The novel approach for the enhancement of rheological properties of water-based drilling fluids by using multi-walled carbon nanotube, nanosilica and glass beads

• Performance of MWCNT, nanosilica and glass beads evaluated in water-based drilling fluid.
• Torque reduction was achieved by the addition of nanosilica and MWCNT.
• Yield point was improved with successive increase of the nanoparticles concentration.
• Mud cake thickness was improved and filtrate volume was reduced by the use of MWCNT.
• 10-s and 10-min gel strength were enhanced with MWCNT.

Nano and micron materials are investigated in water-based drilling fluid (WBDF) to improve its rheological behaviour. Due to the environmental and certain operational concerns, the use of oil-based drilling fluid (OBDF) and synthetic based drilling fluid (SBDF) is restricted that caused the industry seeking for new ways to enhance rheological properties of WBDF. This study was based on investigating the applicability of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), nanosilica and glass beads (GBs) as primary additives for enhancing the filtrate volume, lubricity and other rheological properties of WBDF. This study focused on the effect of different concentrations such as 0.001 ppb, 0.002 ppb, 0.01 ppb, 0.02 ppb, 0.1 ppb, and 0.2 ppb of each MWCNT and nanosilica over the rheological performance of WBDF. Effect of GBs of different sizes such as (90–150 μm) and (250–425 μm) was investigated at different concentrations of 2 ppb, 4 ppb, 6 ppb, 8 ppb, 10 ppb, and 12 ppb over rheological performance of WBDF. Results revealed that coefficient of friction (CoF) for drilling fluid without nanoparticles and GBs was 0.238. 0.01 ppb of MWCNT and nanosilica provided 44% and 38% CoF reduction. 4 ppb of GBs (90–150 μm) provided 28% CoF reduction. MWCNT showed 4.5 ml of filtrate volume and 2/32 inch of mud cake thickness. Thus, MWCNT can be a better choice as a drilling fluids additive for WBDF.