NanoSlide™ delivers advanced multiphase lubrication, reduced friction, strong wear protection, and proven field performance, offering a cost-effective efficiency boost for demanding drilling operations.
Drilling Specialties, working closely with Chevron Phillips Chemical’s polyalphaolefins (PAO) division, has introduced NanoSlide™, an innovative drilling Fluid Lubricant engineered to set a new benchmark in lubrication performance for demanding drilling operations. This advanced product represents the next stage in drilling fluid technology, offering significantly improved friction control and wear reduction, particularly in high-stress environments where equipment protection is critical.
At the core of NanoSlide™ is a sophisticated multiphase formulation that blends micronized graphene with Synfluid® PAO. This combination creates a robust, long-lasting tribofilm that adheres to drill pipe surfaces, forming a protective layer capable of resisting the extreme pressures and elevated temperatures common in modern drilling activities. The formulation builds upon previous insights gained from Drilling Specialties’ Tribex™ ERD dry lubricant, allowing researchers to refine the product’s performance characteristics through extensive laboratory evaluations.
Comprehensive testing was conducted at CPChem’s Research and Technology Center in Kingwood, Texas. Using a tribometer and applying Stribeck curve analysis, engineers were able to measure friction behavior across different lubrication regimes. This testing helped determine the ideal concentration and interaction of NanoSlide™ components, consistently achieving a coefficient of friction below 0.05. Such results surpass existing industry benchmarks, highlighting the product’s remarkable ability to reduce friction far more effectively than traditional lubricants.
Nick Palmer, business manager at Drilling Specialties, emphasized the significance of this achievement. He noted that NanoSlide™ represents a substantial advancement for the industry and reflects the company’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and providing solutions that directly address the operational challenges faced by Drilling professionals.
NanoSlide™ offers several performance benefits critical for today’s complex drilling operations. Its incorporation of graphene enhances lubricity and fills surface asperities, producing smoother contact surfaces. The tribofilm formed during operation delivers consistent wear protection over long durations. Additionally, the formulation exhibits broad compatibility with a wide range of pH levels and brine systems, making it adaptable across various drilling environments. Its strong shear stability ensures reliable performance under mechanical stress, while its low-temperature stability supports consistent lubrication in colder operating conditions.
Field deployments have validated NanoSlide™’s laboratory performance. One notable trial took place in the Bakken Formation, a major oil and gas resource located beneath North Dakota and Montana. During this test, NanoSlide™ delivered a measurable reduction in pipe wear and contributed to shorter drilling durations, demonstrating its ability to enhance real-world operational efficiency.
Overall, NanoSlide™ provides drilling companies with a technologically advanced yet cost-effective lubrication solution. By improving efficiency, minimizing equipment degradation, and supporting smoother drilling operations, the lubricant aims to extend the lifespan of critical assets while helping operators achieve more reliable and productive drilling outcomes.
