Usage of Nanoparticles in Synthetic Based Mud(SBM): A Study for Rheology Properties and Fluid Loss Control

Synthetic based mud (SBM) has been widely used in drilling operation because of it good properties. But for the challenge in the future, operator companies might encounter with different behavior of well that will lead to a serious problem. It is believed that by using nanoparticles in drilling fluid, it will improve it properties such as rheology properties and fluid loss properties. Nano silica is among the candidates of nanoparticles that are expected to give positive result in both properties. In this study, the main focus is on the changes of characteristics of drilling mud by adding it with nano silica. The properties of drilling fluid might be improved or vice versa. Mud laboratory tests such as density, viscosity, gel strength and HTHP filtration were carried out from different range of oil-water ratio to get the suitability properties for drilling operation and level of safety. Initial test shows that by adding nanoparticles in drilling fluid, it gave positive result in the ability to reduce fluid loss rate. Therefore, this paper tried to prove that by adding nanoparticles in drilling fluid, the abilities of drilling fluid is going to be improved.