Effect of nano-clays on the lubricity of drilling fluids

In this study, nano-sepiolite (NSP) was synthesized, dispersed and used as a replacement for regular additives in water-based drilling fluids to enhance its lubricity. Due to its structure and morphology the suspended sepiolite nanoparticles is expected to enhance the stability against segmentation along with better thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. The morphology of the nano-modified drilling fluids and the dispersion of the nano-sepiolite are characterized using XRD and SEM. The influences of various sizes and compositions of the NSP on the stability of drilling fluids on HTHP conditions are investigated. Results revealed that the drilling fluids lubricity and the drillstring axial force transfer were significantly improved by using NSP in the base drilling fluids. The investigations showed that the lubricity and rheological properties of the nanomodified drilling fluids depend on the size and composition of the NSP additive. The studies were performed on normal and HTHP conditions.