--- title: Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids | Panther Fluids description: Reactive shale and long laterals demand the right mud system. Explore Panther Fluids’ synthetic-based drilling fluids for lubricity and stability. --- [Skip to content](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products/synthetic-based-drilling-fluids#main-content) Close - Services - [Fluids](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/fluids) - [Fluids Management](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/drilling-fluids-management) - [Solids Control](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/solids-control) - [Haul Off and Disposal](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/haul-off-disposal) - [Rentals](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/rentals) - [Frac Tank](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/frac-tank-rentals) - [Bulk Tank](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/bulk-tank-rentals) - [Open Top Tank](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/open-top-tank-rentals) - [Products](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products) - [Water Based Muds](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#water) - [Oil Based Muds](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#oil) - [Synthetic Based Muds](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#synthetic) - [Stealth Additives](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#add) - [Production Chemicals](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/production-chemicals) - Resources - [FAQ](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/faq) - [Downloads](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/downloads) - [Case Studies](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/case-studies) - [Videos](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/videos) - [The Panther Blog](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/blog) - [Carbon Capture Guide](https://lp.thepanthercompanies.com/carbon-capture-and-storage-in-oil-and-gas) - [Total Fluid Management Guide](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/drilling-fluid-management-service-guide) - [About](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about) - [History](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about#history) - [Leadership](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about#team) - [Locations](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/operations#locations) - [Environment](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about#esg) - [The Panther Advantage™](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/the-panther-advantage) - [Contact](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/contact) [![FluidsC](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hubfs/FluidsC.svg)](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com) [![FluidsC](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hubfs/FluidsC.svg)](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com) - Services - [Fluids](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/fluids) - [Fluids Management](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/drilling-fluids-management) - [Solids Control](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/solids-control) - [Haul Off and Disposal](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/haul-off-disposal) - [Rentals](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/rentals) - [Frac Tank](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/frac-tank-rentals) - [Bulk Tank](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/bulk-tank-rentals) - [Open Top Tank](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/open-top-tank-rentals) - [Products](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products) - [Water Based Muds](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#water) - [Oil Based Muds](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#oil) - [Synthetic Based Muds](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#synthetic) - [Stealth Additives](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/products#add) - [Production Chemicals](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/production-chemicals) - Resources - [FAQ](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/faq) - [Downloads](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/downloads) - [Case Studies](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/case-studies) - [Videos](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/videos) - [The Panther Blog](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/blog) - [Carbon Capture Guide](https://lp.thepanthercompanies.com/carbon-capture-and-storage-in-oil-and-gas) - [Total Fluid Management Guide](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/drilling-fluid-management-service-guide) - [About](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about) - [History](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about#history) - [Leadership](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about#team) - [Locations](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/operations#locations) - [Environment](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/about#esg) - [The Panther Advantage™](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/the-panther-advantage) - [Contact](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/contact) ![Panther-Fluids-Synthetic-Based-Drilling-Fluids--Header-2000x600](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Panther-Fluids-Synthetic-Based-Drilling-Fluids--Header-2000x600.jpg?width=575&name=Panther-Fluids-Synthetic-Based-Drilling-Fluids--Header-2000x600.jpg) # Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids Challenging wells call for a mud system designed for the job. At Panther Fluids, we customize synthetic-based drilling fluids to give you the performance of a non-aqueous system with a lower-toxicity alternative to conventional diesel-based mud. Our fluids management experts help you select and manage the right system for your well. ## What Are Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids? Synthetic-based drilling fluids, also called synthetic-based muds or SBMs, are non-aqueous invert emulsion systems that use a synthetic liquid as the external phase and brine as the internal phase. This is the key difference between SBM and conventional oil-based mud. Conventional OBM commonly uses diesel or mineral oil as the external phase, while SBM uses a manufactured synthetic liquid. ## Synthetic-based mud can help: - Inhibit reactive shale - Maintain wellbore stability - Lubricate the drillstring - Manage torque and drag - Carry cuttings out of the hole - Control fluid loss - Perform in elevated-temperature conditions The formulation must be matched to the well because performance depends on the formation, well design, operating conditions, and how the fluid is maintained. ![Panther-Synthetic-675x800-1](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hubfs/Panther-Synthetic-675x800-1.jpg "Panther-Synthetic-675x800-1") ## Panther SBM Invert Emulsion ![SBMInvertEmulsionPanther](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SBMInvertEmulsionPanther.png?width=350&height=53&name=SBMInvertEmulsionPanther.png) Our SBM Invert Emulsion system is Panther’s synthetic-based solution for wells that demand both downhole performance and greater environmental consideration. The system uses a synthetic, environmentally acceptable liquid as the external phase and brine as the internal phase. We customize the system to help you pursue your environmental impact goals without sacrificing the lubricity, inhibition, stability, and resistance to contaminants needed for challenging drilling conditions. When operating conditions allow, the fluid can be recycled and reused. Our team helps you manage fluid properties and solids so you can preserve usable fluid, reduce waste, and improve the efficiency of your overall fluids program. ## Key Benefits Support Wellbore Stability  The synthetic external phase limits water contact with reactive shale, which helps slow the hydration, swelling, and disintegration of clays.  Manage Torque and Drag SBM typically provides high lubricity that can help reduce friction between the drillstring and the wellbore. This makes it valuable in horizontal wells, extended-reach wells, and long laterals.  Support Drilling Performance Synthetic-based mud can provide resistance to downhole contaminants. When properly maintained, the system can also support hole cleaning and fluid-loss control as well conditions change. Handle Elevated Temperatures Synthetic-based systems can be formulated for high-temperature wells. The right formulation depends on the expected downhole conditions. Reduce Toxicity and Waste Qualifying synthetic base fluids can provide lower toxicity and improved biodegradability compared with conventional diesel-based mud. When the fluid remains within program requirements, it may also be recovered, conditioned, and reused. ## When Should You Consider Synthetic-Based Mud? SBM may be a good fit when your well requires the performance of a non-aqueous fluid system, particularly when lubricity or shale inhibition is critical.  Common applications include: - Reactive or water-sensitive shale - Horizontal and extended-reach wells - Long laterals - High-temperature wells - Complex wellbore conditions - Offshore and deepwater operations - Environmentally sensitive areas No mud system is right for every well. Fluid selection should account for the downhole conditions and the requirements of the drilling program. At Panther, we evaluate the full fluids program so we can recommend the right fluids at the right time. ## How Do SBM, OBM, and WBM Compare?  Synthetic-based mud, oil-based mud, and water-based mud can each provide effective drilling performance. The right choice depends on the formation, well design, operating conditions, and goals of the fluids program. | **FACTOR** | **SBM** | **OBM** | **WBM** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | External phase | Synthetic liquid | Diesel, mineral oil, or another petroleum-derived oil | Water or brine | | Shale inhibition | Typically high | Typically high | Varies by formulation and formation | | Lubricity | Typically high | Typically high | Varies by formulation | | Temperature tolerance | Can be formulated for high-temperature service | Commonly used in high-temperature wells | Specialized formulations may be required | | Environmental considerations | Qualifying synthetic base fluids can offer lower toxicity and improved biodegradability compared with conventional diesel-based mud | Conventional diesel-based systems may involve greater toxicity, handling, and disposal considerations | Often selected for a lower environmental footprint, depending on the complete formulation | | Typical applications | Reactive shale, extended-reach, high-temperature, offshore, and deepwater wells | Reactive shale, high-temperature wells, and complex directional wells | A broad range of drilling applications | The initial cost of the mud is only one consideration. The full evaluation should also account for performance, logistics, waste handling, and total well cost. At Panther, we help you select the system that best fits your drilling program. ![Panther-Fluids-Synthetic-Drilling-Fluids-675x800](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hubfs/Panther-Fluids-Synthetic-Drilling-Fluids-675x800.jpg "Panther-Fluids-Synthetic-Drilling-Fluids-675x800") ## How Does Panther Support Your SBM Program? You need more than mud delivered to the wellsite. You need experienced people who can manage the system throughout drilling. Panther provides complete drilling fluids treatment and management services. We configure, deliver, and manage complex fluid systems for all well types. Our fluids management support includes: - Customized fluid programs - Drilling-fluid treatment and management - Experienced wellsite personnel - Fluid testing and monitoring - Treatment recommendations - Solids-control coordination - Haul-off and disposal support Panther’s on-site fluids experts can troubleshoot drilling problems and make recommendations to the mud circulating system for effective solids control. When conditions change, we work with your team to adjust the mud system. ## Why Work With Panther Fluids ? At Panther Fluids, we combine drilling fluid systems with total fluid management to help simplify your wellsite operations. Our services include: - Fluids management - Solids control - Haul-off and disposal - Equipment rentals Panther can coordinate these services through a single point of contact and under one contract. This reduces the number of handoffs and gives you one team focused on your fluids program. That is the Panther Advantage™. We handle the details of fluids management so you can stay focused on drilling the well. ## Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids FAQs Is synthetic-based mud the same as oil-based mud? No, both are non-aqueous invert emulsion systems, but they use different external phases. SBM uses a synthetic liquid, while conventional OBM commonly uses diesel, mineral oil, or another petroleum-derived base fluid.  What is synthetic-based mud used for? Synthetic-based mud is commonly used in wells that require high lubricity or strong shale inhibition. Applications include reactive shale, high-temperature wells, extended-reach wells, offshore operations, and deepwater drilling.  What are the benefits of synthetic drilling mud? SBM can provide lubricity, shale inhibition, wellbore stability, contaminant resistance, and temperature tolerance. Qualifying synthetic base fluids may also provide lower toxicity and improved biodegradability compared with conventional diesel-based mud.  ![Z3C65294 (1)](https://www.thepanthercompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Z3C65294%20(1).jpg?width=575&name=Z3C65294%20(1).jpg) ### Take On Your Next Well With Panther Tell us about your well and the drilling challenges you expect to face. 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