Rheological study of a water based oil well drilling fluid

Organic polymers are commonly used to control the rheology and filtrate loss required for water-based drilling fluids. An ecologically-friendly water-based drilling fluid was developed by studying the rheological behavior of tamarind gum and polyanionic cellulose on bentonite water suspensions. The effect of drilling fluid filtrate on formation damage was also analyzed. The drilling fluid that was developed has better rheological properties and fluid loss control which are required for optimum performance of oil well drilling. In addition, the drilling fluid filtrate exhibits minimum formation damage on sandstone cores.