Drilling is not the only time fluids are needed. The oil and gas fluids market also supplies completion fluids (used after drilling to prepare the well for production), packer fluids (placed in the annulus between tubing and casing), and workover fluids (used during maintenance). Completion fluids must be non-damaging to the reservoir and often are clear brines (calcium chloride, calcium bromide, zinc bromide) weighted to control formation pressure. Packer fluids must remain stable for years and not corrode the casing. Workover fluids are similar to drilling fluids but designed for lower pressure and shorter duration. Each category has its own set of additive requirements and environmental constraints.

The oil and gas fluids market is seeing the adoption of single-fluid systems that can serve multiple functions, reducing the number of fluid changes and the volume of waste. For example, a drill-in fluid (used to drill the reservoir section) may be designed to be compatible with completion and gravel pack operations. The market is also seeing the use of solids-free fluid systems for completion and workover to avoid plugging the formation. For high-pressure formations, clear brines are weighted with expensive salts; fluid recycling systems reclaim these salts from used fluids.

Connecting the oil and gas fluids market to the overarching drilling fluids market highlights the importance of fluid selection based on the well's lifecycle. A fluid that works well for drilling may be inappropriate for completion. The oil and gas fluids market thus requires a broad understanding of well construction and intervention practices.

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