Nnaemeka Uwaezuoke

By Nnaemeka Uwaezuoke

New technologies are often sought to mitigate the problems associated with traditional drilling fluid formulations. Nanotechnology provides an alternative. A particle size of matter in the range of 1–100 nm in diameter (d.nm) is referred to as nanoparticle. Nanoparticles are broadly divided into various categories depending on their morphology, size and chemical properties. This size range lends their application in science and engineering. In rotary drilling operations where drilling fluid is at the center, performance and optimization issues have been observed. Use of polymer nanoparticles in mud formulations have been considered due to desirable properties such as wide specific surface area, high temperature stability and pollution resistance. Areas of application and advantages include improvement in mud rheology, fluid loss properties, improved lubricity, filter against hazard materials and cost effectiveness. Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles possess the outlined properties and would continue to offer wider applications in drilling fluid technology now and in the nearest future due to their stable, film forming and gelatinization characteristics. To reliably estimate the quantity of polymeric nanoparticles to use, size and shape should be considered before concentration to apply to make prediction easier. Dispersion of different shapes, sizes and structures of polymeric nanoparticles might be a consideration to enhance polymer influence on fluid formulations.

Part of the book: Drilling Engineering and Technology

By Nnaemeka Uwaezuoke

Screening of models to determine the applicability based on absolute average error is an acceptable approach. It is an appropriate model that guarantees greater accuracy in hydraulic computations. An improperly performed hydraulic calculation would cause poor hole cleaning and drilling cost overrun due to excess rig time. Also, due to inhibiting factors such as gravity, viscous and capillary forces; enhanced oil recovery had been adopted as an alternative mechanism to aid flow in the reservoir. An approach to rheological parameters and model selection is presented. Underlying mechanisms and considerations in the technology of enhanced oil recovery are presented. Rheology of drilling fluid is considered for effective hole cleaning, adequate cuttings suspension, averting barite sag, and prevention of excessive pipe surge and swab pressures. Similarly, the rheological characteristics of enhanced oil recovery fluids are monitored to retard pore blocking and prevent polymer loss during the fluid injection process. Understanding the rheology at a low shear rate range of 0.1–100 s−1 of enhanced oil recovery fluids was highlighted. Advanced rheology equipment, viscoelastic behavior, nano-rheology, and smart fluids are matters of attention.

Part of the book: Advances in Rheology of Materials