Article citationsMore >>

M. V. Kok, T. Alikaya, “Rheological evaluation of polymers as drilling fluids”, Petroleum Science Technology, Vol. 21, Nos. 1-2, pp. 133, 2003.

has been cited by the following article:

Article

Rheological Behaviour of Eco-friendly Drilling Fluids from Biopolymers

1Department of Environmental Engineering/Industrial Safety, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Nigeria

2Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria


Journal of Polymer and Biopolymer Physics Chemistry. 2014, Vol. 2 No. 3, 50-54
DOI: 10.12691/jpbpc-2-3-2
Copyright © 2014 Science and Education Publishing

Cite this paper:
O.U. Nwosu, C. M. Ewulonu. Rheological Behaviour of Eco-friendly Drilling Fluids from Biopolymers. Journal of Polymer and Biopolymer Physics Chemistry. 2014; 2(3):50-54. doi: 10.12691/jpbpc-2-3-2.

Correspondence to: C.  M. Ewulonu, Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Email: cm.ewulonu@unizik.edu.ng

Abstract

The rheological properties of drilling fluids modified with three biopolymers – carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum polysaccharide (xanplex D), and polyanionic cellulose (PAC-R) have been studied. The effect of concentration of the biopolymers on the drilling fluid was also reported. The modified drilling fluids were found to obey Herschel-Bulkley rheological model. The fluids were also found to be pseudo-plastic with shear thinning behaviour. Polyanionic cellulose showed the highest shear rate and shear stress than carboxylmethyl cellulose and xanplex D. This can be attributed to the straight open long chain structure of PAC-R and its ability to interact with water, solids and with itself. It also acted as a better viscosifier because of the more negative charge it carries. Also, the formulation of biopolymer drilling fluid with bentonite has proven to improve the viscosity than that encountered in normal conventional drilling fluids.

Keywords