Applying graphene oxide Nanosheets(GONSs) in WBM to enhance its properties and well bore stability: A literature review

The petroleum industry has recently demonstrated a growing interest in incorporating nanomaterials into drilling fluid applications. This incorporation has revealed a remarkable ability of nano-additives to improve drilling fluids’ efficiency and performance. The two-dimensional honeycomb lattice graphene oxide nanosheets (GONSs) have received significant attention for drilling fluid applications. Adding a small quantity of GONSs into water-based drilling fluids can enhance their efficiency and properties. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent synthesizing methods of GO nanosheets. In addition, the rheological properties of water-based mud, such as plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and fluid loss will be examined using both unmodified and surface modified GONSs. The effect of GONSs on shale wellbore stability will also be analysed based on recent experimental studies. The results showed that incorporating GONSs in WBM has a significant impact on shale wellbore stability by physically plugging the nano-sized pores of shale formation. This minimizes the interaction between water molecules and shale formation and preventing shale hydration and swelling. The GONSs as WBM additives have enhanced the rheological and filtration properties. It also produces much more compacted filter cakes compared to those formed by conventional clay-based materials. However, future research should explore the use of GONSs in oil-based muds (OBMs), evaluate their properties, and compare the results with conventional WBMs. Additionally, most GO-WBM research studies were conducted on a laboratory scale, so it is necessary to be examined on an industrial scale. The toxicity effect of GO nanosheets should also be evaluated before utilizing them in drilling operations. • Oxygenated functional groups on the surface and edge of GONSs enhanced their dispersibility in a variety of solvents. • GONSs showed stronger swelling inhibition capability compared to conventional (KCl) inhibitor. • GONSs enhanced shale wellbore stability, by physically plugging the nano-pores of shale formations. • GONSs as WBM additives enhanced the PV, YP, and GS of the mud system. • Thinner and compacted filter cakes formed by GONSs.