Innovative drilling muds for High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) condition using a novel nanoparticle for petroleum engineering systems

Martin, C

Abstract

The negative environmental impacts of drilling muds, particularly oil-based muds, are a cause for concern to regulators and governments worldwide. As a result, rules regarding the discharge and disposal of drilling muds have tightened globally. Recent drilling muds formulation research has concentrated on the development of high-performance water-based drilling muds that are economically viable, environmentally friendly, remain stable when exposed to high temperatures, and can avoid the problems associated with reactive shale. Despite of the fact that water-based fluid systems are environmentally friendly, their instability when subjected to high temperatures continue to be a major challenge. Polymers have been used to supplement and stabilize water-based muds, but they degrade when exposed to extremely high temperatures and therefore, their usage is limited to a certain temperature. Nanotechnology has widely been applied in drilling mud technology and many advantages have been registered. However, the technology has been found to be very expensive leading to increased drilling operational costs and its toxicity has not been properly documented. As a result, the industry is still looking for a low-cost substitute that can provide the same benefits as nanoparticles.

In this experimental study, an attempt has been made to investigate whether nanoparticles could increase the stability of water-based drilling muds under high temperatures. Unmodified silica nanoparticles, modified silica nanoparticles and nano sand were investigated in water-based formulations. The properties of the drilling mud formulations were measured using Model 1100 viscometer before and after aging in a roller oven dynamically for 16 hours. The stability temperature of the mud system was defined as the temperature at which the mud retains 50% of its original viscosity after aging for 16 hours. Experimental data indicated that water-based mud stability temperature after aging for 16 hours was at 121 o C. Addition of nanoparticles in water-based muds enhanced mud rheology and filtration properties. Filtration characteristics of water-based formulations containing unmodified nano silica, modified nano silica and nano sand were improved on average by 9.7%, 19.5% and 22.9% respectively. Experimental data also indicated that modifying the surface of silica nanoparticles improves the rheology though it adds to the cost of drilling operation. Nano sand exhibited stable rheological properties and filtration characteristics when compared to silica nanoparticles. The new mud fluid system which is economically viable and environmentally friendly can therefore meet the requirements of high pressure and high temperature drilling operations.

Citation

Martin, C. Innovative drilling muds for High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) condition using a novel nanoparticle for petroleum engineering systems. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 2, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 2, 2023
• Award Date: Dec 20, 2022