Influence of dually modified tapioca starch on drilling fluid filtration and filter cake development on rock samples

Abstract

Degradation of biomaterials under high temperatures and saline conditions leads to deterioration and loss of performance in deep well drilling applications. This research focuses on examining the impact of colloidal and dually modified tapioca starch (CMITS) on filtration characteristics. Mud filtration properties under various conditions of temperatures were evaluated through API and HPHT filter presses. Different rock samples, including sandstone and limestone, each characterized by unique pore size distributions, porosity, and permeability, are utilized to simulate filtration processes. The thermal stability of drilling fluid additives and the interactions between rocks and filtrate are investigated in hot roll oven and aging cells. The findings evaluate the interaction between temperature and starch additives on mud filtration properties. Notably, in sandstone samples, at 200 °F, Bandera Brown exhibits the lowest filtrate volume (6.2 mL) with DS 0.66 starch, while Boise sandstone produced a higher volume (38.6 mL) due to its inherent permeability. As the temperature rises to 250 °F, the effects become more pronounced. At 250 °F, Indiana limestone with DS 0.66 starch shows minimal filtrate loss (5.4 mL), while Boise sandstone faces pore plugging issues resulting in higher filtrate volumes. At 300 °F, temperature continues to exert change, with Indiana limestone and Bandera Brown displaying minimal filtrate volumes.