Performance Analysis of Cowpea Skin, Sugar Cane Rind and Yam Bark as Additives in Water-Based Drilling Mud

Abstract

Drilling operations require the use of drilling fluid with optimum characteristics. Desired drilling fluid properties is typically controlled using additives. Due to the environmental and safety impact of synthetic additives, this research investigated the use of degradable food waste namely cowpea skin powder (CSP), sugarcane rind powder (SRP) and yam bark powder (YP) as additives in water-based drilling mud. To check the potential of these biodegradable food waste as additives, their elemental composition and approximate composition were ascertained using Scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM EDS) and proximate analysis. The method used included the collection, cleaning, drying and grinding each of the food waste (sugarcane rind, cowpea skin and yam bark) into powdered form of 200 microns, performance evaluation of the additives was done in the concentration of 1% (5grams), 3% (10grams), 4% (15grams) and 5% (20grams) each for each API standard laboratory batch of mud. All three powders were confirmed to have significant fiber, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen content, enough to affect fluid loss and filtration control. Significant effect was observed in pH, Plastic viscosity, Yield point, Gel strength and cake thickness. The organic additives tested had no significant effect on mud density and specific gravity.