Graphene for oilfield applications: : Graphene Nanochem

Aside from its GraphSolve cuttings solution, Graphene Nanochem has developed a number of graphene-based drilling fluids for use in the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process. Drilling fluids help to lubricate the drill bit, prevent blowouts of oil and the collapse of the drilling-well wall, carry drill cuttings from the bottom of the well to the surface and can serve as a weighting agent, aiding proppant suspension. In the primary hydrocarbon recovery phase, there are three main categories of drilling fluids used; water-based, oil based and gaseous drilling fluids. Depending on well conditions, different drilling fluids, or drilling muds, can be selected, with some wells requiring different types of drilling fluids at different stages, or a combination of fluids. The enhanced lubricity of our graphene-based fluids helps to prevent the drill bit from getting stuck and speeds up the drilling process, [Jespal Deol Abdullah] said, adding that wear is also reduced on pumps and that its drilling fluids enable the casing to be set faster. As well as enhanced performance, these benefits can help to reduce downtime and as a result can increase production.