Experimental Study of Coconut Fiber as a Fluid Loss Control Additive to Prepare an Eco-Friendly Drilling Fluid

Abstract

Fluid loss from borehole to formation is a prominent challenge that arises during drilling operations. Excessive fluid loss can lead to various issues such as formation damage, well-bore instability, reduced drilling efficiency, and increased operational costs. Chemical additives are used to improve drill-fluid sealing capacity and reduce fluid loss. Chemical additives create harmful impacts on the environment. This research presents an experimental study on coconut fiber to investigate its effectiveness as a fluid loss control additive. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of coconut fiber as a sustainable alternative to chemical additives. The experimental work involves the preparation of drilling fluids using varying concentrations of coconut fiber and evaluating their performance. Laboratory tests are conducted to measure filtration loss, rheological properties, resistivity, pH, mud weight, and sand content of samples. Four different concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% coconut fibers, particle sizes from 125 to 212 µm, are used in the test. The results of this study show that fluid loss is reduced with increasing concentration of coconut fiber. The coconut fiber acted as a bridging and sealing agent, creating thin, impermeable mud cake and minimizing fluid invasion. The findings highlight the potential of coconut fiber as an effective and sustainable option for mitigating fluid loss in drilling operation. The eco-friendly nature of coconut fiber adds to its appeal as a greener alternative in the petroleum industry. The outcomes of this research focus on environmentally conscious drilling practices and promote the practice of biodegradable materials in drilling operations.