Session: 11-02-02 Well Drilling Fluids & Hydraulics

Submission Number: 155358

Rheological Modeling of Sustainable Drilling Fluid Optimized for Electromagnetic Geophysical Exploration 

In borehole environments, the use of optimized drilling fluids is critical for enhancing electromagnetic (E-M) geophysical data quality by mitigating the adverse effects caused by significant differences between the electromagnetic properties of borehole water and the surrounding bedrock. The novel sustainable drilling fluid developed at the Drilling Technology Laboratory (DTL) of Memorial University of Newfoundland offers a unique solution, utilizing optimized electromagnetic properties to significantly improve data clarity during borehole E-M surveys.

Despite the promise of this fluid, there has been a notable gap in the detailed study of its rheological behavior, including shear stress changes under different shear rate conditions, which is essential for effective application, particularly in fluid circulation and placement in borehole operations. This study employs numerical modeling to analyze and predict the rheological behavior of the newly developed E-M compatible drilling fluid. The fluid was formulated using weighting agents of different grain sizes to include the effect of underlying factors in determining the optimal rheological model. Through extensive experimental measurements using a conventional rotational viscometer, the behavior of the fluid was modeled using several mathematical models, including Bingham Plastic, Power Law, Herschel-Bulkley, Casson, and Robertson-Stiff models. Experimental data at selected shear rate conditions were used to determine mathematical model constants for each model, after which the shear stress–shear rate curves were plotted based on the confirmed model.

By comparing the experimental results with theoretical predictions using statistical techniques such as absolute average percentage error (ϵ_AAP), and standard deviation of average percentage error (SD_ϵAAP), it was found that the Robertson and Stiff rheological model and the Herschel–Bulkley rheological model accurately predicts fluid rheology for fluids with API Barite and Micro Barite weighting agents, respectively. This research not only fills the critical gap in understanding the rheology of E-M compatible drilling fluids, but also establishes a foundation for selecting the optimal rheological model for hydraulic calculations, improving the overall efficacy of electromagnetic surveying in borehole environments.

Presenting Author: Leila Abbasian Memorial University of Newfoundland

Presenting Author Biography: Leila Abbasian is a dedicated fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Process Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland, with a robust academic background and extensive professional experience. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Technical Inspection Engineering from Petroleum University of Technology in Iran and has six years of professional experience in the petroleum industry, where she specialized in non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques. Her doctoral research leverages her diverse expertise to advance sustainable and innovative solutions in mining and geophysical exploration. At the Drilling Technology Laboratory, she focuses on optimizing environmentally friendly drilling fluids for geophysical surveys. Through numerical modeling and the development of formulations using biodegradable ingredients, she has enhanced the rheology, stability, and electromagnetic (E-M) compatibility of these fluids, reducing E-M wave attenuation and improving geophysical data quality. In borehole geophysics, Leila has utilized advanced FDTD simulations to model electromagnetic wave propagation through Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide minerals, optimizing survey parameters to image these economically significant deposits in complex geological environments. Her work also demonstrates the potential for E-M imaging in low-conductivity host rocks, such as marble and limestone, furthering the development of non-invasive exploration methods. Additionally, she has advanced the characterization of rock formation properties by employing innovative tools and techniques to measure resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and E-M wave velocities, enabling more accurate interpretation of geophysical data. Her interdisciplinary contributions connect drilling engineering, geophysical imaging, and material characterization, driving progress in sustainable mining practices and non-invasive subsurface resource exploration.