ABSTRACT
The production of hydrocarbons from oil and gas reservoirs heavily relies on the selection of drilling fluids, which perform vital functions during drilling, including cooling, lubricating the bit, and transporting cuttings to the surface. These fluids typically consist of various components such as base fluid, weighting agents viscosifiers, pH control agents, rheology modifiers, surfactants, and emulsifiers, all of which contribute to their functionality. Innovative approaches are necessary for oil and gas exploration and exploitation to minimize adverse environmental impacts and ensure operational efficiency.
The objective of this study is to assess the rheological properties of certain natural polymers to determine their effectiveness in non-damaging drilling fluids. Specifically, the study examines how the viscosifying properties of these natural polymers influence the plastic viscosities, gel strengths, and yield points of drilling fluid compositions. Potato starch and rice starch were selected as the natural polymers for this experimental research. Different concentrations of these bio-additives (5g, 10g, and 15g) were individually and combined added to a base fluid consisting of a fixed volume of 350ml of water and a fixed concentration of 22.5g of Bentonite. While the gel strengths and yield points met the requirements set by the American Petroleum Institute (API), this study revealed that, with the concentrations used, there was a potential increase in plastic viscosity. However, higher concentrations would be necessary to achieve plastic viscosities within the API-specified range. In summary this research provides insights into the utility and effectiveness of these natural polymers in drilling fluids.
