Exploring the rheology characteristics of Flowzan and Xanthan polymers in drilling water based fluids at high-temperature and high-shear rates

Abstract

The study of drilling fluid behaviour across various temperature conditions is of paramount importance for industries such as oil and gas extraction, mineral exploration, and large-scale construction projects. To address this need, a custom-designed viscometer known as the Australian University of Kuwait Taylor-Couette System (AUTCS) was developed. The AUTCS apparatus incorporates a Taylor-Couette system, consisting of two co-axial cylinders with a testing liquid capacity of 100 ml. The inner cylinder can be rotated at speeds ranging from 0 to 3000 rpm. This configuration provides an economical testing system that is particularly suitable for studying expensive drilling fluids. To investigate high-temperature (HT) conditions, the apparatus is equipped with a controllable heating film jacket capable of warming fluids up to 350 F. One specific area of interest in the drilling industry is the exploration of less commonly used polymers, such as Flowzan and Xanthan, in water-based mud (WBM). Flowzan has gained increasing attention due to its potential applications in drilling fields. To facilitate the study of Flowzan and Xanthan, the AUTCS viscometer was fine-tuned using the standard conventional lab viscometer, FANN, that has limitations in terms of rotational speed range (0–600 RPM) and temperature range. The rheology characteristics of Flowzan and Xanthan including consistency charts, viscosity, and darcy friction factor are obtained and presented at temperatures of 79 F, 104 F, and 150 F, across a range of speeds from 0 to 3000 RPM. The findings were examined across several correlation functions. It is found that the Herschel–Bulkley model best represent Flow Zan and Xanthan polymers. These correlations contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the new polymers’ performance under different temperature and speed conditions in drilling applications.