The rheological and filtration properties of black seed (Nigella Sativa L.) ester as a base fluid in drilling fluid

Abstract

The unceasing utilization of diesel oil, the regular base fluid, as the base fluid of drilling mud has brought about severe ecological worries and regulation because of its poisonousness, non-biodegradability, and similarity issues. Notwithstanding, drilling more complex wells is turning out to be progressively significant in satisfying the world’s need for oil and gas, bringing about increased commercial synthetic-based fluid importation. In light of the ecological worries associated with the usage of diesel-based drilling fluids as well as reducing commercial synthetic-based fluid imports, black seed oil (BSO) was utilized to make an ester for a new ecologically safe drilling fluid. This research explored the potential use of black seed ester in formulating oil-based muds with standard additives. It compares its qualities to that of diesel following a thorough mud check on the mud samples to evaluate the rheological properties and the impact of aging at test temperatures of 86°F, 120°F, and 150°F. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry technique affirmed that BSO ester is a natural compound. About the flow properties, the kinematic thickness at 40 °C of the biodiesel is 4.31 mm2/s and is higher than that of petroleum diesel, which is 3.52 mm2/s. Densities for the ester and diesel oil-based mud tests were 7.9 ppg, 7.8 ppg, 7.3 ppg, and 6.8 ppg, respectively, at 70/30, 75/25, and 80/20, oil–water-proportion (OWR), as utilized in the mud formulation. The prepared mud was aged for 24 h under static conditions to guarantee total hydration. Black seed oil (BSO) ester mud exhibited lower viscosity at all temperatures, aging conditions, and shear rates analyzed, making it more suitable for oil-well drilling fluids when compared with Diesel. BSO being a naturally occurring seed oil could be important for drilling contractors and service companies due to its good ecological acceptability and its applicability.