Experimental Evaluation on Suitability of African Oil Bean Husk as a Fluid-Loss Control Agent in Water-Based Drilling Mud

Abstract

Filtrate loss determines the efficiency of drilling mud. Research on the suitability of African oil bean husk (AOBH) as a fluid loss control additive for water-based drilling mud (WBM) is presented in this article. AOBH was crushed into particle sizes of 63 µm, 125 µm, and 250 µm. The morphology and chemical properties of AOBH were studied with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and a Phenom Prox model of the Scanning Electron Microscope energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). WBM samples containing the various sizes of AOBH as fluid-loss control additives were prepared. Samples containing industrial-grade additives (Grel Alphatex) were prepared. Basic mud tests were carried out on samples. Comparisons of results from the various samples were made. Rheology of mud samples was modeled with the Power Law Model and Herschel-Bulkley Models. Results show that AOBH contains mainly carbon and asphaltic compounds. Mud tests show that the performances of AOBH and industrial grade are comparable. Filter cake thickness was 2.3 mm–2.9 mm for AOBH-additives mud but 2.3 mm for industrial-additives mud. Filtrate loss was 2.3 ml–3.3 ml for AOBH-additives mud but 2.3 ml for industrial-additives mud. The apparent viscosity for AOBH-additives mud was 28-29.5 cp, but 29 cp for industrial-additives mud. Plastic viscosity for AOBH-additives mud was 22-23 cp, but 22 cp for industrial-additives mud. The yield point for AOBH-additives mud was 12-15, but 14 for industrial-additives mud. Use of AOBH did not affect the final gel strength. Both models show that the efficiency of the mud containing AOBH in cleaning the hole increased as the grain size of AOBH reduced. The chemistry of AOBH shows that it is biodegradable and eco-friendly.