Abstract
In this study, Iraqi bentonite taken from Trefawi area/ Al-Anbar region province/ Iraq, was activated to enhance its rheological and filtration properties and increase its quality by decreasing the non-clay minerals (impurities), in order to be used in Iraqi oil companies instead of commercial bentonite. Bentonite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and particle size distribution (PSD) before and after activation to show the effects on its mineral and chemical properties. The rheological properties of bentonite were enhanced by using different weights (0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8 gm) of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), whereas the filtration properties were enhanced by using different weights (0.5, 1, 1.5 gm) of high viscous-carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC-HV) and different weights (0.5, 1, 2 gm) of low viscous-carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC-LV). The results showed that the rheological properties of Iraqi bentonite were enhanced and met the specifications of the American Petroleum Institute (API) when 0.7 gm of Na₂CO₃ was added. The filtration properties were also enhanced and satisfied API specification when 0.5 gm of CMC-HV and 2 gm of CMC-LV were added. Therefore, Iraqi bentonite has the potential to be used as drilling fluid in oil fields.
Highlights
During drilling of oil and gas wells, fluids are used to lubricate the drill bit, maintain hydrostatic pressure, transmit sensor reading, remove rock cuttings, and inhibit swelling of reactive clay-based shale formations
Na-type) in samples collected from Trefawi formation/ Al-Anbar region/ Iraq
The rheological and filtration properties were enhanced and the quality was increased in order to use the product in Iraqi Oil Companies instead of commercial bentonite
Summary
During drilling of oil and gas wells, fluids are used to lubricate the drill bit, maintain hydrostatic pressure, transmit sensor reading, remove rock cuttings, and inhibit swelling of reactive clay-based shale formations. Aqueous drilling fluids (water-based mud) are an environment friendly and more economic than the non-aqueous type (oil-based mud and synthetic-based mud). In order to achieve the optimum performance of any mud during operations, the physical as well as chemical properties of the mud must be carefully controlled; viscosity, gel strength, fluid loss are of particular importance parameters of drilling fluid. The clay surface chemistry and that of various drilling fluids must be controlled [1]. The ability of the drilling mud to perform its functions depends entirely on its viscosity. All weighting materials and drill cuttings would settle on the bottom of the hole as soon as circulation is stopped [2]
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