SBM
SBM is an acronym of 'Synthetic Based Mud'. It's an invert emulsion mud with synthetic fluid as base fluid rather than oil. SBMs have lower toxicity than 'Oil Based Mud' and are also called Low Toxicity Oil Based Mud (LTOBM). SBMs commonly use linear alpha olefins (LAO), straight internal olefins (IO), poly alpha olefins (PAO), vegetable oils, esters and ethers as base fluid. SBMs are more expensive than OBM but are more environmentally acceptable in offshore operations. Since synthetic oil is more biodegradable, environmental regulations in many areas could approve disposing off drilled cuttings in water without the need of any pre-treatment or collection and shipment to onshore location for safe disposal.