Cationic surfactant (CTAB) a multipurpose additive in polymer-based drilling fluids

Drilling fluids are designed to assist drilling by minimizing reservoir damage and increasing productivity of pay zone. Excess fluid loss due to degradation of additives of drilling fluids causes a major problem in real-time drilling. Usages of excess biocides are threat to the environment and cause handling problems. Effect of cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide, a cationic surfactant, on rheology, fluid loss and biocide has been studied in a polymer-based drilling fluid. Inhibitive polymer mud was formulated using XC polymer, shale inhibitors like KCl, K2SO4 and CaCO3 as bridging agent. Rheology and other properties were studied using Fann VG meter, API filter press, mud balance, roller oven apparatus. Dissolved oxygen meter was used to check the microbicidal property of cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide. Addition of cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide increased fluid retention capacity of the fluid even at very low concentration 0.1%(w/v) without affecting the mud properties. Also it is compatible with the commercially available fluid loss preventers like pre-gelatinized starch when used in combination. It also performed well in dissolved oxygen test, suggesting eliminating need of any other biocide to prevent degradation of bio-polymer-based drilling fluid. The dissolved oxygen test results are comparable with commercial available biocides. Thermal stability studies were carried out by using roller oven at different temperatures. It was found suitable for application in high-concentrated brine conditions and at high temperatures up to 120 degrees C without effecting the rheology and shear thinning property of the fluid. Bridging efficiency was investigated by analysing the mud cake using scanning electron microscope.