Production and Performance Evaluation of Biodetergents as an Alternative to Conventional Drilling Detergent

Drilling detergents are among the chemical compounds that are increasingly being used in many varieties of drilling fluids. They are aqueous blend of surface-active agents that reduces the surface tension of water-based drilling fluids, reduces the sticking tendency of water-sensitive shale cuttings and aid cuttings removal; leading to cleaner hole, faster penetration rates and lower drilling pressure. Due to the increase in environmental issues associated with the disposal of drilling detergent presently used, drilling companies are exploring options of using environmentally friendly, degradable and renewable drilling detergents. In this study, biodetergents were produced from non-edible seed oils (Ricinus communis oil and Azadirachta Indica oil). The biodetergents and a commercial drilling detergent used in the Niger Delta field were analysed for a number of standard properties required for good drilling detergents. Drilling muds formulated with these detergents were also analysed for a number of standard mud properties. Physicochemical properties analyses showed that biodetergents met the required specification of good drilling detergents. The physicochemical properties of the biodetergents were also comparable to that of commercial drilling detergent. BOD values obtained showed that the biodetergents could easily be broken or biodegraded than the commercial drilling detergent. Toxicity test on Penaeus Monodon showed that biodetergents are more environmentally friendly than the commercial drilling detergent. Drilling mud properties analyses further showed that synthesized biodetergents can be used as an alternative to conventional drilling detergent.