Analysis of high performing graphene oxide nanosheets based non-damaging drilling fluids through rheological measurements and CFD studies

This research presents a detailed study on the effect of synthesized graphene oxide nanosheet (GO-NS) on Non-Damaging Drilling Fluid (NDDF) through steady-state rotational and dynamic oscillation rheological measurements along with fluid loss estimation. Synthesis of GO-NS was conducted by following Hummers' method. It was found that GO-NS acts as an excellent thermal stabilizer for NDDF which better preserves viscosity at high temperatures up to 98%. Apart from strengthening viscoelastic solid properties, addition of >0.5 wt% GO-NS also induces superior structural stability showing a recovery of 93.84%. More than 50% reduction in filtrate loss volume was observed with an addition of 0.8 wt% GO-NS in NDDF. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations showed that the overall cutting retention is least with 0.096% for 0.5 wt% GO-NS NDDF with less eddy viscosity, higher velocity and reduced skewness. Pressure drop calculations indicated assured flowability of GO-NS NDDF even though it bears viscoelastic solid nature. [Display omitted] •Graphene oxide nano sheet (GO-NS) in non damaging drilling fluid (NDDF) enhances its performance.•Synthesis and characterization of GO-NS were carried out.•GO-NS NDDF showed superior viscoelastic properties even at higher temperatures.•Improved fluid loss control properties for GO-NS NDDF.•CFD simulations showed better cutting carrying capacity for GO-NS NDDF.