Polymers for Drilling Fluid Formulations: A Review

Drilling fluids are a fundamental part of petroleum drilling. Drilling fluids are necessary for drilling because they aid in well cleaning, drill bit cooling and lubrication, drill cuttings removal, stabilization of the wellbore for improved filtration, and formation pressure control. Numerous additives are added to drilling fluids with suitable rheological and filtration capabilities in order to stabilize these features. Due to their distinctive physico-chemical characteristics, polymers like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC), guar gum, starch, and xanthan gum, are regarded as significant additives in drilling fluids. These polymers have a significant potential to enrich the rheological and filtration properties of drilling fluids. Over the years, researchers have looked into the use of various polymers to create drilling fluids with improved qualities that can withstand severe wellbore states at extreme temperatures and pressure. The rheological and filtration properties of drilling fluids can be enhanced by using various naturally occurring polymers, which are reviewed in this article.