Abstract
AbstractAn optimization based statistical (response surface) approach was used to evaluate the rheological properties of bentonite mud treated with silica nanoparticles. The overlaid contour plot established the feasible region for the various factor settings from multiple regression equations. The steepest method was used to further determine the optimal factor settings for minimum rheological properties and this was established at 6.3 wt.% bentonite content and 0.94 wt.% silica nanoparticles. The rheological properties of the bentonite mud containing and without silica nanoparticles was evaluated using a Hyperbolic (new) model and related with other oil industry based models: Herschel Bulkley, Sisko, Casson. The hyperbolic rheological model estimated the rheological behaviour of the nano-modified mud satisfactorily while also predicting a shear stress limit for the nano-modified mud. The maximum shear stress limit values for 6.3, 13 and 15 wt.% mud were 14.59, 61.74 and 107.4 Pa respectively. Upper shea...
Highlights
Current research trends in most fields of study have shown a gradual shift to nanotechnology
In this work, the rheological characteristics and maximum or upper shear stress limit of bentonite mud treated with silica nanoparticles was studied
The changes observed in the properties are as a result of the bentonite content and amount of silica nanoparticles in the mud
Summary
Current research trends in most fields of study have shown a gradual shift to nanotechnology. The oil and gas industry is not left out from this advancement as different areas from exploration, drilling to development and production have witnessed gradual research into the application of nanotechnology (Hoelscher, Stefano, Riley, & Young, 2012; Zakaria, Husein, & Hareland, 2012). The addition of nanoparticles in the bentonite mud can be made into the desired viscosity and fluid loss attributes with varying amount of bentonite. This makes a good case for drilling mud formulation due to their ability to modify rheological attributes and fluid loss characteristics of the mud. The use of nanoparticle for Water Based Muds (WBMs) in shale formations have shown how effective nanoparticles are in preventing fluid loss due to their small size (Hoelscher et al, 2012; Jung, Zhang, Chenevert, & Sharma, 2013; Sadeghalvaad & Sabbaghi, 2015; Zakaria et al, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
