Enhanced activated sludge as drilling mud additive
US10501674B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/34
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In order to substantially reduce friction during drilling operations, specialized lubricants need to be added to drilling fluid recipes. In general, lubricants reduce friction by forming a thin film of liquid that separates the solid surfaces in contact. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of enhanced activated sludge (EAS) as a lubricant in drilling fluids. EAS is activated sludge rich in lipids. The mixed consortium of microorganism in waste water treatment facilities in grown under a high carbon/nitrogen ratio to trigger lipid accumulation.Performance of EAS as drilling fluid additive was compared with commercial lubricants in terms of lubricity and flow properties. Lubricants were evaluated using water-based drilling mud at lubricant concentrations of 1.78, 3.11, 4.43, and 6.17 pounds per barrel (ppb). Experiments were carried out in a standard lubricity meter. The lubricity meter tests the ability of the lubricant in the drilling mud to reduce friction. Other parameters measured were plastic viscosity, gel strength, fluid loss, mud cake thickness, sand content, methylene blue test (MBT), alkalinity, and chlorides. These findings show that EAS …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.