Effectiveness of Alumina Nanoparticles in Improving the Rheological Properties of Water-Based Drilling Mud

Wellbore stability is one of the challenges in the drilling industry. Shale formation is one of the most problematic rocks during drilling because the rock has very low permeability and tiny pores (nanometers). This study assesses the viability of the alumina nanoparticles (Al۲O۳) in water-based mud. The effectiveness of alumina nanoparticles as a mud additive in improving the rheological properties in water-based drilling mud is investigated. The alumina nanoparticles have specific chemical and physical properties, such as high compressive strength, high hardness, and high thermal conductivity. These properties improve the properties of water-based drilling mud, reduce filtration loss, and meet environmental regulations. The results of experimental data show that alumina nanoparticle improves rheological properties such as yield point gel strength (GEL ۱۰ s, Gel ۱۰ min) of water-based drilling that can be utilized to enhance the significant feature of drilling mud, particularly in rheology and filtration. Preliminary data demonstrated that alumina nanoparticles, a nano additive, possess proper properties like thermal stability, rheology enhancement, fluid loss control, and lubrication. It is likely to encounter shale formation plug and significant improvement formation pressure. In addition, alumina nanoparticles reduced ۶۰% API/HPHT fluid loss by ۶۰% compared to the blank sample. The most striking feature is that nanofluid improved shale integrity between ۶۰% and ۷۰% compared to the blank sample. Further, the experimental data of the CT scan show that the mud cakes formed by each of fluid samples, including nanoparticles containing alpha- and gamma-alumina base are more cohesive and cause an integrated filter cake on the well.

Keywords:

Alumina Nanoparticle , CT scan , Filtration Control , Rheological properties , Water-based Fluid