Development of high-performance and environmentally friendly water-based fluid systems for the oilfield industry

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The underlying idea of the innovation is to develop new, economically viable, high-performance and environmentally friendly water-based fluid systems for the oilfield industry, suitable for one or more of the application areas water-based drilling fluids, fracturing fluids, acidizing fluids, oil well cementing or water shut-off. The key element in the invention is the development of completely new and innovative microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) particles for use in fluid systems. Such particles have extr emely interesting properties for water-based fluid systems. Rheology properties are superior, forming strong gels at low shear rates and being highly shear-thinning. Rheology properties are likely to be maintained at elevated temperatures. MFC has good ab ility to form a filtering layer at the bore walls, likely to restrain fluid components from pentetrating into the formation. Further, MFC is likely to be robust in interaction with other fluid components. A successful project will open for substantial e conomical and environmental benefits for the consortium participants and society, and give the following effect goals: - Improved efficiency of injection fluids for enhanced oil recovery by minimizing fluid loss and plugging of reservoirs during drilling - Reduced costs during drilling and intervention, due to more efficient drilling operations - Substitute oil-based drilling fluids with water-based drilling fluids, e.g. at HTHP conditions, and thereby improve environmental impact during drilling and sta rt-up phase - Cost-effective solutions for well stimulation - Increased market share in fluid applications through development of a new series of water-based fluids based on nanofibrillated cellulose - Increased margins by developing, producing, marketing and selling a new series of nanofibrillated cellulose for use in the oilfield industry