Application of Benzotriazole Corrosion Inhibitor in Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluid and its Overall Impact in Improving Drilling Fluid Functionality

Abstract The effect of corrosion inhibitor Benzotriazole on synthetic-based mud system was studied. Rheological performance of the benzotriazole enhanced synthetic-based fluid system was studied and compared against the base mud. To study its effect on dynamic wellbore conditions, different drilling fluid compositions were placed in a hot rolling oven for 16 hours at temperatures 150 °C and 170°C and the effect of temperature on mud properties were studied. Tests carried out include rheological test (before and after hot rolling), filtrate pH, lubricity test, and fluid loss test. The corrosion penetration rate was studied using the weight loss method. Based on experiment results, the synthetic-based mud system which comprised of benzotriazole displayed a reduction in coefficient of friction up to 95.93%. At ambient condition, optimal ratio of mineral oil:benzotriazole (M:B) which gives best lubricity performance on synthetic-based mud system is 80:20. This leads to improved corrosion inhibition and lubricity of the synthetic-based fluid by reducing the coefficient of friction up to 90.13%. Increased temperature led to further decrease in coefficient of friction with a % torque reduction of 95.93 displayed by the 80:20 ratio M:B mud composition at 170 °C. Significant alterations of the mud composition rheological and fluid loss parameters before and after exposure to high temperature in hot rolling oven were not observed. pH values were maintained ≥7 at the dynamic conditions highlighting solubility of the formulated fluid composition and absence of contaminants which can pose significant threats to the rates of corrosion in drill pipes. Increasing the concentration of Benzotriazole led to a reduction in corrosion rate. However, as the temperature effect increased, the corrosion rate elevated. Based on results from this investigation, it was concluded that Benzotriazole can be applied as a corrosion inhibitor in a synthetic-based drilling fluid system as an alternative corrosion inhibitor without significant alteration of the base mud properties. Benefits of this will be the optimization of extended reach well drilling operations due to excellent lubricity performance, corrosion rate reduction, compatibility with HPHT wellbore condition and fluid loss control.