Analysing the Rheological and Cutting Lift Performance of Colocasia esculenta (spp.) as an Additive for Water Base Mud

Nkemakolam Chinedu Izuwa

Nkemakolam Chinedu Izuwa Department of Petroleum Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Imo State Owerri West-460114, Nigeria.

Abstract

Evaluation of the drilling fluid behaviour calls for the understanding of the rheological properties of the viscosifiers where there are variations in shear rate and shear stress, annular and hole geometry, cutting size, cutting density, mud weight, annular clearance and temperature. The choice mud should have good cutting transport performance and low cost. The main objective of this study is to analyse the rheological performance of locally sourced polymer (Colocassia esculenta (spp.) as water based drilling fluid additive and evaluate the Cuttings Lift Performance (CLP) of the formulated muds. This study formulated mud with viscosifier that is technically, environmentally and economically suitable for Niger delta formation.
In this study experiments were conducted on the rheological properties of two polymers; Poly Anionic Cellulose (synthetic polymer) and Colocassia esculenta. API standard experimental investigation approach was used in this study. The work evaluated the effects of viscosity through change in sample concentration and velocity (change in pump rate) on CLP. The study found that the biopolymer used is technically, environmentally and economically suitable for Niger delta formation. The results obtained showed that the rheology of the local materials compared favourably with the PAC. The cutting lift performance of local colocassia spp ranged from 88% to 97% as the viscosity increases from 10cp to 40cp. If all factors remain the same, increasing viscosity increased the transport efficiency. At a constant viscosity a change to higher flow velocity results to higher transport efficiency. The viscosity-transport efficiency relationship can be used to select the best pump rate based on the required viscosity. CLP is directly proportional to viscosity, velocity and inversely proportional to cutting density. Also the local polymers had better economics than the PAC polymer. If the findings are adequately implemented it will not only increase local content participation but also create jobs. The findings in this study are therefore recommended for a pilot trial for commercialization.

How to cite this article:
Izuwa NC. Analysing the Rheological and Cutting Lift Performance of Colocasia esculenta (spp.) as an Additive for Water Base Mud. J Adv Res Petrol Tech Mgmt 2019; 5(3&4): 1-8.

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