Effect of Nano silica and salts on CMC/PAC polymer –Bentonite fluid system

Master's thesis in Petroleum engineeringDrilling fluids are an integral part of drilling operations. The quality of the fluid system determines the success of drilling operations. Recently the application of nanotechnology shows positive results in cement, drilling fluid and enhanced oil recovery. However the application of nano technology is not yet fully investigated. This thesis presents the effect of nano silica on CMC based water based bentonite fluid system. The objective was to formulate an optimized nano-additive system, which improves the rheology and filtrate performances of a conventional water based fluid system. Several combinations of brine treated and polymer (CMC and PAC) treated systems were tested. From the overall tests, • The result shows that the mixture of 0,3g Nano silica + 0,5g CMC + 2,5g NaCl +2,5g KCl in bentonite/H2O (25g/500g) was found to be the best fluid system with respect to the desired rheology and fluid loss. • The hydraulics and cutting transport efficiency of the best optimized system was simulated and the result shows improved performance compared with nano free, fluid system. • The viscoelasticity and flow in porous media of the optimal fluid system were also evaluated