Performance Evaluation of Novel Silane Coated Nanoparticles as an Additive for High-Performance Drilling Fluid Applications

Abstract

Improving water-based drilling fluid properties to mitigate instability issues at elevated temperatures is the need of the hour. In this study, industrially prepared silica nanoparticles (NPs) coated with AEAPTS ([3-(2-Aminoethylamino) propyl] trimethoxy silane) was used as an additive to enhance the rheology and control filtration of the water-based mud. Silica nanoparticles were coated separately in a two-step process, which involved the addition of a hydroxyl group first and then coating with AEAPTS. To check its applicability in water-based drilling fluids rheological and filtration tests were done with varying NP concentrations of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 w/v %. The rheology values of the mud samples were recorded both before and after the thermal aging of mud in the roller oven at 105°C for 16 hours. The filtration test was carried out according to API standards with 100 psi differential pressure for 30 minutes. The silane coating over the silica NPs was confirmed with the shifting in the peaks of the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectra of the sample. Both the plastic viscosity (PV) and the apparent viscosity (AV) of the drilling fluid were found to be increasing with silane-coated silica nanoparticles’ inclusion when tested at 30°C and 60°C. The degradation in the rheology of the base mud without nanoparticles after thermal aging was found to be around 60 % which was reduced to around 20 % with the addition of the coated silica nanoparticle. Also, a remarkable reduction in the filtrate volume, when compared with base mud, was achieved with the addition of the silane coated NP in the mud. The results show that the novel AEAPT silane-coated silica NPs can be used as a rheology modifier and filtration control additive in water-based drilling fluid for high-temperature drilling applications.

Biogenic Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Improved Lubricity and Filtration Control in Water-Based Drilling Mud

“…Filtration occurs, leaving solids on the wellbore wall, forming a mud cake that stabilizes the wellbore and reduces fluid loss. The challenge is to minimize formation damage while achieving a thin, impermeable mud cake, balancing the need for stability and fluid retention in the drilling system …”

“…This increased surface area provides sites for potential bonding with functional groups, which can profoundly impact chain entanglement and, consequently, bestow a diverse array of properties upon the matrix. Consequently, the NPs may establish direct or intermediary chemical linkages with the base fluid, thereby enhancing the PV of the WBMs. , It is worth noting, however, that the presence of CuO NPs induces a repulsive force with the water molecules. This phenomenon led to a reduction in the PV as NP concentration escalated primarily due to the intensified repulsive forces. , In addition, Dejtaradon et al and Liu et al supplemented a similar observation of decreasing PV with an explanation of the reduced mechanical friction due to the presence of NPs in the drilling fluid system. , This effect is particularly crucial in the context of drilling fluids, where it plays a vital role in preserving fluid viscosity under conditions of elevated pressure and temperature.…”

“…The challenge is to minimize formation damage while achieving a thin, impermeable mud cake, balancing the need for stability and fluid retention in the drilling system. 58 The filtration performance under both LPLT and HPHT conditions for the fresh mud/BHR samples is shown in Figure 9a. Notably, the HPHT filtration loss (FL) was reduced by approximately 48% at 1.0 wt % CuO concentration as compared to the base WBM, which was 29 ± 1 mL initially.…”

“…Consequently, the NPs may establish direct or intermediary chemical linkages with the base fluid, thereby enhancing the PV of the WBMs. 58,66 It is worth noting, however, that the presence of CuO NPs induces a repulsive force with the water molecules. This phenomenon led to a reduction in the PV as NP concentration escalated primarily due to the intensified repulsive forces.…”

Optimization of Water Based Drilling Fluid Properties with the SiO2/g-C3N4 Hybrid

“…Drilling fluids are used in oil and gas and geothermal energy drilling operations to perform a variety of tasks, including removing drill cuttings, cooling and lubricating the drill bit, and supplying hydrostatic pressure to ensure borehole stability. The execution of these tasks depends on the lithology being drilled and a number of drilling fluid parameters that need to be optimized to achieve desired performance water base muds (WBM) have had various additives added to them to enhance performance. , These materials, which include natural polymers like xanthan gum, are employed to develop rheological and filtration properties and to reduce wellbore instability issues. − The thermal stability of these polymers becomes a noteworthy concern, as well as a technical and economic concern, as the well depth and bottom hole temperatures rise. Furthermore, it has been suggested that dispersing nanoparticles into drilling mud might enhance its performance, particularly in downhole circumstances. − Therefore, further technological developments are required to address the high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) issues and minimize drilling problems .…”