Experimental investigation of magnetized-Cocos nucifera husk supported Citrullus lanatus peel microparticles as loss circulation agent in water-based drilling fluids

Abstract

Lost circulation agents (LCAs) are usually added to drilling fluids (DFs) for fluid loss control into formation. This improves their filtration and rheological properties that are advantageous for well drilling operation. This study conducted experimental investigation of Cocos nucifera husk (CNH) and Citrullus lanatus peel (CLP) as fluid loss additive in water-based drilling fluids (WB-DFs). The effect of magnetizing 50 and 100 μm CNH and CLP microparticles (MPs) on the effectiveness of WB-DFs was investigated. Prototype core samples of uniform dimension were prepared from unconsolidated sandstone. The rheological, filtration, and petrophysical properties of samples were evaluated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) were used to characterize drilling fluid samples. Plastic viscosity (PV), gel strength (GS), yield point (YP), mud cake thickness (MCT), and mud density (MD) of magnetized CNH supported CLP microparticles in WB-DF (mMp-CNH-CLP-WB-DF) increased by 44.44%, 14.29%, 60.71%, 16.08%, and 26.64%, respectively, when the weight was increased from 5 g to 20 g. The filtrate volume (FV) reduced by 56.38% when the weight of CNH and CLP was increased from 5 g to 20 g. The drilling fluid was less alkaline at this condition. The formation damage (FD) percentage of mMp-CNH-CLP-WB-DF decreased from 12.57% to 7.31% at 100 psi and 100 µm particle size. SEM and FTIR showed smooth particle arrangement and presence of active functional groups. In conclusion, presence of mMp-CNH-CLP-WB-DF in WB-DF improved its suitability for use in drilling operation.