Rheology and Temperature Dependency Study of Saraline-Based Super Lightweight Completion Fluid

Abstract

One of the effective alternatives to minimize this perforation-induced formation damage is by application of underbalanced perforation. Fluid systems with very low density could be used to perforate reservoirs in underbalanced pressure conditions that virtually eliminate or minimize fluid invasion and damage along perforation tunnels. To respond in the needs of such fluid, Saraline-based super lightweight completion fluid (SLWCF) was formulated from glass bubble, stabilizing and homogeneity agent. This paper focuses on a rheological and statistical evaluation of Saraline-based SLWCF and its effect on operating temperature. Eight rheological models, namely the Bingham plastic, Ostwald-de Waele, Herschel-Bulkley, Casson, Sisko, Robertson-Stiff, Heinz-Casson, and Mizrahi-Berk, were used to describe the rheological behavior of the fluid. Based on the results, rheology of the fluid was best represented by both the Sisko and the Mizrahi-Berk models. Furthermore, it is also found that the viscosity of Saraline-based SLWCF was more dependent to temperature changes at low shear rate. The Arrhenius activation energy for the fluid to flow was also found to be decreasing with shear rate and their relationship can be expressed with a power law equation.