Improving the Performance of Drilling Fluid Using MgO Nano Particles

Abstract

One of the most important factors that cause formation damage is drilling fluid
invasion caused by mud filtration. Hence, it is essential to minimize the mud filtration in
order to reduce its damage to the formation using drilling fluid additives that control and
minimize the filtration rate. Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanoparticles at different masses
(0.01, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1, and 0.2) gm with water base mud have been investigated in this
research to measure its effect on the filtration rate. Four types of drilling fluid are used in
this research; API water base mud WBM, Saturated salt water mud, DURA THERM mud
and polymer mud. Filtration rate was tested under high temperature high pressure (HTHP)
conditions; at (75 and 100) C and (500 psi), and at room temperature and pressure at (100
psi). The viscosity of all drilling fluid types is measured using a rotational viscometer at
room temperature and atmospheric pressure. In general, the results showed that adding
MgO nano particle helped in reducing the filtration rate of drilling fluid, the best results
were gained in DURA THERM mud and Saturated Salt Water Mud at MgO
concentrationof 0.07gm and 0.2gm, respectively; where the filtrate reduction 60% at 100
C. Also, MgO addition improves rheological properties and drilling fluid stability