Shale Hydration Inhibition Agent

Additives that act to control clay swelling in drilled formations without adversely effecting properties of the drilling fluid are comprised of bis-3-aminopropyl ether amine functionalities, a derivative thereof, or mixtures thereof. The amine is derived by bis-cyanoethylation of terminal hydroxyl functionalities and subsequent hydrogenation of the nitrile end groups to bis-3-aminopropyl primary amines. The backbone comprises a di-ethers or polyethers based on: ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and all potential isomers of butyl di-or polyethers. Such bis-3-aminopropyl ether amines may include, but are not limited to amines with the following formula: H2N-R'-O-(RO)x-R'-NH2 where R' is (CH2)3; and R is: 1.) C2H4, with x being 2-10, or 2.) branched C3H6, with x being 1-17, or 3.) branched or linear C4H8, with x being 1-15, or 4.) linear C6H12, with x being 1, or 5.) cyclohexyl-1,4-dimethyl, with x being 1 and mixtures thereof, including, without limitation, Jeffamines (D, M, or XTJ series polyether amines), potassium chloride, choline chloride, and derivatives including partial acid salts of the amines such as those from mineral acids or carboxylic acids with 1-6 carbons.