Development of an environmentally safe additive with natural material for drilling fluid application

Abstract

Efficient and optimistic drilling operations depend on a number of parameters such as drilling fluid (DF) additives. Present demands of DF and future challenges have prompted researchers to develop environmentally-friendly drilling fluids with minimum impact on the environment. Aloe Vera does not contain any toxic compound; it has been used in cosmetic and medicine for thousands of years because of its medicinal value. The present investigation leads toward the development of an environmentally-friendly mud additive using Aloe Vera instead of chemical compound. The elemental analysis of Aloe Vera is conducted using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). A particle distribution test is conducted to determine the particle sizes of the Aloe Vera sample. Complete rheological tests and filtration tests of the different concentrations of mud additives are performed to investigate the feasibility of this new additive. Particle size distribution (PSD) helps to determine the proper size of the sample so that the fluid loss, cutting collection and formation damage can be quantified. The compositional test confirms the presence of containing elements. The four representative recipes of the DF are formed with this additive along the base material bentonite. Rheological properties and other related investigations are carried out with different sizes of the sample particle and mud preparation formula. A comparative study is performed along with other additives with respect to rheological, environmental and economic benefit. This study suggests Aloe Vera can be used as a potential DF additive that is environmentally-friendly instead of toxic chemicals. The investigation confirms the benefit of this new additive.