Characteristics Of Mud Research Articles

Study on the Consolidation Characteristics of Slurry-like Mud Treated by Flocculation-Solidification-High-Pressure Filtration Combined Method.

The disposal and reutilization of the enormous amounts of slurry-like mud (MS) dredged from navigation channel construction, ecological dredging, and other construction activities have been receiving increasing attention. In this paper, a flocculation-solidification-high-pressure filtration combined method (FSHCM) is used to treat MS, and the consolidation characteristics of The SHCM-treated MS are studied by conducting a series of one-dimensional consolidation compression tests. Various parameters, including the dosage of the curing agent, initial water content, and dry weight of the MS, are systematically analyzed to evaluate their influence on the consolidation behavior. The experimental results demonstrate that higher curing agent and initial water contents enhance the structural yield stress and compressive resistance, while increased dry weight decreases the structural yield stress but increases the compressive strain and void ratio. As the curing age increases, the ability of the FSHCM-treated MS to resist compressive deformation is further enhanced. In addition, the compressibility of the mud cake samples changes significantly at the yield point. This study has practical guiding significance for the optimal design and long-term application of FSHCM-treated MS.

Kinetic research of red mud waste oxidative pyrolysis and comparison under different atmospheres

Red mud, as a solid waste with high alkalinity, had a detrimental impact on the environment and required urgent attention. Currently, the mass processing and consumption of red mud were typically conducted under thermal conditions, so it was essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the oxidative pyrolysis process. The thermogravimetric experiments were conducted at multiple heating rates in air and exhibited three obvious stages. The activation energy and reaction mechanism of three oxidative pyrolysis stages were explored using model-free and model-fitting methods, revealing the activation energies of 162.2, 265.8, 214.1 kJ/mol and the most suitable reaction mechanisms of g(α)=[-ln(1-α)]³, g(α)=1-(1-α)1/⁴, g(α)=[-ln(1-α)]1/2 for each stage, respectively. Furthermore, the estimated kinetic parameters and reaction mechanisms were applied to extra heating rate to verify the accuracy. More important, the effect of air on the pyrolysis process of red mud was examined by comparing the results with those obtained from pure nitrogen pyrolysis. The obtained oxidative pyrolysis characteristics of red mud could provide valuable insights of its co-pyrolysis or combustion for resources recycling.

Median line: A century of border violence and the alluvial geopolitics of the Evros/Meriç/Maritsa River border

AbstractThe border river of the Evros/Meriç/Maritsa has been shaped during the century since its demarcation by the Lausanne peace treaty. Over this period, a dense overlap of environmental, geopolitical, legal and cultural actors has turned it into both a riverised border and a borderised river. The border regime appropriates the riverine characteristics of flow, erosion, mud, turbulence and fog as much as it is founded on military technology, international law, agricultural and conservation practices, resource logistics, border crossing and the denial thereof. Here, the river's movement of sand and alluvium has become an agent in the policing of the river border. Drawing on interviews with asylum seekers, locals, forensic pathologists, legal scholars and fish scientists, this paper weaves field research, primarily undertaken on the Greek side, with a historic and ecosystemic perspective of a century‐old border that has become a hotspot for violent practices. These practices themselves harness the uncertain physical conditions that the riverscape affords. In this article we argue that the disjunctures of the river's dynamic geomorphology and the history of demarcation of the median line frame the contemporary politics of mobility of those illegalised by the border regime. In the ambiguous territorial pockets produced by the movement of the river away from the median line of 1926, islands of hyperlegality have been produced where state violence takes place with impunity.

Improving the characteristics of water-based mud using titanium dioxide doped with activated carbon prepared from grapefruit waste material

Improving the characteristics of water-based mud using titanium dioxide doped with activated carbon prepared from grapefruit waste material

Strength and deformation characteristics of waste mud–solidified soil

The treatment, disposal, and resource utilization of waste mud are challenges for engineering construction. This study investigates the road performance of waste mud–solidified soil and explains how solidifying materials influence the strength and deformation characteristics of waste mud. Unconfined compressive strength tests, consolidated undrained triaxial shear tests, resonant column tests, and consolidation compression tests were conducted to evaluate the solidification effect. The test results show that with an increase in cement content from 5 to 9%, the unconfined compressive strength of the waste mud–solidified soil increased by over 100%, the curing time was extended from 3 to 28 days, and the unconfined compressive strength increased by approximately 70%. However, an increase in initial water content from 40 to 60% reduced the unconfined compressive strength by 50%. With the increase of cement content from 5 to 9%, the cohesion and friction angles increased by approximately 78% and 24%, respectively. The initial shear modulus under dynamic shear increased by approximately 38% and the shear strain corresponding to a damping ratio decay to 70% of the initial shear modulus decreased by nearly 11%. The compression coefficient decreased by approximately 55%. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests showed that a higher cement content led to the formation of more hydration reaction products, especially an increase in the content of AlPO4, which can effectively fill the pores between soil particles, enhance the bonding between soil particles, and form a skeleton with soil particles to improve compactness. Consequently, the strength of the waste mud–solidified soil increased significantly while its compressibility decreased. This study can provide data support for dynamic characteristics of waste mud solidified soil subgrade.

Red mud: Characteristics, utilization, and environmental remediation strategies in the aluminium industry

Aluminium plants generate a substance identified as red mud, which is an alkaline atrophy product. As the aluminium industry expands, the accumulation of red mud has become a more pressing concern. Various atrophy treatment technologies have been developed to utilize red mud as a material for environmental remediation. These substances, also identified as Red Mud Ecological Rehabilitation Ingredients (RM-ERMs), are created by stimulating red mud, fusing it in a complementary manner with additional compounds, or removing useful components from it. RM-ERMs find application in three main areas: purifying wastewater, treating atrophy gases, and remediating soil. The extremely alkaline nature of red mud is harnessed in the making of RM-ERMs, offering a window to perk up the environment through purification methods. The utility of RM-ERMs has shown promise as a potential method for simultaneously addressing various types of waste. This review provides an introduction to the physical and chemical characteristics of red mud, and summarizes the active mechanism of RM-ERMs in addressing specific contaminants in wastewater, atrophy gases, and soil. Additionally, a review of current challenges in the field of RM-ERMs offers crucial insights and recommendations for future research in this area.

Properties experimental investigation of water-based drilling mud contained tragacanth gum and synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles

Drilling fluids play crucial role in the oil and gas production industry, consequently the optimization of flow behavior of these fluids has received remarkable attention from the beginning of this process. The objective of this study is to improve the rheological and filtration characteristics of water-based mud (WBM) by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and affordable tragacanth gum (TG) polymer. Initially, ZnO NPs were synthesized through a facile and straightforward sol–gel method and subjected to comprehensive characterization. Subsequently, these NPs were incorporated into TG polymer solutions to formulate drilling mud samples. The selection of optimal samples involved meticulously determining of ZnO NPs and TG polymer concentrations as influential parameters facilitated by the Design Expert software. The responses taken into consideration in this methodology included flow behavior index (n), consistency index (K), plastic viscosity (PV), and yield point (YP). The investigating rheological parameters entailed utilizing both the Power-law and Bingham-plastic models, underscoring the scholarly refinement of the study’s analytical approach. Subsequently, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess the significance of the model and its parameters. Three optimal samples were carefully selected based on the results obtained from the modeling and analysis of the rheological parameters. The next phase involved utilizing these optimal samples to investigate their filtration properties in detail. The final step led to selecting the optimal sample composition, which was determined to be 0.25 wt% ZnO NPs and 750 ppm TG polymer based on the optimization results provided by the Design Expert software. Remarkably, this specific combination yielded significant improvements in PV (22.2 %), YP (109.5 %), mud cake thickness (20 %), and fluid loss (2.87 %). Moreover, the resulting mud exhibited desirable rheological properties, including a K of 31.20 (cp) and an n of 0.21. This specific combination was identified as the most favorable composition for achieving the desired rheological and filtration properties.

Experimental Performance of Filling Material with Modified Red Mud for Roadbed

Cement-modified red mud as roadbed filler was investigated through tests, including compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), modulus of resilience (E0), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and scanning electron microscopy. Optimum moisture content (ω0), maximum dry density(), CBR, modulus of resilience, UCS, and microscopic characteristics of red mud were analyzed in different modified states. An optimal cement admixture for red mud modification was proposed. Results showed that (1) adding cement significantly improved CBR and modulus of resilience, (2) cement-modified red mud exhibited faster initial strength formation, with 7-day UCS over 65% of 28-day UCS, (3) water stability and frost resistance improved significantly with 4% and 6% cement dosing, (4) recommended cement admixture was 1.1% without adverse conditions, but not less than 6% with water immersion. Modified red mud is unsuitable for seasonal frozen regions. The recommended blending and leaching concentration met regulatory requirements, meeting technical, environmental, and economic goals for roadbed filler in highway construction.

Improved of Mechanical Characteristics of Gargar Mud by Mineral Additives

The operational dams in Algeria lose 32 million m3 of water storage capacity each year, and fifteen of these dams are threatened by siltation. This investigation forms a component of a management strategy for dredged silt in the Gargar Dam, the third-largest dam in Algeria with considerable sedimentation. This paper comprises two main axes: a detailed experimental study based on the studied dam mud's physico-chemical, rheological, and mechanical analysis. The second part is based on the study of the valorization of Gargar mud to be acceptable for use in road civil engineering. In order to obtain this goal, the Gargar mud was treated with lime (0-6%), sand (20%), and natural pozzolana (20%). Test results show that the properties of Gargar mud are significantly improved after treatment, and the soil becomes more friable and more resistant; it can therefore be used as a foundation layer in road civil engineering.

Research Investigates and Simulation Behavior of the Failure Characteristics of Red Mud–Loess Type Permeable Reactive Barriers PRB in Fixed‐Bed Column Experiments

Controlling and remediating water and soil pollution while efficiently utilizing solid waste is essential for comprehensive environmental protection and sustainable development, particularly in establishing green, low‐carbon economic systems in China. We evaluate the impact of initial concentration, flow rate, and bed height on breakthrough performance and adsorption capacity using the Tessier method under dynamic water flow conditions. Additionally, we analyze micromorphological changes in the red mud–loess mixture before and after breakthrough by acid mine drainage containing Pb and Cd in mining areas, employing soil column experiments and numerical simulations with COMSOL Multiphysics. Our findings suggest that reducing initial concentration and flow rate while increasing bed height leads to higher breakthrough time, saturation time, and adsorption capacity for Pb and Cd in the red mud–loess mixture (7 : 3). Furthermore, the red mud–loess blend (7 : 3) demonstrates sustained and efficient acid‐buffering capability in the presence of acid mine drainage containing Pb and Cd. Notably, under specific conditions (initial Pb content at 100 mg/L, a height of 7 cm, and flow rate set at 1 mL/min), the adsorption capacity of red mud–loess (7 : 3) reaches 17.30 mg/g. The prescribed minimum length for PRBs is 11.40 cm. Under specified conditions (Cd concentrations at 100 mg/L, a height of 5 cm, and a flow rate of 1 mL/min), the material exhibits a notable adsorption capacity of 29.91 mg/g, with a theoretical minimum length for PRBs at 8.95 cm. Increasing bed heights successfully remove Pb and Cd ions through chemical precipitation. The BDST model accurately describes the breakthrough curves of Pb and Cd and develops a correlation formula for the breakthrough time of red mud–loess PRB medium. As the saturation of Pb increases from 0.05 to 0.85, the maximum volume adsorption capacity of Pb increases from 1.78 to 2.98 mg/L, while for Cd, it increases from 4.15 to 7.87 mg/L. Elevating the bed height first triggers chemical precipitation, hence improving Pb and Cd removal. Consequently, the longevity of red mud–loess PRB in acidic mine effluent containing Pb and Cd surpasses predicted theoretical outcomes. These observations reveal correlations between the breakthrough length for red mud–loess permeable reactive barriers and the bed height. Furthermore, the distribution of Pb speciation within the red mud–loess mixture (7 : 3) is primarily governed by the presence of iron–manganese oxide, while the composition of Cd speciation is chiefly influenced by the carbonate form and iron–manganese oxide. After treating acidic mine wastewater with Pb and Cd, the red mud–loess mixed material (7 : 3) undergoes surface changes, shifting from smooth to rough due to H+ corrosion. Pores between particles enlarge, yet heavy metal ions, adsorbates, and precipitates reoccupy and cover the surface, transforming the particle morphology from dense lamellar to clustered spherical. Our innovative approach to combining waste materials for environmental remediation presents a cost‐effective and impactful solution for heavy metal pollution.

BENEFITS OF BALNEO AND MUD TREATMENT FOR LATE SEQUENCES OF COVID-19

Balneotherapy is one of the most used therapies, where natural factors are applied for treatment and prevention. It is used in various pathological conditions, with evidence of a good effect in rheumatic and neurological diseases, and in recent years also in patients recovering from COVID-19. The therapeutic factors that are used include: natural mineral or thermal waters, natural peloids (mud) and other environmental therapeutic factors. The pandemic of COVID-19 turned out to be a significant factor that led to changes in lifestyle and habits and, accordingly, the use of balneotherapy procedures for prevention and treatment. Balneotherapy (SPA-therapy) is recommended by the European SPA association after COVID-19, for better recovery of health and limitation of long-term symptoms in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). It is suggested that balneo-climate-treatment can improve lung function, increase the physical activity capacity and the performance of therapeutic exercises as well as the quality of life of patients in the recovery phase after COVID-19. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the benefits and effectiveness of both balneo and mud therapy in patients with long-term post-COVID-19 sequelae. Materials and methods: For the purpose of the present study, a review was made of the known scientific articles published in the world databases (Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science Direct Web of Science, Scopus, and literary sources in Cyrillic). The results were searched for the following keywords: post-COVID-19 condition, long-term effects of COVID-19, post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), rehabilitation, balneotherapy, SPA therapy, peloidotherapy, mud treatment, lye therapy, treatment with Rapa (highly concentrated solution of salts (most often NaCl)). Results: The review of the scientific literature published in specific medical journals found evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness and benefits of balneo and mud therapy in patients with long-term consequences of COVID-19. The described application methods are characterized by variety in the application methodology, both for external (baths, bathtubs, showers, therapeutic SPA applications) and for internal application (mainly through inhalations). On the other hand, different recommendations were found regarding the type and chemical characteristics of mineral (thermal) water and therapeutic mud that are preferred for therapy. Overwhelmingly, studies recommend combining balneo (SPA) and mud therapy with resort and climate treatment, moderate physical activity and a dietary regimen tailored to the individual characteristics of patients. Conclusion: Balneo (SPA) treatment, therapies with natural and preformed physical factors could have a preventive role, in order to improve the body’s reactivity to the adverse factors of the external environment and pathogenic microorganisms and to increase insusceptibility to infectious diseases.

Hydration characteristics of tailing mud–42.5 OPC composite cementitious system and its application to dry-mixed mortar

This study investigated the influence of the raw material ratio on the product quality of tailing mud with type-I 42.5 ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in a binary cementitious system. In particular, this research aimed to expand the applicability of tailing mud and tailing waste rock while minimizing the production cost of dry-mixed mortar. The results demonstrated a synergistic reaction between the tailing mud and 42.5 OPC, which was beneficial for enhancing hydration and gelation, increasing the production of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and calcium hydroxide (C–H), promoting more free magnesium oxide (MgO) in the cement to participate in the hydration reaction, and improving the structure of the composite gelation system. When the concentration of tailing mud in 42.5 OPC was 20%, the cementitious block attained a 28-day compressive strength of 44.85 MPa. To manufacture the dry-mixed mortar product, 80% mud and 20% 42.5 OPC were mixed with equal amounts of tailing mud and waste rock aggregate. For the dry-mixed mortar, the 28-day compressive strength was 7.32 MPa, 2-h consistency-loss rate was 12.4%, and water retention rate was 99.2%. To further explore the synergistic reaction mechanism between the tailing mud and 42.5 OPC, the energy calculations, geometric optimization, and dynamic modeling of the tailing mud–42.5 OPC cementitious system were performed using the Forcite module in Materials Studio software. Overall, the results indicated that including tailing mud improved the mechanical strength of 42.5 OPC.

Adsorption of Pb(II) from wastewater using a red mud modified rice-straw biochar: Influencing factors and reusability

Efficient environmental remediation of toxic chemicals using effective sorbents has received considerable attention recently. For the present study, the synthesis of a red mud/biochar (RM/BC) composite was performed from rice straw with the aim of achieving Pb(II) removal from wastewater. Characterization was performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta potential analysis, elemental mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that RM/BC had higher specific surface area (SBET = 75.37 m2 g−1) than raw biochar (SBET = 35.38 m2 g−1). The Pb(II) removal capacity (qe) of RM/BC was 426.84 mg g−1 at pH 5.0, and the adsorption data well fitted pseudo second order kinetics (R2 = 0.93 and R2 = 0.98), as well as the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.97 and R2 = 0.98) for both BC and RM/BC. Pb(II) removal was slightly hindered with the increasing strength of co-existing cations (Na+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Cd2+). The increase in temperatures (298 K, 308 K, 318 K) favored Pb(II) removal by RM/BC. Thermodynamic study indicated that Pb(II) adsorption onto BC and RM/BC was spontaneous and primarily governed by chemisorption and surface complexation. A regeneration study revealed the high reusability (>90%) and acceptable stability of RM/BC even after five successive cycles. These findings indicate that RM/BC evidenced special combined characteristics of red mud and biochar, hence its use for Pb removal from wastewater offers a green and environmentally sustainable approach fitting the “waste treating waste” concept.

Characterisation of bauxite cleaning waste in Tanjungpinang Indonesia

The processing of bauxite ore into aluminium produces a large amount of waste materials. Red mud as waste from the alumina industry is a problem that damages the hydrological function of the soil. Red mud can still be utilised according to its composition and characteristics. In this study, red mud originating from Tanjungpinang is characterised using several techniques (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Adsorption desorption nitrogen. XRD characterisation results for all samples tested, namely bmd1, bsg1, bsg2, and bsg3, have relatively uniform phases: boehmite, Gibbsite, Nepheline, Calcite, Hematite, and Quartz. The SEM-EDX test obtained data on the composition of the highest Al content found in bsg3 with a weight of 7.2%. Adsorption desorption nitrogen test results obtained bsg3 has the highest surface area with 62,423 m2/g. With the characteristics of red mud from bauxite washing, this waste material can be utilised in various fields.

Characteristics of waste mud treated by construction waste-slag based flocculation-solidification combined method

Nowadays, the flocculation-solidification combined method (FSCM) is considered suitable for mud treatment and recycling. However, the traditional FSCM uses ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as the main solidifying material, which pollutes the ecological environment. Currently, the evaluation mechanism of solidification efficiency is not accurate, the treatment of mud with different water content is not detailed enough, and the assessment of carbon emission is unclear. Accordingly, this paper introduces solid waste such as construction waste powder (concrete and brick mix recycled fine aggregate) and slag powder for solidification based on the traditional FSCM. Within the study context, the alkali activation effects of quicklime, NaOH, and NaSiO3 are compared to develop a new solidification agent. Besides, the flocculation time and peak settling rate are measured experimentally, and anionic polyacrylamide(APAM) is added separately to compare low-water-content mud (LW-MS) (ω < 70 %) and high-water-content mud (HW-MS) (70 %≤ω ≤ 300 %). The intrinsic flocculation-solidification mechanism is analyzed and demonstrated through microscopic testing.Finally, the feasibility of construction waste-slag based flocculation-solidification combined method (CWS-FSCM) is verified through field test. In terms of solidification effectiveness, carbon emissions and economy, CWS-FSCM performs better than the traditional FSCM.

Characteristics of fluid mud in the Yangtze Estuary: Storm, tide, and slope-triggered sediment dynamics and effects

Fluid mud is widely found in estuarine and coastal areas and significantly affects sediment transport, navigational safety, and ecological functions. The formation mechanisms of fluid mud are not yet fully understood because of their complex dynamics, including the effects of riverine discharge, tides, storms, and gravity-driven flows. In this study, the in situ density of 18 fluid mud events was measured along the deep navigation channel (DNC) of the Yangtze Estuary from 2010 to 2016, along with hydrodynamic factors such as riverine discharge, wind, waves, tidal stratification of salinity and suspended sediments, and channel slope. Our results indicate that the scale of storm-triggered fluid mud events in the DNC was 10–60 km long and 0.5–4 m thick, and tidal residual flow circulation and salinity stratification co-formed fluid mud and determined its structure along the DNC. In addition, the coupled stratification induced by the suspended sediment concentration and salinity affected the thickness of fluid mud, and the strengthened stratification induced by the decreasing tide current affected the thickness of high-density fluid mud. Furthermore, gravity-driven flow induced by the steep slope on both channel banks enhanced the accumulation of fluid mud in the DNC. Finally, fluid mud accounted for 20% of the annual silted sediment in the DNC, and the upper low-yield-stress layer of fluid mud (density <1250 kg/m3) could be utilized as the potential nautical depth during fluid mud events, accounting for 20–75% of the entire thickness of the fluid mud. The results of this study can improve the understanding of fluid mud processes and mechanisms and promote cost-effective dredging activities, particularly in muddy tide-dominated estuaries.

Investigation on effect of colloidal nano-silica on the strength and durability characteristics of red mud blended Portland cement paste through tortuosity

A novel binder system for cement-based composites depending upon the strength and durability characteristics is introduced in this study. The possibility of calcined red mud cement pastes with and without colloidal nano-silica (CNS) over Ordinary Portland Cement paste (OPC) at three W/B ratios (0.3, 0.4, 0.5) is evaluated. The optimum percentage of cement replacement by red mud (15%) was selected from compressive strength values of different cement replacements (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Colloidal nano-silica (CNS) was added at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2 % to the selected red mud cement paste. Water absorption, sorptivity, resistance to sulfate attack, and resistance to acid attack tests were conducted for optimum red mud cement paste with and without CNS. The experimental results are explained based on tortuosity with empirical formulas and mathematical models of pore network distribution. The tortuosity is directly proportional to the inter-connectivity of the pores. The mixes with 15% calcined red mud and 1.5% CNS replacement performed better strength and durability at all W/B ratios. The mix (R15NS1.5) with minimum tortuosity value results in the higher overall performance of the paste. The mixes with a 0.3 W/B ratio give high-performance cement paste compared to higher W/B ratios.

Pyrolysis characteristics and stage division of red mud waste from the alumina refining process for cyclic utilization

Red mud is a kind of strongly alkaline industrial waste from the alumina refining process. A large quantity of red mud not only occupies land resources, but also pollutes the groundwater and land. In order to dispose this waste by thermal conversion process, it is crucial to understand its pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics. Based on thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared experiments, three main stages of red mud pyrolysis were put forward: (1) the dehydroxylation of gibbsite (Al(OH)3) into boehmite (AlOOH), (2) the decomposition of boehmite and (3) the decomposition of calcite (CaCO3). Furthermore, the reaction mechanisms corresponding to the three stages were estimated by coupling the model fitting method and model-free method: g(α) = ((1−α)−1/3−1)2, g(α) = (−ln(1-α))3 and g(α) = α + (1−α) ln(1−α), respectively. Finally, the current kinetic parameters in the three stages were validated by the comparison of previous studies. The obtained individual pyrolysis characteristics of red mud would be of great reference value for co-pyrolysis or co-combustion for red mud-based mixture.

Evaluating the influence of graphene nanoplatelets on the performance of invert emulsion drilling fluid in high-temperature wells

The oil-based mud is preferred to drill highly technical and challenging formations due to its superior performance. However, the inadequate chemical and thermal stability of conventional additives have greatly influenced the performance of oil-based mud at high-temperature conditions. Therefore, it is critical to design an oil-based mud with additives that withstand and improve its performance at high-temperature conditions. The nanoparticles have emerged as an alternative to the conventional additives that can significantly enhance the rheological and filtration characteristics of oil-based mud at high-temperature conditions. In this research study, a novel formulation of OBM enhanced with GNP is formulated, and its performance at high-temperature conditions is investigated. An extensive experimental study has been performed to study the effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the rheological and filtration properties along with flow behaviour, viscoelastic properties, electrical stability and barite sagging of oil-based mud at high temperatures. The graphene nanoplatelets are characterised to ascertain their purity and morphology. The result shows that the graphene nanoplatelets exhibited efficient performance and improved the rheological and filtration properties of oil-based mud. The plastic viscosity and yield point are improved by 11% and 42%, with a concentration of 0.3 ppb. Similarly, the gel strength and barite sagging tendency are enhanced by 14% and 2%, respectively. The filtration loss is also significantly decreased by up to 62% and 46%, with 0.5 ppb concentration at 100 and 120 °C. The addition of GNP results in the formation of a thin mud cake compared to the base mud sample. The rheological modelling recommends the shear-thinning behaviour of oil-based mud (n < 1), which is correlated with the Herschel–Bulkley model. An Artificial Neural Network model is developed to predict the viscosity of OBM based on the four input parameters (concentration of nanoparticles, temperature, shear rate and shear stress). The results demonstrate that graphene nanoplatelets have a favourable impact on the performance of oil-based mud. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets, even at small concatenation, has significantly improved the properties of oil-based mud at high-temperature.Graphical abstract

Investigation of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Barite Additives on the Corrosion Characteristics of Water-Based Drilling Mud

Drilling fluids can be considered complex liquids containing several desired materials. These materials (small additives) are specialty products that serve a specific need, such as controlling the rheological properties of the drilling fluid and reducing corrosion for operational drilling of both oil and gas wells. Additives used to resist corrosion are called corrosion inhibitors. Previous research has shown that polymers such as Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) have high characteristics of corrosion inhabitation in an aggressive environment. In this study, the effect of adding two samples of additives, CMC and Barite, on the corrosion of carbon steel in Iraqi bentonite water base mud solution has been evaluated using the weight loss technique. The study focuses on determining and comparing the corrosion characteristics of these mud additives. All the experiments were carried out in static flow and at room temperature. Results show that CMC works as a good inhibitor when added to bentonite/barite mud. The calculated corrosion rates of 0.95mpy, 0.75mpy, 0.53mpy, 0.49mpy were found for bentonite mud, bentonite/barite mud, bentonite/CMC mud, and bentonite/CMC/barite mud, respectively. This would result in an inhibitor efficiency of about 50%.