Rheological Properties and Emulsion Stability Performance of Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluid using Emulsifier Derived from Waste Cooking Oil

• Published in: Chemical Engineering Transactions
• Main Author: Sauki A.; Zainal Abidin Z.H.; Mohd Yazid N.A.A.; Ghazali N.A.; Nik Ab. Lah N.K.I.; Wan Bakar W.Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italian Association of Chemical Engineering - AIDIC 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85207857976&doi=10.3303%2fCET24112039&partnerID=40&md5=8fcb04b5e9901040ac1f5071693f9389

This study investigates the rheological properties and emulsion stability of invert emulsion drilling fluids using emulsifiers derived from waste cooking oil (FA-WCO) compared to commercial emulsifiers (CPE) and stearic acid (FA-SA). The objective is to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective emulsifier for high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling conditions. The research involved preparing oil-based mud (OBM) samples at varying oil-water ratios (70/30, 80/20, 90/10) and temperatures (250°F and 400°F) and analyzing their performance using different emulsifiers. The findings revealed that the FA-WCO emulsifier exhibited comparable rheological behavior and emulsion stability to the CPE, with an optimal performance at an 80/20 oil-water ratio and 250°F. The plastic viscosity and yield point of FA-WCO were similar to those of CPE, and the emulsion stability was also closely matched. Stearic acid (FA-SA) showed higher plastic viscosity, yield point and gel strength but struggled with thermal stability at temperature more than 250°F. The study concludes that emulsifiers derived from waste cooking oil offer a sustainable and effective alternative for drilling operations, reducing environmental impact and promoting the recycling of waste materials. The results recommend the adoption of FA-WCO as a viable emulsifier in the oil and gas industry, particularly for HPHT drilling applications. Copyright © 2024, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.