The Formulation Of Water Based Drilling Fluid From Local Materials

The fluid loss property of mud formulated with variable quantities of starch and cellulose extracted from cassava and their rheological properties have been studied. The outcome was compared with those of the standard mud formulated from Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC) and Industrial starc. The results show that increasing the concentration of starch in the mud system does not give a significant change in fluid loss property. Which suggest that Cellulose is a better fluid loss control agent than Starch. Hence these polymers have potentials as polymeric additives for drilling mud. Also, the water loss analysis showed that the local drilling fluid has a lower fluid loss of between 3.20-7.70 mls and a Plastic viscosity (PV) value of 10 centipoids (Cp) as against 14 Cp of the standard mud. Confirming that the local (Polymer) mud has the ability to maintain optimal pressure and torque in the borehole, hence preventing the problem of stuck pipe during drilling operations. Again, the Polymer mud has a yield point of 30lbs/1000ft2 as against 42lbs/1000ft2 of the standard mud. Confirming that the polymer mud conforms to the standard range of (30-40lbs/1000ft2) as the required range of Yield Point (YP) that will ensure the removal of cuttings from a large diameter hole.