Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-28-2025

Abstract

Drilling fluids are critical components in hydrocarbon and geothermal well construction, particularly in extreme downhole environments such as deep reservoirs and high-temperature geothermal systems. Key challenges in designing water-based drilling muds (WBDM) for these applications include effective thermal management, maintenance of rheological stability, and enhancement of thermal conductivity under high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Recent advances in nanotechnology suggest that nanoscale additives, such as uniformly dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs), can significantly improve the thermorheological performance of drilling fluids compared to conventional formulations. However, stabilizing critical fluid properties—including viscosity, filtration efficiency, mud cake integrity, and gel strength—remains a persistent challenge in WBDM optimization.This study evaluates the efficacy of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), as performance-enhancing additives in WBDM. MWCNTs were integrated into a standard bentonite-based mud system at concentrations of 0.125, 0.250, 0.500, 0.750, and 1.250 g per 350 mL. The rheological properties (plastic viscosity, yield point, gel strength) and filtration characteristics (API fluid loss, mud cake thickness) of the nanofluid-enhanced muds were systematically assessed under API 13B-1 recommended practices. Comparative analysis revealed a concentration-dependent improvement in performance, with the 1.250 g MWCNT formulation exhibiting optimal results: a 38% reduction in fluid loss, a 22% increase in yield point, and enhanced thermal stability at 120°C. These findings underscore the potential of MWCNTs as high-performance additives for HTHP drilling applications, offering a pathway to improve wellbore stability and operational efficiency in challenging subsurface environments.

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