Abstract
In recent years, several studies have indicated the impact of nanoparticles (NPs) on various properties (such as viscosity and fluid loss) of conventional drilling fluids. Our previous study with commercial iron oxide NPs indicated the potential of using NPs to improve the properties of a laboratory bentonite-based drilling fluid without barite. In the present work, iron oxide NPs have been synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The effect of these hydrophilic NPs has been evaluated in bentonite and KCl-based drilling fluids. Rheological properties at different temperatures, viscoelastic properties, lubricity, and filtrate loss were measured to study the effect of NPs on the base fluid. Also, elemental analysis of the filtrate and microscale analysis of the filter cake was performed. Results for bentonite-based fluid showed that 0.019 wt% (0.1 g) of NPs reduced the coefficient of friction by 47%, and 0.0095 wt% (0.05 g) of NPs reduced the fluid loss by 20%. Moreover, for KCl-based fluids, 0.019 wt% (0.1 g) of additive reduced the coefficient of friction by 45%, while higher concentration of 0.038 wt% (0.2 g) of NPs shows 14% reduction in the filtrate loss. Microscale analysis shows that presence of NPs in the cake structure produces a more compact and less porous structure. This study indicates that very small concentration of NPs can provide better performance for the drilling fluids. Additionally, results from this work indicate the ability of NPs to fine-tune the properties of drilling fluids.
Highlights
Drilling is the process of connecting the surface to the reservoir
Results from this study showed that NPs can reduce the friction of the drilling fluid
This study shows that bentonite forms a gel structure and aggregates at high temperature, due to the FF association of the platelets
Summary
In a rotary drilling operation, drilling fluids play an important role in maintaining well pressure, bringing cuttings to surface, and lubricating and cooling drill bits as well as the wellbore [1,2]. Proper selection of the drilling fluid is one of the key elements for the success of drilling operation. The selection of drilling fluid is usually based on its performance, cost and environmental impact [2]. The consequences are a negative impact on the log reading and damage to the pore space of the reservoir rock, that reduces its productivity. Increase in fluid loss into the formation will increase the near bore pressure, which as a result will weaken the strength of the wellbore. Drilling with non-inhibitive water-based drilling fluids will result in shale swelling
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