Synthesis of Loss Circulation Agent From FeCl ₂ /FeCl ₃ ‐Coconut Husk‐Orange Peel Particles for Water‐Based Drilling Fluid: Parametric Optimization and Statistical Analysis

It is imperative for small entrepreneurs to find potentials in using agrowastes to synthesize useful industrial materials in order to transform the society into zero waste. In this study, the Taguchi design methodology was adopted as statistical and parametric optimization device to examine the efficacy of FeCl 2 /FeCl 3 ‐coconut husk‐orange peel (CH‐OP) particles as loss circulation agent in water‐based drilling fluid (WBDF). The influence of CH‐OP mass, magnetite solution volume, NaCl concentration, and temperature on the filtration and rheological properties of WBDF was tested. The effect of different WBDF formulations on core samples prepared from unconsolidated sandstone and shale was investigated via formation damage measurement. At optimum predicted point, 17.1 cP, 5.06 mL, 21.8 Lb/100 ft 2 , 0.44 mm, and 25.5 Lb/100 ft 2 were recorded for plastic viscosity, filtrate volume, gel strength, mud cake thickness, and yield point, respectively. Optimum formation damage of 10.84% was obtained at CH‐OP mass, NaCl concentration, temperature, and pressure of 5 g, 6 wt%, 55°C, and 150 psi, respectively. Particles possess smooth and evenly distributed lattice structure. Carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, and thiol are present on WBDF surface. In conclusion, presence of FeCl 2 /FeCl 3 ‐CH‐OP particles in WBDF enhanced its suitability for application in drilling operation.