Development of a nano-based drilling fluid using copper nanoparticles for Upper Assam formations: rheological interpretation

Assam shelf holds a high prospective in hydrocarbon exploration and drilling in such areas would lead to economic growth of the country. The research aims to find the puissance of nano-based drilling fluids (NDF) in Upper Assam formations. Exploration of oil from the depleted reservoirs of Upper Assam has made advanced drilling techniques indispensable. The study presents its novelty by formulating a NDF using copper nanoparticles (CNPs) suitable in Upper Assam. Exorbitant cost of nanoparticles (NPs) has been dealt by resorting to in-house synthesis CNPs adopting the technique chemical reduction. Characterization of NPs involved Ultra Violet (UV) Visible Spectrophotometer where absorbance peaks occurred within 500-650 nm, particle size analyzer where average size was 11.2 nm and Fourier transform infrared transform. Effect of CNPs on 2% bentonite drilling mud was analyzed by increasing CNPs concentration from 10% to 50% by mass and effect with increasing temperature, pressure and salinity on optimized mud has been detailed. Around 10% CNPs were effective in water-based drilling fluid. High pressure high temperature analysis indicates an enhanced rheological property as compared to the properties obtained at ambient temperature and pressure, although no change in properties were observed after 120-130 degrees C.