Nanoparticle-based drilling fluids as promising solutions to enhance drilling performance in Egyptian oil and gas fields

Abstract

Over the years, the discovery of petroleum in various regions of the world has led to the development of different techniques and equipment to enhance and optimize the drilling and production operations in this vital industry. Egypt is both one of the major oil-producing non-OPEC countries and one of the oldest energy producers in the Middle East. Recently, the Egyptian government have signed several agreements for the exploration of oil and gas in several provinces/regions including; the Mediterranean, the Western desert, the Nile Delta, and the Gulf of Suez. Petroleum companies have given great attention to Egypt’s new discoveries such as Zohr Gas Field, and Nour exploration prospect. Successful drilling operations to reach the oil and gas targets depends strongly on the effectiveness of the drilling fluids. Drilling fluids can be considered as the heart of the drilling process. They are used to fulfil several functions, such as controlling pressure, carrying cuttings and cooling bit and drill strings, stabilizing wellbore as well as controlling fluid losses. Drilling fluid technology is one of the most targeted and developed technologies worldwide. Several studies have examined the use of various types of nanoparticles (NPs) as additives to enhance the properties and improve the performance of the drilling fluid to mitigate the drilling problems. NPs can be defined as a simplest structure with a size in the range of nanometers. The effectiveness of NPs can be accredited to their small sizes and thus, high surface-area-to-volume ratio. NPs were also showed promising enhancements on the rheological and filtration characteristics of the drilling fluid (mud). Additionally, swelling and collapse of shale formations is expected under drilling with water-based mud, which might result in complicating the drilling operation. Adding NPs to the drilling mud was found to minimize the shale permeability and thus, promote the wellbore stability. This research paper discusses the latest applications and presents the most valuable findings concerning the efficient use of NPs in the drilling fluid industry. Based on that, different recommendations are stated. This might help researchers to better understand NPs’ functionality in this area of application and promote using NPs-based drilling muds as cost-effective and environmental-friendly fluids to drill the Egyptian oil and gas wells.