SHORT TERM INDUSTRIAL/RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE REPORT
STUDY OF FEASIBILITY OF
NANOPARTICLES IN THE POLYMER-
BASED DRILLING FLUID SYSTEM
FOR
OIL AND NATURAL GAS
CORPORATION, DEHRADUN
Submitted by
Anshuman Singh Negi
(121CH0599)
Bachelor of Technology
Chemical Engineering
National Institute of Technology
Rourkela, Odisha
Contents
1 Abstract 1
2 Introduction 2
2.1 Organisation Overview.....................................................................3
2.2 Project Scope..........................................................................................3
2.3 Objectives...............................................................................................4
3 Internship Experience 5
3.1 Internship Description......................................................................5
3.1.1 Phase 01.....................................................................................5
3.1.2 Phase 02.....................................................................................5
3.2 Project Description...........................................................................6
3.3 Learnings & Challenges....................................................................8
3.3.1 Business Perspective..................................................................8
3.3.2 Technical Perspective...........................................................8
3.4 Recommendations..................................................................................9
4 Conclusion 10
Acknowledgements
References
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Chapter 1
Abstract
I completed a two-month internship at ONGC’s Institute of Drilling Technology
(IDT), Dehradun, where I worked as part of the Drilling Fluids Research and
Development Team. My primary project focused on evaluating the feasibility of
incorporating nanoparticles into polymer-based water-based drilling fluids
(WDFs) to enhance their performance under high-pressure, high-temperature
(HPHT) conditions.
During the initial weeks, I familiarized myself with the fundamentals of drilling
fluids and their applications in the oil and gas industry. I explored the use of
nanoparticles like iron oxide to improve the filtration properties and thermal
stability of WDFs. Subsequently, I developed and tested various drilling fluid
systems with different nanoparticle concentrations, analysing their performance
before and after exposure to HPHT conditions.
The outcome was the identification of an optimized fluid formulation with 0.1%
iron oxide nanoparticles, which significantly improved filtration loss by 36.8% and
maintained stable rheological properties. This internship provided me with
valuable insights into nanotechnology’s role in enhancing drilling fluid systems and
the challenges of oilfield applications under extreme conditions.
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Chapter 2
Introduction
The purpose of my internship was to gain practical experience in the field of Drilling
Fluid Engineering and to explore the application of nanotechnology to enhance the
properties of water-based drilling fluids. The project aimed to study the feasibility of
incorporating nanoparticles into polymer-based drilling fluid systems to improve their
performance under challenging wellbore conditions, particularly high-pressure and
high-temperature (HPHT) environments.
Drilling fluids play a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, ensuring wellbore stability,
controlling formation pressures, and carrying cuttings to the surface. By incorporating
nanoparticles, the goal was to improve the thermal stability, filtration properties, and
overall efficiency of these fluids during drilling operations.
The organization where I interned was Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC),
specifically at its Institute of Drilling Technology (IDT) in Dehradun. ONGC is India’s
largest oil and gas exploration company, and its IDT division specializes in research and
development for advanced drilling technologies.
The context of my project was to evaluate how nanoparticles like iron oxide could
enhance the filtration control and rheological behavior of drilling fluids. The research
involved preparing various fluid formulations, analyzing their performance, and
assessing their suitability for real-world drilling applications under extreme conditions.
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2.1 Organisation Overview
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is a leading multinational oil and gas
company owned by the Government of India, founded in 1956. ONGC’s mission is
to fuel India’s energy needs by exploring and producing oil and gas resources while
prioritizing sustainable growth and technological innovation. The company’s core
values are operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and a commitment
to safety and community welfare.
ONGC operates across various segments of the oil and gas industry, with key
activities including the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and
natural gas. Its Institute of Drilling Technology (IDT), located in Dehradun, is a
premier research hub focused on advancing drilling technologies. IDT is dedicated
to improving drilling fluid systems, well control, and overall drilling efficiency
through research, innovation, and field application.
I worked under the mentorship of Mr. Souptik Pal, Chief Chemist at ONGC's IDT,
who has extensive experience in drilling fluid research. He provided invaluable
guidance throughout my internship, helping me understand the critical role of
drilling fluids and the potential of nanotechnology in optimizing fluid properties. His
mentorship was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the subject and
improving my technical skills.
2.2 Project Scope
The project gives a basic introductory idea of Water Based Drilling Fluids. It also
focuses on its application in petroleum industry and non-petroleum industry.
This project also contains terminologies used in water-based drilling fluids.
A short idea is given on drilling fluid to understand –
● The functions of drilling fluid
● The classification/types of the drilling fluid.
● The different parameters of water-based drilling fluid.
● The instruments which are used to determine the properties of the
drilling fluid.
● The uses and application of drilling fluid.
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2.3 Objectives
The objectives I aimed to achieve during the internship were:
To understand the fundamentals of drilling fluids and their significance in oil
and gas exploration.
To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating nanoparticles into polymer-
based water-based drilling fluids (WDFs) for improved performance.
To study the impact of nanoparticles on the thermal stability, rheological
properties, and filtration control of drilling fluids under high-pressure, high-
temperature (HPHT) conditions.
To prepare and test different fluid formulations with varying concentrations
of nanoparticles and assess their efficiency.
To gain practical experience in laboratory experiments related to drilling
fluid systems and understand their application in real-world drilling
operations.
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Chapter 3
Internship Experience
I was working in the Research and Development team of IDT (Institute
of Drilling Technology) at ONGC Dehradun, where I was involved in the
Drilling Fluid project in which we evaluated the feasibility of nano
particles in the polymer-based drilling fluid. Drilling Fluid in petroleum
designing is a heavy, viscous liquid blend that is utilized in oil and gas drilling
activities to convey rock cuttings to the surface and furthermore to grease
up and cool the boring apparatus. The penetrating mud, by hydrostatic
pressing factor, additionally helps anticipation of the breakdown of
unsteady layers into the borehole and the interruption of water from water
bearing layers that might be experienced.
3.1 Internship Description
My internship can be better explained by dividing it into multiple phases,
the same being as follows:
3.1.1 Phase 01
In the first phase, I familiarized myself with the fundamentals of drilling fluids
and their role in the oil and gas industry. I studied how polymer-based WDFs
operate, their key properties, and how nanoparticles could improve these fluids.
Additionally, I explored the preparation of different drilling fluid systems and
the effect of nanoparticle concentrations.
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3.1.2 Phase 02
In the second phase, I worked on preparing and testing various drilling fluid
formulations with different nanoparticle concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%).
The goal was to analyze the impact of nanoparticles on the rheological properties
and filtration control of drilling fluids under HPHT conditions. I conducted
experiments and evaluated the fluids’ performance before and after hot rolling.
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3.2 Project Description
The Feasibility Study of Nanoparticles in Polymer-Based Drilling Fluids aimed to
enhance drilling fluid systems to withstand HPHT conditions and improve
overall efficiency. The project can be described better using the following
steps:
Fluid System Preparation: Various fluid systems (SET-1, SET-2, SET-3, SET-4)
were prepared with nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%.
SET-1 was the base fluid, while SET-2 to SET-4 had increasing nanoparticle
concentrations.
Experimental Setup: The fluids were subjected to tests before and after hot
rolling at 130°C for 16 hours. Properties like mud weight, apparent viscosity
(AV), plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), gel strength, and filtration loss
were measured.
Results and Analysis: The addition of nanoparticles significantly improved
the thermal stability and filtration properties of the fluids. For example,
0.1% iron oxide nanoparticles reduced LPLT filtration loss by 36.8% while
maintaining stable rheological properties.
Table 1:
Properties of SET-1, SET-2 and SET-3 and SET-4 mud samples at before hot rolling
(BHR) for Type 1
Mud Properties Values
Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4
Mud weight (ppg) 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
pH 9.2 9.0 8.9 8.8
AV(cP) 81 73.5 94 99
PV (cP) 53 51 63 63
YP (lb/100ft2 ) 56 45 72 72
Gel 0 (lb/100ft2) 8 7 5 10
Gel 10 (lb/100ft2 ) 17 14 14 35
HPHT, Filtration loss volume (cc) - - - -
Table 2:
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Properties of SET-1, SET-2 and SET-3 and SET-4 mud samples at after hot rolling
(AHR) at 100 degrees Celsius/500 psi for 16 hrs for Type 1
Mud Properties Values
Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4
Mud weight (ppg) 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
pH 9.2 9.0 8.9 8.8
AV(cP) 78 49 72.5 52.5
PV (cP) 66 38 50 10
YP (lb/100ft2 ) 24 22 45
Gel 0 (lb/100ft2) 9 3 9 9
Gel 10 (lb/100ft2 ) 11 4 11 12
LPLT, Filtration loss volume (cc) 19 12 16 12
HPHT, Filtration loss Volume (cc) 19 12 16 12
TABLE 3:
Properties of SET-1 and SET-2 mud samples at before hot rolling (BHR) for Type 2
Mud Properties Values
Set 1 Set 2
Mud weight (ppg) 1.4 1.4
pH 9.0 8.8
AV(cP) 69 67.5
PV (cP) 53 45
YP (lb/100ft2 ) 32 45
Gel 0 (lb/100ft2) 5 7
Gel 10 (lb/100ft2 ) 8 9
HPHT, Filtration loss volume (cc) - -
TABLE 4:
Properties of SET-1 and SET-2 mud samples at after hot rolling (AHR) at 130-degree
Celsius/500 psi for 16 hrs for Type 2
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Mud Properties Values
Set 1 Set 2
Mud weight (ppg) 1.4 1.4
pH 9.0 8.8
AV(cP) 52.5 26
PV (cP) 41 21
YP (lb/100ft2 ) 23 10
Gel 0 (lb/100ft2) 3 2
Gel 10 (lb/100ft2 ) 8 4
HPHT, Filtration loss Volume (cc) 22 12
Conclusion: Various experiment studies were carried out, on the basis of them
following conclusions are drawn:
1) In KCl PHPA drilling fluid system, the filtration property (LPLT) of D. Fs were
improved by adding iron oxide nanoparticles ranging from 0.1 to 0.3.
2) It was observed that there was a very less and negligible change in LPLT
filtration loss after varying the concentration of iron oxide from 0.1 to 0.3 %.
Hence, it is advisable to use iron oxide nanoparticles as lower concentration
(that is 0.1 %).
3) After hot rolling of drilling fluid system at 130 degrees Celsius for 16 hours,
0.1% (w/v) iron oxide nanoparticles have reduced. LPLT filtration loss by
36.8% as compared to base.
4) The rheological parameters of D.F systems were slightly decreased by
increasing the concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles from 0.1 % to 0.3 %
as compared to the base mud.
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3.3 Learnings & Challenges
The challenges in drilling problems such as formation damage, pipe sticking, lost
circulation, poor hole cleaning, and fluid loss need better solutions.
Nanotechnology, by means of nanofluids, provides potential solutions for the
development of improved water-based mud (WBM). This work presents the use of
Nanofluid prepared in various base fluids, such as xanthan gum, polyethylene
glycol, and more which are commonly used in oilfield operations, for the
development of nanofluid-enhanced drilling mud (NWBM). We prepared
formulations of various nanofluids with varying concentrations of nanoparticles,
such as 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 wt%, and were investigated for their effect on the thermal,
electrical, and fluid-loss properties of NWBM. In addition, these results also were
then compared with Base drilling fluid to conclude its effect on rheological
properties and filtration control. Filtration-loss and filter-cake-thickness studies on
WBM and NWBM were also carried out with an American Petroleum Institute (API)
filter press. It is observed that the fluid loss decreases with addition of the
nanofluids in WBM. The studies, in general, bear testimony to the efficacy of
nanofluids in the development of next-generation improved water-based drilling
fluids suitable for efficient drilling operation.
3.4 Recommendations
Based on my experiences, I would like to offer some recommendations and
suggestions for ONGC to improve their drilling fluid formulations and
operational efficiency under challenging conditions. These are:
To further explore the impact of varying nanoparticle types and
concentrations: While the use of iron oxide nanoparticles showed
promising results, experimenting with other types of nanoparticles (e.g.,
silica or titanium dioxide) may provide additional benefits in improving
thermal stability and filtration control.
To optimize the concentration of nanoparticles in drilling fluids: Since the
results indicated that 0.1% concentration was the most effective, it would
be beneficial to focus on refining and optimizing the concentration for
different drilling conditions to enhance cost-effectiveness.
To invest in advanced testing equipment: Introducing more sophisticated
testing equipment to measure rheological and filtration properties under
more extreme conditions would provide more accurate data and enable a
better understanding of fluid performance.
To incorporate machine learning models to predict drilling fluid
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performance: Using data from previous experiments, machine learning
could help in predicting the optimal composition of nanoparticles in drilling
fluids based on well conditions, reducing time spent on experimental
iterations.
To increase collaboration between research and field teams: Ensuring
frequent feedback loops between laboratory experiments and real-world
applications could bridge the gap between research outcomes and
operational improvements in actual drilling projects.
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Chapter 4
Conclusion
My internship at ONGC’s Institute of Drilling Technology (IDT) was an enriching and
rewarding experience that allowed me to gain practical skills and insights in the field of
drilling fluids engineering, particularly in the application of nanotechnology to improve
fluid performance under extreme conditions. I successfully completed the project,
which involved evaluating the feasibility of incorporating nanoparticles into polymer-
based water-based drilling fluids (WDFs) to enhance their thermal stability and
filtration control properties in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environments.
The results demonstrated that the addition of iron oxide nanoparticles at lower
concentrations (0.1%) significantly improved the fluid’s performance by reducing
filtration loss by 36.8%, thus contributing to better wellbore stability and drilling
efficiency. This research can potentially optimize the use of drilling fluids in challenging
wellbore conditions, offering practical solutions for the oil and gas industry.
I am grateful to ONGC for providing me with this invaluable opportunity to work on such an
impactful project. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Souptik Pal, my mentor, for
his continuous guidance and support throughout my internship. I hope that my contributions
will positively impact ONGC’s efforts to enhance drilling operations.
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Acknowledgments
It gives me immense pleasure to express my gratitude and indebtedness
to Mr. G.A.V.S. Prasad, ED-HOI, IDT for allowing me to work in this
prestigious institute which other people dream of doing in.
My heartfelt thanks to Mr. K.R. Babu, (GGM- Drilling), Head- DF & CF, IDT,
Mr. [Link] (GM-Chemistry), Incharge DF (R&) TG,IDT, Mr.
[Link] (GM-Chemistry), Incharge CF (R&) TG,IDT and my project
mentor MR. Souptik Pal, Chief Chemist, DF (R&D) TG-IDT, ONGC,
Dehradun, who allowed me to do this project in Drilling Fluids and has
been very supportive and helpful throughout the duration of training.
Their constant guidance has been a source of inspiration for me
throughout this project.
I extend my gratitude to Mr. CHAITANYA KUMAR, Dr. VED PRAKASH
DHYANI & Miss. SUMAN SHARMA for giving me the knowledge about the
different equipment used in the laboratory and for helping me in all
experimental work.
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References
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