Effect of Fe4O3 Nanoparticles on the Rheological Properties of Water Based Mud

Abstract

Maintaining the viscosity and fluid loss ability during drilling operation is core for a drilling fluid to perform its functions effectively. The unfriendly conditions such as high temperature and pressures encountered as drilling operations cut deeper into formations require robust drilling mud formulae that would provide thermal stabilization of the drilling fluids while maintaining their rheological integrity. This research work investigates the stability of the oxides of Iron nanoparticles on the rheological properties of water based bentonite mud. The work focused on the effect of the nanoparticles on the rheology of the bentonite drilling fluid, as well as, their degree of thermal stabilization on the working fluid. The interactive effects of the iron oxide nanoparticles, temperature and shear rate on the shear stress of the drilling were also analyzed. We also showed quantitative relationship of the nanoparticle, temperature and shear rate at the optimization points of the shear rate.