Production and Performance Evaluation of Biodetergents as an Alternative to Conventional Drilling Detergent

Abstract

Drilling detergents are among the chemical compounds that are increasingly being used in many varieties of drilling fluids. They are aqueous blend of surface-active agents that reduces the surface tension of water-based drilling fluids, reduces the sticking tendency of water-sensitive shale cuttings and aid cuttings removal; leading to cleaner hole, faster penetration rates and lower drilling pressure. Due to the increase in environmental issues associated with the disposal of drilling detergent presently used, drilling companies are exploring options of using environmentally friendly, degradable and renewable drilling detergents. In this study, biodetergents were produced from non-edible seed oils (Ricinus communis oil and Azadirachta Indica oil). The biodetergents and a commercial drilling detergent used in the Niger Delta field were analysed for a number of standard properties required for good drilling detergents. Drilling muds formulated with these detergents were also analysed for a number of standard mud properties. Physicochemical properties analyses showed that biodetergents met the required specification of good drilling detergents. The physicochemical properties of the biodetergents were also comparable to that of commercial drilling detergent. BOD values obtained showed that the biodetergents could easily be broken or biodegraded than the commercial drilling detergent. Toxicity test on Penaeus Monodon showed that biodetergents are more environmentally friendly than the commercial drilling detergent. Drilling mud properties analyses further showed that synthesized biodetergents can be used as an alternative to conventional drilling detergent.

A Comparative Study of the Physicochemical Properties of Oils Extracted from Common Species of the Niger Delta <i>Raphia </i>Palm Fruits and <i>Elaeis guineensis</i>

“…These oil extraction yields are comparable to those of Elaeis guineensis oils of 46.8% and 43.2% for palm oil and palm kernel oil respectively. These percentage oil yields are higher than those of plants found in the Niger Delta notably Azadirachta indica seed oil of 38% [103]; Chrysophyllum albidum seed oil of 30.6% [78]; Jatroha curcas seed oil of 42.5% [104]; Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber) seed oil of 43% [105]; Lagenaria siceraria seed oil of 35% [106]; Nicotiana tabacum seed oil of 32.1% [80]; Ricinus communis seed oil of 42% [103]. These results showed that just like the Elaeis guineensis, the common species of the Niger Delta Raphia Palm fruits are prolific in oil.…”

“…Oils with iodine value above 150 are classified as drying oils; those with iodine value 125 -150 are classified as semidrying oils and those with iodine value less than 125 are considered as nondrying oil. Oil with low Iodine numbers (saturated oils) are well suited for soap/ detergent production [103,130,131]. Oils/fats with low iodine values are also well suited for wafer baking [132].…”

“…Oils/fats with low iodine values are also well suited for wafer baking [132]. Oil with high Iodine numbers (unsaturated oils or drying oil) are favourable for producing oil paints [103,[130][131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140][141]. For biodiesel productions, the required limit for Iodine value is 120 g I 2 /100 g [143].…”

“…Oils with high saponification values represent higher medium chain fatty acids and are favourable for soap/detergent and cosmetics production [103,121,130,131]; and thus, glycerol production. In biodiesel production, oils with a high saponification value require more methanol, and produce more glycerol but less biodiesel than longer chain oils.…”

Ultrasound and Eco-Detergents for Sustainable Cleaning

“…The most realistic alternative is based on the regulation and use of biodetergents that biodegrade in water after a certain time. However, it must be highlighted that until they do, many bio-detergents are still harmful substances [7,8].…”