Novel zinc oxide nanoparticles deposited acrylamide composite used for enhancing the performance of water-based drilling fluids at elevated temperature conditions

Abstract

Multifunctional nano-micron composite compared to single nano-sphere materials revealed wide applications to enhance the physical and chemical stability of base fluids. Therefore, it can be a possible solution for the improvement of the rheological properties and shale inhibition characteristics of conventional water-based drilling fluid (WBDF). The primary goal of the study was to investigate the effects zinc oxide nanoparticles-acrylamide composite termed as ZnO-Am composite over rheological and shale swelling behavior of conventional WBDF. Herein, ZnO-Am composite was synthesized and successfully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermalgravimeteric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and field emission electron microscope (FESEM). Results revealed that the rheological properties such as 10-min gel strength (10-min GS), apparent viscosity (AV), and plastic vicscocity (PV) were slightly increased and obtained within operating range at 150 °F by adding the synthesized composite in conventional WBDF. Lubricity was improved by 25% at 150 °F. API filtrate loss volume was reduced by 14%. Elevated temperature and pressure (ETP) filtrate loss volume (500 psi, 250 °F) was slightly minimized. Shale swelling was merely reduced from 16% to 9%. These findings will contribute to enhance the oil and gas well drilling operations.