Effects of <i>Senna auriculata</i> extract on viscoelastic, thixotropic and filtration properties of water-based drilling mud

The limitations and setbacks observed in the nanomaterials enhanced water-based mud (WBM), led to the emergence of eco-friendly mud. In this study, a better enhancement in the rheological properties of Senna auriculata enhanced water-based mud (SWBM) at 30°C, 70°C and 110°C is observed. Different concentrations, viz., 0.5 wt. %, 1.0 wt. % and 1.5 wt. % of Senna auriculata are used to study its effects on the rheological and filtration properties of WBM. Thermal stability and aging studies are performed for both WBM and SWBM. The experimental results are then modelled using rheological models. The results reveal that Senna auriculata improve the thermal stability and rheological properties of drilling mud and significantly decrease the American Petroleum Institute (API) filtrate. The rheological performance data of NFWDF project a better fit with the Herschel-Bulkley model and suggest improvement in rheological and filtration properties. This study serves as an important prelude for the development of new environmentally friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and cost-effective additives for WBM to improve its rheological properties. This research is also expected to aid the industry by resolving major issues in deep well drilling and HPHT drilling. [Received: May 10, 2022; Accepted: September 17, 2022]