M.I. Abdou

Effect of Particle Size of Bentonite on Rheological Behavior of the Drilling Mud

Abstract Control of the particle size and concentration of particulates in mud is critical in developing a mud system that yields good well stability and prevents fluid invasion. Bentonite is an essential component of drilling fluid in water-based systems and the results of testing carried out on the drilling fluids suit the requirements of American Petroleum Institute (API) standards and Oil Companies Materials Association (OCMA, 1975) specifications. Therefore, this study deals with the investigation of the rheology of water-based mud using bentonite of different grain sizes (38, 63, 75, and 106 μm) at different concentrations (4, 5, 6, and 7.5%). Four samples of water-based mud were prepared of different grain sizes (38, 63, 75, and 106 μm) at a concentration of 4% and the rheological behavior was recorded; this was repeated at different concentrations (5, 6, and 7.5%) and the particle size distribution was demonstrated for all grain sizes. This article illustrates that the components of flow, plastic viscosity, and yield point are absolute flow properties. They reflect the colloidal and surface-active behavior of solids present in drilling fluids. Both properties affect the apparent viscosity as measured by a Fann VG meter (Fann, Houston, TX).

Petrographical and Petrophysical Studies of Some Upper Cretaceous Rocks, Southwest Sinai, Egypt

Abstract Petrographical and petrophysical properties have been studied for the Upper Cretaceous rocks collected from the Gabal Nazzazat area, SW Sinai. They are represented by 14 samples from the Raha Formation, 6 samples from the Abu Qada Formation, and 10 samples from the Wata Formation. The main petrography characteristics, digenetic features, faunal assemblage, and their relation to depositional environments are discussed. The petrophysical study revealed the presence of some sandstone beds within Raha and Matulla formations, which are characterized by moderate to good reservoir quality.

Enhancement of anti-corrosion and mechanical properties of alkyd-based protective paints for steel petroleum structures incorporating natural limonite pigment

Abstract In the present approach, natural limonite iron oxide samples from Baharyia Oasis areas have been collected and ground to the micro-sized scale to be used as pigment for upholding the corrosion resistance behavior and mechanical performance properties of protective paints for steel petroleum structures. The assessment procedure includes measuring of specific gravity, moisture content, oil absorption, particle size distribution, particle shape, pH value, soluble in water, hardness, powder color and chemical composition by XRF analysis of limonite pigment particles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was implemented to assure the phase identification of the crystalline limonite pigment particles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements were accomplished to measure the particle size distribution and Zeta-potential of these particles in suspension. Amorphous and lamellar morphology of limonite particles was manifested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. EDX investigation was employed to give a semi-quantitative analysis and the chemical composition of limonite pigment. Different alkyd-based coating formulations were modified using various uniformly dispersing amounts of the processed limonite pigment particles as bi-functional modifier. The anti-corrosion performance properties of the considered limonite modified coating formulations against unmodified blank coating were studied by accelerated corrosion experiment (salt spray chamber) after 500 h exposure in 5% NaCl solution. The obtained results revealed a significant improvement in the rust grade, blistering size, color tolerance and adhesion performance of limonite modified coated steel films compared to unmodified conventional coating. To confirm the previous concept, weight loss method was performed. The mechanical performance properties for these films were investigated by adhesion cross-cut, bend and impact coating tests to confirm their application efficiency. From the recorded data it was found that, the adhesion properties, elongation character and resistance to rapid deformation of these coatings increased significantly to the steel surface with increasing the limonite pigment (%) by weight in the coating formulation. The results obtained compared with the ASTM and paint handbooks and found satisfactory for producing color paint pigment.

Application of Natural Polymers in Engineering

This chapter is divided into three parts. The first part describes the role of natural polymers in the nonrenewable energy industry (drilling fluids) and this includes the definition, function, properties, additives, and types of drilling muds. In this part the problems of drilling fluid loss during its circulation at the oil field well and its solution using the natural polymers are also discussed. The second part deals with the role of natural polymers in the renewable energy industry (biomass), this part reviews the types of renewable energy produced from biomass. Finally, the third part focuses on the role of natural polymers in the wastewater treatment technology.