Hydrated aluminum silicate and Musa paradisiaca L. bio-waste as fluid loss additives in an aqueous mud system

Fluid loss control is critical in drilling operations to prevent filtrate invasion into permeable formations, which can compromise wellbore stability and increase operational costs. This study evaluates the potential of kaolin (hydrated Aluminum silicate) and bio-waste (Musa paradisiaca) materials as fluid loss control additives in aqueous-based drilling fluids. Hydrated Aluminum silicate, a naturally occurring clay, and green sun/oven-dried bio-wastes (Musa paradisiaca) peels were investigated to test their effectiveness in reducing fluid loss. The additives were incorporated into water-based mud formulations at varying concentrations. Carboxymethyl cellulose was used as the fluid loss agent in the base or control sample. Compared to the control sample with an observed density of 8.9 ppg and filter cake thickness of 2/32-in. (1.59 mm), the proposed combined additives each showed a density of 8.8ppg and filter cake thickness of 3/32-in. (2.38 mm). Sun-dried Musa paradisiaca mixtures showed a slightly higher 30 mins. average fluid loss value than the oven-dried samples, with 13.2 ml and 12.9 ml, respectively. Results indicate that the proposed combined additive materials exhibited understandable fluid loss control properties, in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications. This research highlights the benefits of using environmentally friendly and green materials as sustainable alternatives in drilling fluid designs.