Exploring Monoethylene Glycol-Based Magnetic Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Rheology and Lubricity in Geothermal Drilling Operations

Ali, Anwaar O.; Aboulrous, Amany A.; Mubarak, Mahmoud F.; Abdou, Mahmoud Ibrahim; M. Fadl, A; I.El-Dougdoug, Wagdy O; A. Aly, Aly

doi:10.21608/jbes.2025.417404.1025

Exploring Monoethylene Glycol-Based Magnetic Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Rheology and Lubricity in Geothermal Drilling Operations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Production Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

² Petroleum Application Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

³ Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

10.21608/jbes.2025.417404.1025

Abstract

This study investigates the incorporation of monoethylene glycol-based magnetic carbon quantum dots (MEG-MCQDs) into geothermal drilling fluids to enhance their rheological properties, torque reduction, and frictional performance under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Various concentrations of MEG-MCQDs, ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%, were added to water based mud (WBM) to assess their impact on drilling fluid behavior. The MEG-MCQDs were thoroughly characterized using IR, BET analysis, Zeta potential, DLS, SEM, and TGA to confirm their stability, size, surface characteristics, and thermal properties. The results demonstrated significant improvements in key rheological properties, including an increase in plastic viscosity and yield point, essential for wellbore stability. The torque reduction was notably enhanced, with values reaching up to 52.4% at the highest concentration (0.1%), compared to the blank mud. Additionally, the friction coefficient decreased across all concentrations, with the highest reduction observed at 0.1% MEG-MCQD, showing a clear correlation between nanomaterial concentration and improved lubricity. The MEG-MCQDs nanocomposite also showed excellent thermal stability at 150°C, drastically reducing friction and torque as well as improving fluid loss control and overall drilling efficiency. Such findings open the door to the utilization of MEG-MCQDs for making geothermal drilling more efficient and sustainable.

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