Development of a nano-based drilling fluid using copper nanoparticles for Upper Assam formations: rheological interpretation

Abstract

Assam shelf holds a high prospective in hydrocarbon exploration and drilling in such areas would lead to economic growth of the country. The research aims to find the puissance of nano-based drilling fluids (NDF) in Upper Assam formations. Exploration of oil from the depleted reservoirs of Upper Assam has made advanced drilling techniques indispensable. The study presents its novelty by formulating a NDF using copper nanoparticles (CNPs) suitable in Upper Assam. Exorbitant cost of nanoparticles (NPs) has been dealt by resorting to in-house synthesis CNPs adopting the technique chemical reduction. Characterization of NPs involved Ultra Violet (UV) Visible Spectrophotometer where absorbance peaks occurred within 500–650 nm, particle size analyzer where average size was 11.2 nm and Fourier transform infrared transform. Effect of CNPs on 2% bentonite drilling mud was analyzed by increasing CNPs concentration from 10% to 50% by mass and effect with increasing temperature, pressure and salinity on optimized mud has been detailed. Around 10% CNPs were effective in water-based drilling fluid. High pressure high temperature analysis indicates an enhanced rheological property as compared to the properties obtained at ambient temperature and pressure, although no change in properties were observed after 120–130 °C.

Keywords:

• chemical reduction
• copper nanoparticles
• drilling fluids
• rheology
• Upper Assam formation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge all the personnel of Drilling fluid laboratory of Department of Petroleum Technology, Dibrugarh University. We extend our gratitude to the Head of Department of Petroleum Engineering, Dibrugarh University and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University for facilitating their laboratory for conducting few experiments. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the personnels of NIPER, Guwahati for their help and support.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.