Utilizing Nanotechnology to Solve Drilling Problems in Iraqi Oil Fields

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a recent technology which is used in all industry sectors. In the oil and gas industry, this technology is commonly used due to its importance in solving the problems encountered while drilling operations and production stages. Nanotechnology can be used to improve the drilling process by adding nano-materials to drilling fluids in order to reduce drilling problems. This research is extended to previous research that published in journal of petroleum research and studies to compared the effect of nano-materials [Commercial nano-materials Multi Walled Carbone Nano Tube (MWCNT) and nano silicon oxide (SiO₂) with nano-silica (rice husks, that prepared in PRDC labs) on water base drilling mud properties].

All characterization tests were achieved by the Nanotechnology and advanced materials researches center it is belongs to the University of Technology. The investigated properties of drilling mud included rheological properties and filtration. All tests are conducted according to API specifications (American Petroleum Institute).

The results show an improvement in the rheological properties (plastic viscosity, yield point, apparent viscosity and gel strength) and filtration after adding the commercial MWCNT, nano silicon dioxide(Sio₂) and the prepared nano-silica (rice husks) to the water based mud. The results of plastic viscosity of MWCNT,Sio₂ and nano silica(rice husks) are 12,20,8 cp after adding 0.7 gm to the water base mud while the amount of filter is 11.8 ml after adding nano particle size of MWCNT , nanoSio₂ and 11.6 after adding nano silica(rice husks). The prepared nano silica (rice husks) gave results similar to the results of the commercial nano silicon dioxide (SiO2). Therefore, using of nano silica (rice husks) can be cost effective due to producing these materials locally instead of using the commercial nano SiO₂.