Tannin-Based Deflocculants in High Temperature High Pressure Wells: A Comprehensive Review

Clay deflocculants that are commonly used in water-based muds under high temperature high pressure (HTHP) oilwell drilling conditions have been found to contain chromium which is toxic. Tannin-based deflocculants are regarded as a more environmentally friendly and suitable alternative to the chrome-based deflocculants. However, tannin-based deflocculants have not been studied extensively and understood completely, and for the past two years, there have not been many active pieces of research in the area. To advance research in the area, there is a need to critically and holistically review research works that have been done so far on tannin-based deflocculants as drilling mud additives to identify research challenges and opportunities. This review paper provides an overview of tannin-based deflocculants used in water-based muds under HTHP drilling conditions, including the various forms, thermal stability, deflocculating ability and environmental acceptance of the deflocculant. The review revealed that under HTHP conditions, modified and unmodified tannin-based deflocculants both deflocculate water muds well and are thermostable. However, only a few studies have been conducted on their usage as deflocculants at temperatures of 150oC or above. The research gaps identified if pursued could advance the use of tannin-based deflocculants as green substitutes for the conventional chrome-based deflocculants.