Alginic acid derived polymer/ZnO-nanoparticle composite fluid influence on the characteristics of the water-based muds

In recent times, concerns have been mounting over the environmental repercussions of chemical additives that are utilized to boost the effectiveness of water-based drilling fluids. The advent of nanoparticles and biopolymers as unconventional additives in drilling muds presents a promising solution to these concerns. This research introduces a groundbreaking method by employing sodium alginate, a biopolymer, and zinc oxide, a nanoparticle, to alter the rheological characteristics of water-based drilling muds. Five samples were prepared with different concentrations of the additives, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 g each. The apparent viscosity, yield point, plastic viscosity, gel strength, rheological behavior, thixotropic index, and transport index of these samples were then measured. The results revealed that there was minimal impact on the mud weight, while the yield point rose distinctly from the 0.1 to 0.4 g samples; an indicator of better cuttings suspension. At 0.5 g, the YP reduced due to cross-linking behavior. The plastic and apparent viscosity also displayed marked increment; but decreased at the highest concentration of 0.5 g; due to particle clustering and their dense arrangement. Non-Newtonian and shear thinning characteristics were observed in the dynamic viscosity. Furthermore, the transport index improved with increasing concentrations up to the fourth sample, indicating effective cuttings transport, but decreased in the highest concentration sample, reflecting reduced efficiency. Additionally, the thixotropic index also increased, demonstrating enhanced stability of the drilling mud under dynamic conditions. Overall, while sodium alginate and ZnO-nanoparticles positively influenced the drilling mud’s rheological properties, excessive concentrations may lead to agglomeration and adverse effects.