Effect of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles and Banana Peels on the Gel Strength of Water Base Mud

Abstract

Gel strength is a very important drilling fluid property as it represents the ability of the drilling fluid to suspend cuttings. Failure to use a mud of right gel strength could result in stuck pipe due to poor cutting suspension and formation damage due to high circulation pressure to break the gel. Nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as very good candidates for smart drilling fluid formation adequate in getting the desired gel strength because it can be used to achieve fluids with tailor made rheological properties, due to their unique physio-chemical properties. This work experimentally looked at determining the effect of magnesium oxides nanoparticles and banana peel on the gel strength of water base mud. Laboratory preparations of four different samples of the mud which include magnesium oxide (MgO) NPs and banana peel were used in this study. The results obtained as represented in a gel strength against time plot shows that sample 1 produced a progressive type gel which started flattened at 1 Ibf/100ft2 with 10sec and 10min gel strength, but increased as static time increases. Sample 2 produced a flat-type gel which started of flat at 2 Ibf/100ft2 with the 10sec and 10min gel strength as same, but didn’t progress steadily as the static time increases. Samples 3 produced a flat-type gel at 10 sec and 10 min; however, a high progressive type gel was obtained when the static time was increased. Also, samples 4 produced low flat-type gel as at 10 sec and 10 min and at higher static time, it maintained a flat type gel when compared to other samples. The use of MgO NPs and banana peel affected the gel strength by increasing it to a desirable type of gelation that can prevent stuck pipe and formation damage which is associated with high circulation pressure needed to circulate the drilling mud.

Keywords: Banana Peel, Gel Strength, Mud, Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles, Bentonite Clay, Local Additives

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-10-08

Publication date:October 31^st 2021