Assessment of the Effect of Increasing Local Bentonite Concentration on Drilling Fluids Rheology and Filtration Properties

Abstract

This study carried out to assess the effect of increasing bentonite percentage (solid phase) on rheological properties and filtration loss for water base drilling fluid prepared from local bentonite (Umm Ali area). Chemical tests were carried out to assess quality of local bentonite. In this study Carboxymethyle Cellulose CMC is used to increase viscosity and decrease filtration loss. The major finding showed that when adding 7% of CMC and 7% of local bentonite, the rheological properties, filter loss and yield point to plastic viscosity ratio will be within the acceptable range of American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications