A review on nanoparticle addition in base fluid for improvement of biodegradable ester-based drilling fluid properties

Nanotechnology is increasingly capturing the attention of material researchers as this technology pushes the limits and boundaries of the pure material itself. Nanofluids usually contain enhanced physical properties such as thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. The incorporation of such technology can be shifted to the oil and gas industry, especially areas relating to drilling fluid. However, most drilling muds have detrimental effects such as environmental pollution, low degradation of drilling mud and strenuous post-treatment. Thus, the need for the production of a biodegradable drilling fluid is emphasized. However, current limitations imposed on the said drilling fluid restrict its usage on conventional drilling operations. This paper aims to review the effects of addition of powder nanoparticles into base fluid to achieve required criterions of industrial drilling fluid. Generally, the addition of nanoparticles into base fluids will result in better thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficients. The enhancement of thermophysical properties in drilling operations are highly desirable as heat generated from the friction between of drilling bit and the wellbore can be circulated at a higher rate. The addition of nanoparticles also results in changes in electrical conductivity and viscosity of the base fluid. These parameters have been investigated by various researchers and a positive enhancing trend is observed. However, stability of nanofluids has been a wide concern as various researchers struggled to maintain the stability of nanoparticle suspension. Copyright © 2015, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.,.