Abstract
This research article investigates the effects of xanthan gum and aluminium stearate on the rheological and filtration properties of oil-in-water emulsion drilling fluids. In addition, the stability of emulsion drilling fluids was analysed by measuring interfacial properties such as zeta potential, interfacial tension, contact angle and microscopic properties to estimate the effects of xanthan gum and aluminium stearate on the shape and size of emulsion droplets. The rheological and filtration properties were measured using API recommended standard procedures. Xanthan gum worked as viscosity modifier, aluminium stearate worked as filtrate loss-controlling agent, and both additives also worked as perfect stabilizer for the emulsion systems. The steady-state shear stress–shear rate measurement technique was applied to examine the shear thinning (pseudoplastic) behaviour of the emulsion drilling fluids. The fluids followed strong shear thinning (pseudoplastic) behaviour with increasing concentration of diesel oil and xanthan gum which is a desirable parameter for drilling fluids. It was also found that rheological and filtration properties are stable at 80°C temperature. By optimizing the concentrations of the additives in emulsion system, favourable drilling fluids can be developed which may be used for oil and gas well drilling.
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