AES Drilling Fluids: The Flowline Podcast: Recent Episodes
AES Drilling Fluids: The Flowline Podcast
Directional companies: let's talk more. Absurd third-party lab reports and bizarre claims about fluid aren't helping our customers.
Excess oil-based mud volume can impact both drilling efficiency and costs. Tune into this episode of The #Flowline as Justin and Matt discuss what causes excess volume and how proper mud management can help optimize operations.
Tune into this episode of The #Flowline as Justin and Matt discuss the role of Managed Pressure Drilling in long laterals and the benefits it brings to today's complex drilling environments.
When it comes to fluid loss control, what is the nature of a quality filter cake. Justin and Matt discuss filtercake formation and fluid loss relationships.
How do you know a product is what you say it is? Justin and Matt talk about the established practices to ensure quality products make it to the rig.
Justin and Matt break down the MBT test and talk about cation exchange capacity in clays
Drill baby drill! Special guest Josh Young shares his perspective on the latest in the oilfield. Spoiler alert: he thinks we need more rigs!
Geopolitics impacts everything. Justin and Matt run through general supply chain disruptions as they start to appear.
When the price of oil gets high, there's lots of water-based mud talk. Justin and Matt break down the decision process and how this time it might be a little easier.
Lots of operators hire someone they trust to oversee mud operations. Justin and Matt discuss the service company relationship, and how it works best.
Think of mud weight window as the safe zone for your drilling fluid—heavy enough to keep the well under control, but not so heavy that it damages the formation. Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt walk through what that “window” really means and why staying in range matters every step of the way.
Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt break down the role of dilution in drilling fluids—when to dilute, and what it means for maintaining optimal mud performance downhole.
Listener request! While we've talked about stuck pipe, what goes in to the chemistry of pipe freeing agents? Justin and Matt break down the most common components.
A listener asks what makes up cement spacers and how they relate to mud. Justin and Matt talk about the cement job and the critical relationship between drilling mud and a good cement job.
So your FIT failed. What's next? Justin and Matt talk about your options from strengthening the shoe to planning to manage lost circulation risk.
When is it time to cut your losses (literally) and change out your mud system to keep the well economic?
Tried a lubricant and still seeing issues? That’s where the evaluation process begins. Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt break down how to assess non-working lubricants, interpret failed tests, and make informed adjustments before performance suffers.
Justin and Matt have some fun reviewing Claude's advice on some basic drilling mud topics. Hear what it gets right - and what it gets wrong.
When mud touches everything, there are going to be questions about compatibility. Justin and Matt run through common elatostomer and tests to determine compatibility.
Listener Request: How much say does the mud company have in operations? Who gets to decide and how does that work between a service provider and the operator running the show?
Justin and Matt got a question about drill beads - several actually. They'll talk types, applications, and everything in-between.
Justin and Matt run through the basics of this critical piece of solids control equipment
Merry Christmas, everyone! Justin and Matt take a few minutes to reflect and extend their gratitude to the folks who keep us turning to the right over the holidays.
You're on losses. Big losses. When nothing seems to work, what are the considerations for drilling ahead versus calling TD early?
CO2 in OBM usually doesn't create a lot of problems...but could it? Justin and Matt talk about what to consider - and what is less concerning when drilling in CO2-rich areas.
Everyone’s talking about AI. But what does it really mean for drilling, operations, and day-to-day workflows? Justin and Matt unpack the benefits… and the blind spots.
Happy Thanksgiving 2025, ya'll! Justin and Matt share their gratitude with everyone working in the field.
Bids come in all shapes and sizes. Justin and Matt discuss the challenges of preparing (and evaluating) a drilling fluids proposal.
Volume accounting is essential for a lot of reasons. What happens when the math doesn't work out? Justin and Matt discuss.
Not all wells are equal. Some require big budgets while others require smaller budgets. Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt discuss the differences and how mud programs are designed around these budgets.
There has been some interesting commentary from oil and gas market experts, and Justin and Matt discuss an interesting take from Arjun Murti and his insightful Super-Spiked podcast.
We've talked about mixing heavy mud, but what are the practical considerations for drilling with it? Justin and Matt talk mixing, equipment, and other challenges.
The IEA did an interesting thing lately - it acknowledged how important oil and gas investment will be for the future. Justin and Matt talk about the pivot and how the industry has a lot more work ahead of it to supply the world's energy.
There are a lot of challenging formations downhole, and many of those challenges start with clay composition. Justin and Matt walk through the basics of clay chemistry.
We drill a lot of laterals, but what about drilling more than one lateral from the same central wellbore? Justin and Matt discuss the different types and a few considerations that make multilaterals simple - or very complex.
Field trials are just what they sound like - trials. What are some ways to make sure they are as insightful as possible when you're seeing something go downhole for the first time?
Listener request: What does it take to be successful in mud school? Justin and Matt compare their experiences, the challenges, and what to take away from this essential training course for mud engineers.
For the last of this series, we'll run through the common contaminants for oil- and synthetic-based drilling fluids.
Continuing our series on contamination and treatment, Justin and Matt run through some more common contaminants and treatment methods for water-based muds.
Justin and Matt start a short series on contaminants and treatment, starting with acid gases in water-based muds.
Justin and Matt talk about the dynamics between the operator, the mud company, the office, and the field. Like any relationship, it's complicated!
How high is too high for a pH? Justin and Matt break down what pH is, how it impacts drilling, and the added risk of going too high in some situations.
A listener was reaching the breaking point on mud weight. With all those solids, how does one get a 600 rev/min reading? Justin and Matt talk viscometers and how to get readings outside standard ranges.
It seems simple enough - is it dispersed or not? Justin and Matt discuss non-dispersed and dispersed systems - and what lies in between.
Hydraulic modeling is an essential tool for drilling fluid engineering. Justin and Matt discuss aspects of hydraulic modeling tools and how they are used.
Third-party labs have the potential to provide an outside perspective on testing accuracy and avoid bias. Justin and Matt talk about when they are brought into the conversation, run through a not-so-great situation, and what they hope collaboration can become.
High fluid loss squeezes have specific properties to address challenging lost circulation events. Matt and Justin run through design - and the squeeze procedure.
There's been a lot going on in the news lately on the oil price. Justin and Matt talk about some of the factors impacting how oil and gas prices move as of late.
Servicing the rig is one thing. Getting materials to and from the location at the right time is another. Justin and Matt discuss the logistical challenges surrounding drilling fluid logistics.
Justin and Matt talk about the latest drivers of rig count and dig into a little philosophy on troubleshooting evidence.
Matt takes Justin through the third and final AADE paper about how high-powered magnets show there is a lot more metal in the mud than people might think - and where it comes from.
Will Petty discusses his AADE paper on mechanical specific energy and lubricant performance evaluation.
This short series will walk us through AES technical papers presented at the AADE National Technical Conference and Exhibition. First up is Richard Toomes, who shares his paper on horseshoe well design.
How are lubricant providers cheating on cheese? Matt and Justin discuss ways to mitigate cheese - and why some of them have some serious downside.
X-ray diffraction or XRD is a helpful tool, but how does it work? Where is it useful? Justin and Matt break it down.
There is a tendency to look at the cost of a barrel of mud in isolation. Justin and Matt talk about the big picture and other cost factors to consider in the drilling program.
Corrosion is inevitable, but you can slow it down. Matt and Justin run through the basics.
There is a lot of interest in nanoparticles and how they impact fluid properties. What are they and what can these tiny particles do?
How heavy can you go? What's a practical maximum mud weight and what makes it so difficult as you weight up? Justin and Matt discuss.
What is kill mud? Justin and Matt discuss its use and some considerations for mixing and storage
The extremes of drilling can make fluids compress under pressure and expand at high temperature. How does that work and what's the impact?
Why all the talk about liquefied natural gas lately? Justin and Matt discuss how new gas terminals have the potential to put a few more mud engineers to work.
When it comes to drilling fluid, how low can you go? Justin and Matt discuss low density options.
Formate brines are another useful tool in the drilling fluid toolbox. Justin and Matt talk about benefits and some of the issues to consider with formate brines.
How much longer can lateral wells go? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin dive into the complexities of drilling extended laterals, the challenges of solids control, the advancement of modern rigs, and much more.
We’re drilling longer laterals, and we usually do it with oil-based mud. Would a lubricant make any difference? Matt and Justin discuss reasons for and against.
Justin and Matt dig deep into some big words for key molecules in synthetic-base oils. In this episode, they discuss olefins and paraffins – common buzzwords when picking a base oil.
Graphite is used for lubricity, loss prevention, and lost circulation. What are the different types of graphite and what makes them different?
We have a great question from LinkedIn – a listener asked Justin and Matt for their perspective on an article.
Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Justin and Matt break down their approach to a record-breaking vertical well.
Another listener's request just came in from LinkedIn! Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin discuss filter breakers – what they are, how they work, and when they are used.
Have you ever wondered what the life of a mud engineer is like? Tune into this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin give insights on their career paths, how they transitioned from the field to the office, and much more!
How is the oil and gas industry doing from an investor's standpoint? Join us on this exciting episode of The Flowline as Matt and Josh Young, Chief Investment Officer and Founder of Bison Interests, dive into the overview of our industry.
Justin and Matt talk about the different types of defoamers, how they work – and things to avoid needing them in the first place.
What makes fine grind barite different than conventional API barite? Where and when is it used to improve fluid performance?
A Flowline listener asked about glycols and choosing the cloud point for the best shale inhibition performance. Tune into this episode of The #Flowline as Justin and Matt provide more detail on glycols and a strategy for selection. If you have a question, send us a message or comment!
A Flowline listener asked about glycols and choosing the cloud point for the best shale inhibition performance. Justin and Matt provide more detail on glycols and a strategy for selection.
Water and clays aren’t always the best combination. What are the water-based mud products that inhibit shale interaction? Tune into this episode of The #Flowline – WBM Series as Matt and Justin discuss shale inhibitors!
Depending on the drilling conditions, alkalinity and pH need to be a fine-tuned science. In this episode of the WBM Series, Alkalinity, Matt and Justin discuss the sources of alkaline, how they work, and where they fit into the whole picture!
Depending on the drilling conditions, alkalinity and pH need to be a fine-tuned science. In this episode of the #WBM Series, Alkalinity, Matt and Justin discuss the sources of alkaline, how they work, and where they fit into the whole picture!
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 a 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.
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.
Chrome and chlorides have beef with each other, and Matt is here to explain why. Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin talk about the corroding relationship between chrome-coated rotors and chlorides.
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 and Justin as they gain insight into Ken's career 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 […]
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! So, what type of mud can withstand the heat? Tune in to this episode of The Flowline as Matt and Justin answer this question and more about High-Temp Fluids!
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.
U-Turn wells, also known as Horseshoe wells, have been gaining attention lately! Don't miss out on this episode as Matt and Justin breaks down what the challenges to 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 […]
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 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 […]
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.
Spontaneous potential? Join Matt and Justin as they tackle a listener's request and explore how fluid affects downhole logging operations.
Why do we always feel the need to try new things and change our current products? How do we decide which alternative products to explore and which ones to resist […]
When do you really need acid soluble materials? Matt and Justin talk about when these materials can help and when they probably just make us feel good.
When do you really need acid soluble materials? Matt and Justin talk about when these materials can help and when they probably just make us feel good.
When you’re talking loss circulation and loss prevention materials, how do you measure and describe the size of the blend? Justin and Matt break it down.
Is there a clear way to define if a drilling fluid additive is environmentally friendly? Justin and Matt shed some light on how to be data-driven regarding the environment – and why it’s so difficult.
Calcium carbonate is a common drilling fluid additive. What makes it so useful and how is it used?
What happens when you get sodium chloride with your calcium chloride internal phase? Justin and Matt break down the two-salt titration and why you need it.
Join Matt and Justin as they explore the oilfield’s current supply chain challenges. Discover the impact of global economic trends on product availability and investigate whether decreasing oil prices could lead to lower prices for drilling fluids.
Listener Request! Justin and Matt discuss the basics of dewatering and how it enhances solids control performance.
Matt and Justin spill the tea on their experience at last week’s AADE National Technical Conference in Midland. They give our listeners insights into drilling technologies, induced seismicity, and drilling fluid automation. In addition, they discuss the fantastic networking opportunities, the involvement of students from across the country, and AES’ unforgettable afterparty attended by people from all significant O&G basins!
Ditch magnets are a common yet underappreciated debris removal tool. Justin and Matt discuss their applications, placement, and provide a few pointers for their use.
In this episode, Justin and Matt talk to Christian Grimes, a graduate student at Colorado School of Mines headed to the “real world” of drilling. Christian shares his story and outlook on the future of the oilfield.
Conferences offer a lot of opportunities to meet people and learn a few things. Justin and Matt break down different types of conferences, how to prepare, and why you might want to attend.
What is a specialty product? Are they really all that special? Justin and Matt break down the ups and downs of using products that your mud company didn’t make when they’re on location.
Loss categories vary, and perhaps one of the most subjective is evaporation. When does drilling fluid evaporate? Why is it so hard to measure? Justin and Matt discuss.
What’s casing drilling and what problems does it solve? What impact can casing drilling have on drilling fluid properties and selection? Justin and Matt discuss…
Sometimes, mud and tools interact and create issues. Other times, directional companies make absurd claims. And Matt and Justin don’t like it.
Drilling surface hole is often overlooked because it happens so fast…or at least it should. Matt and Justin discuss the typical and not-so-typical fluid challenges.
What is pH anyways? Justin and Matt run through the basics and how they apply to drilling fluids.
Bentonite or gel is used to drill almost every well. Matt and Justin run through the basics of this versatile drilling fluid additive.
We came across a breakdown of wells costs put together by Richard Spears on LinkedIn. In this episode, we talk about all those cost factors. Is drilling mud that expensive after all?
It got really cold in Houston recently. Matt grills Justin on how they stay warm on Canadian rigs and what to look out for on rigs in locations where it doesn’t get cold very often.
Old habits die hard. What are some traditional views and methods in the fluids domain that might hold us back?
Happy Holidays from the Flowline! Matt and Justin share their holiday wishes and thanks to our listeners for their listening loyalty!
How can you learn what operators and service companies are saying about the state of our industry? Justin and Matt discuss what companies talk about and how you can learn.
A few years ago, the API updated the testing procedure for shaker screen classification. Matt and Justin discuss how screens are sized and the limitations to keep in mind.
What is it like to open a new mud plant? Matt goes on location with Zane Yastro, Regional Operations Manager at our new Midland Mud Plant, to talk about it.
What is it like to open a new mud plant? Matt goes on location with Zane Yastro, Regional Operations Manager at our new Midland Mud Plant, to talk about it.
When you’re living out of a trailer and cooking for yourself, the food can get pretty bland. Matt and Justin discuss why a good meal can be great for rig […]
When you’re living out of a trailer and cooking for yourself, the food can get pretty bland. Matt and Justin discuss why a good meal can be great for rig morale and share some of their favorite memories.
Matt and Justin welcome a very special guest – Matt’s Dad, Larry Offenbacher, to the show. Matt’s Dad shares his experience of 40 years in the oilfield and a few […]
Matt and Justin welcome a very special guest – Matt’s Dad, Larry Offenbacher, to the show. Matt’s Dad shares his experience of 40 years in the oilfield and a few tips for surviving the energy industry.
Extreme pressure testing is supposed to determine the film strength of a lubricant, but the test methods are…questionable, which is why Matt hates them.
Expecting a water flow, you went ahead and drilled with WBM instead of OBM – and now you’re encountering a water flow. What next?
Expecting a water flow, you went ahead and drilled with WBM instead of OBM – and now you’re encountering a water flow. What next?
Are invert emulsion lubricants snake oil? Matt finally found one he likes – and he tells Justin why.
We are no miracle workers, but sometimes we are asked to perform many. As a drilling fluids provider, we always get questions – what can we do about the mud […]
What’s in a name? Matt and Justin discuss the similarities and differences in friction reducer, ROP enhancer, and lubricant in the fluids domain.
What’s it like to work in another country? Is it really all that different? Matt had the fortune of working internationally early in his carrier and describes some of his […]
Let’s face it – there are a lot of green hard hats out there right now. Some of us have experience but just got back to work. Justin and Matt […]
PHPA, Amines, and Glycols Why do we seldom hear about glycols, and how does cloud point impact performance? Why does it seem PHPA and amines replaced glycols? Justin and Matt […]
Xanthan gum is a staple of water-based drilling fluids (and fake cheese). What makes it so special? Are there any cheaper alternatives?
Warehouses and mud plants are essential to drilling fluid maintenance. What are these facilities responsible for, and what does it take to keep them up and running? Justin and Matt […]
One of the most important aspects of drilling a well is making sure you’re legally clear to do it. We’ll talk with Zach and Chuck from Oliva Gibbs, attorneys who […]
The capillary suction timer, or CST, is sometimes used to test shale inhibitors. And Matt hates it.
When it comes to being offshore, logistics are an essential part of an efficient drilling operation. Justin and Matt discuss the challenges of managing materials, boats, and fighting for space […]
Every year, we have a pretty special group of interns work with us and bring their energy to the office. Get to know two from this year’s group and hear […]
Bigger. More tanks. A riser. Let’s talk about the things that make a deep-water rig circulating system different than a traditional land setup.
Matt and Justin dive into circulating systems, going over the process of where the mud starts and where it ends (spoiler alert it involves the Flowline).
We’re back at work and there are a lot of new faces at the rig site. What can you do as a mud engineer to make things with your derrick […]
It’s been a while since we’ve talked about the whole fluid circulating system. Justin and Matt go back to basics to discuss the tanks and volumes that hold drilling fluids.
You’re about to come out of the hole. Is the mud in good shape? Should you treat now or just wait until you’re back on bottom? Justin and Matt discuss.
Flipping things around from last week, what are things to think about when you are drilling with brine and decide to make the change to oil-based mud?
Consider a scenario where you are losing valuable oil-based mud while drilling. What are some of the risks to swapping to brine to reduce your losses?
In this episode of the Flowline, Justin finds himself hunting down students at this year’s AADE Fluids conference to bring onto the podcast. Herson Cruz and Armando Lopez from the […]
Different brines have different properties based on a number of factors. In some cases, blending them provides a cost-effective solution – but only if they are compatible. Matt and Justin […]
In this episode, Justin sits down with David Rathgeber, a Ph.D. candidate at Montana Tech and SPE Student Chapter President at this year’s AADE Fluids Conference. David shares his journey […]
Should we be talking more about just percent oil as opposed to trying to go by retort oil? In this episode, Matt answers Justin’s questions regarding retort oil vs OWR.
What comments belong in the daily mud report? After all, it’s the only area where you can explain how mud properties, costs, and consumption relate to ongoing activity. You better […]
What’s the makeup of a typical technical conference? Matt and Justin discuss what a conference is like and the different ways you can learn and grow professionally when you attend.
What are the options to get the lowest weight of a drilling fluid possible? Matt and Justin discuss various techniques and fluid systems – along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Shale testing is multi-dimensional. Certain tests can sometimes be more troublesome than helpful. Matt talks about why the linear swell meter might not be his favorite test – especially when […]
The topic that is constantly on everyone’s mind: Oil Prices. In this episode, we discuss what makes up the price of oil, what the industry should look out for, and […]
What are fluid roles to prepare the wellbore, get casing to bottom, and ultimately cement the casing string? In this episode, we’ll talk more about fluid considerations for a casing […]
There are a lot of types of sweeps used for hole cleaning, but seldom at the right time or for that right reason – and that can get expensive. Justin […]
“My relief sucks.” Why is it that when you come back from days off there is so much to fix?! Let’s discuss ways to strengthen the working relationship, how can […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin sit down with William Villalobos, an inspirational senior Petroleum Engineering student at Texas A&M University. They discuss his work as a student and his […]
Want to drill fast? Drilling fluid properties include tradeoffs – some can help you drill faster, but other times you could face a nasty slow down if you don’t balance […]
It seems that the oilfield is back to some sense of sustained activity – and you know what that means – more people are back to work. Some are new, […]
One of the more challenging aspects of mud school is all of the calculations – but they are really important. Matt and Justin run through just some of the concepts […]
If you’ve ever had to talk about formation damage, you’ll realize it’s confusing and convoluted in many ways. Support Services Manager Leigh Gray joins Justin and Matt to talk about […]
There have been a lot of questions and claims about aphrons since our last episode. Justin and Matt discuss some of the technical concerns and maybe spark the ire of […]
What are some ways that oilfield waste is handled? Justin and Matt discuss waste management techniques and the big picture of weighing your options.
What role does shear play in drilling fluid? What are the sources of shear? Justin and Matt talk about why shear matters and how it impacts fluid properties.
Justin was recently asked why the mud weight is lighter after a trip but returns to the original mud weight after circulating. Matt and Justin discuss minor settling versus sag […]
We want to thank our listeners, guests, and team for their support for another successful year of The Flowline! The holidays are in full swing and we want to give […]
There’s the price of something, and then there’s the actual cost. What are factors that help determine the total cost of a drilling fluid solution relative to overall drilling costs?
High fluid loss squeezes are used when loss rates are at their worst. We discuss a field application of a new squeeze with special guests Richard Toomes and Jordan Benge, […]
Electrophoresis techniques allow for separation and reuse in a number of industrial and biomedical processes. What can they do for drilling fluids?
Normally, when a chemical reaction occurs with drilling fluid, there is probably a lot of work required to get the mud back into shape. Are there situations and additives where […]
What makes fine grind barite different than conventional API barite? Where and when is it used to improve fluid performance?
Gas hydrates present a number of challenges in drilling, completion, and production operations. What causes them and what prevents them from forming?
What are our options when we need to change the mud weight while drilling? Is one solution better than another? Can solids control do all the work? Justin and Matt […]
What do you get when you combine the oilfield, charities, and an organization that brings people together? Magic. In this episode, Justin brings in Adelaide Nortier, Strategic Marketing at AES, […]
Cement integrity is critical for both well security and production performance. What can you do with a drilling fluid to make sure the cement job succeeds? Justin and Matt review […]
Foaming usually happens at the worst possible time. What’s causing it and what can you do about it? Justin and Matt will talk through the mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of […]
There are all kinds of drilling fluid base oil options out there. We’ve talked a lot about more environmentally friendly options, but in this podcast, we’ll talk about price-driven options […]
How can you predict wellbore instability? What are some of the key terms and concepts? Matt and Justin provide an overview – and, of course, talk about how it all […]
You’re ready to start the job, but is it better to mix everything at a liquid mud plant or at the rig site? Like everything else, it depends. Justin and […]
So, there’s a tool failure. You know where this is headed. What can you do at the rig site to gather information and help identify the cause? No matter what […]
So, you see some cavings at the shakers? Is it a mud weight issue? Could it be the water phase salinity? Something else? Justin and Matt take you through some […]
Lost circulation happens all the time in the mud business. It’s expensive and no good field hand wants it to get out of hand on their watch. We’ll discuss key […]
As a mud engineer, what are the first steps you take when you hear those dreaded words “we’re stuck”? What kind of information do you collect, and where do you […]
What do the global supply chain, inflation, and barite have in common? Plenty. In this episode, we will talk with Rory Allen, Managing Director of Anglo Pacific Minerals about shipping, […]
As with many things in the oilfield, there’s more than one way to skin a potato. In this case, there’s more than one way to mud up a brine. In […]
What’s going on with OPEC+? Are things getting more expensive for the long haul or just re-balancing from disruptions due to COVID 19? This week, we sit down with Josh […]
We have lightly touched on Amines when talking about shale inhibition in other episodes. This week, we dive deeper into the details from a chemistry standpoint, discussing reactions and how […]
Mud engineers just watch TV and perform mud checks, right? Definitely not. Justin and Matt walk us through a day on location as a mud engineer – minus the bologna […]
Hot or Cold? Let Justin and Matt warm you up with some banter about Temperature Modeling. There is a lot of information that can affect your drilling outcomes, we discuss […]
Why is it important to properly collect, categorize and label mud samples? What happens to that sample once it gets to the lab? Matt and Justin discuss sampling and why […]
It’s not anything fancy, but let’s discuss Relaxed Filtrate Systems. In episode 114 of the Flowline, Matt and Justin give a quick history of filtrate systems, what they are and […]
Justin and Matt revisit brine fluids in this weeks episode of the Flowline. Part 2 of this series touches on different applications and functions on brine in the drilling fluids […]
The term ‘surfactant-based’ is thrown around a lot when discussing drilling fluid materials – but what does that actually mean? In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss different types of […]
PHPA does some great things for shale inhibition. Matt and Justin discuss what it is, how it is used, and offer a few pointers.
Uintaite, more commonly known as Gilsonite®, is a natural, resinous hydrocarbon found in the Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah. It is used to reduce fluid loss, is efficient at mitigating […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin had the pleasure of chatting with Nicolas Acuna, 2021 Petroleum Engineering graduate of the University of Houston & President of the UH AADE Chapter. They […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin revisit what a “mud weight window” is, the key elements, and why mud weight is important for well control.
This week, we talk with Josh Nordquist of Ormat, a fully integrated geothermal energy company. We discuss geothermal concepts how oil and gas technology contributes to geothermal energy production. Josh […]
Geothermal drilling has become a hot topic for renewables across the energy industry. In this episode, we discuss geothermal drilling fluids and as Justin so cooly put it, “the United […]
Scavenger Slurries – Occasionally mentioned in a mud manual, they can affect us and need to be part of the drilling fluids conversation… Matt breaks down what scavenger slurries are […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin had the pleasure of chatting with Alexander Davis, Petroleum Engineering Student at Texas Tech University & President of TTU AADE Chapter. They gain his prespective on […]
A case study is a research method to gain a better understanding of a subject or process. They are an example of using something, whether it be a product or […]
Solids control is an important part of running a cost effective drilling fluid system. In this episode, we’ll talk with our solids control expert, Leonel Lujan, who helps our customers […]
This week we’re celebrating a milestone as we release the 101st episode of The Flowline. We’ve had so much fun recording each episode to share with you, our loyal listeners, each […]
In this episode, Justin and Matt talk to Justin Disney, Director of Laboratory and R&D Services at Jacam Catalyst. They’ll talk about Jacam Catalyst, Justin’s history and role, and how […]
It depends. When asked, “what is the best drilling fluid?” the answer is, “it depends.” Nothing is cookie-cutter: every drilling formation, environmental and regulatory specification varies from one well to […]
During the drilling process, it is possible to encounter formations that contain H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide). In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss operational concerns, precautions to take, and treatment applications […]
Nanotechnology – one of those ‘buzz words’ you hear around the industry, but what is it and how is it applied when it comes to drilling fluids? In this episode, […]
There’s lots of anxiety around the words and actions of a new administration. Matt and Justin share a few thoughts about energy and the practical reality that makes oil and […]
Whether we know it or not, we are always collecting data that can be an indicator of how well we are performing. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide a focus for […]
History has taught us a lot of things, but as things change, we have to remember our old habits had a rationale that may no longer apply. Matt and Justin […]
“Automation” is a buzz word that has been flying around the industry for a few years, but how does it apply to our day to day drilling operations? In this […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin dig into ‘weird’ mud tests. Justin brings up different mud tests and checks, things that are not common in the drilling process, but do […]
Managed Pressure Drilling or MPD, comes up often enough, so it’s important to be aware of it and what the implications are. In this episode, Justin picks Matt’s brain on […]
Our first Special Guest of 2021 is Elizabeth McNeill, VP and General Manager of AES Drilling Fluids. In this episode, she joins us to discuss the culture at AES. She […]
In this episode, we end 2020 with one last technical topic… Tracers. A type of nonreactive, easily differentiated material placed in a small portion of a circulating mud system at […]
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thanks for all your support of the Flowline throughout the year. All the best for 2021, fingers crossed!!
What would a podcast in the oilfield be without a DRW episode? In this episode, we are joined by a special guest David Ramsden-Wood, Host of #hottakeoftheday podcast, Author, and […]
In this episode of the Flowline, Matt and Justin sit down with Gary Lankford, aka the legend of the Permian. Gary discusses how the Permian oilfield has evolved throughout the […]
All year long, but especially during this season, we’re grateful for wonderful followers like you! May your table be filled with family and gratitude this season. Happy Thanksgiving from AES Drilling […]
In this episode, we sit down with special guest Tom Simons, CEO of CES Energy Solutions, the parent company of AES Drilling Fluids. Join us as we chat with this […]
H2S: it’s out there, we need to be aware of it and know how to plan around it. In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss what Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is, how […]
And, we’re back with Part II of this exclusive interview with Fred Dupriest! Check out his presentation on our AES Drilling Fluids YouTube channel. If you’ve listened to more than […]
If you’ve listened to more than a few episodes, you’ve probably heard Matt and Justin talk about Fred Dupriest and everything he’s done to educate the industry on critical fundamentals […]
Water Flows or Water Intrusions can happen in intermediate sections, lateral sections, or anywhere the formation contains water-bearing zones. When these events occur, the large amount of water that ends […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin sit down to discuss Formation Integrity and Leak Off Tests. Being the most common diagnostic tests, they dig into what they are, why they are […]
Why are some people so fixed on the yield point focusing on the 6RPM reading? What’s the difference? Is one more reliable than the other when trying to determine if […]
International Podcast Day – September 30 – is an international celebration of the power of podcasts! The Flowline has grown so much in the last two years with 21K+ downloads, […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin get back to talking mud, specifically liquid versus dry product additives. They dig into advantages and differences and what to consider when adding these […]
This episode concludes a two-part series on Drill Bits, with our special guest Sterling Robinson from Varel International. Sterling takes us into what bit hydraulics are and why they’re important. We […]
This episode kicks off a two-part series on drill bits with Sterling Robinson from Varel International. Tune to learn the ins and outs of drill bits with, of course, some […]
Going through a full mud school can be a lengthy process when covering such a wide range of high-level drilling fluid concepts. In this episode, Matt and Justin break down […]
What is a TCC Rotomill and how does it work? How does it open up more options for drilling waste management? We interview Andrew Morris with TWMA to learn more. […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin host Aylin Villalobos, a special guest and recent graduate from the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTBU). Aylin describes her journey and experience as […]
Times are changing, the oilfield included. In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss transitions and shifts in job roles and taking on more or different responsibilities. How do you gauge […]
People mention API Recommended Practices as standards all the time, but what do they tell us about drilling fluids? How do we use them? Justin and Matt will discuss an […]
What is the process of running a retort and what are the components? When is this type of analysis applicable and why do we do it? In this episode, Matt […]
Automation in the Oil and Gas industry; How do we get to the point of automation, what is the road map, and what does that look like? In this episode, […]
Stuck pipe is common enough where most of those in the drilling sector have come across this expensive issue. In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss the fundamentals and what […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin dig into Suspension and Packer Fluids. They discuss corrosion mitigation with respect to well suspension and what that looks like on the drilling side […]
In this episode, AES’ Montana Farnum joins us on the Flowline to discuss his technical paper for the 2020 AADE Fluids Conference: A Comprehensive Fluids Engineering Approach to Deep Devonian […]
Charles Welker, Business Intelligence Developer at AES, sits down with Matt and Justin to discuss his technical paper for the 2020 AADE Fluids Conference: A Data Analytics Platform Dedicated to […]
Matt and Justin sit down with AES’ Andrew Hewett to discuss his technical paper for the 2020 AADE Fluids Conference: New Treatment Reduces Direct Emulsion Drilling Fluid Cost By Recycling […]
AES’ own Richard Toomes might have thought he was off the hook to present his paper when the 2020 AADE Fluids Conference was canceled… he thought wrong. In this episode, […]
Data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence…what are they and why do people keep talking about them? How could these tools help the oilfield and how could they improve drilling […]
In this episode, we dive into filtration testing. It may seem a tad lab-intensive, but this type of testing can end up in the field on extreme wells or those […]
Aphrons are a method used to get a really low-density mud by using encapsulated micro-bubbles to lower the mud weight. Questions remain about how such fluids work, so in this […]
In this episode of the Flowline, Matt and Justin sit down with AES’s VP James Strickland to discuss what it’s like to run drilling fluids in an offshore environment. All […]
Did you know that air is a fluid? You might not have a mud engineer, but sometimes we drill intervals on air. We’ll dig into what air drilling is and […]
Do you need a little encouragement through these tough times? The media has several sources that are predicting the “future”… do we have reasons to believe they are right? Do […]
What are the considerations required for a good logging run? Tight fluid properties are one thing, but sometimes data acquisition requires a lot of consideration.
Going back to the fundamentals, we discuss the significance of engineering equations to help keep you on your game. Tune in to this week’s episode, as Matt and Justin break […]
The size and distribution of particles in a drilling fluid can impact fluid performance. You may need big solids for bridging or wellbore strengthening. Small particles might result in poor […]
What do we put in mud to increase fluid density? In this episode, Matt and Justin dive into Weight Material 101, touching on barite and other additive options.
Organoclays, also known as Organophilic clays, are essential additives for many oil-based muds. Organophilic clays and their function can vary widely given their application and environment. Tune in to this […]
Hydraulics are important when it comes to modeling a given fluids effect on wellbore pressures. The major goal of hydraulics optimization is to balance well control, hole cleaning, pump pressure, […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin will take you through the different theories and techniques to make a good quality filtercake with the right particle blend.
Based upon a listener request, we are going to take you through the basics of drilling a well from spud to TD. Call it a DWOP, of sorts. We’ll talk […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss silicate mud. What it is, where can it can be applied and when to run it.
All oil systems provide extremely low mud weights – but they don’t come cheap. Are they even really 100% oil? Matt and Justin explain when you might use them and […]
Mud touches everything during the drilling process, including our tools. Matt and Justin discuss which tools are compatible with different drilling fluids and how we can address and plan for […]
What are LCM squeezes? How are they applied? In this episode, Matt and Justin dig into these questions and discuss what to expect operationally and what to look out for.
What is coil tubing? Matt and Justin break down the basics and discuss some of the challenges of the process. Coil tubing is a topic worth knowing about if you […]
As a mud engineer, you need to be good at getting along with all kinds of people. Justin and Matt share some of the best ways to get along with […]
What do you have to account for when drilling under extreme conditions? We’ll go over the challenges and risks when it comes to drilling under high pressure and/or high temperature.
In this week’s episode, we discuss Life in Operations Onshore and Offshore. We dig into differences in rigs, equipment, scenarios and tell more stories along the way.
You ask, we respond! We received a listener question on a paper AES had published on MMH Technology. Matt and Justin walk us through what Mixed Metal Hydroxides are, its […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin share some of their own oilfield experiences, dig into the development and the first year of The Flowline and hint at what lies ahead […]
In the final episode of our 3-part series, we sit down discuss Solids Control Economics with the guys from Derrick Corporation. There are several factors to be taken into consideration when […]
The folks from Derrick gave us a nice introduction to solids control, so now we’ll dig a little deeper in episode 2 of our 3-part series. This time around, we’ll […]
In this three-part series, we meet up with the guys from Derrick Corporation to discuss solids control. In this first episode, we touch on the detriments of Solids on Mud […]
Cementing operations are one of the more crucial aspects in relation to well integrity. In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss cement displacement and some of the challenges and solutions.
Direct emulsions are as old as the oilfield, but they have made a huge comeback lately. Matt and Justin will discuss what they are, what they do, and common misconceptions. […]
This week we have the honor of interviewing Richard Baxter, President of AES Drilling Fluids. We dig into his 38 year oilfield career, product developments, and break down base oils […]
Bicarbonates? CO2? What’s the contaminant and how would you know? Does lime fix everything? We’ll take you through the signs on a mud check and a bit of the chemistry.
Lost circulation creates all kinds of drilling challenges. Treatment can sometimes feel like more of an art than a science. We’ll discuss different loss scenarios and some ideas on how […]
With every drilling rig comes a whole lot of rust. Why does metal corrode and what can happen if downhole equipment corrodes? What can we do with drilling fluids to […]
In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss the application of drilling fluid sweeps and their respective functions as they relate to enhancing wellbore conditions. Drilling fluid sweeps are typically pumped […]
The listeners have questions and we have answers. In this episode we answer the question of, “What are the key components of oil based mud and what are their functions?” […]
Wellbore ballooning or “breathing” is a topic often discussed but not properly understood. Ballooning or breathing is when fluid is forced into the rock’s micro-fractures while pumping which are open […]
Brine based drilling fluids are a widely utilized system for drilling and completions due to their ability to protect the formation. These fluids are formulated with a brine as the […]
In this episode Matt and Justin discuss the topic of wellbore instability. As the name implies, wellbore instability refers to wellbore that has the tendency to cave or collapse due […]
Reservoir drill-in fluids are fairly special systems used to minimize formation damage. Matt and Justin review when a reservoir drill-in fluid is used, how they are designed, and how they […]
In this episode we discuss the true meaning of wellbore strengthening and how we can use this type of program to help increase a well’s fracture gradient. We also go […]
Matt and Justin review the applications of conventional and low-clay/clay-free drilling fluids. They will discuss the differences in the products used and how low-clay/clay-free systems provide performance benefits in certain […]
We had a question about the difference between dispersed and non-dispersed water-based mud systems. In this episode, we will go over a brief summary of what they are and when […]
How do we determine the right chloride level for our invert emulsion systems? How can it relate to osmosis between the brine phase and the formation?
What makes a high performance water based mud so high performance? What are drillers doing with all that performance? We’ll talk about the chemistry elements and applications.
We hear about lubricants all the time. We’ll review lubricant options and how they are tested and selected.
Steven Segrest of Segrest Oilfield Consulting, has helped design and drill some of the longest horizontal unconventional wells (super laterals) in the United States. We’ll learn about his career and […]
There are a lot of complex chemicals in drilling muds, but there are also critical commodities required. We’ll talk about how global events can impact the mud supply locally.
What are the facilities required for a full service drilling fluids operation? From warehouses, mud plants, and logistics, AES Operations Manager Nate Castaneda reviews how products and mud are managed […]
We’ll take a look at Electrical Stability in depth and try to explain a lot of the misunderstanding associated with this key property for invert emulsion fluids.
What is sag? What’s the relationship between low shear rate viscosity and sag? Listener James asked, and we answered!
Why do some wells require a really high mud weight while others can use a lighter one? We’ll talk about some of the factors in mud weight selection.
We’ve dedicated this episode to a listener question! What lies next when it comes to drilling fluid technology? Have you seen some neat technologies change the game where you work? […]
In this episode, we’ll talk a little bit about viscosity – a key property of drilling fluids. Hopefully we answer a few common questions and inspire a few more!
Who’s in charge on a drilling rig anyways? What’s a roughneck? We’ll discuss some of the key roles of the people you find at a drilling location.
In this episode, we’ll review the drilling fluid circulating system from surface to downhole and back to the FLOWLINE!
In this episode, Matt and Justin review what a drilling fluid is and how it helps the drilling process.
In this episode, you’ll get to know our hosts, Matt and Justin, and the motivation behind The Flowline.
In this episode, we’ll talk to Vice President James Strickland, hear a few words of wisdom, and a story or two.