Although gel/polymer muds are normally prepared as fresh water drilling fluid systems, existing bentonite spud mud or native clay mud may be converted simply by diluting the systems and adding the appropriate fluid loss polymers.
The success of any conversion operation will depend on the solids content of the mud. If the solids content is not diluted appropriately, addition of the polymers may cause significant increases in rheology. When using high concentrations of polymer, two complete circulation shall be made prior to drilling to “shear thin” the mud.