Department of Petroleum & Gas

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A Comparative Analysis of the Well Performance of Vertical, Horizontal and Multilateral Well
(Petroleum and Coal, 2019) Ameena A. Gaji; Petrus Nzerem; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Ternenge Joseph Chior
The demand for energy in the world has been ever increasing. Conventional technologies are being replaced gradually by different new technologies. Horizontal wells and multilateral wells have proved to be highly beneficial by improving production rates significantly. This study focuses on investigating the well performance of vertical well (Well V), horizontal well (Well H), and multilateral well (Well M) in the Hurricane field using PROSPER software. PVT matching, well modelling and well performance analysis was carried out. Sensitivity analysis was performed on key parameters such as tubing diameter, water cut, wellhead pressure and tubing roughness to determine their effects on well productivity. It was observed that increasing the water cut decreased the production rates of Well V, Well H and Well M by 41%, 36.1% and 33.5% respectively. An increase in the tubing diameter improved the production rates, wellhead pressure had high impacts on the well performance while tubing roughness had a minimal effect on oil production. The optimum production rates of 21,622.5 STB/day, 28,653.6 STB/day and 29,800.9 STB/day for Well V, Well H and Well M respectively were achieved at reservoir pressure of 3500 psig, wellhead pressure of 400 psig, water cut of 5% and a 5.5 inches tubing diameter.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING TECHNIQUES IN SHALE GAS PRODUCTION
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Umar Adekola; Abdullahi Gimba; Ayuba Salihu; Khaleel Jakada; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Petrus Nzerem; Joseph Chior; Oghenerume Ogolo; Khadijah Ibrahim
Shale gas has emerged as a significant source of natural gas due to advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies. This extraction method has facilitated drilling and production activities in regions previously untouched by oil and gas development. Hydraulic fracturing, a well-stimulation technique suitable for low and moderate-permeability reservoirs, relies on the successful drilling of horizontal wells and the creation of multiple hydraulic fractures to ensure economic viability. While shale gas presents significant energy production opportunities, concerns have been raised regarding its environmental impact. To mitigate these risks and determine the most effective approach for shale gas extraction, alternative fracturing technologies are being investigated. Notably, a considerable number of perforation clusters in shale gas horizontal wells do not contribute to production, highlighting the potential for refracturing. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis is required to evaluate the performance of hydraulic fracturing and alternative fracturing technologies in shale gas wells, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and gas extraction efficiency. This article aims to evaluate the hydraulic fracturing technology's capability to enhance gas recovery in shale gas formations as well as its environmental implications. The focus of this research is primarily on the hydraulic fracturing technique employed in shale gas development, its production capability, and associated environmental concerns. Through a systematic evaluation, this study provided valuable insights into the potential of hydraulic fracturing in maximizing gas recovery while addressing environmental challenges in shale gas formations.
A Review of the Physical, Optical and Photoluminescence Properties of Rare Earth Ions Doped Glasses
(TRENDS IN SCIENCES, 2024-10-22) Serifat Olamide Adeleye; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Adebayo Isaac Olosho; Esther Nneka Anosike-Francis; Temitayo Samson Ogedengbe; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Rabiatu Adamu Saleh; Jude A. Okolie
Doping glasses with rare-earth ions have garnered significant attention among researchers worldwide. This interest stems from the widespread utilization of rare-earth ions to enhance the optical characteristics of host glasses and exploit the unique spectroscopic properties arising from their optical transitions in the intra-4f shell. Thus, this study reviewed the exceptional potential of rare-earth ion-doped glasses (REIs) in various applications such as solid-state lasers, photonic devices, communication optical fibers, and white light emission. Various methods for the fabrication of glass such as direct melt quenching, sol-gel, ion exchange, sputtering and co-doping techniques were reviewed extensively. The Specific focus was on the physical, optical and photoluminescence properties of glasses produced from glass formers co-doped with rare earth ions. The investigation centers on the comprehensive current applicability of REI-doped glasses. The review concludes based on the physical, optical and photoluminescence properties of rare earth ion-doped glasses that they are extremely useful in photonics, lasers, biomedical and optical communication applications.
Absorption, Diffraction and Free Space Path Losses Modeling for the Terahertz Band
(MECS, 2020-08-18) Petrus Nzerem; Oyeleke D. Oluseun; Idris Muhammad; Sadiq Thomas; Olabode Idowu-Bismark
With the explosive increase in the data traffic of wireless communication systems and the scarcity of spectrum, terahertz (THz) frequency band is predicted as a hopeful contender to shore up ultra- broadband for the forthcoming beyond fifth generation (5G) communication system. THz frequency band is a bridge between millimeter wave (mmWave) and optical frequency bands. The contribution of this paper is to carry out an in-depth study of the THz channel impairments using mathematical models to evaluate the requirements for designing indoor THz communication systems at 300GHz. Atmospheric absorption loss, diffraction loss and free space path loss were investigated and modeled. Finally, we discuss several potential application scenarios of THz and the essential technical challenges that will be encountered in the future THz communications. Finally, the article finds that propagating in the THz spectrum is strongly dependent on antenna gain.
Adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using mesoporous activated carbon adsorbent: Equilibrium, kinetics and characterisation studies
(Lancaster E-Prints, 2017-02-23) Asuquo, Edidiong D.; Martin, Alastair Douglas; Petrus Nzerem; Siperstein, Flor; Fan, Xiaolei
In this study, cadmium and lead ions removal from aqueous solutions using a commercial activated carbon adsorbent (CGAC) were investigated under batch conditions. The adsorbent was observed to have a coarse surface with crevices, high resistance to attrition, high surface area and pore volume with bimodal pore size distribution which indicates that the material was mesoporous. Sorption kinetics for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions proceeded through a two-stage kinetic profile-initial quick uptake occurring within 30 min followed by a gradual removal of the two metal ions until 180 min with optimum uptake (qe,exp) of 17.23 mg g1 and 16.84 mg g1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions respectively. Modelling of sorption kinetics indicates that the pseudo first order (PFO) model described the sorption of Pb(II) ion better than Cd(II), while the reverse was observed with respect to the pseudo second order (PSO) model. Intraparticle diffusion modelling showed that intraparticle diffusion may not be the only mechanism that influenced the rate of ions uptake. Isotherm modelling was carried out and the results indicated that the Langmuir and Freundlich models described the uptake of Pb(II) ion better than Cd(II) ion. A comparison of the two models indicated that the Langmuir isotherm is the better isotherm for the description of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions sorption by the adsorbent. The maximum loading capacity (qmax) obtained from the Langmuir isotherm was 27.3 mg g1 and 20.3 mg g1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions respectively.
Analysis of Selected Fiber-Rich Agricultural Waste as Water-Based Drilling Mud Fluid Loss Control Additives
(NJEAS, 2024-04-09) Blessing Alade; Petrus Nzerem; Ayuba Salihu; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ajiri Otedheke
For a drilling operation to be successful, the drilling fluid performance must be optimized. This research study the use of degradable agricultural waste namely cowpea skin powder (CSP), sugarcane rind powder (SRP) and yam bark powder (YP) as additives for fluid loss control. The elemental composition of these food wastes was determined using SEM. Proximate analysis was performed to investigate the content of moisture, ash, nitrogen, protein, volatile matter, fixed carbon, bulk density, specific gravity and pH. The local additives were used at 1% (5grams), 3% (10grams), 4% (15grams) and 5% (20grams) each. For CSP fluid loss increased at 5g and 10g (1% and 3%), by 14% and 9% respectively, at 15g and 10.6g, fluid loss decreased by 33% and 36% respectively. Using SRP of 5g increased fluid loss by 12% but there was decrease in fluid loss with 10g, 15g and 2g in these percentages; 14%, 33% and 37% respectively. YP resulted in fluid loss at 5g giving 1.5% loss, 12% loss with 10grams, 16% fluid loss with 15 grams and 33% filtrate loss with 20grams. Overall, SRP showed best fluid loss performance with 20grams (5%), resulting in 37% fluid loss decrease followed by Yam bark powder at 20grams with fluid loss performance of 33%. The least performance was by CSP at 5grams (3%) that increased the filtrate loss by 14%.
Application of Boosting Machine Learning for Mud Loss Prediction During Drilling Operations
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2024-07-07) Okai M. I.; Ogolo O.; Petrus Nzerem; Ibrahim K. S.
Lost circulation during drilling operations is a persistent challenge in the oil and gas industry, leading to significant financial losses and increased non-productive time. The common use of lost circulation materials (LCMs) in drilling fluids helps mitigate mud loss only to an extent. However, predicting the extent of mud loss before drilling specific formations would greatly benefit engineers. This study aims to predict mud loss using advanced boosting machine learning frameworks, addressing the need for more accurate forecasting tools. We evaluated three ensemble boosting algorithms—Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—and compared them to Random Forest, a baseline bagging algorithm. Utilizing a dataset of over 7,000 data points with 27 features from drilling operations in Well MXY at the Utah FORGE field, we found that XGBoost and Random Forest were the most accurate models, with R2 scores of 0.935 and 0.934, respectively. These results indicate that while XGBoost is the top-performing framework, Random Forest remains a robust and reliable method for predicting lost circulation, providing valuable insights for drilling engineers.
Application of Pressure Transient Analysis to Gas Material Balance for Multi Rate Production
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2024-08-05) Ikechukwu Okafor; Ajibade A. A.; Jakada K.; Ternenge Joseph Chior; Abdullahi Gimba; Petrus Nzerem
A producing field's oil and gas reserves are continually estimated throughout its lifetime. As more data about the reservoir is obtained over time, the uncertainty regarding the actual amount of reserves decreases. Various methods have been employed to determine these reserves, including the Material Balance Technique. The classical method applies the conservation of mass, which has evolved over time. This study aims to further enhance the gas Material Balance Technique by incorporating equations derived from analytical pressure transient analysis with multiple rate production. By combining transient analysis solutions with the linear Material Balance method, this approach offers the advantage of determining the initial gas-in-place, permeability, and skin of a reservoir simultaneously, without relying on independent sources for prior knowledge of any of these parameters. To streamline the process and facilitate analytical deductions, this work also utilizes Python programming for automation. Ultimately, this study develops a series of steps that were applied to a case study, enabling the simultaneous determination of the reservoir's permeability, skin-factor, and initial gas.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence Based Techniques on the Analysis of Chemical Data: a Review
(International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Science (ICMEAS), 2021-07-15) Chinomso Odimba; Steve Adeshina; Petrus Nzerem
Artificial Intelligence based techniques such as Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Chemometrics have recently begun to replace chemical heuristics. They are promising tools that can be used to gain insight on the characteristics, processes and interactions of a chemical sampleand to a clearer and better understanding of chemical data. The focus of this review paper is on the recent developments on the applications of Artificial Intelligence based techniques for different chemical scenarios of computational chemistry, quantum chemistry, synthetic route design, drug delivery, analysis of spectral data and analytical chemistry.
Assessing the Impact of Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Ammendments on the Economics of Deep Offshore E&P Assets in Nigeria
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2020-08-04) Oghenerume Ogolo; Omowumi Iledare; Petrus Nzerem; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Emeka Iloegbunam; Isaac P. Ekeoma
Nigeria recently amended the Deep Offshore and Inland Basins Act. The Act seeks to generate aditional annual revenue of over $1 billion for the government. The 2019 Law seems attractive to the government in the short run in terms of early rent extraction; on one hand, the seeminglly attractiveness of the fiscal terms in the Ammended Act, which is to expand output from investment in Nigeria deep offshore in the country is conjectural. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the amendments to the PSC Act on value creation and addition to stake holders using systems and economic metrics that include investment earning power and discounted government take. A designed petroleum economic modeling framework applied to the fiscal terms in the new Act show a significant decrease in value addition to contractor portfolio of assets by about 25% but increases government discounted take statistics from 63.70% to 72.64% in comparison to the fiscal and contract terms in PSC 1993. The IRR and FLI obtained using the terms in the new Act were 23.66% and 0.043, respectively.
Biodegradation of polyester polyurethane during commercial composting and analysis of associated fungal communities
(Elsevier, 2014-03-04) Petrus Nzerem
In this study the biodegradation of polyurethane (PU) during the maturation stage of a commercial composting process was investigated. PU coupons were buried in the centre and at the surface of a 10 m high compost pile. Fungal communities colonising polyester PU coupons were compared with the native compost communities using culture based and molecular techniques. Putative polyester PU degrading fungi were ubiquitous in compost and rapidly colonised the surface of polyester PU coupons with significant deterioration. As the temperature decreased, fungal diversity in the compost and on the surface of the polyester PU coupons increased and selection of fungal community on the polyester PU coupons occurs that is different from the surrounding compost.
CHARACTERIZATION OF WHEAT HUSK ASH AND CALCINED EGGSHELL AS POTENTIAL GLASS FORMER
(International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2023-02-02) Serifat Olamide Adeleye; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Ayuba Salihu; Adebayo Isaac Olosho
Numerous agricultural byproducts, such as rice husk and straw, bagasse from sugar cane, palm kernel shell, wheat husk and straw, corn cobs, etc, are highly desired for the production of renewable energy and are seen as potential raw materials for high-value products. Because they can be used to extract quality silica and Calcium oxide for borosilicate glass production, this research has demonstrated that these wastes have a significant end value. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used to characterize the calcined waste eggshell and wheat husk ash for crystal type, compound identification, and chemical composition. The findings demonstrated that the amount of silica and calcium oxide obtained from agricultural waste could be a suitable alternative source for making glass, with calcined eggshells having a calcium oxide content of 91.7% and wheat husk ash having a silica content of 71.3%. The potential for utilizing the CaO and amorphous silica in the formation of glass is thus intriguing.
Comparative studies of machine learning models for predicting higher heating values of biomass
(Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), 2024-06-29) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Adeyinka Adedigba; Steve Adeshina; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Mohammed S. Lawal; Adebayo Isaac Olosho; Halima S. Yakubu; Temitayo Samson Ogedengbe; Petrus Nzerem; Jude A. Okolie
This study addresses the challenge of efficiently determining the higher heating value (HHV) of biomass, a crucial parameter in large-scale biomass-based energy systems. The conventional method of measuring HHV using an oxygen bomb calorimeter is time-consuming, expensive, and less accessible to researchers, particularly in developing nations. To overcome these limitations, we employed four machine learning (ML) models, namely Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). These models were developed by using proximate and ultimate analysis parameters as input features. Up to 200 datasets were compiled from literature and used for the ML models. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of all ML models in accurately predicting the HHV of biomass materials. Notably, the XGBoost model exhibited superior performance with the highest R-squared (R2) values for both training (0.9683) and test datasets (0.7309), along with the lowest root mean squared error (RSME) of 0.3558. Key influential input features identified for HHV prediction include carbon (C), volatile matter (Vm), ash, and hydrogen (H). Consequently, this research provides a reliable alternative for predicting HHV without the need for costly and time-intensive experimental measurements, facilitating broader accessibility in biomass energy research.
Comprehensive Characterization of Some Selected Biomass for Bioenergy Production
(ACS Omega, 2023-11-08) Asmau M. Yahya; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Salihu Ayuba; Hauwa A. Rasheed; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor; Jude A. Okolie; Prabhu Paramasivam
There is a lack of information about the detailed characterization of biomass of Nigerian origin. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of six biomass, groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, Ixora coccinea (flame of the woods), sawdust, and lemongrass, to aid appropriate selection for bio-oil production. The proximate, ultimate, calorific value and compositional analyses were carried out following the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence were employed in this study for functional group analyses, thermal stability, and structural analyses. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios, fuel ratio, ignitability index, and combustibility index of the biomass samples were evaluated. Groundnut shells, cashew leaves, and lemongrass were identified as promising feedstocks for bio-oil production based on their calorific values (>20 MJ/kg). Sawdust exhibited favorable characteristics for bio-oil production as indicated by its higher volatile matter (79.28%), low ash content (1.53%), low moisture content (6.18%), and high fixed carbon content (13.01%). Also, all samples showed favorable ignition and flammability properties. The low nitrogen (<0.12%) and sulfur (<0.04%) contents in the samples make them environmentally benign fuels as a lower percentage of NOx and SOx will be released during the production of the bio-oil. These results are contributions to the advancement of a sustainable and efficient carbon-neutral energy mix, promoting biomass resource utilization for the generation of energy.
Corncob pyrolysis for sustainable bio-oil production; a review of pretreatment, conversion, and improvement techniques
(Biofuels, 2024-11-20) Sakina Bello; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Taofik Olatunde Uthman
The growing demand for renewable energy has intensified research into biomass conversion for sustainable fuel production. This review examines corncob as a promising feedstock for bio-oil production with specific focus on its pretreatment, processing, pyrolysis, prospects, and challenges. Findings revealed that corncob contains cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, with a moisture content in the range of 3–11%. The biomass also exhibits relatively high volatile matter, low ash content and a heating value of 16–22 MJ/kg. Bio-oil yields from corncob pyrolysis range from 35.1% to 60%, depending on conditions. This highlights the challenges associated with feedstock variability, scalability of bio-oil production, and the environmental impacts of pyrolysis process. Addressing these challenges through innovative pretreatment and enhancement methods, process optimization, and stringent quality control measures is essential for achieving consistent and sustainable bio-oil production from corncob
Current Developments on the Application of Hydrogen in Industry: A Review
(NJEAS, 2024-04-18) Petrus Nzerem; Jacklyn Oche; Mohammed Sherrif; Khaleel Jakada; Ikechukwu Okafor; Joseph Chior; Chinaza Enwere; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
The worldwide transition in energy utilization to a society that is “carbon-neutral” demands a major revamp of power generating and distribution networks. Notwithstanding, in the great drive for the growth of renewable energy that is clean and environmentally safe, hydrogen's incorporation into energy networks is currently understudied. The state of the current art and prospects for the future, including prospective applications of hydrogen technologies in energy are examined in this overview. The findings demonstrate the fact, which portrays continual efforts to increase performance, technological perspective, and increases in scale. Finally, governmental support is of great importance and necessity if allowance is to be made for a cost-competitive hydrogen economy.
Defining the Optimal Development Strategy to Maximize Recovery and Production Rate from an Integrated Offshore Water-Flood Project
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2019-07-31) Hajara Kabeer Abdulfatah; Ikechukwu Okafor; Petrus Nzerem; Khaleel Jakada
A reservoir development plan provides the necessary guidance and information for establishing whether or not a project is economically viable considering possible development project options, risks and uncertainties in order to define the most optimal development concept that will increase oil production and reduce production costs. The aim of this project was to determine the optimum way to develop and produce an offshore oil field in a manner that considers risks and uncertainties and values stakeholders’ interest. A stochastic multi-tank reservoir model was created using MBAL and it consist of various producers and water injection wells. Sensitivity analysis was carried out on Seven development scenarios with a view to examine effect of maintaining reservoir pressure, sustaining well productivity and injectivity, optimize well counts and improving well delivery- timing, cost and well performance. The economic viability of each of the development scenarios was carried out to determine the net present value, incremental project cash flow, unit technical cost, unit development cost and breakeven price BEP of each of the scenarios. The optimal development strategy was then selected based on the production performance and key economic indicators. The project provided an opportunity to develop an additional 396MMbbls of recoverable oil from 32 new wells both producers and injector wells (P+WI).
Determination of the Optimal Blend Ratio of Hydrogen in Natural Gas System Using Physical Properties as Basis
(ICMEAS, 2023-11-01) Ayuba Salihu ; Ikechukwu Okafor; Aniezi Okoro Daniel; Abdullahi Gimba ; Petrus Nzerem
The Determination of the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in natural gas systems using physical properties as a basis is an important research topic given the increasing use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. This research aims to determine the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in a natural gas system using physical properties such as its Composition, Heating Value, Density, and Wobbe index as the basis of evaluation. Samples of consumer-grade Natural gas and clean Hydrogen gas were sourced in Nigeria. Both samples were used for blending and laboratory analysis. The blend volume ratios of Natural Gas (NG) and Hydrogen analyzed were 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, & 5:5 using a Gasometer and Gas Chromatography Machine (CG). The experiment results provided valuable insights into the potential feasibility of replacing natural gas systems with a Hydrogen-Natural gas blend. The result obtained indicated about 2.06% reduction in percentage methane content, 26.35% reduction in gas density, 19.97% reduction in heating value (HHV), 5% reduction Wobbe index for every 10% increment of Hydrogen Ratio. This implies that blending carbon-neutral hydrogen gas into the natural gas systems for the purpose of decarbonization requires adequate compensation for expected changes in properties like heating value, flow dynamics, and process handling. The EUROMOT specification recommends that the percentage change in the wobbe index should be within the limit of +4% and -4% as an acceptable limit of interchangeability of fuel gas. Using the EUROMOT specification on Wobbe index, further numerical analysis affirmed that Natural Gas blended with as much as 25.74% Hydrogen can effectively be a substitute for fuel gas systems that are presently using Natural Gas.
Economic Modelling of the Delay in Passing the Petroleum Industry Bill in Nigeria and Its Impact on Deep Offshore Investments and Government Take Statistics
(Research Square, 2020-11-21) Oghenerume Ogolo; Petrus Nzerem
The petroleum industry bill (PIB) in Nigeria aims to reform the petroleum sector of the country and increase government revenue from petroleum investments. Despite the benefits the bill offers to the country, its passage has suffered several setbacks. This research therefore studied the impact of the delay in passing the bill on deep offshore investments. Economic models were built using the fiscal terms in PIB 2009 and 1993 production sharing contract (PSC) arrangement to evaluate the impact of the bill. The model with the 1993 PSC fiscal terms was adjusted to capture the delay in passing the bill. The bill was assumed to be passed on a yearly basis for 10 years (2010 to 2019). The impact of the delay in passing the bill based on the reserve portfolio of firms in the deep offshore region of the country was also evaluated. The delay in passing the PIB reduced the government take. It was seen that for the non-passage of the bill, the government lost about $1227.2 MM. When the bill was passed in 2019, the government had been losing about $11.843 MM on a yearly basis due to the delay in passing the bill.
Effect of Raw and Delignified Banana Stem (Musa Cavendish) On the Rheological and Filtration Loss Properties of Water Based Mud
(NJEAS, 2023-10-12) Ayuba Salihu; Ahmed Abubakar; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Khadijah Ibrahim; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada
In compliance with environmental laws and safety rules, oil and gas companies have taken necessary steps to eradicate the use of toxic chemicals conventionally used in drilling muds, thereby promoting biodegradable alternatives. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of two banana stem samples; Raw Banana Stem (RBS) and Delignified Banana Stem (DBS) as potential and proficient viscosifiers and fluid loss control agents in water based mud. The rheological properties evaluated include plastic viscosity (cP), apparent viscosity (cP), yield point (Ib/100ft2) and gel strength (Ib/100ft2) at 10 seconds and 10 minutes. Filtration loss properties evaluated include filter cake thickness (mm) and fluid loss volume (ml). Each drilling mud sample was prepared using 350 ml, 20 g bentonite and varying contents (g) of carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), RBS and DBS. A mixer was used to mix the mud homogenously; the rheological properties were calculated using a viscometer while the filtration loss properties were calculated using a filter press. The results and analysis were compared to the effects of commercially available carboxymethyl cellulose to validate its properties. RBS and DBS improved the rheological properties of the mud sample contents of 3 g, 5 g, 7 g and 9 g. At contents of 5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g, RBS and DBS samples provide significant fluid loss control and their results are similar to the results of CMC. RBS has a fluid loss volume increase of 6.84 %, 5.69 %, 17.12 % and 8.06 % from CMC’s results at slightly similar filter cake thickness while DBS has a fluid loss volume increase of 15.59 %, 15.09 %, 27.55 % and 15.35 % from CMC’s result. The data obtained from the experiments showed both banana samples can be used as environmentally friendly viscosifiers and fluid loss control agents.