sustainability

Article
Effect of pH on Rheological and Filtration Properties
of Water-Based Drilling Fluid Based on Bentonite
Hany Gamal , Salaheldin Elkatatny * , Salem Basfar and Abdulaziz Al-Majed
Petroleum Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Box 5049, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia;
g201706870@kfupm.edu.sa (H.G.); g201407960@kfupm.edu.sa (S.B.); aamajed@kfupm.edu.sa (A.A.-M.)
* Correspondence: elkatatny@kfupm.edu.sa; Tel.: +966-594663692




Received: 5 November 2019; Accepted: 25 November 2019; Published: 27 November 2019


Abstract: The design of drilling fluids is very important for the drilling operation success.
The rheological properties play a key role in the performance of the drilling fluid. Therefore,
studying the mud rheological properties of the water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite is
essential. The main objectives of this study are to address the effect of pH changes on the rheological
and filtration properties of the water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite and to provide a
recommended pH range for this drilling fluid for a safe and high-performance drilling operation.
Different samples of the water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite with different pH values were
prepared, and the rheological properties such as plastic viscosity, yield point, and gel strength were
measured. After that, the filtration test was performed under 300 psi differential pressure and 200 ◦ F.
The pH for the water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite significantly affects the mud rheology.
The shear stress and shear rate relation were varying with the change in the pH. Increasing the pH
from 8 to 12 resulted in decreasing the plastic viscosity by 53% and the yield point by 82%, respectively.
The ratio of yield point / plastic viscosity was 1.4 for pH of 8 while it decreased to 0.5 for a pH of 11
and 12. There was a significant decrease in the gel strength readings by increasing the pH. The filtrate
volume and filter cake thickness increased by increasing pH. The filtration volume increased from
9.5 cm3 to 12.6 cm3 by increasing the pH from 9 to 12. The filter cake thickness was 2 mm at 9 pH,
while it was increased to 3.6 mm for 12 pH. It is recommended from the results to keep the pH of
water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite in the range of 9 to 10 as it provides the optimum mud
rheological and filtration properties. The findings of this study illustrated that keeping the pH in the
range of 9 to 10 will reduce the plastic viscosity that will help in increasing the rate of penetration and
reducing the required pump pressure to circulate the mud to the surface which will help to sustain
the drilling operation. In addition, reducing the filtrate volume will produce a thin filter cake which
will help in avoiding the pipe sticking and protect the environment. In general, optimizing the pH of
the water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite in the range of 9 to 10 will improve the drilling
operation and minimize the total cost.

Keywords: bentonite mud; water-based drilling fluid; rheological properties; filtration properties;
pH effect

1. Introduction
The drilling fluids are critical in the oil and gas drilling operations. To reach the target formations
in the well, the drilling fluid program should be designed carefully to safely drill the well with
economical wise. Drilling fluids cost is considered to share a portion of around 25–40% of the total
drilling operations cost [1]. Some problems that occur during the drilling operations such as mud
losses will add more cost to the total drilling cost. Several factors affect the ratio of the drilling fluid
cost to the total drilling cost, such as well location, drilled formation type, and other technical problems

Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714; doi:10.3390/su11236714 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 2 of 13

that might be encountered during the drilling operations [2,3]. The drilling fluids can be classified
according to their base such as water-based, oil-based, gas-based, or synthetic-based, and all types are
used in variable situations and with different additives [4]. Among these types, the water-based mud is
the most commonly used drilling fluid [5]. The drilling mud is designed based on several factors and it
should primarily be designed to control the formation pressure and to be environmentally friendly [4].
The mud design must consider the formation temperature, losses zones, and shale induced problems.
The drilling fluids should provide the essential functions, including carrying cuttings out of the hole
[hole cleaning], cooling and lubricating the drill string, providing wellbore stability, and should avoid
damaging the formation. Moreover, the drilling fluids transfer the hydraulic power from the surface to
downhole motors.

1.1. Bentonite in Drilling Fluids

Bentonite is a montmorillonite clay which is used with the drilling fluids to provide the required
rheology [6–9]. Bentonite mainly used with water-based mud (WBM) to provide significant functions
such as increasing the viscosity and filtration control [10]. Bentonite interacts chemically with the water
and swells as it absorbs the water as a result. Bentonite as clays are naturally absorbent, and when the
bentonite is exposed to water, bentonite attracts the positively charged surfaces in water to its negative
face by electrostatic attraction forces [11]. This phenomenon enables the bentonite to absorb seven to
10 times its weight and swell up to 18 times its original volume [12]. Bentonite reacts chemically with
several organic materials and forms compounds that are mainly used as gelling agents [13]. The mud
gel strength is important for carrying the drilled cuttings in case no mud circulated.
Sodium bentonite is used in the drilling mud, is highly dispersive, and has a high swelling
capability. Calcium bentonite is another type of bentonite, but it is not appropriate to be used as drilling
fluid additive since it has the small swelling capability and it affects the mud rheology badly [10].
The raw bentonite is extracted and processed through many purification operations to be properly
used with the drilling fluids. Mechanical and chemical processes are conducted for the raw bentonite
such as sieving or adding chemicals to separate the pure bentonite from the impurities. The good
quality of bentonite affects the mud rheological properties as it provides the essential viscosity and
filtration loss [14–16].

1.2. Effect of Bentonite on Mud Rheology

Mud rheology is a very important property for the drilling fluids, which should be stable
under various conditions while drilling to avoid any problems in the drilling operations. Mud
rheological properties in terms of plastic viscosity, gel strength, etc. are tested frequently while
drilling. Such properties are measured on a continuous basis during the drilling operations and
should be adjusted by adding additives or dilution to meet the mud program design. Bentonite is
one of the mud additives and its concentration should be evaluated as it affects the mud rheological
properties [17]. The downhole pressure and temperature conditions affect the mud rheological
properties. Therefore, flat-rheology fluid is designed to overcome the high-pressure, high-temperature
HPHT drilling conditions. The rheology modifiers additives should provide a good profile for the
HPHT applications [18].
Recently, research trends are directed to produce low solid content drilling fluids which require
replacing some amount of bentonite by another nanoparticle for the drilling mud composition [19,20].
That low solid content fluid has several advantages, such as increasing the drilling rate of penetration,
forming a thin filter cake layer, decreasing the friction losses, shale inhibition, and improving the
rheological and filtration properties [21]. However, one of the main disadvantages of the low solid
drilling fluid is the low carrying capacity of the drilled cuttings by the drilling mud [11]. Therefore, many
kinds of research have been performed to improve the mud carrying capacity for the drilled cuttings by
using additives to modify the mud rheological properties. Such additives include graphene oxide [22]
and CuO and ZnO [23]. In addition, another work was conducted to modify the mud rheology
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 3 of 13

using synthetic polymers such as terpolymer [24], amphoteric polymer [25], and copolymer [26].
The nanotechnology was also applied for the mud rheology modification [27–30].
Song et al. [8,9] studied the effect of using a small amount of cellulose nanoparticles to replace
bentonite amount to modify the drilling fluid rheology. The study showed that the new formulation
modified the mud rheological properties. The use of the cellulose nanoparticles formed a more
negatively-charged surface on bentonite particles, increased the solution stability, and provided low
fluid viscosity [31].
Ahmad et al. [19] studied the bentonite-polymer dispersions effect on the mud rheology and
filtration properties. The study showed that bentonite-polymer dispersions greatly improved the
rheological properties of the drilling fluid which indicates the ability of the bentonite-polymer to
enhance the drilling fluid performance.
Li et al. [11] studied adding the chitin nanocrystals that are isolated from speckled swimming
crab shell waste to the bentonite water-based mud as a rheology modifier. The results showed
an improvement in the mud rheological and filtration properties. Saboori et al. [20] incorporated
copper oxide/polyacrylamide nanocomposite into the bentonite water-based mud. The nanocomposite
additive found to be more effective for filtration and mud rheology when it is added to water-based mud.
The high-temperature affects the bentonite particles dispersions. The bottom hole high temperatures
lead to bentonite aggregation, which could be prevented by adding several additives such as synthetic
polymers, polysaccharides, cellulose, or starch as thinners [32].
Kanna et al. [33] studied the effect of bentonite and other mud additives on the mud optimum
design in terms of mud rheology, pH value, and filtration properties. Huang et al. [34] showed that
API Bentonite slurries displayed unusual rheology at low pH. The drilling fluid yield stress and
viscosity had low values at low pH, and maximum yield stress and viscosity was found to be at pH
9. Akinade et al. [35] showed that the bentonite clay needed further improvements to be used in the
drilling fluids to provide an optimum mud rheological and filtration properties as API standards.
Kuma et al. [36] provided a study for the bentonite-based mud for properties improvement. The study
tested adding carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium salt, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA)
polymer, and polyacrylamide, and the results showed an improvement in the mud rheological and
filtration properties.
In addition, different polymers have been used in other filed applications such as polymer flooding
for heavy oil reservoirs to increase the oil recovery [37,38]. The polymer flooding showed an economic
profit performance than the steam-assisted gravity drainage system for heavy oil reservoirs [39].

1.3. Effect of Bentonite-Based Mud on Drilling Performance

From actual field data, it was found that bentonite-based mud had a bad effect on the penetration
rate performance, and so it was recommended to reduce the bentonite amount as much as possible
or to use another alternative than bentonite [40]. In the study, all the other factors that can affect
the ROP as the hole size, weight on bit (WOB), rotation speed (RPM), bit type, drilled formation, bit
hydraulics, and the mud type are similar to eliminate their effect. The study results showed that there
is a direct relation between ROP and the mud viscosity, as ROP increased by 58% for adjusted mud
rheological properties.
It is common in the Middle East to drill the surface hole sections with a spud mud composed
of pre-hydrated bentonite. The shallow formations are soft and it is supposed to have losses during
mud circulation. From practical, it is recommended to add thinner for the mud formula in case of the
bentonite content 35–50 lb/bbl to control the mud viscosity. Due to the environmental constraints, using
the inverted emulsion muds to drill the surface sections is not allowed. Bentonite-based spud mud is
considered as an alternative to drill the surface sections. However, it is reported in the daily drilling
data that the ROP decrease when using the bentonite-based mud when compared with emulsion mud,
as shown in Figure 1. The real field drilling data showed that using emulsion mud system showed
better ROP performance than using the high bentonite mud systems.
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Figure 1. Drilling ROP comparison between bentonite-based and emulsion muds (Field Data).

From the literature review, it is clear that bentonite affects the mud rheological and filtration
Figure 1. Drilling
Drilling ROP comparison between bentonite-based and
and emulsion muds
muds (Field Data).
properties,Figure
and 1.the mud ROP comparison
rheology design between bentonite-based
is critical for the drilling emulsion
operation. (Field Data). the
In addition,
bentonite-based
From mud rheology affectsisthe ROP, so bentonite
it will have an impact on the well drilling cost. The
From the the literature
literature review,
review, it it is clear
clear that
that bentonite affects affects the
the mud
mud rheological
rheological and and filtration
filtration
work that has beenthe
properties, discussedrheology
above mostly studied the additives used foroperation. the bentonite-based mud
properties, and and the mud mud rheologydesign designisiscritical
criticalforforthethedrilling
drilling operation. In addition,
In addition,the
rheology modifier.
bentonite-based mud Li et al.
rheology [11] focused
affects the on
ROP, the
so pH
it effect
will have for
an the
impactbentonite
on the water-based
well drilling mud
cost. The
the bentonite-based mud rheology affects the ROP, so it will have an impact on the well drilling cost.
containing
work thatchitin
has has nanocrystals
been discussed as a mud
above modifier.
mostly studied They showed
thethe
additives that theforimprovement in the mud
The work that been discussed above mostly studied additivesusedused forthe thebentonite-based
bentonite-based mud mud
rheology
rheology was found
modifier. when
Li et the
al. pH
[11] changed
focused from
on theneutral
pH to
effect acidic,
for and
the that
bentonite might cause
water-based tubularmud
rheology modifier. Li et al. [11] focused on the pH effect for the bentonite water-based mud containing
corrosion.
containing The previous
chitin discussion
nanocrystals as aindicates
mud They that theThey
modifier. effect of pH that
showed control
the on the bentonite
improvement water-
in rheology
the mud
chitin nanocrystals as a mud modifier. showed that the improvement in the mud
based mud
rheology did
was not
foundstudy very well in the literature.
was found when the when the pH from
pH changed changedneutralfromtoneutral
acidic, to andacidic, and that
that might causemight cause
tubular tubular
corrosion.
In this study,
corrosion. The the effectdiscussion
previous of changing the pH that
indicates of water-based
the effect mud
of pH based
control onon bentonite
the on the mud
bentonite water-
The previous discussion indicates that the effect of pH control on the bentonite water-based mud did
rheology
based and did
mud filtration
not properties
study very willin
well bethe
extensively
literature. studied. Figure 2 illustrates a sketch that shows
not study very well in the literature.
the change
In in the mud properties with the change of
ofthe pH vale. Amud recommendation of the on
optimum
In this
thisstudy,
study,the theeffect
effectofofchanging
changing thethepHpH water-based
of water-based based
mud on bentonite
based on bentonite theonmud
the
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rheology pH andfor this fluid
filtration type will
properties be provided
will be based
extensively on the
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Figure results.
2 Sustain
illustrates a the
sketchrheological
that shows
mud rheology and filtration properties will be extensively studied. Figure 2 illustrates a sketch that
properties
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thethedrilling
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thewith
change important
the pHofvale.which will help the driller
A recommendation to drill
of the the
optimum
shows the change in the mud properties the change the pH vale. A recommendation of the
hole faster
range and
for pH reduce
for this the total
fluidfortype cost of the drilling operation. In addition, optimizing the rheological
optimum range for pH thiswill be provided
fluid type will basedbe providedon the obtained
based onresults. Sustainresults.
the obtained the rheological
Sustain
properties
properties will
of minimize
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important bearing
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help the to protect
driller to help the
drill the
the rheological properties of the drilling fluid while drilling is very important which will the
environment.
hole faster andthe reduce the total
driller to drill hole faster andcost of the
reduce thedrilling
total cost operation. In addition,
of the drilling operation.optimizing the rheological
In addition, optimizing
The usedwill
properties materials
minimize andorthe experimentalfluid
eliminate procedure to will be explained information
Section 2. toResults and
the rheological properties will minimizethe or eliminate loss the any
fluid water bearing
loss to any water protect
bearing formation the
to
discussion will
environment. be explained in details in Section 3. Finally, the summary and the conclusion will be
protect the environment.
explained
Thein Section
used 4.
materials and the experimental procedure will be explained in Section 2. Results and
discussion will be explained in details in Section 3. Finally, the summary and the conclusion will be
explained in Section 4.

Figure 2. Change
Figure in the
2. Change mud
in the properties
mud with
properties changing
with thethe
changing pH.pH.

Figure 2. Change in the mud properties with changing the pH.

Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 5 of 13

The used materials and the experimental procedure will be explained in Section 2. Results and
discussion will be explained in details in Section 3. Finally, the summary and the conclusion will be
explained in Section 4.

2. Materials and Experimental Procedure

2.1. Materials
The water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite (WBDFBOB) was mixed. Table 1 shows the
composition of the WBDFBOB used in this study. The mud composed of water that represents the base
fluid, bentonite as viscosifier, caustic soda to control the water activity, lignosulphonate for bentonite
de-flocculation [41], and starch was used for fluid losses control. The formula used represents the
base case for the study and other scenarios of changing only the pH for the formula were performed.
Changing the pH was performed by increasing the amount of sodium hydroxide [NaOH] of the mud
to reach the desired pH value.

Table 1. Composition of HBWBDF.

Item Amount, g Function

Water 340 Base fluid
Bentonite 40 Viscosifier
Caustic Soda 0.5 Water Activity
Lignosulphonate 3 Dispersant
Starch 3 Fluid loss control

2.2. Experimental Program

The water-based drilling fluid based on bentonite mud formulation in Table 1 was used to prepare
the mud samples as follows:

1. Different samples of bentonite-based mud were mixed for different pH values [8–12].
2. Density was measured at ambient conditions for each sample.
3. Measurements for the rheological properties such as plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP),
and gel strength [10-seconds, 10-minutes, 30-minutes readings] were obtained using the mud
rheometer at a temperature of 120 ◦ F and atmospheric pressure.
4. Filtration test was performed. The test was performed using the high-pressure, high-temperature
filter cell under 300 psi differential pressure and 200 ◦ F, and using a 25-micron ceramic disk.
The test extended for 40 minutes until no flow out.
5. The filtrated volume and filter cake thickness was measured for each mud sample.

The drilling fluid pH was measured using the pH meter with an accuracy of ±0.05 while the mud
density was measured using the mud balance with an accuracy of ±0.1. The rheological properties
were obtained using the Fan VG 35 with an accuracy of ±0.5.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Mud Density

After mixing and preparing the bentonite-based mud with different pH values, the mud density
was measured at ambient conditions. Figure 3 shows that there was no change in the fluid density as it
remained constant at 8.8 ppg as the pH increased from 9 to 12.
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 6 of 13

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Figure 3. Density of bentonite-based mud at ambient condition for different pH.

Figure 3.
Figure Density of
3. Density of bentonite-based
bentonite-based mud
mud at
at ambient
ambient condition
condition for
for different
different pH.
pH.
3.2. Shear-Stress
3.2. Shear-Stress Shear-Rate
Shear-Rate Behavior
Behavior
3.2. Shear-Stress Shear-Rate Behavior
The shear-stress
The shear-stressshear-rate
shear-ratebehavior
behavior of of the
the WBDFBOB
WBDFBOB for for different
different pH
pH at 120 ◦°F
at 120 F was performed.
The
Theresults,shear-stress
results,asas shown shear-rate
in Figurebehavior of
4, showed the WBDFBOB
that increasing for different
the the pH
pHsamplesat 120 °F was performed.
for theresulted
samples
The shown in Figure 4, showed that increasing the pH for in resulted
decreasing in
The results,the
decreasing as plastic
shownviscosity,
in Figureand 4, Figure
showed4 indicated
that increasing
that the the
from pHshear-stress
for the samples resulted
shear-rate curves.in
the plastic viscosity, and Figure 4 indicated that from the shear-stress shear-rate curves. The curves
decreasing
The curves the
show plastic viscosity,
a similar and Figure
increasing profile 4for
indicated that from
theshear-rate
shear-stress the shear-stress shear-rate curves.
show a similar increasing profile for the shear-stress forshear-rate for all
all scenarios. Thescenarios.
effect of pHThe effect
on the
The
of pHcurves show
on the mud a similar increasing
rheological profile
properties for the
supposed shear-stress shear-rate for all scenarios. The effect
mud rheological properties supposed to be because of to be because
a result of a result
of the change of nanostructured
in the the change in the
of
of pH on the
nanostructured mud rheological
of [11]. properties
bentonite surfaces [11]. supposed to be because of a result of the change in the
bentonite surfaces
nanostructured of bentonite surfaces [11].

Figure 4. Shear-stress shear-rate behavior of WBDFBOB at 120 °F for different pH scenarios.

Figure
Figure 4.
4. Shear-stress
Shear-stress shear-rate
shear-rate behavior
behavior of
of WBDFBOB at 120
WBDFBOB at 120 ◦°F
F for
for different pH scenarios.
different pH scenarios.
3.3. Rheological Properties
3.3. Rheological Properties
The values of the yield point (YP) represent a key control role in the efficiency of hole cleaning.
The values
Drilling mud of the
with yield point
a greater value(YP) represent
of YP a key
is desired forcontrol role
the hole in the efficiency
cleaning operationsofashole cleaning.
it has a high
Drilling mud with a greater value of YP is desired for the hole cleaning operations as it has a high
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 7 of 13

3.3. Rheological Properties

The values of the yield point (YP) represent a key control role in the efficiency of hole cleaning.
Drilling mud with a greater value of YP is desired for the hole cleaning operations as it has a high level
Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 13
of carrying capacity for the mud solid particles and the drilled cuttings [35]. The plastic viscosity and
YP forlevel
the of
bentonite-based
carrying capacityWBM for thewere
mudmeasured over
solid particles thethe
and pH range
drilled for this
cuttings study.
[35]. Figureviscosity
The plastic 5 shows the
changes
and YP for the bentonite-based WBM were measured over the pH range for this study. Figure 5 shows pH
in the plastic viscosity and YP for different the mud samples of WBDFBOB with different
values.
theItchanges
is clearinthat increasing
the plastic the and
viscosity pH from
YP for8different
to 12 resulted
the mudinsamples
decreasing the plastic
of WBDFBOB withviscosity
differentfrom
pH
62.4 to values.
29.3 cP, andIt is also
cleardecreasing
that increasing
the the
YP pHfromfrom 8 to
85.7 to 12
15.8resulted 2 . Increasing
lb/100inftdecreasing the the
plastic
pHviscosity
from 8 to 12
fromin62.4
resulted to 29.3 cP,
decreeing theand
PValso decreasing
by 53% and the theYP
YPalso
fromdecreased
85.7 to 15.8significantly
lb/100 ft2. Increasing
by 82%.the pH from 8
to 12 resulted
Applying theinHerschel-Bulkley
decreeing the PV by 53%model
flow and thetoYP also decreased
determine significantly
the low-shear by 82%.
yield point (LSYP) [42],
Applying the Herschel-Bulkley flow model to determine the low-shear yield point (LSYP) [42],
Equation (1).
Equation (1).
LSYP = 3R3 − R6 (1)
LSYP = 3R 3 − R 6 (1)
where R3 is the rheometer reading at 3 rpm and R6 is the rheometer reading at 6 rpm.
where R3 is the rheometer reading at 3 rpm and R6 is the rheometer reading at 6 rpm.
It is clear for Figure 5 that the value of LSYP was dramatically decreased by increasing the pH,
It is clear for Figure 5 that the value of LSYP was dramatically decreased by increasing the pH,
wherewhere
the LSYP was decreased from 80 lb/100 ft2 to 1.4 lb/100 ft2 as the pH increased from 8 to 12.
the LSYP was decreased from 80 lb/100 ft2 to 1.4 lb/100 ft2 as the pH increased from 8 to 12.
The obtained results
The obtained confirmed
results the significant
confirmed effect
the significant of the
effect ofpH
theon
pHthe
onmud rheological
the mud and filtration
rheological and
properties.
filtration properties. The reason for that is the change in mud rheology revealed that changes
The reason for that is the change in mud rheology revealed that the nanostructure the
for the plates and particle
nanostructure changes surfaces of the
for the plates anddrilling
particle fluid based
surfaces ondrilling
of the the new value
fluid basedofon
thethe
pH.
newInvalue
addition,
of the pH.
the increase ofIn
pHaddition,
valuesthe increase
will preventof pH
thevalues will prevent
dispersion of thethe dispersion
bentonite of the bentonite
particles, and asparticles,
a result, the
and will
particles as a result, the particles
not help will not
in building the help
fluidinviscosity.
building the fluid viscosity.
Furthermore, Furthermore,
that will reduce that will
the reduceof the
ability
the ability of the fluid to carry the drilled cuttings and that is appeared clearly
fluid to carry the drilled cuttings and that is appeared clearly by the lower YP values at higherby the lower YP valuespH.
at higher pH.

Figure 5. Change of PV, YP, and LSYP of WBDFBOB for different pH scenarios at 120 °F.
Figure 5. Change of PV, YP, and LSYP of WBDFBOB for different pH scenarios at 120 ◦ F.
The yield point to plastic viscosity YP/PV ratio for the mud is very important, as it is an indicator
The yield point to plastic viscosity YP/PV ratio for the mud is very important, as it is an indicator of
of the drilling operation conditions [1]. Turbulent flow is preferable in high-angle wells for hole
the drilling
cleaning.operation
However, conditions
to ensure a[1].
mudTurbulent flow
gel strength is is preferable
less important,inashigh-angle
the carryingwells for hole
capacity doescleaning.
not
However,
affecttobyensure
the mud a mud gel strength
rheology. is less important,
In case turbulent flow cannotasbe
themaintained,
carrying capacity
the YP/PV does not
ratio affectbe
should by the
mud rheology.
kept as high Inas
case turbulent
possible. Also,flow
if thecannot be maintained,
hole gauging cannot bethe YP/PV ratio
maintained and should be kept
the borehole as high as
diameter
enlarges,
possible. Also,then a high
if the holeYP/PV
gaugingratiocannot
is appropriate for the mud
be maintained and system. In laminar
the borehole flow, the
diameter carrying
enlarges, then a
capacity is affected by mud rheological properties. Therefore, when YP to plastic viscosity
high YP/PV ratio is appropriate for the mud system. In laminar flow, the carrying capacity is affected [YP/ PV]
increases,
by mud the carrying
rheological capacity
properties. of the mud
Therefore, increases
when YP to [1].
plastic viscosity [YP/ PV] increases, the carrying
Figure 6 shows the changes in the YP/PV ratio over a wide range of pH for the bentonite-based
capacity of the mud increases [1].
mud. The highest value of YP/PV is 1.4 for pH of 8 and the ratio was 1.0 for pH values of [9,10] and
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 8 of 13

Figure 6 shows the changes in the YP/PV ratio over a wide range of pH for the bentonite-based
mud.Sustainability
The highest 2019,value ofPEER
11, x FOR YP/PV is 1.4 for pH of 8 and the ratio was 1.0 for pH values of [9,10]
REVIEW 8 of 13and it
decreased to 0.5 for pH of 11 and 12. The results for YP/PV ratios show that for increasing pH values,
Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 13
thereitisdecreased
a decreasing to 0.5infor
thepH of 11
ratio and 12. by
of YP/PV The64%.
results for YP/PV ratios show that for increasing pH
values, there is a decreasing in the ratio of YP/PV by 64%.
it decreased to 0.5 for pH of 11 and 12. The results for YP/PV ratios show that for increasing pH
values, there is a decreasing in the ratio of YP/PV by 64%.

Figure 6. Change of YP/PV ratio of WBDFBOB for different pH.

Figure 6. Change of YP/PV ratio of WBDFBOB for different pH.
Figure 6. Change of YP/PV ratio of WBDFBOB for different pH.
The gel strength of drilling fluid represents the capability of the mud to keep the drilled cuttings
The gel strength of drilling fluid represents the capability of the mud to keep the drilled cuttings
in suspension in case of the circulation stopped [43]. The lab measurements for the mud gel strength
The gel
in suspension in strength
case of drilling fluid represents the capability of the mud to keep the
thedrilled cuttings
are performed in aof the
static circulation
condition stopped
after 10 sec, [43]. The laband
10 minutes, measurements
30 minutes to forevaluate mud gel strength
the strength
in suspension
are performed in ain case
static of the
conditioncirculation
after stopped
10 sec, 10[43]. The
minutes, lab measurements
and 30 minutes for
to the mud
evaluate gel
the strength
strength of
of the mud gelation with time for no circulation case. Figure 7 represents the gel strength
are performed in a static condition after 10 sec, 10 minutes, and 30 minutes to evaluate the strength
the mud gelation with
measurements timeWBDFBOB
of high for no circulation case.pH
for different Figure 7 represents
values. Increasing the gel pH strength measurements
values significantly
of the mud gelation with time for no circulation case. Figure 7 represents the gel strength
decreased
of high WBDFBOB the gelforstrength
different values. Therefore,
pH values. pH has athe
Increasing keypH role in thesignificantly
values mud gel strength. decreased The 10-the gel
measurements of high WBDFBOB for different pH values.2 Increasing the pH values significantly
seconds
strength gel strength
values. Therefore,values pH decreased
has a key from
role10intothe
3 lb/100
mud ftgel
bystrength.
increasingThethe pH from 8 to gel
10-seconds 12. The
strength
decreased the gel strength values. Therefore, pH has a key role in the mud gel strength. The 10-
valuesWBDFBOB
decreased gel strength
from tovalues
10values3 lb/100forft10-minutes
2 by increasing readings
the showed
pH a8 decreasing behavior from 30 to 3
seconds gel strength decreased from 10 to 3 lb/100 ft2 from to 12. The
by increasing the pH WBDFBOB
from 8 2to gel strength
12. The
lb/100 ft2. The readings for the 30-minutes gel strength decreased from 57 to 3 lb/100 2 ft . The flat
values for 10-minutes
WBDFBOB readings
gel strength showed
values a decreasing
for 10-minutes behavior
readings showed from 30 to 3 lb/100
a decreasing behaviorft . The
fromreadings
30 to 3 for
rheology2 for the mud is desired, as the fluid gel strength values should be constant with 2time with
the 30-minutes gel readings
lb/100 ft . The strength for decreased from 57gel
the 30-minutes to strength ft2 . The flat
3 lb/100 decreased rheology
from 57 to 3 for the ftmud
lb/100 . Theis flat
desired,
no increase [44]. The measurements of the WBDFBOB at a pH of 12 showed that flat rheology.
rheology
as theHowever, for
fluid gelthe the
strengthmud is desired, as the fluid gel strength values should be constant
values should be constant with time with no increase [44]. The measurements with time with
readings for the gel strength showed a slightly small increase for the samples of pH [9–
no
of the11]. increase [44].
WBDFBOB at aThe
pH measurements
of 12 showed of thattheflat
WBDFBOB
rheology.atHowever,
a pH of 12 theshowed
readings thatfor flat
therheology.
gel strength
However, the readings for the gel strength showed a slightly small increase for the samples of pH [9–
showed a slightly small increase for the samples of pH [9–11].
11].

Figure 7. Gel strength measurements of WBDFBOB for different pH.

Figure 7. Gel strength measurements of WBDFBOB for different pH.

Figure 7. Gel strength measurements of WBDFBOB for different pH.
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 9 of 13

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3.4. Filtration Properties
3.4. Filtration Properties
The HPHT
3.4. Filtration filtration test results are plotted in Figure 8, which shows that the lower the pH for
Properties
The HPHT filtration test results are plotted in Figure 8, which shows that the lower the pH for
HBWBDF, the lower the filtrate volume, and vice versa. The bentonite-based mud sample that has
The HPHT
HBWBDF, filtration
the lower the test results
filtrate are plotted
volume, and vicein versa.
FigureThe
8, which shows that mud
bentonite-based the lower thethat
sample pH for
has
9.0 pH represents the lower filtrate volume 9.5 cm33, and increasing the pH resulted in increasing the
HBWBDF, the lower
9.0 pH represents thethe filtrate
lower volume,
filtrate and
volume 9.5vice
cm versa.
, and The bentonite-based
increasing the pH mud
resulted sample
in that
increasing has
the
filtrated volume up to 12.6 cm33 for the WBDFBOB 3sample of 12 pH.
9.0 pH represents
filtrated volume up thetolower filtrate
12.6 cm volume
for the 9.5 cm sample
WBDFBOB , and increasing
of 12 pH.the pH resulted in increasing the
filtrated volume up to 12.6 cm3 for the WBDFBOB sample of 12 pH.

Figure 8. Filtrate volume for different pH samples of WBDFBOB after 30 minutes.

Figure 8. Filtrate volume for different pH samples of WBDFBOB after 30 minutes.
Figure 8. Filtrate volume for different pH samples of WBDFBOB after 30 minutes.
The filter
The filter cake
cake thickness
thickness alsoalso increased
increased by by increasing
increasing thethe pH.
pH. Figure
Figure 99 shows
shows that
that for
for the
the mud
mud
sample
sample Thewith
filteraa pH
with cake
pH of ofthickness
9, the
9, also
the filter
filter increased
cake
cake thickness
thickness bywasincreasing
was 22 mm. the pH.
mm. While
While Figure 9the
increasing
increasing shows
the pH, that
pH, forfound
itit was
was the mud
found that
that
sample
the with
filter cakea pH of
thickness9, the filter
increasedcake tothickness
3.6 mm was
for 2 mm.
WBDFBOB While increasing
sample
the filter cake thickness increased to 3.6 mm for WBDFBOB sample of 12 pH. Figure 10 shows the of 12 the
pH. pH, it
Figure was
10 found
shows that
the
the filterfor
pictures
pictures cake
for the
the thickness
filtercake
filter cakeincreased
formedfor
formed to each
for 3.6
eachmm forpress
filter
filter WBDFBOB
press testfor
test sample
fordifferentof
different pH
pH 12samples
pH. Figure
samples ofofthe10HBWBDF.
the shows
HBWBDF. the
pictures for the filter cake formed for each filter press test for different pH samples of the HBWBDF.

Figure 9. Filter cake thickness for different pH samples of HBWBDF.

Figure
Figure 9.
9. Filter
Filtercake
cakethickness
thicknessfor
fordifferent
different pH
pH samples
samples of
of HBWBDF.
HBWBDF.
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 10 of 13

Sustainability 2019, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 13

Figure 10. Filter cake for different pH samples of HBWBDF.

Figure 10. Filter cake for different pH samples of HBWBDF.

3.5. Recommendation
Recommendation
In this study, the use of the WBDFBOB within pH in the range of 9 and 10 provided the best
parameters for filtration and mud rheology comparing to the higher pH values [11,12], which could
help for
for safe
safedrilling
drillingoperations.
operations.ForForthe
the recommended
recommended pHpH [9,10]
[9,10] values,
values, the the YP/PV
YP/PV ratioratio
is 1.0,isthe
1.0,fluid
the
fluid
has a has
gooda flat
good flat profile
profile where gelwhere gel strength
strength readingsreadings
are very are very
close, andclose, and the results
the filtration filtration results
presented
presented
the lowestthe lowestvolume
filtrated filtrated volume
(from (from
9.5 to 9.53 )to
11 cm 11 filter
and cm3) and
cakefilter cake thickness
thickness (from 2 to(from 2 to 2.9 mm).
2.9 mm).

Summary and
4. Summary and Conclusions
Conclusions

The effect
effectof of
thethe
pH change on the on
pH change water-based drilling fluid
the water-based basedfluid
drilling on bentonite
based was experimentally
on bentonite was
investigated. Based on the obtained results, the following conclusions can be
experimentally investigated. Based on the obtained results, the following conclusions can besummarized:
summarized:
• The pH significantly affects the mud rheology for the WBDFBOB, and there was no change in the
 The pH significantly affects the mud rheology for the WBDFBOB, and there was no change
fluid density as it remained constant at 8.8 ppg with changing the pH from 9 to 12.
in the fluid density as it remained constant at 8.8 ppg with changing the pH from 9 to 12.
• The shear-stress vs shear-rate curve changed with changing the pH. Increasing the pH resulted in
 The shear-stress vs shear-rate curve changed with changing the pH. Increasing the pH
decreasing the shear-stress over the same shear-rate.
resulted in decreasing the shear-stress over the same shear-rate.
• It is clear that increasing the pH from 8 to 12 resulted in decreasing the plastic viscosity by 53%
 It is clear that increasing the pH from 8 to 12 resulted in decreasing the plastic viscosity by
and the YP by 82%, respectively. The highest value of YP/PV was 1.4 for the mud sample with a
53% and the YP by 82%, respectively. The highest value of YP/PV was 1.4 for the mud sample
pH of 8. The YP/PV ratios were decreased by 64% as the pH increased from 8 to 12.
with a pH of 8. The YP/PV ratios were decreased by 64% as the pH increased from 8 to 12.
• Increasing thethe
Increasing pHpHfrom 8 to812
from to had a significant
12 had effect
a significant on the
effect gel gel
on the strength where
strength the the
where 10-sec gel
10-sec
strength was decreased by 77%, the 10-min gel strength was decreased by 90%, and
gel strength was decreased by 77%, the 10-min gel strength was decreased by 90%, and the the 30 min gel
strength
30 minwasgeldecreased by 95%.
strength was decreased by 95%.
Sustainability 2019, 11, 6714 11 of 13

• Changing the pH for the bentonite-based samples had an impact on the filtration properties for
the mud. Increasing the pH from 9 to 10 resulted in increasing the filtrated volume by 33% and
also increasing the filter cake thickness by 79%.

It is clear that optimizing the pH in the range of 9 to 10 has a significant effect on the rheological
properties and the mud filtration which will enhance the performance of the drilling operation.
Reducing the PV will increase the rate of penetration and will reduce the pump pressure required
to circulate the fluid up to the surface. In addition, reducing the filtrate volume will eliminate the
formation damage and will yield a thin filter cake which helps in eliminating the pipe sticking, and as
a result, reducing the nonproductive time.
Unit Conversion: 1 ppg = 0.0083 kg/m3 , 1 ◦ F = 255.928 ◦ K, 1 lb/ft2 = 4.788 E5 N/mm2 , cP = 10−3
Pa.s, 1 ft = 0.3028 m.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, S.B., and H.G.; methodology, S.B., A.A.-M.; validation, S.E., H.G.;
formal analysis, S.B., H.G.; investigation, A.A.-M., S.E.; resources, S.E.; data curation, S.B.; writing—original draft
preparation, H.G.; writing—review and editing, S.E., A.A.-M.; visualization, A.A.-M., S.E.; supervision, S.E.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments: The authors wish to acknowledge King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM)
for utilizing the various facilities in carrying out this research.
Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

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