Patent ID: 7977280

Claim:
A process for minimizing breaking of an emulsion type drilling fluid system comprising one or more fibrous lost circulation material, the process comprising: measuring an initial voltage reading for the emulsion type drilling fluid system in the absence of the one or more fibrous lost circulation material; forming a mixture comprising an initial weight of a given fibrous lost circulation material and a volume of water sufficient to hydrate the initial weight of the given fibrous lost circulation material; subjecting the mixture to conditions effective to produce a slurry comprising free water and the given fibrous lost circulation material comprising retained water; separating free water from the slurry, leaving the given fibrous lost circulation material comprising retained water; calculating the water retention value of the given fibrous lost circulation material by subtracting (a) the initial weight of the given fibrous lost circulation material, from (b) the weight of the given lost circulation material comprising the retained water; formulating a stable emulsion type drilling fluid system comprising fibrous lost circulation material consisting of one or more given fibrous lost circulation material having a water retention value of about 1 or less; performing drilling operations using the stable emulsion type drilling fluid system; and, maintaining a voltage reading for the stable emulsion type drilling fluid system during the drilling operations that is within 20% of the initial voltage reading.