Synthetic Base Fluids Research Articles

Comparison of Performance Properties of Muds Formulated With Synthesized C14 and C16 Esters of Lauric Acid

Drilling muds have relied on a range of base fluids, with mineral oil-based formulations dominating the landscape for decades. However, mineral oil-based muds contain a plethora of toxic aromatic compounds which are persistent in the environment. Hence, the objective of the paper was to synthesize and compare the performance properties of drilling muds formulated with C14 and C16 esters of lauric acid using appropriate standard procedures. Benchmarking of the esters with a reference synthetic base fluid indicated that the esters have suitable physicochemical properties for application as synthetic base drilling fluid. Their kinematic viscosities are within the API recommended range, ethyl laurate (EL) has a lower cloud point relative to the reference, and the two base fluids have higher flash point and electrical stabilities relative to the reference. The results obtained from comparing the rheology of muds prepared with ester products and that prepared with the reference fluid indicate that the muds prepared with ethyl, and n-butyl laurate have higher electrical stability than the mud prepared with the reference base fluid. The results also show that the muds prepared with the esters synthesized in this work displayed better rheology profiles than the mud prepared with the reference synthetic base fluid. However, ethyl laurate (EL) formulated mud had better thermal stability than n-butyl laurate (BL) at the temperature range studied. Through the investigation of these ester-based drilling muds, we showcased the potential of these esters to enhance drilling efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and optimize operational performance.

A REVIEW ON GLYCEROL-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS AND GLYCERINE AS A DRILLING FLUID ADDITIVE

A significant increase of energy demands all over the world and production decline from available oil and gas reservoirs have led the industry to invest in major offshore petroleum resources. However, drilling operations in offshore environments are usually restricted by environmental constraints. Therefore, recent studies are devoted to the development of environmentally compatible fluids with adequate technical properties. Glycerine is a non-toxic, lubricating, colorless, odorless substance with a higher density than water. Due to the properties of glycerine, it can be used as the base of drilling fluid to formulate synthetic-based fluids. This research aimed to review the studies on the applications of glycerine in the composition of drilling fluid. Based on the results, glycerine-based fluids can be considered as an environmentally compatible fluid with sufficient technical properties to replace other drilling fluids. However, there is a lack of experimental studies on the glycerine fluid properties for a reliable decision. For the application of glycerine fluids, an economic feasibility study is mandatory for both pure and crude glycerine. Also, the thermal stability of glycerine fluids is an important aspect, which should be covered in future research studies.

Applications of Machine Learning Methods to Predict Hole Cleaning in Horizontal and Highly Deviated Wells

Summary Machine learning (ML) has become a robust method for modeling field operations based on measurements. For example, wellbore cleanout is a critical operation that needs to be optimized to enhance the removal of solids to reduce problems associated with poor hole cleaning. However, as wellbore geometry becomes more complicated, predicting the cleaning performance of fluids becomes more challenging. As a result, optimization is often difficult. Therefore, this research focuses on developing a data-driven model for predicting hole cleaning in deviated wells to optimize drilling performance. More than 500 flow loop measurements from eight studies are used to formulate a suitable ML model to forecast hole cleanout in directional wells. Measurements were obtained from hole-cleaning experiments that were conducted using different loop configurations. Experiments ranged in test-section length from 22 to 100 ft, in hole diameter from 4 to 8 in., and in pipe diameter from 2 to 4.5 in. The experiments provided measured equilibrium bed height at a specific flow rate for various fluids, including water-based and synthetic-based fluids and fluids containing fibers. Several relevant test parameters, including fluid and cutting properties, well inclination, and drillstring rotation speed (drillpipe rev/min), were also considered in the analysis. The collected data have been analyzed using the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining. This paper is unique because it systematically evaluates various ML models for their ability to describe hole cleanout processes. Six different ML techniques: boosted decision tree (BDT), random forest (RF), linear regression, multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), neural networks, and support vector machine (SVM) have been evaluated to select the most appropriate method for predicting bed thickness in a wellbore. Also, we compared the predictions of the selected ML method with those of a mechanistic model for cases without drillstring rotation. Finally, using the ML model, a parametric study has been conducted to examine the impact of various parameters on the cleanout performance of selected fluids. The results show the relative influence of different variables on the prediction of cuttings bed. Accordingly, flow rate, drillpipe rev/min, and fluid behavior index have a strong impact on dimensionless bed thickness, while other parameters such as fluid consistency index, solids density and diameter, fiber concentration, and well inclination angle have a moderate effect. The BDT algorithm has provided the most accurate prediction with an R2 of 92%, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.06, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of roughly 0.05. A comparison between a mechanistic model and the selected ML technique shows that the ML model provided better predictions.

Automated real-time solids content and salinity analysis of well construction fluids using in-line XRF measurements

Measurements and monitoring of solids content and salinity in fluids to maintain these at ideal levels is essential for optimum well construction operations during drilling, completion, workover and abandonment phases. Currently, API measurements are used for solids and salinity determination, which have certain drawbacks and are difficult to automate.As an alternative, a novel in-line X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurement approach was investigated to make determination of solids content and salinity of well construction fluids much simpler and more efficient through automation. Laboratory experiments were conducted to generate a comprehensive dataset of X-ray photon counts from an in-line XRF setup coupled to a flow loop to evaluate common solids and solutes in well construction fluids. Using this dataset, calibration curves were generated to determine the high-gravity solids (HGS) and low-gravity solids (LGS) content as well as the salinity of water/brine, oil, and synthetic-based fluids at a high level of accuracy in real-time with full automation.It was observed that with the XRF measurements, certain solids can be measured and monitored by analyzing the concentration of certain elements in the compounds (i.e., barium (Ba) for barite concentration, potassium (K) for potassium chloride concentration, iron (Fe) for clay concentration). The mean average errors in estimating the HGS, LGS and salinity values were found to be less than 2%. Using this method together with automated rheology, density and water-cut measurements decreases these errors to significantly lower levels.The system presented here offers the possibility for real-time solids content management and optimization, opening the door to fully automated fluid measurements, maintenance, and solids control in well construction operations. This will benefit well construction efficiency (e.g. lowering drilling costs), quality, productivity (e.g. reducing reservoir impairment from unwanted solids) and safety (e.g. lowering incidence of well control and lost circulation events due to better equivalent circulating density (ECD) management in narrow margin drilling environments).

Machining performance enhancement of powder mixed electric discharge machining using Green dielectric fluid

Towards the requirement of sustainable development, manufacturing industries are required to follow ISO-14000 standards. Therefore, it is necessary to follow sustainability criteria for manufacturing processes. Vegetable oil-based fluids have proven their potential towards the various industrial applications and establish themselves as a sustainable fluids as compared to hydrocarbon and synthetic-based fluids. In the present study, the authors have evaluated the practical acceptability of newly proposed Schleichera oleosa (Kusum oil) as an alternative of hydrocarbon-based EDM oil. The improvement in machining performance of MWCNT mixed rotary EDMing of EN-31 die steel using Kusum oil as a dielectric is evaluated in terms of MRR and SR. Response surface methodology along with genetic algorithm is used for the mathematical modelling and optimization of MRR and SR both. The optimization result shows that MWCNT mixed rotary EDM using Kusum oil as a dielectric shows approximately 57.14% higher MRR and 54.57% lower SR, respectively, as compared to conventional EDM using EDM oil as a dielectric. Finally, the surface topography images obtained from FESEM analysis also confirm the superiority of Kusum oil over EDM oil.

Modification of waste tire pyrolytic oil as base fluid for synthetic lube oil blending and production: waste tire utilization approach

This study provides an environmentally friendly process for the production of waste tire pyrolytic oil from fast pyrolysis for use in lube oil production. The produced waste tire pyrolytic oil was further distilled to provide an almost pure base fluid for production of lube oil. The distilled pyrolytic oil was further transformed to lube oil via polyol synthesis. Characterization of the distilled pyrolytic oil from waste tire pyrolysis shows that the oil after distillation contained 2.04 g/100 g of Aliphatic hydrocarbons, 1.96 g/100 g of naphthalene, and 5.99 g/100 g of paraffin. The synthetic base fluid was blended with additive to obtain the desired lube oil. Based on the results obtained, the properties of the produced lubricant fall within the acceptable criteria for standard lube oils/commercial lubricants. Six different blends (A–F) were produced using varied percentages of the selected additives and the base fluid, however, sample C gave the best lube oil blend considering its average density (0.97 kg/L), average viscosity which compares favourably with ISO viscosity (68 mm2/s) of class 68 oil at 40 °C with a flash point above 200 °C.

Screening and characterization of high performance synthetic-based drilling fluids degrading bacteria

In this paper, eight degrading bacteria using waste high performance synthetic-based fluids (WHPSF) as sole carbon source were isolated. Genetic analysis showed that these strains belonged to 8 species, and distributed in 3 genera. Of them, genus Bacillus was the predominated one with 6 strains. Based on the COD removal rate, 3 effective strains, i.e. SQ17, SQ8-1 and SQ6-1, were screened; and SQ6-1 had the highest COD degradation rate (40.26%). Growth characteristic analysis indicated that SQ8-1 and SQ6-1 could grow at initial pH value from 4.0 to 10.0, and grow at 10 °C to 40 °C. Moreover, these bacterial strains had strong ability to degrade WHPSF, and both the bacteria amount and COD removal rate increased along with treating time. The results suggested that these bacteria could degrade WHPSF properly, and had good application potential.

Study on Thermal Oxidation and Viscosity Degradation for Synthetic Aviation Lubricant Fluids

The thermal oxidation and viscosity degradation for poly-α-olefins (PAO) and di-esters (DOS) was studied under the GC/MS investigation. Through the oxidative pyrolysis conditions, these two synthetic base fluids were characterized to get their simulated “areo-engine” conditions’ for thermal stability, such as oxidative and kinematic viscosity variation. The experimental results suggests that the oxidation products generated from oxidation reactions of DOS is mainly single esters, di-esters, ketone, ether, organic acids and alcohol, which results much bigger total acid values than that of PAO treated in similar conditions. The substantial increment of the kinematic viscosity of DOS reveals its limited thermal oxidation stability compared to PAO.

Development and performance of a continuous industrial microwave dryer for remediation of drill cuttings

In the operation of drilling oil and gas wells, fragments of reservoir rocks generated by the action of the roundabout drill, generically denominated by drill cutting, are loaded to the surface by the drilling fluid. Most of the drilling fluids used in Brazil are not aqueous because they have an organic base and have been classified as synthetic base fluids. The drill cuttings contaminated by this organic compound must be separated from the drilling fluid for later disposal in the environment. Drying technology through microwaves has shown promise by reaching contaminant levels of below 1%. However, there is currently no device on an industrial scale which is both efficient and reliable in the treatment of drill cuttings with low energy consumption that is capable of reaching residual contaminant contents (<1%). Therefore, in this study a unit for microwave drying has been developed on an industrial scale in continuous feed, to the remediation of drill cuttings. The equipment has been tested in real conditions of operation, using mass flow rates between 250 and 750 kg/h and organic initial contents of 7.5, 10 and 12.5%. Drill cuttings of offshore type and also pre-salt layers have been evaluated. The results have shown that the proposed device has the capacity to process mass flow rates up to 750 kg/h and is able to reduce the residual contents of hydrocarbons from drilling fluid to 0.1% at a mass flow rate of 250 kg/h, with commercially variable energy consumption. It has also shown a very satisfactory performance in drill cuttings of pre-salt with the efficient removal of organic-based near offshore drill cuttings.

Prediction of viscosity index and pour point in ester lubricants using quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR)

Since ancient times, lubricants have been applied in different fields of technology and, from the very beginning, there has been a wide interest on improving some of their physical-chemical properties. The turning point in the development of lubricants came in the twentieth century, when modern synthetic ester base fluids were realized. In fact, with respect to “natural” lubricants (fats and mineral oils), they can be modified in order to optimize some specific technological properties; in particular, it is desirable that they present high viscosity index and a low pour point. Nevertheless, it is not always straightforward to accustom these parameters, and different theoretical studies have been pursued on this regard. Above all, valid tools to investigate these type of problems are the Quantitative Structure-Properties/Activity relationship studies (QSPA/QSPR). Starting from this considerations, the aim of the present paper is to investigate, by means of QSPR models, whether it can be possible to individuate or design ester base lubricants with some peculiar technological specificities. In particular, a QSPR analysis has been conducted in order to predict viscosity index and pour point on 41 ester lubricants by means of partial least squares combined with Leardi's genetic algorithms. The present study has provided satisfying results from the prediction point of view, and it has led to interesting conclusions from the interpretation viewpoint. In fact, it has highlighted that, the viscosity index and, to a lesser extent, the pour point, are highly correlated to the geometry, the molecular connectivity and the spatial autocorrelation of the investigated substances.

Tribological studies of α-lipoic acid esters as effective environmentally friendly multifunctional lubricant additives

ABSTRACTEnzymatic synthesis of six esters of α-lipoic acid with different fatty alcohols and diols was carried out to produce novel compounds with lubricant additive properties. The synthetic route was mild and efficient with good yields. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR, and mass spectral studies and screened for their thermal stability, antiwear (AW), extreme pressure (EP), and antioxidant (AO) properties. The tribo tests in a synthetic base fluid indicated that all the synthesized compounds act as antiwear and extreme pressure additives. All the prepared esters exhibited very good thermal stability and excellent antioxidant properties with better performance compared to commercial antioxidant BHT as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

Novel Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluid through Enzymatic Interesterification of Canola Oil

Over the years, the oil industries have avoided aromatic, naphthenic, and paraffinic oils as drilling mud base fluids principally because of their detrimental environmental issues on pelagic and benthic marine ecosystems as a result of their toxicity and nonbiodegradability coupled with the possible deterioration of the oil itself and the rubber parts of the drilling equipment because the aromatic hydrocarbons present in the oil have a tendency to dissolve/damage elastomers present in rubber. Hence, possible insights into how to chemically and/or physically produce synthetic base drilling fluids whose cuttings are nontoxic, readily biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and of nonpetroleum source become imperative. In this study, enzymatic interesterification of canola oil was done with ethanol by using enzyme lipase as catalyst under optimum conditions of temperature and pressure and the physicochemical properties of the produced ester were evaluated and compared with that of diesel and a synthetic hydrocarbon base fluid (SHBF). Results show that the specific gravity, kinematic viscosity, dynamic viscosity, and surface tension of canola oil were reduced by 5.50%, 94.74%, 95.03%, and 9.38%, respectively, upon enzymatic interesterification to conform to standard requirements. Similarly, increased |mud ability to pump fluids and possibility of cold temperature environment can be achieved with the reduction in pour point and cloud point, respectively, of the produced canola oil ester. Finally, the produced ester showed no aromatic content as confirmed from its FTIR analysis which indicates its nontoxicity, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness.

The effects of drilling fluids and environment protection from pollutants using some models

Among the problems faced by the oil industry the environmental pollution caused by drilling oil wells is, due to the increasing energy demand, heavy reliance on oil share drilling operations are important and vital. The drilling process uses drilling fluids and generates waste fluids and cuttings. Drilling fluids used in drilling operations are including water based drilling fluids (WBF), oil based fluids (OBF) and synthetic based fluids (SBF). The wastes generated in the largest volumes during drilling oil and gas wells are drilling fluids and cuttings. There are several options to manage drilling wastes: discharge, down-hole injection and onshore disposal. In many regions of the world, some types of drilling fluids and drill cuttings may be discharged to the sea if they meet certain environmental requirements. Drilling fluids have operational properties including: maintaining pressure, removing cuttings from the borehole, cooling and lubricating and etc. One of the most particular activities in the industrial world is oil drilling industry like any other industrial activity in the waste and wast returns to the environmental and a plan for processing, refining, and there not delete it Long-term adverse effects of climate on the environment will be lasting. Some of fluids have negative impacts on workforce skin and environment for example base oils/solvents type OBF. In general, SBF have substantially lower environmental impacts than OBF. For preventing of fluids dangerous effects Health, safety and environmental (HSE) experts must be managed their impacts in drilling projects. Also the use of isotherms and kinetics models when using the sorbent to remove pollutants such as heavy metals contained in the fluid and drilling mud to describe the adsorption process was very efficient and the Langmuir and Freundlich models usually have better performance for removing of pollutants into environment protection.

Evaluation of C10 Esters As Synthetic Base Fluids For Drilling Mud Formulation

* Corresponding author Abstract: C10 esters obtained from octanoic acid and acetic acid were evaluated for their suitability as base fluids in oil and gas wells drilling mud formulation. Comparison of the physicochemical parameters of the esters with that reported in literature revealed an agreement between the two sets of values. Two mud formulations were designed from each of the esters and their rheology profile between 80 o F and 200 o F compared with that of a commercially available synthetic base fluid. The result of the rheological tests performed on all the drilling muds formulated indicated that with appropriate additives, the mud formulation using the two synthetic esters could perform as good as the reference fluid.

Experimental investigation of new additive to optimize the properties of synthetic-based drilling fluid

This paper focus on the design, development and testing two type of synthetic based drilling fluid include of amine-treated Quebracho agent and Polymeric Fluid Loss agent. Amine-treated Quebracho agent is compatible with other chemical additives in Synthetic-Based Fluids and it shows high-temperature stability, low fluid losses and good Rheological properties. Traditionally invert emulsion drilling fluids have been used to optimize drilling performance primarily due to the high level of wellbore stability and high penetration rates shown while using these fluids. Invert emulsion fluids require various additives such as emulsifiers, fluid-los-control (FLC) agents, viscosifier etc. The paper includes the laboratory evaluation for high temperature application of two agents in invert emulsion drilling fluids.

English

Conventional drilling fluids such as diesel and mineral oil have posed some environmental and health challenges in their drilling applications &nbsp;but the introduction of synthetic-base fluids over the past two decades has considerably reduced such challenges. In some cases, a bottom hole temperature above 300&deg;F (150&deg;C) can cause significant instability in the rheological properties of these drilling fluids. Vegetable oils or pseudo oils are known to be environmentally friendly drilling fluids, but have not received much attention because of their instability in High Pressure Temperature High (HPHT) environments. The antioxidant potentials of Citric Acid (CA), Red Onion Skin Extract (ROSE) and Propyl Gallate (PG) on the oxidative stability of seven vegetable oils were examined. The additives (antioxidants) were able to protect the stability of the oils up to 250&deg;C which is beyond the range for the 1st tier of HPHT environment (150 - 205&deg;C). Though it was also observed that the peroxide values (PVs) of the oils as temperature increase also increase, it did not follow and defined pattern (no pattern was established). The applications of combined antioxidants improved the stability of the oil samples when compared with using individual antioxidants. The applications of appropriate antioxidants in local vegetables oils (esters) have revealed the potentials geothermal stability of the local esters to with stand the 1st tier of HPHT environments.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Drilling, high temperature, stability, antioxidant, vegetable oils (Esters), oil base muds. &nbsp

Evaluation of some vanillin-modified polyoxyethylene surfactants as additives for water based mud

Water-based drilling fluids are increasingly being used for oil and gas exploration and are generally considered to be more environmentally acceptable than oil-based or synthetic-based fluids. In this study, new types of vanillin-modified polyoxyethylene surfactants were evaluated as additives in water-based mud. Their rheological properties in water-based mud were investigated which included the apparent viscosity, the plastic viscosity, the yield point, the gel strength, the thixotropy as well as the filtration properties. Also, the effect of high temperature on the rheology of the formulated water based mud was studied. The tested ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants showed good results when utilized in the formulation of water-based mud.

Induction of Fish Biomarkers by Synthetic-Based Drilling Muds

The study investigated the effects of chronic exposure of pink snapper (Pagrus auratus Forster), to synthetic based drilling muds (SBMs). Fish were exposed to three mud systems comprised of three different types of synthetic based fluids (SBFs): an ester (E), an isomerized olefin (IO) and linear alpha olefin (LAO). Condition factor (CF), liver somatic index (LSI), hepatic detoxification (EROD activity), biliary metabolites, DNA damage and stress proteins (HSP-70) were determined. Exposure to E caused biologically significant effects by increasing CF and LSI, and triggered biliary metabolite accumulation. While ester-based SBFs have a rapid biodegradation rate in the environment, they caused the most pronounced effects on fish health. IO induced EROD activity and biliary metabolites and LAO induced EROD activity and stress protein levels. The results demonstrate that while acute toxicity of SBMs is generally low, chronic exposure to weathering cutting piles has the potential to affect fish health. The study illustrates the advantages of the Western Australian government case-by-case approach to drilling fluid management, and highlights the importance of considering the receiving environment in the selection of SBMs.

Tribological Study of Boron-Containing Soybean Lecithin as Environmentally Friendly Lubricant Additive in Synthetic Base Fluids

Environmentally friendly boron-containing soybean lecithin (BSL) was synthesised. Constant temperature and humidity box was applied to evaluate the hydrolytic stability of the novel lubricant additive. The friction-reducing, anti-wear, and extreme pressure performance of BSL in synthetic base fluids were studied by an optimol SRV-I oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester and four-ball tester. The hydrolytic resistance test results reveal that BSL possesses good hydrolytic stability. Tribological tests show that the friction-reducing performance of BSL in A51 is inferior to PAO10. The incorporation of BSL in synthetic basestock can dramatically reduce the wear volume of the lower steel disc under different test conditions. BSL can also enhance the load-carrying capacities of the synthetic base fluids. Morphology and chemical composition of the wear surface were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that excellent tribological performance of the BSL can be attribute to the formation of chemisorption and chemical reaction protecting films composed of Fe2O3, iron polyphosphates, organic amines, and BN, etc.

Discharged drilling waste from oil and gas platforms and its effects on benthic communities

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 456:285-302 (2012) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09622 REVIEW Discharged drilling waste from oil and gas platforms and its effects on benthic communities J. I. Ellis1,*, G. Fraser2, J. Russell3 1Coastal & Freshwater Research Group, Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7010, New Zealand 2Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, Ontario M6H 1T5, Canada 3Alder Institute, Tors Cove, Newfoundland A0A 4A0, Canada *Email: joanne.ellis@cawthron.org.nz ABSTRACT: This review paper identifies the main effects of oil and gas drilling waste on benthic environments. We identified 26 papers and technical reports that surveyed sediment samples from 72 production or exploration platform sites to assess the zone of influence of sediment contamination and biological effects on benthic communities. While oil-based fluids are now rarely used in the marine context, their release has had large-scale (out to 6 km) and persistent (decadal time scale) impacts on benthic communities. The zone of influence of water-based drilling fluids as determined by sediment barium concentration was larger (2 to 20 km) than for synthetic-based fluids (200 to 2000 m). The zone of biological effects on benthic community diversity and abundance ranged from 100 to 1000 m for both water and synthetic fluids. Effects include changes in benthic species diversity, abundance and alterations to community structure. Functional changes included a loss of suspension-feeding species and increases in deposit feeders and polychaetes. In general, this review demonstrates a loss of benthic biodiversity and suspension-feeding communities due to oil exploration and production and the potential for large-scale effects on sensitive communities such as deep-sea, coral and vegetated habitats. Current research gaps and priorities are identified. KEY WORDS: Benthic community composition · Chemical toxicity · Organic enrichment · Suspended sediments · Oil-based fluids · Synthetic-based fluids · Water-based fluids Full text in pdf format PreviousCite this article as: Ellis JI, Fraser G, Russell J (2012) Discharged drilling waste from oil and gas platforms and its effects on benthic communities. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 456:285-302. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09622 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 456. Online publication date: June 07, 2012 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2012 Inter-Research.