Article

Mechanisms of Acid-Gas Contamination of Drilling Fluids and Mitigation Strategies—A Case Study of the Penglai Gas Area, Sichuan Basin

CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited, Chengdu Sichuan, China

https://doi.org/10.58531/ijest/4/3/3

Received: 22 August 2026 / Accepted: 26 September 2026 / Published: 29 September 2026

The Sichuan Basin contains multiple hydrocarbon-bearing formations, and oil and gas development in the basin is challenged by complex subsurface conditions, including highly variable formation lithologies, diverse reservoir fluids, and irregular formation-pressure systems. During drilling operations, influxes of acid gas commonly contaminate drilling fluids. Acid-gas contamination can severely impair drilling-fluid performance and quality. Once a certain amount of acid gas enters the wellbore, drilling-fluid rheology deteriorates and filtration performance worsens, which may adversely affect drilling tools, formations, and wellbore stability. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to investigate the mitigation of acid-gas contamination in drilling fluids. This paper reviews the current status of acid-gas contamination of drilling fluids in the Penglai Gas Area of the Sichuan Basin, discusses the mechanisms and origins of carbon dioxide (CO₂) contamination, investigates mitigation methods, and summarizes field practices and experience. The results are intended to provide an important scientific basis and technical reference for controlling drilling-fluid performance and quality when acid-gas influx occurs during drilling operations.

Penglai gas area; drilling-fluid contamination; acid gas; carbon dioxide; performance and quality control; contamination mitigation

Tian H. Mechanisms of Acid-Gas Contamination of Drilling Fluids and Mitigation Strategies—A Case Study of the Penglai Gas Area, Sichuan Basin. Int. J. Eng. Sci. Technol., 2026, 4(3), doi: 10.58531/ijest/4/3/3

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