Reducing Environmental Impact of Drilling Operations through the Implementation of Organic Waste Additives for Environmental Protection

Abstract

This paper aims to design a less toxic drilling fluid by testing different organic waste materials. The drilling mud is a complex fluid consisting of several additives used in the drilling process. Environmental protection is a crucial issue, and several drilling fluids and additives can have negative impacts on people, marine organisms, and plants. The selection of organic additives depends on safety concerns and the effect on the environment. The paper focuses on testing coffee residue, date seeds, and rice husks as organic additives in drilling fluids. The selection of these organic wastes was based on several factors, including cost, availability, and positive environmental impact. The properties of the mud samples, including rheology, mud filtration, and pH, were measured to determine the effect of the organic waste additives. The results showed that coffee residue can improve the lubrication properties of the fluid, and date seeds can increase the density of the fluid. Rice husks did not significantly impact the properties of the drilling fluid. The use of these organic additives can reduce the environmental impact caused by conventional additives, promoting a more sustainable and circular economy.