Development of High-Thermal-Conductivity Inhibitive Drilling Fluid with Nano-CuO and Cationically Modified Poly(Vinyl...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Petroleum Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Wellbore instability in water-sensitive formations poses significant drilling challenges.
• Existing drilling fluids often struggle with heat transfer and inhibition in these complex environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the heat-transfer performance and inhibitive properties of drilling fluids for water-sensitive formations.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of CuO nanoparticles and cationically modified poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVAG) on drilling fluid performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized PVAG by grafting GTMAC onto PVA.
• Incorporated CuO nanoparticles (NCs) into the PVAG drilling fluid.
• Evaluated NC-PVAG compatibility and their impact on bentonite clay swelling and drilling fluid properties.

Main Results:

• Successful grafting of GTMAC onto PVA confirmed.
• PVAG significantly reduced bentonite interlayer spacing and dispersibility.
• CuO NCs reduced water infiltration, while PVAG stabilized NCs, creating a thermal conductivity network.
• Synergistic improvement in drilling fluid inhibition and heat transfer observed.

Conclusions:

• The combined use of CuO nanoparticles and PVAG offers a promising solution for improving drilling fluid performance in water-sensitive formations.
• This approach provides a valuable reference for selecting drilling fluid systems in complex geological conditions and deep well drilling.