Comparative assessment of Mucuna solannie as an alternative fluid loss control material in synthetic drilling fluid design

Abstract

AbstractIn recent years, research using biomaterials in drilling fluid design has thrown light on their biodegradability, availability and low cost. Apart from these, they have in some cases shown properties superior to those of synthetic materials. This research assessed Mucuna solannie as a fluid loss control agent, looking at its fluid loss, filter cake quality, rheology and comparing them with those of Sodium Asphalt Sulfonate, a commonly used drilling mud additive. It assessed the additives at varying concentrations of 2 ppb, 4 ppb, 6 ppb and 8 ppb. The results obtained were filtrate volumes of 5.5 against 4.8 at 2 ppb, 5.0 against 4.5 at 4 ppb, 4.5 against 4.2 at 6 ppb, and 4.1 against 3.8 at 8 ppb, all at 30 min. Field standard value is 5.0 ml fluid loss. Filter cake thickness was1mm for all concentrations of Mucuna solannie. On rheology, plastic viscosity, yield point and yield stress were 27cP against 28cP, 19Ib/100ft2 against 19Ib/100ft2, and 5Ib/100ft2 against 6Ib/100ft2, showing slight difference in their rheological properties.