Enhancement of Filtration Properties in Surfactant-Based and Polymeric Fluids by Nanoparticles

Abstract

Currently, there are few available publications regarding the application of nanotechnology in fluid loss control; hence, this technology needs more exploration. During hydraulic fracturing, fracture conductivity damage and other problems associated with excessive leak-off rate can be significantly curtailed by utilizing nano-fluid systems that evolve from further research studies.An experimental study is presented on the application of nanotechnology on filtration properties of surfactant-based fluids (SBF), polymeric fluids, and SBF-polymeric fluid blends. The concentration of SBF is 5%, while that of polymeric fluids is 33 lb/Mgal guar. Besides, both fluids contained 4% potassium chloride (KCl). Additionally, Blend-A and Blend-B were prepared by mixing SBF and polymeric fluids in the ratio of 75/25% vol. and 25/75% vol. respectively. Nano-fluids were prepared by adding 20 nm silica nanoparticles, at concentrations of 0.058, 0.24, and 0.4% wt., to the clean fluids. Filtration tests were conducted with a wall mount filter press, and at ambient temperature and 100 psi differential pressure.Excellent results were displayed with surfactant-based nano-fluids and Blend-A nano-fluids, but their outcome at 0.24 and 0.4% wt. respectively is slightly better. Polymeric nano-fluids and Blend-B nano-fluids revealed very good results, with better outcome at 0.24 and 0.058% wt. respectively. A trial run was made with a commercially available fluid loss additive (polyanionic cellulose, PAC) in polymeric fluids at the same nanoparticle concentrations; the result confirmed that nanosilica facilitates the achievement of a superior filtration property. Furthermore, Blend-A nano-fluid, at 0.058% wt., is selected as the best based on performance evaluation and economic analysis. In conclusion, the selected Blend-A nano-fluid at 0.058% wt. was optimized at lower nanoparticle concentrations (0.02, 0.01 and 0.002% wt.) in order to probe further into its filtration performance. Interestingly, using Blend-A nano-fluid at 0.002% wt., as regards the initial recommendation of 0.058% wt., reduces the cost of nanoparticles required for preparing 1 barrel of this fluid by 96.6%. Therefore, Blend-A nano-fluid is recommended for use at nanoparticles concentration of 0.002% wt.The application of Blend-A nano-fluid will promote fluid economy, substantially reduce fluid loss and fracture conductivity damage, and enhance production from unconventional reservoirs.

Synergetic Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets/Tapioca Starch on Water-Based Drilling Muds: Enhancements in Rheological and Filtration Characteristics

“…The trend of both API and HPHT filtration showed the same decreasing trend with the addition of GNP to the base mud. Similar trends have been found by other researchers [ 40 , 41 , 42 ]. These findings demonstrate that GNP might preserve polymer characteristics in order to limit filtrate loss and, as a consequence, enhance drilling mud efficiency after the hot roll process.…”

Nanomaterials and Technology Applications for Hydraulic Fracturing of Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs: A State-of-the-Art Review of Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…Meanwhile, Huang et al 17 have also added 35 nm ZnO nanoparticles to VES and found that the nanoparticles and VES micelles form a quasi-cross-linked structure through van der Waals and electrostatic forces, which can improve the viscosity of the VES and reduce filtration. Fakoya et al 18 have added different proportions of SiO 2 particles with particle size of 20 nm to a surfactant system, polymer system, and polymer–surfactant mixed system, studied the effect of adding nanoparticles on the rheology of different systems, and found that the surfactant base liquid with added nanoparticles is more suitable for the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas, effectively reducing the economic cost and reducing damage to the reservoir. Gurluk et al 19 considered the problem that the surfactant base solution cannot be applied when the temperature is above 200 °F.…”

Rheological Behavior and Filtration of Water-Based Drilling Fluids Containing Graphene Oxide: Experimental Measurement, Mechanistic Understanding, and Modeling

“…In addition to the size of nanoparticles, the study of their type, stability, and concentration is also critical. These materials are susceptible to any pH, temperature, and ionic strength. , Individual nanoparticles will attract each other, generating aggregates that might significantly impair the drilling fluid’s rheological and filtration characteristics due to poor colloidal stability or an excessive concentration. , Nanoparticles have been used in drilling fluids for various purposes, including viscosity stabilization, wellbore strengthening in shale, reducing water invasion into a borehole, loss circulation prevention, minimizing clay swelling, and preventing the pipe from being stuck. − To achieve these purposes, many additives are utilized, such as carbon nanotubes, GO, zinc oxide, nanosilica, − and CMC nanoparticles. , One of the widely explored nanoadditives that have a crucial impact on the performance of drilling fluids is graphene and its derivatives. Graphene is an atom-thick, 2D-conjugated structure with high conductivity and a huge surface area.…”