RESEARCH OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE COMPOSITION OF EMULSION DRILLING FLUIDS ON THEIR PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

Oil-based muds are characterized by thermodynamic instability and even the slightest fluctuations in the quantitative composition of the reagents responsible for the stability or aggregate stability of the system can lead to coalescence of the globules of the dispersed phase of the emulsion and subsequent phase separation. The studies presented in the article show an assessment of the degree of influence of the quantitative composition of the OBM on the stability of the resulting emulsions characterized by the electrical stability parameter. During laboratory tests, 54 different drilling fluid systems based on basic diesel fuel were developed and compared, as the most accessible and widespread basis for OBM. The results obtained in the course of the work are interpreted as dependencies of the growth of electrical stability of emulsions on an increase in the percentage content of the reagent. It was found that among all the components, the greatest influence on the formation of a thermodynamically stable system is exerted by the content of the emulsifier and calcium ions Ca2+ in the form of lime. The authors believe that fatty acids in the emulsifier react with calcium oxide to form calcium soap, thereby stabilizing and making the inverse emulsion stable. The content of calcium chlorides and the structure-forming agent, which is organophilic clay, has a moderate effect. The most optimal water-oil ratio for creating the most effective system has been established. This analysis will allow a more complete understanding of the mechanism of inverse emulsion formation for further control of the OBM process parameters, as well as open up new areas for further research and identification of patterns associated with changes in the component composition of drilling fluids.