Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides for either (a) increasing the yield point or gel strength of an aqueous based drilling fluid; (b) decreasing the fluid loss of an aqueous based drilling fluid; (c) decreasing the coefficient of friction of an aqueous based drilling fluid; or (d) decreasing the aqueous activity of an aqueous based fluid drilling fluid thus decreasing the swelling of shales contacted by an aqueous based fluid, the methods comprises adding to the drilling fluid an amount of an alkyl glycoside, preferably methyl glucoside, sufficient to effect such increase or decrease. The invention also provide for aqueous based completion fluids, workover fluids, and well working fluids containing an alkyl glucoside solubilized in the aqueous phase of said fluids.

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First Claim