Effect of Nano silica and Salts on Xanthan gum polymer-Bentonite solution

Abstract

The application of nanotechnology shows positive results in the oil and gas industry, with respect to cement, drilling fluid and enhanced oil recovery. In this thesis, an optimized nano-fluid in Xanthan gum (XC) polymer treated bentonite mud system was investigated. The composition of the bestformulated nano-system is: 500g H2O+ 25g Bentonite+ 0.5g XC+ 2.5g KCl+ 0.1g Nano silica. The best-formulated mud system was further analysed for its viscoelastic behaviour. Simulation of its hydraulic and hole cleaning performance were also conducted. The overall result shows that the addition of 0.02 wt.% nano-silica: • Reduces filtrate by 16.67 %. • Improves cutting transport efficiency. • Increases the yield stress and apparent viscosity. Details of the main findings can be found in the conclusion part.