DETERMINING THE OPTIMUM CONCENTRATION OF PUMPKIN SEED SHELLS AS FILTRATION CONTROL ADDITIVE TO WATER-BASED MUD SYSTEM

Abstract

Filtrate loss within formations is one of the biggest problems during drilling operations. Therefore, many commercial chemical additives have been used to reduce fluid loss, such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyanionic cellulose (PAC), which are expensive and are not environment-friendly substances. This study evaluates the usage of pumpkin seed shells (PSS), which is agricultural waste and at the same time an environment-friendly material, as an additive to the drilling fluid to reduce fluid loss. Six drilling fluid samples were formulated, adding PSS of 250 μm in size at different concentrations (1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, and 5 wt%). The effect of adding PSS on rheological properties and density was recorded and analyzed. Filtration was also studied by using an API LT LP press. The results of the study indicated that the addition of PSS to the drilling fluid has a clear effect on reducing fluid loss. The optimum concentration of PSS was 5 wt%.