| Drilling Optimization by Nanomaterials for HPHT Wells: A Laboratory Experimental Study |
| Paper ID : 1118-ISCH |
| Authors |
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Nabil Sameh Nabil El Sedfy *1, Abdelaziem Abdelaal Mahmoud Abdelaal Mohamed2, Ahmed Nooh3 1M.Sc. Researcher, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez, Egypt; B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering, Future University in Egypt. Email: nesn1@pme.suezuni.edu.eg 2Professor of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez, Egypt 3Professor, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Cairo, Egypt |
| Abstract |
| Background: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) wells pose major challenges, including drilling fluid instability, excessive friction, and reduced rate of penetration (ROP). Conventional oil-based muds (OBM) and water-based muds (WBM) often fail under these conditions, requiring advanced alternatives. Objective: This study investigates the use of nanoparticle-enhanced drilling fluids in HPHT environments, emphasizing their rheological, tribological, thermal, and filtration performance compared to conventional muds. Methods: Laboratory experiments simulated HPHT conditions up to 150 °C using API-standard tests and Modular Compact Rheometer (MCR) analysis. Nanofluids were prepared with optimized surfactant systems and assessed for viscosity, pH, gel strength, friction reduction, thermal stability, and fluid loss. Statistical validation included ANOVA and power analysis. Results: The Mix/0.5 formulation showed the lowest friction factor and stabilized at a consistently low friction facror over sliding distance, demonstrating reliable long-term lubrication. Compared with base fluids, it reduced fluid loss and maintained viscosity stability at 150 °C, while conventional muds broke down. These results confirm that incorporating nanomaterials into drilling fluids leads to increased ROP, reduced torque and drag, improved wellbore stability and enhanced longevity of drilling equipment. Conclusion: Nanoparticle additives significantly enhance drilling fluid performance in HPHT wells. Mix/0.5 is recommended for field trials to improve ROP, stability, and reduce non-productive time (NPT). |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: HPHT Drilling, Nano-Enhanced Drilling Fluids, Rheological Optimization, Tribological Performance, MCR Rheometer, Friction Reduction, Thermal Stability, Temsah Field Application |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |