Enhanced performance of nanocomposite drilling fluids with synthesized TiO2 Quillaja saponin Cr nanoparticles and their impact on rheology and filtration

Abstract This study addresses critical challenges in the formulation of advanced drilling fluids for high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) environments by investigating TiO2@Quillaja Saponin (QS)/Cr nanocomposites as a multifunctional additive. The primary objective was to enhance rheological and filtration properties through optimized nanoparticle-polymer interactions. TiO2@QS/Cr was synthesized and incorporated into drilling fluids at varying concentrations (50–1000 ppm) to evaluate viscosity, yield point, and filtration behavior under simulated drilling conditions. Rheological experiments showed that TiO2@QS/Cr improved viscosity by up to 52% and yield point by 69% at 500 ppm, aligning closely with Bingham Plastic and Herschel–Bulkley models. Filtration analysis revealed significant reductions in fluid loss, with filtration volumes decreasing from 11 to 3.5 mL at optimal concentrations, attributed to densified filter cakes and reduced permeability. Higher concentrations (> 500 ppm) introduced limitations due to nanoparticle agglomeration, emphasizing the need for formulation optimization. The study also highlighted the long-term stability and lightweight nature of TiO2@QS/Cr-enhanced fluids, confirming their suitability for HPHT reservoirs. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of TiO2@QS/Cr nanocomposites in improving drilling fluid performance while identifying avenues for future research in field trials and alternative stabilization approaches.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

36 more references, whose wording the paper’s licence keeps private.

A person counts once a day per paper. We keep no cookie and no address: a reader is a hash that changes every day. Any month under five reads shows no number.