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Influence of green chemicals, biopolymers, and nanoparticles on torque and drag forces during drilling activity

Muhammad Asad, Shaine Mohammadali Lalji, Syed Imran Ali, Hashir Ahmed, Muhammad Ahmed, and Muneeb Burney

Department of Petroleum Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan

Received: 22 January 2024 Accepted: 15 April 2024

Abstract:

The drilling industry, at the crossroads of technological advancement and environmental responsibility, is perpetually in pursuit of novel and sustainable methodologies to enhance drilling fluid performance. As fossil fuel exploration and extraction remain indispensable to the global energy landscape, the imperative to minimize the ecological footprint of these operations has never been greater. This research paper represents a comprehensive investigation into a promising avenue for achieving such novelty by the incorporation of green chemicals, biopolymers, and nanoparticles into drilling mud formulations. This study seeks to unravel the potential of green alternatives in revolutionizing the performance of drilling fluids, particularly in the context of mitigating torque and drag. Torque and drag issues, arising from the interaction between the drill string and the wellbore wall, can be profoundly disruptive. They hamper drilling efficiency, elevate operational costs, and increase environmental burdens. Green chemicals, biopolymers, and nanoparticles are poised to be the vanguards of change in this domain for a more efficient and economically sustainable drilling industry. Notably, the study focuses on the novel application of taro root mucilage as a green chemical, for which limited research exists, alongside sodium alginate as the biopolymer, and graphene oxide as the nanoparticles. This unique combination underscores the innovative nature of the research, as very few studies have explored the potential of taro root mucilage in drilling applications. Rigorous laboratory experiments will follow, under carefully controlled conditions, to scrutinize the rheological properties, lubricity, and overall performance of these formulations. The crucible of these experiments will be the measurement of torque and drag under simulated drilling scenarios, enabling precise quantification of the impact of green chemicals, biopolymers, and nanoparticles on drilling efficiency. We anticipate revelations regarding the potential of green chemicals to minimize environmental impact, the versatility of biopolymers in replacing traditional synthetic polymers, and the astonishing capabilities of nanoparticles in reducing friction and drag within the wellbore. This innovative approach not only highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainability but also underscores the potential for groundbreaking advancements in drilling fluid technology, paving the way for a more efficient, economically viable, and environmentally responsible drilling industry of the future.

Keywords: Torque and drag; Sodium alginate; Graphene oxide; Taro root mucilage

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-024-03469-4

Chemical Papers 78 (9) 5315–5326 (2024)