MAXIVIS is a mixed-metal oxide product created by AMC’s dedicated research and development team. The unique product was designed to enhance rheological profiles and provides excellent hole-cleaning, stabilising and shear-thinning capabilities. Fracture losses are minimised by the extremely high viscosity and nearly static fluid on the sides of the wellbore.
“MAXIVIS’s unique flow profile stabilises mechanically-weak and poorly-consolidated formations. High viscosity at low shear rates results in a static layer of fluid on wellbore walls, which helps to minimise erosion from the flow of fluid,” said AMC Research and Development Manager Dr Swapan Mandal.
“The system also requires a lower pump rate, which enhances stability in fractures of difficult formations and reduces torque and drag,” added Dr Mandal.
The properties of MAXIVIS make it suitable for a range of drilling applications; however, it has demonstrated exceptional performance in high angle and horizontal wells, unconsolidated formations and lost circulation zones, making it ideal for horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
At a HDD site in Western Australia, utilising the MAXIVIS system in conjunction with AMC’s innovative solids removal unit (SRU), the customer asked AMC to test reclaimed mud to see how much additional mud would be needed to bring it back to its original specifications.
“The customer was amazed how little mud was needed and very enthusiastic about how easy the system was to mix. They completed the shot with no problems, maintained flow the whole way with no increase in pullback or torque,” said AMC Technical Services Engineer Jon Ballan.
“Customers who choose to use MAXIVIS will see the benefits, whether it’s saving the driller’s time or life of bits. When used in conjunction with a SRU, those benefits are magnified,” added Mr Ballan.
In additional to MAXIVIS’s economic benefits, the system does not contain harmful components and is virtually non-toxic. These non-toxic properties, together with the low dosages required, result in an extremely low environmental impact.
AMC’s commitment to ongoing investment in the development of innovative and environmental drilling fluids and equipment has significantly strengthened its position in the highly competitive market.
The company recently entered into an agency agreement with JB Attachments (JB) to provide additional support and service to the New Zealand trenchless drilling market.
JB is a provider of earthmoving attachments, trenchless equipment technology, directional drills and accessories. The company has sales engineers to support all regions throughout New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill.
Commenting on the new agency agreement, JB Attachments CEO Barry Goodey said “We are all very enthusiastic as we have formed a relationship with a likeminded company. Both JB and AMC share a commitment to ongoing product development to enhance and support the operations of our customers.”
AMC Area Manager for New South Wales and New Zealand Terry Fuller was also supportive of the agreement.
“Everyone who works at JB owns the company, which results in a strong commitment to customer service – it is an excellent cultural fit for AMC.
“Our guys are available 24/7 to provide workable solutions – from developing site-specific drilling fluid systems to assisting customers with mud cleaning systems or recycling equipment to overcome environmental concerns,” said Mr Fuller.
JB will support AMC’s complete range of drilling fluid products and equipment including its MAXIVIS and SRUs.