BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. bp has introduced
an innovative approach to recycling drilling fluids in the
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye region, significantly reducing waste
while optimizing operational costs, Trend reports via bp.
Drilling operations in the Caspian can reach depths of up to
7,000 metres through complex sedimentary layers. These challenging
conditions require precise control at the drill head and throughout
well formation. Specially formulated drilling fluids play a
critical role in managing pressure, transporting cuttings, and
cooling and lubricating the drill bit. These fluids are mixed,
tested and managed at bp’s advanced drilling fluids facility (AFF),
where offshore waste drilling mud is returned in bulk for treatment
and disposal.
bp specialists have developed a data driven method that uses
smart testing combined with machine learning to determine whether
waste drilling mud can be recycled and reused. The new process
reduces analysis time from up to 90 minutes to just 15, delivering
fast, reliable results and helping keep drilling operations on
schedule. Using historical data and only two to three key quality
variables, the predictive model achieves 93–94% accuracy, enabling
confident and timely decisions on fluid reusability.
Since 2023, the initiative has delivered significant
benefits:
More than 20,000 barrels of drilling fluids recycled.
Reduced vessel idle time at docks.
Recovery of waste oil for reuse.
Replication of the approach across bp operations globally.
This project demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can
reduce waste, unlock cost savings and improve efficiency,
delivering tangible value across operations. It also reinforces
that sustainability is not only the right thing to do — it is a
smart business decision.
