Petroleum Science >2026, Issue7: 4145-4164 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petsci.2026.03.027
Enhancing the performance of high-temperature, high-salinity, high-density water-based drilling fluid using a rheological modifier with low viscosity and high yield point characteristic Open Access
文章信息
作者:Yuan-Wei Sun, Jin-Sheng Sun, Kai-He Lv, Jing-Ping Liu, Lei Nie, Tai-Feng Zhang, Ning Huang, Han Yan, Ye-Cheng Li, Yu-Fan Zheng, Meng Li, Wu-Shuo Liu
作者单位:
投稿时间:
引用方式:Sun, Y.W., Sun, J.S., Lv, K.H., et al., 2026. Enhancing the performance of high-temperature, high-salinity, high-density water-based drilling fluid using a rheological modifier with low viscosity and high yield point characteristic. Petrol. Sci. 23 (7), 4145–4164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petsci.2026.03.027.
文章摘要
Deep oil and gas development is critical for ensuring stable fossil energy supply and facilitating a smooth energy transition. However, under extreme high-temperature, high-salinity, and high-density conditions, the weak network framework of water-based drilling fluids often causes uncontrolled rheology, fluid loss, and poor sedimentation stability. Conventional rheological modifiers strengthen the structure but induce excessive viscosity, creating trade-offs among key performance properties. In this study, a novel zwitterionic polymer modifier (LRM) with an aggregated cluster structure was synthesized, featuring low viscosity and high yield point behavior. LRM significantly improves yield point, reduces sedimentation, and enhances mud cake compactness at 200 °C, 30% NaCl, and 2.4 g/cm3 density, without notably increasing viscosity. Its aggregated clusters act as anchoring points, reinforcing the framework. In high-salinity environments, the anti-polyelectrolyte effect extends LRM chains, promoting multipoint adsorption and bridging with clay particles, while curled chains maintain low viscosity. The unique spatial structure buffers stress and forms recoverable micro-clusters with strong viscoelasticity, giving the fluid high initial resistance to flow and a low-viscosity, high-yield point profile. Furthermore, LRM also shows excellent compatibility with sulfonated, polymer-based, and clay-free systems, enhancing performance under harsh conditions. These results demonstrate LRM's potential for designing high-performance drilling fluids with controllable rheology, low fluid loss, and improved stability.
关键词
-
Water-based drilling fluid; Rheological modifier; High temperature; High salinity; High density; Performance regulation