Work

Proteinaceous Spirulina Biomass as a Sustainable Drilling Fluid Additive for Lubricity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the potential of Spirulina biomass as a lubricating additive for drilling fluid formulations. In this work, this waste protein is evaluated as a lubricant alternative that may decrease the coefficient of friction while improving the rheological profiles and/or reducing fluid loss via permeation in drilling fluids. A processed and dried Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) biomass is incorporated into drilling fluid formulations and compared to standard lubricant additives for the drilling fluid properties of lubricity, rheology, and fluid loss. Rheological characterization includes the determination of yield stress, gel strength, and viscosity measurements. The major findings of this study include a friction value reduction of up to 30% and a fluid loss reduction of up to 51% by using 3 vol.% Spirulina. Parameters were fit to two rheological models (Bingham plastic and Herschel–Bulkley). After experimentation and analyzing the data gathered, it was determined that Spirulina and the Spirulina–Coastalube mixture in drilling fluids are good potential candidates as more environmentally benign and cost-effective alternative technologies for drilling fluids for decreasing the coefficient of friction, which results in increasing the lubrication performance of the drilling fluids.

Source: Lubricants

DOI: 10.3390/lubricants13040149

Authors: Garrett M. Thibodeaux, Nicholas A. Baudoin, William M. Chirdon

Institution: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Drilling and Well Engineering

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137