ABSTRACT
The challenges presented by oil-based drilling fluids in the context of environmental impact, coupled with relevant legislation, have led to the necessity of developing synthetic organic liquids aimed at enhancing environmental efficacy. A synthetic mud derived from palm oil derived ester was prepared and evaluated for its rheological properties, density, and pH levels. The outcomes indicate that, despite the formulated mud falling below the specified standards for drilling operations in terms of density and pH, its rheological properties compare favorably with those of bentonite mud. Nevertheless, through the inclusion of soda ash (Na2CO3), local starch (cassava), barite (BaSO4), and local charcoal, notable enhancements were observed in the formulated mud's rheological characteristics, density, and pH levels. Specifically, the yield point and plastic viscosity experienced significant increments of 105.82% and 40% respectively, upon the addition of 4.0g soda ash (Na2CO3), 6.0g local charcoal, and 10g local starch to the formulated drilling fluid. The pH value rose from 5.17 to 9.15 (approximately 76.98%) with an increase in soda ash (Na2CO3) from 4g to 350mL of the formulated mud, while the density rose from 993.04kg/m3 to 1148.79kg/m3 (approximately 15.68%) with the addition of 15g barite (BaSO4) to 350mL of the formulated drilling mud. These values align well with those of bentonite mud, with respective density and pH values of 1053.02kg/m3 and 9.17. Hence, it can be inferred from these findings that, given suitable and ample additives, the synthetic-based drilling mud formulated has the potential to effectively rival bentonite as a viable drilling fluid option within the oil and gas sector.
