The company is a subsidiary of Imdex Limited (Imdex), an ASX listed company, which provides quality drilling fluids and leading down hole instrumentation to the following industries worldwide;

• Mineral
• Oil and gas
• Water well
• Horizontal directional drilling
• Civil and tunnelling.

AMC manufactures its own specialty products, allowing flexible manufacturing and utilisation of contemporary technology to ensure consistent quality and efficient supply. By manufacturing its own products, AMC has full control over the quality and the supply of its products. This ensures that customers get the products they want when they are needed.

AMC mud engineers are highly skilled, have hands-on experience and are committed to providing customers with expert advice in the selection and use of drilling fluids. In addition, AMC engineers are highly mobile and are available for on-site support or troubleshooting wherever customers need it. Services include:

• Preparation of drilling fluid programs tailored for specific applications
• On-site services
• Overall management of the drilling fluids phase of the project
• Analytical services for site-specific fluids and systems
• Comprehensive drilling fluids training and presentation on all aspects of fluid management
• General on-site training
• On-site training in the use of recommended drilling fluid programs
• Training in the use of fluids through AMC Mud Schools.

Speciality R&D

AMC continually invests in ongoing research and development to provide effective drilling fluid products for diverse drilling applications and environments. AMC has a modern, fully-serviced research and development laboratory with qualified industrial chemists at its facility in Osborne Park, Western Australia. Additional support laboratories are also located at the company’s other global operations.

Why use drilling fluids?

There are numerous valid technical and economical reasons for using drilling fluids, however the primary function of a drilling fluid is to aid in achieving the drilling objectives. Various combinations of additives are used within the drilling industry, although there are some major differences in how drilling fluids are introduced and utilised during a horizontal boring program. In a horizontal drilling operation, a drilling fluid can be added to improve hole stability, reduce torque, aid in the removal of cuttings from the hole, and to greatly improve drilling performance.

A properly formulated and maintained drilling fluid system is vital as it will allow the driller to carry out the operation with increased efficiency and when used correctly will improve results. The drilling fluid should be thought of by the driller as a useful tool, capable of providing a variety of functions to facilitate better drilling conditions.

Water is the major component of the drilling fluids used in horizontal boring, where materials are added to the water to produce a fluid, that when prepared and used correctly, will ultimately benefit hole conditions and drilling economy. A drilling fluid can be defined as a medium that is circulated through a hole to improve drilling conditions. Drilling fluids have been developed and are recommended to the drilling contractor for numerous reasons; however the primary reason is to improve drilling conditions and productivity.

Some products may be limited to one function however there are several products available to the industry that are multi-functional. It is important for the driller to be aware of the physical characteristics and limitations of a drilling fluid before entering into a drilling program.

To predetermine the most suitable drilling fluid it is important that the driller obtains geological information pertaining to ground conditions prior to drilling. This will ultimately eliminate unwanted hole problems and increase productivity.

For assistance and to speak to an AMC Mud Engineer regarding your HDD application, contact your local AMC office.

AMC Trenchless Live 2010

AMC will be exhibiting at booth 53 at Trenchless Live 2010 – AMC mud engineers will be on site to discuss specific drilling requirements and explore the best AMC products for your applications. The team will also be showcasing the new Ezee Range.