Influence of silica nanoparticles on the functionality of water-based drilling fluids

Using nanoparticles into a drilling fluid (mud) is a promising technique that could solve a range of problems presently encountered during drilling operations. This paper reports the development of a novel drilling fluid using a biopolymer/nanoparticle mixture to improve the performance of a water-based mud (WBM) formulation, enhancing rheological, filtration and lubrication properties. The xanthan gum- SiO₂ mixture developed is proposed as a solution to operating challenges in drilling operation, with the synergistic properties of nanoparticles and polymer offering desirable properties. The novel nanofluids characterised by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal-gravimetric analysis. The modified drilling fluids were found to have higher yield point, beneficial for hole cleaning, showed less filtrate loss and more bit lubrication than conventional WBM formulations. Properly engineered, nanoparticles could improve the performance of presently deployed drilling fluids significantly.