conference paper · SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition
Drilling operations in oil and gas exploration rely heavily on effective water-based drilling fluids. This research assesses the use of locally sourced, biodegradable additives, specifically gum Arabic and eggshell powder, to enhance drilling fluid formulation. Testing examined how gum Arabic affects crucial rheological parameters, including plastic viscosity and yield point, while eggshell powder, largely made of calcium carbonate, was evaluated as a weighting agent to adjust mud density. The tests showed that gum Arabic improved rheological performance, though it reduced density and pH levels. Eggshell powder adequately increased the weight of the fluid. When blended together, the two additives demonstrated a collaborative effect, increasing fluid density and pH compared to gum Arabic alone while preserving acceptable rheological properties. These results indicate that local eggshell powder can serve as a dual-function additive, potentially reducing formulation expenses and environmental impacts.
Conventional drilling fluids often depend on synthetic or imported materials that can carry high costs and negative environmental footprints. Demonstrating that natural, biodegradable materials such as gum Arabic and discarded eggshells can control fluid thickness and density provides a pathway toward greener, less expensive oilfield operations that utilise domestic agricultural and waste resources.
This early-stage laboratory study could enable oilfield service companies and drilling fluid formulators to create lower-cost, biodegradable water-based muds using locally sourced materials. The abstract shows proof-of-concept testing of density and rheology, but field deployment would require further testing under simulated downhole pressures and temperatures to evaluate practical performance in active wells.
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Abstract The exploration and development phase of the oil and gas in the industry is primarily contingent on the drilling of successful holes. However, water-based drilling fluids are critical for the efficient and safe drilling operations. This investigation explores the potential of utilizing locally and biodegradable additives gum Arabic and eggshell powder as additives to enhance the rheology and weighing effect of the drilling fluid formulation. Gum Arabic, a natural hydrocolloid, is examined of its effects basically on plastic viscosity and yield point which are crucial parameters for the rheology of drilling fluid. Consequently, the study evaluates the effect of eggshell powder, primarily composed of CaCO3 on the density of the WBM. The investigation, furthermore examines the synergistic effect of the combined local additives. The Gum Arabic was realized to improve rheological properties but with decreased density and pH. The eggshell powder reasonably effects the weight of the formulated mud. Notably, the combination of gum Arabic and eggshell powder exhibited a collaborative effect, increasing density and pH compared to gum Arabic alone while maintaining reasonable rheology. This suggests particularly that locally sourced eggshell powder has potential as a two- actions additive in water-based drilling fluid, promisingly to offer benefits in terms of cost and environmental impact.
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DOI: 10.2118/234930-ms
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