Application of Agro-Waste Polysaccharide-Carbonate Blended Bridging Agent: A Dual Solution for Carbon Footprint Reduction and Wellbore Stability Improvement in Offshore Assets of India

Abstract This paper is aimed to investigate effectiveness of smartly blended agro-waste polysaccharide-carbonate bridging materials which was used in improving wellbore stability and drilling efficiency in brownfield environments with complex well bore geometries. This effectiveness of bridging agent also contributes to carbon reduction. Reservoirs in brown fields are depleted and the intricate well profile poses significant challenges for maintaining wellbore integrity during drilling operations. This challenge was addressed by incorporating a smart blend of agro-waste polysaccharide-carbonate based bridging materials, with varying particle sizes, into the drilling fluid. Study was conducted on 34 wells for effectiveness of network structure and the bridging efficiency. Study shows that by pumping over and around 20-25 ppb of bridging material into the drilling fluid system there was decline in seepage losses by 51.89%. Bridging materials enhanced hole cleaning by increasing the gel strength and yield point of the drilling fluid which reduced both Equivalent Circulating Density and fluid loss thus leading to efficient drilling operations and reduction in non-productive time by 46%. The bridging material’s ability to form a strong mud cake with good sealing properties enhances wellbore integrity throughout the drilling process, minimizing mud losses and potential environmental impact. Also, the compatibility of cellulose-carbonate bridging material is both in oil-based and water-based drilling fluid system.