DefinePK

Abstract

Comparative study of local polymer (cassava) with an imported type in controlling viscosity and fluid loss in water-based mud was investigated in this study. Five different cassava starches were tested as viscosifiers and fluid loss control additives in water based mud and compared with Barazan D, an imported sample. Experimental results indicated that at same concentration, the imported sample had higher rheological properties compared with the local samples. However, some of the newly developed local starch products (with high amylose content and high water absorption capacity) have similar or better filtration control properties than the imported sample. Although the viscosity of the drilling fluid produced from the local starches were lower than that of the imported type, with proper quality control efforts of the local samples, they could be used as a substitute for imported grade for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in Nigeria. It is also hoped that this work will open new market for non-food use of starches from cassava and thus expected to provide economic benefit to Nigerian farmers and a way forward to actualize vision 20-2020 agenda.