A method and product is disclosed which provides emulsion stability and
filtration control to invert emulsion drilling fluids. The product
comprises a blend of a carboxylic acid terminated polyamide with
distilled and processed tall oil fatty acids and/or distilled and
processed tall oil resin acids. The product is extremely effective, even
at temperatures as high as 350.degree. F., decreasing by about two-thirds
the amount of emulsifier generally required to formulate an effective
drilling fluid. The product also greatly reduces and in many cases
eliminates the need for conventional fluid loss additives, and
additionally provides electrical stability. Moreover, the product has a
pour point as low as about 20 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal solvents,
thereby eliminating the need to ship large amounts of inert material for
use, and may be transported in a highly active state.