Optimization of Mucuna solannie Mud Rheological Parameters

Abstract

The need to optimize rheological parameters by the use of appropriate techniques is the best consideration in drilling mud rheology studies. Various methods are used considering experience on the side of the user, available methods, and flow in pipe or annulus and depending on whether study is done in the field or for research purposes. Mucuna solannie is a legume, and the seed is a viscosifier used in foods in some parts of Africa. M. solannie mud is a new mud formulation from biomaterials, with M. solannie as the viscosifier, proposed as a replacement for other muds in terms of cost and efficiency. Solver software was used to determine the optimum rheological parameters, which would assist to select the suitable model for the mud. With Absolute Average Errors of 0.3433 and 0.8856 for unweighted and weighted muds, respectively; Herschel-Bulkley model is the suitable model since it has yield stress as model parameter, and flow behavior indices of 0.4721 and 0.4208 for unweighted and weighted muds, respectively were recorded. SOLVER result is comparable with other known techniques. It proved to be reliable, fast and requires little practice. It is suitable for engineering and research applications. The mud might be suitable for top-hole sections due to high yield of M. solannie and presence of calcium.

Keywords: Generalized reduced gradient, Herschel-Bulkley, Mucuna solannie, rheological parameters, SOLVER software