiencies. The internship activities included field observations, hands-on training, and laboratory experiments on drilling fluids and cementing processes. One of the key findings was that KCl effectively reduces the hydration reaction of clay minerals by replacing sodium ions in the clay structure with potassium ions, thereby limiting water absorption. The results indicate that the addition of KCl significantly enhances wellbore stability, reduces non-productive time (NPT), and optimizes drilling operations. In addition to technical skills, the internship provided valuable experience in non-technical aspects such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a real industry setting. Overall, the use of KCl as a clay inhibitor proves to be an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating drilling-related challenges associated with reactive shale formations.