International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume IX, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2321-2705
Jabel A. Kwaw1, and Eric Broni-Bediako2
1Total Petroleum Ghana PLC, Ghana
2Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, School of Petroleum Studies, University of Mines and Technology, Ghana
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of salinity (KCl) on rheological properties and rate of penetration of treated bentonite mud and Ca2+ based polymer mud. A laboratory prepared treated bentonite and Ca2+ based polymer mud acquired from the field were used. The salinity of the mud was increased from 0 – 15% by adding KCl, and the fluid loss properties were tested both at LP/LT for both mud and at HP/HT dynamic conditions for the Ca2+ based polymer mud. It was observed that there was a general increase in the mud weight and gel-strength when concentration of KCl was increased. Plastic viscosity, yield point and apparent viscosity of Ca2+ polymer mud reduced as the salinity was increased. For the treated bentonite mud there was a reduction of plastic viscosity, yield point and apparent viscosity from 0 -2% and an increase from 5% – 10%. Also, the fluid loss to the formation increased and the quality of the filter cake formed reduced as the salinity was increased for all conditions tested. Results showed an increase in ROP as the plastic viscosity reduces and vice versa.
Keywords: Bentonite, Polymer, Rate of Penetration, Rheology, Salinity
I. INTRODUCTION
Petroleum being among the world’s most essential natural resources since coal was driven away from the world market due to its environmental problems. Petroleum has been the most significant and most traded commodity in the international trade (Ichenwo and Okotie, 2015). Although there have been alternates and now researchers are still finding an environmentally friendly fuel that will be less costive and profitable to use, petroleum remains the world’s primary source of energy for both industrial and domestic application. However, drilling for oil and gas comes with its enormous disadvantages. Despite these challenges, wells are still being drilled globally. Drilling fluids like the “bathing shampoos” used by humans help to transport cuttings to surface, prevent well-control issues, preserve wellbore stability, minimise formation effects, cooling, and lubrication of the drill string, gives vital information about the well drilled and minimise danger to crew, the environment, and drilling rig. Hence, properly formulating and predicting the behaviour of a drilling fluid remains a core aspect of the drilling operations. Whilst drilling, drilling fluids encounter some contaminates such as drilled solids and salts. These