This work creates non-damaging drilling fluids (NDDF) using eggshells powder with two different particle sizes [45 and 90 microns (μ)], solanum tuberosum, and curcuma longa. FT-IR and LC-MS confirm strong bonding of the additives with water present in the NDDF. Hydrate investigations utilizing NDDF-1 to NDDF-4 are conducted using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). All the samples showed an optimal range of rheological and physical properties. The shale stability measurement shows only 10% adsorption. Furthermore, no exothermic reaction is observed with maximum heat flow near 100 mW/g, demonstrating the effectiveness of all the samples in hydrate prevention upto -10 °C.
The petroleum industry's relentless quest for more efficient and eco-friendly drilling methods has led to the development of creative solutions aimed at minimizing formation damage and maximizing reservoir production. One such invention that marked a significant turning point in drilling fluid technology is the non-damaging drilling fluid (NDDF) (Caenn et al., 2011; Mech et al., 2020; Medhi et al. 2020). These fluids are made to interact with the reservoir rock in a way that minimizes the chance of jeopardizing hydrocarbon recovery, sustains well productivity, and safeguards reservoir integrity—all without the use of typical additives like bentonite and barite (Mandal et al., 2006; Mech et al., 2020). They are intended to reduce the detrimental impact that conventional drilling fluids have on subsurface formations, thereby improving well performance and lowering operational risks. NDDF is the result of decades of research, development, and technological innovation in the petroleum sector. The ability of these fluids to maintain wellbore integrity while preserving reservoir attributes is becoming increasingly crucial as drilling depths increase and reservoir conditions become more challenging. Although crucial, conventional drilling fluids have some disadvantages that might impair wellbore stability, delay drilling operations, and lower overall drilling efficiency (Mitchell, 1997). The petroleum sector frequently deals with issues such formation damage, wellbore stability, environmental concerns, cost and efficiency, and more (Caenn et al., 2011; Mitchell, 1997).