Patent ID: 8053394

Claim:
A method of inhibiting fluid loss of a drilling fluid in a subterranean formation, the method comprising: a) providing a drilling fluid comprising: i) a base fluid selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon base fluid and an aqueous base fluid; ii) from about 0.1 to about 5 volume % based on the drilling fluid of a redispersible polymer powder dispersed in the fluid, where the powder is added by a technique selected from the group consisting of adding the redispersible polymer powder as part of a water dispersion and adding the redispersible polymer powder to the base fluid directly; and iii) the absence of an added paraffin wax; b) circulating the drilling fluid in contact with the subterranean formation; and c) forming a deformable seal of redispersible polymer at least partially in contact with the subterranean formation.