Session: 11-02-02 Well Drilling Fluids and Hydraulics-2

Submission Number: 181916

Performance Improvement of Drilling Fluids via Nano-Silica Integration 

Objective/Scope
Stuck pipe events are critical of non-productive time (NPT) in drilling operations, often initiated by
excessive filtrate invasion and subsequent wellbore instability. This work investigates the application of
Colloidal Nano Silica as a fluid-loss additive in both water-based and oil-based fluid systems to improve
filter cake integrity and reduce the likelihood of differential stuck-pipe incidents.
Methods/Procedure
Laboratory test were conducted on both water-based and oil-based drilling fluids modified with
Colloidal Nanosilica at concentrations of 2.5% by volume. Additional formulations were prepared by
incorporating Latex and Nanosilica at equivalent concentrations to evaluate potential synergetic effects.
Rheological properties (plastic viscosity and yield point) were measured, and permeability plugging test
(PPT) was performed to quantify fluid loss and filter-cake quality under differential pressure.
Results/Observations
Colloidal Nanosilica addition resulted in a 34-60% reduction in filtrate volume relative to the base fluid
when combined with latex, the filtrate reduction increased significantly to 73-88%, indicating strong
synergistic performance. Rheological data confirmed that Colloidal Nano silica enhanced interparticle
friction, and filter-cake examination revealed more compact structures; supporting improved pore-
throat sealing and reduce fluid invasion.
Conclusions
The findings demonstrate that Colloidal Nanosilica, particularly when coupled with latex, can deliver
substantial improvements in fluid-loss control and filter cake quality. This directly addresses a primary
mechanism leading to stuck pipe, offering a technically robust and cost-effective mitigation strategy.
The novelty of this work lies in extending Colloidal Nanosilica application from general wellbore stability
enhancement to targeted prevention of stuck-pipe events in drilling operations.

Presenting Author: Sara Almulhim EXPEC ARC ARAMCO

Presenting Author Biography: Sara Almulhim is a Petroleum Engineer at Saudi Aramco’s, specializing in drilling fluids, wellbore isolation, and materials innovation. She focuses on developing and evaluating advanced additives for lost circulation and cementing performance, with hands-on field experience in shallow gas drilling operations. Sara is actively involved in research, technology development, and technical publications, including work on integrating unconventional materials to enhance drilling fluid reliability and well integrity. She is a Colorado School of Mines alumna and an emerging voice in drilling research and innovation.

Authors:

Sara Almulhim EXPEC ARC ARAMCO
Aya Aldar EXPEC ARC ARAMCO
Bassam Alghamdi EXPEC ARC ARAMCO
Abdullah Alyami EXPEC ARC ARAMCO