Investigation of the effects on rheological and filtration properties of water-based drilling mud of boron minerals: An experimental study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effect on the rheological and filtration properties of water based drilling fluid of boron minerals. For this purpose, water-based drilling mud was prepared and borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O) with a particle size of 45 mu m, ulexite (NaCaB5O9.8H2O) with a particle size of 75 mu m and colemanite (Ca2B6O11.5H2O) with a particle size of 100 mu m with different concentrations 1-5 (% w/v) are separately added. The characterization of borax, uleksite and colemanite are examined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The rheological properties such as apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, yield point and gel strength of the developed mud systems adding boron minerals were determined with a FANN viscometer. The filtration properties were examined using an API Filter Press. All physical measurements were carried out according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. Borax, ulexite and colemanite added (1-5% w/v) drilling muds rheological and filtration properties then compared to each other and the additive free water based drilling mud. The rheological and filtration properties of the developed mud systems are compared to original (additive free) mud system and with each other respectively. It is observed that boron additives improve the rheological properties of the drilling mud. Borax and colemanite have a better effect compared to ulexite. Filtration properties such as filtrate loss and filter cake thickness are increased compared to the original mud system but still in the reference value range and can be implemented to drilling operations.