EVALUATION OF THE VISCOSITY OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF XANTHAN RESINS

Abstract

The relevance. The widespread use of biopolymers in the composition of drilling fluids makes it possible to upgrade the latter in terms of improving the hydraulics of the circulation system, increasing the outflow capacity of the flushing fluid, solving issues of stability of the walls of an open borehole. Interest in the use of vegetable gums in drilling is increasing. The main aim of the article is to determine the distinctive properties of aqueous polymer solutions in geological terms. The rheological properties of the drilling mud are an important factor in the productivity of the well deepening process. Thanks to the rheological curve of the drilling mud, we can more accurately estimate the equivalent circulation density and the ability to remove fracture products from the well, optimize hydraulic parameters, etc. Objects: rheological properties of aqueous solutions of biopolymers, in particular, xanthan gum, which manufacturing companies supply in powder form. Methods: instrumental methods for determining rheological parameters of aqueous solutions of biopolymers according to GOST 33696 (ISO 10416), estimation and analysis of the dispersion distribution with three measurements at each point of the experiment. Results. The authors carried out the statistical study of the differences in the shear stress readings of aqueous solutions of the powders under study. Due to the non-compliance of the measured voltage values with the normal distribution, the nonparametric Mann–Whitney comparison criterion was used, the calculations of which for two possible combinations of small samples showed no differences. The susceptibility of rheological parameters of aqueous solutions of xanthan powders to pseudoplastic values of the Oswald de Weil power model is shown.

Keywords

• xanthan gum
• biopolymer
• rheological properties
• viscometry
• shear stress
• viscosity
• comparison criterion