Evaluation of the Performance of Conventional Water‐Based Mud Characteristics by Applying Zinc Oxide and Silica Dioxide Nanoparticle Materials for a Selected Well in the Kurdistan/Iraq Oil Field

Abstract

Nanomaterials have gained a wide interest in the oil and gas industry due to their immense applicability. Nanomaterials are being used to formulate a new generation of drilling mud known as Nanomud or Smart mud, where it has the ability to improve mud properties and eliminate borehole problems. Using nanoparticles as an additive agent in conventional drilling mud can lead to a more efficient drilling process in troublesome formations. In this study, several conventional water-based muds from a selected well drilled in the Kurdistan/Iraq oil field have been prepared. Then, nanodrilling muds were formulated by dispersing SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 1 wt.% to conventional water-based mud (WBM). This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of conventional water-based muds after adding SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. This evaluation was performed by carrying out a series of laboratory experiments to determine the rheological and mud filtrate properties. The results demonstrated that nanomuds improved the rheological behaviors and provided better filtration control compared to conventional drilling muds. However, there was little or no impact of the nanomaterials on the mud density for all mud systems.

Enhance the Properties of Lignosulfonate Mud by Adding Nanoparticles of Aluminum Oxide and Iron Oxide

“…Differential pressure adhesion, caused by cake buildup on the wellbore wall, increases the risk of drilling tool damage [28]. In order to prevent drilling fluid from escaping and entering a formation, NPs can be used to obstruct the pore space [7]. Fig.…”

“…Pipe sticking and mud loss are two problems that can arise as a result of poor drilling fluid design. Poor mud design can lead to other problems, such as bit balling and borehole collapse [7].…”

Improved Water-Based Mud Rheological Properties and Shale-Inhibition Behavior by Using Aluminum Oxide and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

“…By their small size, nanoparticles bridge gaps in the formation's porous structure and effectively seal and plug them. They prevent fluid leakage, particularly in shale formations [10]. Some researchers, however, have shown that certain nanoparticles can improve the performance of polymer-based drilling fluids by improving their rheological, filtration, and lubrication characteristics [11].…”