Experimental investigation of the rheological properties of water base mud with silica nanoparticles for deep well application

Abstract

The nanotechnology component known as nanoparticles (NPs) have enormous promise for enhancing drilling fluids. However, as the role of NPs in this sector is still in its infancy, it has recently received much greater attention. Using nanoparticles as an external additive or doping agent in existing drilling mud can lead to a more efficient drilling process in troublesome formations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of a conventional water-based mud (WBM) in the presence of silica dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). Nano drilling mud was formulated and created by dispersing silica dioxide nanoparticles in different weight concentrations ranging from 0.86 wt% to 2.57 wt% to a conventional Water Based Mud (WBM) made with different materials, such as Caustic Soda (NaOH), Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Xanthan Gum, Starch, HT Starch, Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and Barite. This nanofluid is normally used in the deep and complicated wells due to the great number of components mixed with it. The viscosity of drilling fluid was measured using a rotational viscometer while a roller oven with a temperature range of 38 °C to 232.2 °C was used to heat the fluid sample to a higher temperature. It was observed that 0.86 wt% silica dioxide nanoparticles showed a viscosity of 33 cP and gel strength of 3–5 lb./100ft2. These were 44 cP and 4–5 lb./100ft2 for 2.57 wt%. This has further enhanced to 55 cP and 4–5 lb./100ft2 for 1.71 wt%. WBM with silica nanoparticles of 1.71 wt% showed better rheological properties compared with WBM of 0.86 wt% and 2.57 wt% concentrations. The overall results showed that the silica nanoparticles improved the rheological properties and produced greater viscosity and yield point by more than 50 %.