Drilling fluid thickeners are chemicals used to adjust and control the rheological properties of drilling fluids. Their main function is to increase the viscosity and consistency of the drilling fluid to ensure efficient transmission of power and transportation of drilling waste during the drilling process, while preventing well wall collapse and maintaining wellbore stability. Thickeners play a vital role in drilling engineering, and their performance and selection often depend on drilling conditions, wellbore requirements, and the characteristics of the drilling fluid used.

Thickeners can generally be divided into two types: natural and synthetic. Common thickeners include earth, clay, polymers and polymer-modified substances. They interact with water molecules in the drilling fluid to change its rheological properties, thereby increasing the viscosity and consistency of the fluid. The selection of thickener needs to take into account factors such as the basic components of the drilling fluid, the temperature, pressure, and well depth of the working environment.

In drilling operations, thickeners are usually added gradually to the drilling fluid as needed and adjusted through laboratory testing and field practice to ensure the desired rheological properties are achieved. The correct use of thickeners can improve the efficiency and safety of drilling operations, reduce problems that may occur during the drilling process, such as wellbore collapse, poor suspension of waste residue, etc., thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the drilling project.