A polymer microsphere emulsion as a high-performance shale stabilizer for water-based drilling fluids
Jian-Gen Xu1, Zhengsong Qiu1, Xin Zhao1
1School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 Shandong P. R. China xujiangen0@163.com qiuzs63@sina.com.
Polymer microsphere emulsion (PME) effectively stabilizes shale formations during drilling. This high-performance additive enhances drilling fluid properties, improving shale stability and reducing hydration potential.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Petroleum Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Shale instability poses significant challenges in drilling operations.
- Nanomaterials offer potential solutions for enhancing shale stability in drilling fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a polymer microsphere emulsion (PME) as a high-performance shale stabilizer for water-based drilling fluids (WDFs).
Main Methods:
- PME was synthesized using emulsion polymerization.
- Particle size analysis determined PME dimensions (90-320 nm).
- Salt tolerance, temperature resistance, plugging performance (pressure transmission tests), and shale hydration inhibition (rolling recovery tests) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- PME demonstrated excellent salt tolerance and temperature resistance.
- Effective plugging of shale pores and reduction in shale permeability were observed.
- PME significantly decreased shale hydration potential, indicating superior inhibition performance.
Conclusions:
- PME is a highly effective shale stabilizer for WDFs.
- The developed PME shows promise for improving drilling operations in shale formations.
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