An Experimental Study To Assess The Impact Of Inorganic Additives On Water-Based Drilling Fluid Performance

Authors

  • Dr Hisham Khaled ben mahmud

Keywords:

WBM, sodium hydroxide, inorganic additives, rheological, physical properties

Abstract

Drilling mud plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and cost-effective drilling operations, but it is often contaminated during the process and can significantly impact the mud's properties. This paper investigates the effects of inorganic additives, specifically sodium hydroxide (NaOH), on the properties of water-based mud (WBM). In this experimental study, six mud samples were prepared alongside a base mud, with three samples contaminated with varying concentrations of NaOH and the other three with different amounts of barite, lime, and calcium sulphate. The study focused on evaluating the rheological and physical properties of the mud at 25°C. The results showed that NaOH positively increased the mud alkalinity, but this was less pronounced as a result of the combinations with other additives like barite and calcium sulphate. This trend is evident when higher NaOH concentrations result in increased fluid loss and decreased gel strength, which can negatively impact the mud's capacity to retain water and uphold structural integrity. However, the moderate doses of NaOH help in accelerating flocculation in the muds and increases the stability as well.

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Published

09-09-2025

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Articles