Enhancement of Filtration and Rheological Properties of Water-based Drilling Fluid Prepared using Nigerian Ohia Bentonite and Local Additives

Using beneficiated local bentonites as an alternative to imported Wyoming bentonite for drilling fluids preparation has technical, economic, and social advantages. However, the rheological properties of the fluids using these clays deteriorate at high temperatures. The objective of this study was to develop, analyze and optimize new water-based mud prepared using silver nanoparticles-modified Ohia bentonite (SNPMB) in the presence of selected local additives. The rheological and filtration properties of the fluid were investigated. The nanoparticle was synthesized by catalytic reduction of silver ions using plantain peel extract. Characterization of nanoparticles, SNPMB, and local additives was done using UV – Spectroscopy, particle size analyses, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The mud was evaluated by measuring plastic viscosity, yield point, fluid loss, and Gel strength. Ultimately, the obtained result shows that SNPMB exhibited superior rheology and filtration at 212 oF.