Rheological and HP/HT fluid loss behavior of nano-based drilling fluids utilizing Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Nanomaterials are considered to be among the best candidates for smart fluids formulation which can improve the performance of conventional drilling fluids. The key challenge in developing such drilling fluids is to ensure stable rheological properties, at different downhole conditions, particularly for high-pressure high-temperature (HP/HT) applications. This study aims to develop specifically engineered water-based drilling fluids for optimum drilling performance by using commercial (C) and custom-made (CM) iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NP) as drilling fluid additives. A range of physico-chemical techniques were employed to characterize the NP such as, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N-2 sorption and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The rheological measurements were performed at different temperatures (up to 60 degrees C). Filtration characteristics were determined at elevated pressures and temperatures using a HP/HT filter press. The sample containing CM Fe3O4 NP showed the best rheological and fluid loss behavior stemming from the smaller size of NP and optimal dispersion within the clay platelets. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.