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Abstract

A method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation employing a high pH aqueous mud or drilling fluid with a high pH lubricant. In one embodiment, the lubricant, which significantly improves the lubricity of the fluid in a high pH environment, comprises about 80 volume percent 2-octyldodecanol and about 20 volume percent alkylglucoside. In one embodiment, the alkylglucoside is comprised of 2-ethylhexylglucoside or a mixture of alkylglucosides having more than about 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The lubricant is effective at pH ranges from 7 to 14, preventing the lubricity of the aqueous drilling fluid from declining in relation to increasing pH.

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First Claim