RHEOLOGICAL MODELLING AND VALIDATION OF GRAPHENE OXIDE-ENHANCED WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS FOR SURGE AND SWAB PRESSURE MITIGATION: A COMPARISON OF POWER LAW AND YIELD POWER LAW MODELS

Abstract

This study examines the rheological properties of graphene oxide (GO)-modified water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) and assesses their performance by means of Yield Power Law (YPL) and Power Law (PL) models. Experimental findings confirm substantial improvements in yield stress, plastic viscosity, and shear-thinning behaviour. Mutually, the models signify high predictive accuracy (R² > 0.79 for YPL, and 0.95 for PL). The YPL model excellently captures the yield stress and non-Newtonian behaviour of the fluids, offering exceptional prediction of surge and swab pressures. These improvements contribute to better wellbore stability, cut non-productive time (NPT), and boosted safety margins. The results highlight a probable optimization during drilling operations by improving surge and swab pressure control. Forthcoming studies will encompass testing the fluids under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environments and integrating them into Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models for multifaceted drilling scenarios.