Lubricity and Rheological Properties of Highly Dispersed Graphite in Clay-Water-Based Drilling Fluids

Abstract

Improving the tribological characteristics of water-based drilling fluids by adding graphene-based lubricants has garnered attention because of the potential for a range of inorganic-material-based additives at high temperature. In this study, we constructed a green and simple adsorption approach to prepare highly dispersed graphite using a cationic surfactant for graphite modification. The findings demonstrated that the prepared graphite was highly dispersed in water and had a low sedimentation rate and small contact angle in distilled water. The concentration dosage of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) on graphite was 0.02 g/g. We evaluated the performance of the modified graphite as a lubricated additive in water-based drilling through a rheological study and viscosity coefficient measurement. The results showed that the viscosity coefficient of drilling fluid with 0.05% modified graphite was reduced by 67% at 180 °C. We proved that the modified graphite can significantly improve the lubrication performance of drilling fluid. Furthermore, we revealed the lubrication mechanism by analyzing the chemical structural and crystalline and morphological features of graphite through a particle size test, zeta potential test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. The results indicated that the modification of graphite by CTAC only occurs through physical adsorption, without changing the crystal structure. These findings provide a reference for the development of high-performance water-based drilling fluids.

Multi-Mixed Metal Hydroxide as a Strong Stratigraphic Nanoclay Inhibitor in Solid-Free Drilling Fluid

“…A Cu target, ceramic X-ray tube, tube current of 40 mA, tube voltage of 40 kV, step size of 0.02° and scanning range of 5~60° (2θ) were used for the measurements. The variation in the interlayer spacing of sodium bentonite under different conditions was calculated using the Bragg equation (nλ = 2dsinθ) [ 25 ].…”

Advanced developments in environmentally friendly lubricants for water-based drilling fluid: a review

“…In addition, the modified graphite had no obvious effect on the rheological parameters of the drilling fluid. 78 …”

“…In addition, the modied graphite had no obvious effect on the rheological parameters of the drilling uid. 78 Table 6 showed the effects of the investigated nanographene lubricants on the rheological properties of drilling uids. The results showed that graphene, graphene oxide, and modied graphene all have no obvious effect on the rheological properties of drilling uid.…”

“…The complete elimination of uorescence is one of the biggest challenges of water-based drilling uid lubricants. From the perspective of molecular design, it is the most effective means to eliminate the main sources of uorescence, that is, Graphene enhanced lubricant has little effect on the rheological parameters of drilling uid Sulfonated modied graphene 76 Not mentioned Graphene oxide (GO) 72,77 GO has no obvious effect on the rheological properties of drilling uid CTAC modied graphene 78 CTAC modied graphene has no obvious effect on the rheological properties of drilling uids The lubricant molecules with a layered structure are deposited on the friction surface, so that the direct contact between the friction surfaces is converted into the relative slippage of the lubricant molecular layer, thereby reducing the friction coefficient double bonds, conjugated double bonds, and condensed ring structures with P electrons in the molecular structure. As for biodiesel-based lubricants, their serious impact on drilling uid performance is an important factor restricting their application and development.…”

Synthesis and performance of a small molecular quaternary ammonium salt inhibitors

“…Shale gas mainly exists in mudstone, shale and other formations with hydrocarbon generation capacity in both adsorption and free states [12]. Although shale gas resources in China have great potential, shale gas resources are deeply buried and exploration and development started late [13]. In the process of shale gas exploitation, there are still major problems such as ultralow permeability of shale gas reservoir, reservoir protection, prevention of shale rock deformation and so on.…”