Determination of Absorption Mass Transfer Coefficients of Methane into Drilling Fluid Base Oils

Abstract

Absorption mass transfer coefficients (k_l a) of methane into two widely used drilling fluids base oils-internal olefins and diesel were determined. A laboratory-scale bubble column (0.0254m diameter and 0.71m static liquid height) was used to perform the experiments. Ranges of superficial gas velocity (0.0045-0.0491 m/s) and system pressure (100-300 psig) were covered. Based on the results, the effects of the varying parameters on k_l a have been discussed. Based on the observations, an empirical model for volumetric mass transfer coefficient as a function of superficial gas velocity and gas density was developed. This correlation fitted well (R² >0.98) with the measured k_L a values for the investigated range of operating conditions. This study gives new quantitative insights into the absorption kinetics of methane into two drilling fluid base oils, which are important for improving gas influx management with non-aqueous drilling fluids.