The exponential increase in energy demand, combined with environmental protection from greenhouse gas emissions, has become a global concern, leading to the recovery of environmentally friendly resources like natural gas and renewable energy sources like geothermal energy. This project aims to develop new methodologies and technologies for environmentally friendly Water-based Fluid (WBF), constructed entirely from waste and zero economic value materials, selected to give them economic value.
The focus will be on the detailed investigation of Cyprus raw and waste K⁺-rich bentonites as low-density (LD) solids additives in WBF. The implementation activities include acquiring raw and waste bentonite from the Polycanthos quarry, Cyprus, belonging to Hellenic Mining Public Companies Ltd. The samples will then be processed mechanically, thermally activated, and modified via (i) anionic and nonionic polymer amendment and (ii) the Sol-Gel method to pillar the material and obtain composites to reach the desired colloidal properties in WBF.
The performance evaluation of the proposed WBF involves experiments of (a) rheology, (b) LPLT and HPHT filtration, and (c) static and dynamic thermal aging. The experimentally determined values will be compared with API standards to assess their performance and candidacy as prospective additives in WBF on a lab scale simulating the conditions for deep and geothermal wells. The proposed additives will also undergo physicochemical characterization.
A numerical model will be set up for simulating the rheological behavior of the drilling fluid system and, once validated, will predict thermal deterioration of variables in high-enthalpy wells. Finally, the project will investigate a Life Cycle Analysis, and the carbon footprint of the processes involved will be determined. The feasibility of commercialization of the results will also be investigated via cost-benefit analysis. This project adds elements of sustainable development through the circular economy and appropriate waste and resource management.
Bentonite activation through cation exchange enhances swelling and promotes stable colloid formation in water to meet API standards.
Weak colloid creation can be strengthened with low-density additives like polymers, producing non-DLVO interactions in bentonite-polymer composites, to satisfy API standards.
The rheological properties of the drilling fluids must comply with API standards after standardized testing for thermal stability.
A further method to produce colloids through pillaring to create composite nano-bentonite, with higher porosity, adsorption capacity, and high specific surface area, leading to exceptional colloid creation.
To contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by supporting the EU's transition to ward renewable energy and addressing the growing global energy demand through the application of circular economy strategies under the Green Deal, emphasizing sustainability, waste reutilization, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
To develop environmentally friendly water-based drilling fluids from waste materials to improve deep-well drilling performance while supporting sustainable energy and circular economy practices.