•Deep water exploration and production have significant potential in many offshore locations around the world. •Deep water drilling, in general, has a greater degree of difficulty than conventional drilling and presents many operational challenges. •Deep water Drilling –Greater than 1500ft of water –use of either dynamically positioned or chain-anchored floating rigs of either the semi submersible or drill ship design, using sub sea well heads and long riser systems –The wells are drilled in younger formations that have narrower fracture-radientto-pore-pressure profiles, requiring more casing strings and exhibiting high operating costs.
•A list of fluid design issues and considerations includes: –Gas hydrates. –Geology/reactive formations. –Pore pressure and low fracture gradients. –Riser volumes/large-casing well designs/logistics. –Lost circulation. –Low flow line temperatures. –Hole cleaning. –Well control. –High daily rig costs.