Effect of nanosilica on simethicone-based fluids for drilling in warm ice layer of polar regions

Abstract

the objective of this study was to utilize nanosilica to control the characteristics of the drilling fluids based on the formulae selected from the orthogonal methodology experimental tests designed for protecting the borehole stability of the warm ice layer of polar regions. The primary conclusions include the optimal formula was gotten and the critical rheological parameter of viscosity experienced the three-stage fluctuation but ultimately increased by 17.6–33.7% and the filtration loss (FL) was considerably decreased by 30.38–75.19%, which all meet the requirements of the warm ice layer drilling in polar region especially when considering FL control. The anti-collapse soaping tests show that the fluid provides stronger protection for borehole stability in the presence of nanosilica than in the absence of that. The web-like structure theoretical analysis based on the phenomenon observed and data investigated is proposed to give the possible understanding of the principle about the characteristics of the simethicone-based drilling fluids designed. The experimental study reveals that the suitable addition of nanosilica can affect the rheological characteristics and the FL performance of the drilling fluids designed and the optimal formula is expected to provide the reference for drilling in the warm ice layer in polar regions.