Evaluation of Moringa Oleifera Lam. biomass as a sustainable lost circulation material for high-permeability formations: a thermal analysis and fluid invasion approach

Abstract This study evaluates the potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. biomass as a sustainable and thermally stable lost circulation material (LCM) for high-temperature drilling operations, utilizing a comprehensive thermal analysis and fluid invasion approach. Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG) revealed high thermal stability, with the initial thermal degradation of key organic fractions occurring between 198 and 383 °C and a major mass loss observed up to 600 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterized the energetic transitions of the biomass, identifying distinct endothermic events associated with moisture desorption (49–98 °C) followed by exothermic peaks (400–424 °C) corresponding to the thermal decomposition of structural polymers. Complementary X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed that the fiber’s crystalline cellulose framework and robust morphological architecture remain intact under moderate thermal stress. The thermophysical integrity of the biomass directly correlates with its macromolecular sealing performance; fluid invasion tests conducted at a differential pressure of 100 psi under ambient-temperature conditions in severe, high-permeability media demonstrated that a concentration of 17 ppb of the thermally stable fibers effectively bridged the porous networks of a 20/40 mesh sand bed, successfully restricting fluid invasion to less than 5 cm and establishing a low-permeability external filter cake. These findings indicate that Moringa oleifera Lam. biomass possesses the necessary thermal and structural endurance to serve as an eco-friendly and high-performance LCM in high-temperature engineering applications.