Abstract
The performance of the drilling fluid used is very important for a successful operation in drilling applications. Recently, developments in drilling mud technology have gained economic significance as well as developments in horizontal and deep-sea drilling, where expensive technologies are used.
In this study, it is aimed to compare the effects of raw perlite and expanded perlite on water-based drilling mud. For this purpose, water-based drilling muds were prepared and raw perlite and expanded perlite was added to the prepared mud samples at different rates (0.1-5 % w.v-1). Rheological properties such as plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, breaking point, gel strength values (10 seconds and 10 minutes) of the prepared drilling mud were determined by FANN viscometer. Filtration properties were studied using API Filter Press. All measurements were performed according to American Petroleum
Institute (API) standards.
The rheological and filtration properties of drilling mud prepared by adding raw and expanded perlite separately were compared with additive-free drilling mud and then among themselves. It has been determined that raw perlite and expanded perlite contribute positively to the rheological properties and filtration loss values of water-based drilling mud. In addition, it has been observed that expanded perlite has a better effect than raw perlite.