Investigation of the Effect of Some Salts on the Rheological Properties of Xanthan Gum and Gum Arabic Present in a Drilling Fluid

Abstract

The rheological properties of a drilling fluid are important because
they allow for extensive examination of the viscosity, fluid flow
profile, pressure loss, equivalent circulation density, and hole
cleaning capability making it the foundation for all wellbore
hydraulics. The viscosity, gel strength, and yield point of Gum
Arabic and Xanthan Gum contained in a fresh water-based drilling
fluid were investigated in the presence of three distinct salts:
calcium chloride (CaCl2), potassium chloride (KCl), and sodium
chloride (NaCl). The salts were introduced separately to three
distinct fresh water-based drilling fluid samples in increasing
weights. The Fann V-G viscometer was used for the required
rheology properties measuring the RPM and gel strength. The
plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, and yield point were
calculated from the experimental data. With increasing the salt
concentration, the plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, yield point,
and gel strength all decreased, which was observed for all three
salts used. This research aimed to investigate the effect of three
different salts; Calcium chloride (CaCl2), Potassium Chloride
(KCl), and Sodium Chloride (NaCl) on the rheological properties
of Gum Arabic and Xanthan Gum viscosified water-based drilling
fluid.