Multi-Mixed Metal Hydroxide as a Strong Stratigraphic Nanoclay Inhibitor in Solid-Free Drilling Fluid

Abstract

Solid-free drilling fluid has more advantages as a new type of drilling fluid compared with traditional drilling fluid, such as improving drilling efficiency, protecting oil and not having clay particles clog the oil and gas layer. In this study, Zn/Cu/Fe-doped magnesium–aluminum hydroxide (Mg-Al MMH) was prepared using the co-precipitation method and evaluated in solid-free drilling fluid. The inhibition mechanism of synthesized hydroxide was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, laser particle-size analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The samples were directly used as drilling fluid base muds for performance evaluation. The results showed that the linear expansion rate of 4% M6-Fe was only 12.32% at room temperature within 2 h, that the linear expansion rate was 20.28% at 90 °C and that the anti-swelling rate was 81.16% at room temperature, indicating that it has a strong inhibition ability at both room temperature and at high temperatures. Meanwhile, the possibility of multi-mixed metal hydroxide as a drilling fluid base mud is discussed in this study. We found that 4% M6-Fe exhibited low viscosity, a high YP/PV ratio and high temperature resistance, and its apparent viscosity retention rate reached 100% rolled at 200 °C for 16 h, with a YP/PV ratio of 2.33.

Use of Highly Dispersed Mixed Metal Hydroxide Gel Compared to Bentonite Based Gel for Application in Drilling Fluid under Ultra-High Temperatures

“…Based on the research content of Zhang Bowen [6], the molar ratio of raw materials of an M-MMH is Mg:Al:Fe = 3:1:1, and Na 2 CO 3 , Na 2 SiO 3 , and C 17 H 33 CO 2 Na were used as precipitants instead of NaOH to improve the dispersion of the samples. The process is as follows: add MgCl 2 , AlCl 3 , and FeCl 3 into 300 mL of water at 25 • C and stir well.…”

“…Bowen Zhang et al [5] studied the effects of the proportions of magnesium and aluminum. With an increase in the proportions of magnesium and aluminum, the performance of the MMH gradually became better, and the MMH remained stable after aging at 180 • C for 16 h. Bowen Zhang et al [6] studied multi-mixed metal hydroxides (M-MMHs), which generally have more complex crystal structures because they contain multiple metal ions and oxide ions. These ions can be arranged in different positions, forming a variety of structures, resulting in more complex physical and chemical properties.…”