In previous studies, it has been found that the Nigerian bentonite is deficient in terms of its fluid loss and rheological properties which includes yield point. Also, due to its high calcium content and low sodium content as opposed to foreign bentonite, it does not meet the API standard of drilling. This research was carried out to beneficiate the Nigerian bentonite as regards its fluid loss properties, rheological properties and wellbore stability. Snail shell is seen as waste substance in Nigeria, and Mucuna solannie on the other hand is a local major food supplement in Nigeria and is found in large quantities. The elemental and oxide compositions of the snail shell and Mucuna solannie were determined through scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction measurements, respectively. The additives were used to beneficiate the Nigerian bentonite, and the test result proved that at considerable concentrations of the additives, the Nigerian bentonite was able to compete with foreign bentonite and also met API specifications. Both additives contain high concentrations of nanoparticles and inhibitive calcium and potassium for wellbore stability. Beneficiated Nigerian bentonite also proved to be viable economically when compared with foreign bentonite.
Persea Americana is well known for its short shelf life while the seed is widely considered a waste material by domestic consumers and industry processors. This paper presents the results of the study carried out to evaluate the possibility of using three parts of the Persea Americana namely: its seed, a combination of the Persea Americana seed and its pulp and the Persea Americana pulp as filtration loss control additives in a non-aqueous drilling fluid while using Sodium Asphalt Sulfonate as a control. The evaluation was conducted under high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) static filtration test conditions (at 250°F and 500 psi) based on American Petroleum Institute Standard. From the study, the result showed that all three samples from the Persea Americana fruit showed good potential to control filtration loss when used to formulate a synthetic oil based mud. The filtration control capacity increased as their concentration in the mud was increased. However, in comparison, the pulp was 2.5 times and 1.5 times more efficient in controlling filtration loss when compared to the seed only and the seed and pulp combination respectively. Also, in terms of filtrate volume and filtered cake thickness, an equal concentration of Sodium Asphalt Sulfonate and the proposed additive gave good results; but the existing filtration loss control additive is slightly better than the proposed one. The low fluid loss volumes recorded with Persea Americana as fluid loss additives at HPHT conditions is an indication of its stability at elevated temperature conditions. The cake thickness was thin, impermeable and 1mm in size for all the samples of the Persea Americana. This meets the API requirement of mud cake thickness of less than 2mm.
Pleurotus as a fluid loss control additive in synthetic based mud for oil and gas operations was conducted in the laboratory in accordance with API standards using high temperature-high pressure filter press. The effectiveness and compatibility of Pleurotus to synthetic based mud was also evaluated. Its rheological properties were also carried out. Sodium Asphalt Sulfonate was used as a control sample. Synthetic base mud was formulated and the concentrations of 2ppb, 4ppb, 6ppb and 8ppb of Pleurotus were used in four mud formulations with the same materials and in equal concentrations. 4.6ml, 4.0ml, 3.5ml and 3.1ml of fluid loss volumes were obtained respectively. 1mm thick filter cake, with increase in electrical stability was observed. From the laboratory measurement, the optimum effective concentration of Pleurotus to be applied as a fluid loss control agent for fresh non-aqueous mud for field operation is 2ppb which gave the fluid loss volume less than 5ml. The result was compared with the field standard of less than or equal to 5ml fluid loss volume. These results were comparable with control sample and field standard. Also, the thin impermeable filter cake obtained reflects one of the qualities of a good fluid loss control agent. It also showed that Pleurotus contribute very minimal effect on the rheological properties of the synthetic base mud. Improved electrical stability which is the function of emulsion stability confirmed the compatibility property of Pleurotus as fluid loss control additive in the synthetic based mud. The volume of the filtrate improved in geometric progression with the concentrations of the additive applied which summarizes the characteristics of a good fluid loss control agent.
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