Investigation of the Gubadag deposit clay minerals properties and development of drilling fluids based on them

Abstract

The study of the properties of clay minerals and the creation of innovative drilling fluids based on them are extremely important aspects for improving the processes of extraction of natural resources, reducing operating costs, and increasing the energy efficiency of industrial operations. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities of developing a composition of drilling fluids based on the investigation of the properties of clay minerals for drilling and maintenance of wells in the conditions of the Gubadag deposit located in Turkmenistan. Statistical methods, experiments, and analysis were used in the course of the work. The results of the study showed that clay from the Gubadag deposit is characterised by low hydrophilicity and weakened structural stability, which is manifested in limited hydration energy and high filtration permeability. This leads to low viscosity, rheological, and structural-mechanical parameters of natural solutions. It follows from this that Gubadag clay is classified as a low-quality material. The prepared solutions from the above samples on different types of water have volumes in the range of 2-3 m³. However, after treating sea water with caustic soda, sample No. 2 generates more than 4 m³ of solution, significantly different from other samples. This highlights the need for additional research to optimise drilling fluid formulae, since it is important to determine the effect of clay materials on the properties of solutions and develop more adapted formulae that consider the specifics of the material and the conditions of its use in drilling wells. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in a significant improvement in the efficiency of drilling and maintenance of wells in regions with difficult geological conditions, offering new methods for preparing drilling fluids.