THE EFFECT OF COPPER OXIDE NANOPARTICLE ON THE GEL-STRENGTH OF WATER BASED DRILLING MUD

ABSTRACT
The increase in hydrocarbon production from problematic production zones having high fluid loss and formation damage has led to the emergence of non-damaging drilling fluids (NDDF). The success of a drilling fluid is highly dependent on the drilling fluids, which help to remove cuttings, suspend cuttings, cool the drill bit, prevent lost circulation and lubricate the bit, etc. Fluid losses may occur during drilling which in turn leads to higher operational expenses, that is why a proper design of the drilling fluid, that minimizes invasion of mud into the formation and lost circulation, cannot be overemphasized. Recently, nanotechnology has found a wide array of applications in the oil and gas industry. Most applications of nanotechnology and enhancement in properties of drilling fluids are restricted to bentonite, xanthan gum and a few oil-based mud. In this project, the objective was to study the effect copper oxide nanoparticles would have on the gel strength of conventional bentonite-based drilling fluids (BDF).
Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method. Nano-based drilling fluids were prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2% by weight. Furthermore, testing of these nano-based drilling fluids was conducted by measuring specifically the gel strength and other rheological properties including specific gravity, pH, rheological properties and filtrate loss LTLP (Low temperature, Low pressure).
The addition of copper oxide nanoparticles to the drilling fluid did not show much effect on pH and specific gravity. Copper oxide nanoparticles behaved as a thinner in both the drilling fluids with a highest reduction in plastic viscosity of 24% for 1% of copper oxide nanoparticle in BDF. Thinning properties were enhanced as the doping concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles increased; however, the fluid loss controlling ability decreased except for 0.5% concentration by 31% and 24% when used with both the drilling fluids. Thus, NP-based drilling fluid can be very vital in solving problems faced with commercial drilling fluid during oil and gas drilling operation.