An experimental analysis on nanoparticles role in drilling fluids

Abstract

The study around nanotechnology has increased in the last decade or so, with rise in applications in many industries. There are now many nanotechnology-based products available like in healthcare, defense, coating industries etc. It has seen rise in usage in oil and gas industry as well. Application of nano particles in water based muds results in reduction of fluid loss and hence increases the wellbore stability and drilling efficiency. In this study, we have examined the fluid loss on water-based mud by adding graphene nanoparticles as additive and estimated the optimum value of nanoparticle composition for having less fluid loss. The results of experimental analysis for filtration loss from water-based mud with addition of graphite nanoparticles was studied and effect of friction factor was analyzed. The nanoparticles concentration added in fluid ranges from 1 to 5 lb/bbl and the size of the particles was observed to be 30–80 nm. Variation of fluid loss volume and friction coefficient under different nanoparticle composition was established.