Modification of Drilling Fluid pH with Local Nigerian Additives

Modification of Drilling Fluid pH with 

Local Nigerian Additives 

By 

O. M. Okorie 

Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences Department 

Petroleum Training Institute 

Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria 

E-mail: revobi58@yahoo.com. 

Published in: 

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104) 

An International Journal 

January 2009 - Vol. 1 

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; January 2009 - Vol. 1 1

Abstract 

Drilling fluid environmental pollution problems and the need by regulatory bodies to protect the environment 

and monitor oil field operational activities has been highly emphasized. This research paper proffers local 

solution to the challenges of drilling fluid pH treatment and maintenance, using local modified ash of burnt 

palm head sponge [BPHSP] and a rich potash base mineral know as Trona [AK-P], popularly called 

“akanwu” as mud pH additive in place of the currently used industrial chemicals called caustic soda 

[NaOH], calcium hydroxide [Ca (OH) 2] and Soda ash [Na2Co3] for drilling fluid pH maintenance in the Oil 

and Gas industry. 

Field use of local additives such as trona and BPHSP ought to be encouraged because contaminated mud 

properties could lead to very serious mud problems in oil well drilling. There is need therefore for mud to be 

monitored, treated and maintained in Oil and Gas well drilling operations. 

Introduction 

In 1900, while drilling an oil well in Spindle tops, Texas, the drilling crew, used viscous, muddy 

slurry of water and clay as drilling mud. Today drilling fluids are still called mud, but engineers no 

longer rely only on a mixture of water and clay. Instead, they carefully design compounds and 

mixtures with both local and foreign materials to meet specific needs of drilling operations under 

various drilling conditions. Modern and modified drilling fluids are truly the lifeblood of the well. 

Today’s deep and hazardous wells can not exist without them . The harsh, acidic and hazardous 

environment in underground drilling operations encouraged the research and development of drilling 

fluids. Modern drilling fluids are complex compounds and mixtures that are carefully designed and 

fine-tuned to the wide variety of conditions found in modern wells and fields. 

Drilling fluids performs better in a pH range between 8.0 and 10.5 for Water-base mud [WBM]. If 

the pH of the mud is low, below 7.0, it becomes acidic and can corrode the drilling equipment and 

also pollute the environment. Imported chemicals such as Soda ash [Na2CO3], Caustic Soda [NaOH] 

and Calcium hydroxide [Ca (OH2)] are usually added to the mud to raise the mud pH to 8.0 or 10.5. 1 

When drilling across formations, the presence of contaminants such as salt [Chlorides] water, 

Calcium carbonates, and sulfides will affect the properties of the drilling fluid, which is noticeable in 

the Rheological properties of the mud. These contaminants will drastically thicken or thin the mud, 

cause separation of Bentonite or treatment polymer in the mixing tank or in hole. Most of these 

contaminants come from the mud water-make-up or the formation. When this becomes the case, 

there is the need to control, modify or treat the mud in terms of pH with a pH modifier or additives. 2 

, 3 

This paper therefore presents Local Nigerian Materials as alternative substitute to mud pH modifier 

or additives using Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder [BPHSP] and locally sourced trona popularly 

known as “Akanwu” Powder [AK-P]. The Local Palm Head Sponge was burnt and the ash powder 

pulverized, purified, sieved and packaged. Trona was pulverized, purified, sieved and packaged, 

made ready for use in this research. 

1 

.Baroid Fluids Handbook Revised August 1, 1997 

2 

John McDermott, “Drilling mud and additives,” Noyes Data Co-operation, U.S.A, 1974. 

3 

Chancy, P.E Oxford, W.F.J. et al; “Chemical treatment of drilling fluids,” World Oil, Jan-Feb 

1954. 


Various gram weights were taken from the Local Materials and added to different prepared mud of 

known pH with fresh water of pH 7.0. 

Literature: 

pH related mud problems and possible solutions: 

Carbon dioxide is found in natural gas in varying quantities. When combined with water, Co2 forms 

carbonic acid and decreases the water’s pH, which increases the water’s corrosiveness. While Co2 is 

not as corrosive as O2, it can cause pitting of circulating system of mud, made of pipe lines and mud 

motors. 

To solve this mud problem, pH could be controlled/maintained at its correct value by treating the 

mud for Co2 contamination either with Calcium hydroxide [lime], Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Trona or 

Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powders of this research; as given by these equations: 

Caustic Soda – 2NaOH + Co2 + H2O → 2H2O + Na2 Co3 

Lime - Ca (OH) 2 + Co2 + H2O → 2H2O + CaCo3 

Soda Ash [Sodium Carbonate] - Na2CO3 + CO2 +H2O →2H2O +NaOH +HCO3 

Trona -Na2CO3+Co2+H2O → 2H2O + NaOH +HCO3 

Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder - NaOH + CO2 + H2O → 2H2O + Na2Co3 

In this regard, the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder, the caustic soda, the Lime will be more 

effective than Trona or soda ash , since Trona and soda ash will introduce some bits of Bicarbonate 

in the mud system, which is not too bad. The corrosiveness of brines or brackish water system 

depends on their density and chemical composition. Laboratory data show that the addition of 

Sodium hydroxide, and where possible the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder, or its solution in 

Calcium Chloride [CaCl2] medium, will lower the rate of corrosion in mud systems. 

Acid Gases and their impartation in drilling fluid systems: - Carbon dioxide and hydrogen 

sulfide are often some of the constituents of natural gas that are often encountered during drilling 

operations. They form acids in water solution, affecting mud pH, thus causing mud problems such as 

flocculation, thickening, dispersion and clay separation in mud systems. If other parameters such as 

formation pressures are known and a good mud weight is maintained at a comfortable overbalance, 

formations that contain H2S, O2 and CO2 can be drilled safely with Water-Base Mud [WBM] by 

rough maintaince of high mud pH in the order of 10.50 to 11.50 to neutralize gases which are 

entrained in the mud systems 4 

. 

Minimizing Corrosion in Mud Systems: To minimize corrosion and other pH related mud 

problems of drilling strings in the hole, the mud circulating systems, mud motors, the pH of the mud 

must be maintained at values in the alkaline range of 7.0 to14.0, mostly at around 10.0.A value 

below 7.0 would indicate that the mud is acidic. The pH is kept at the required pH level by adding 

Caustic Soda or lime to the mud or as research has proven, adding the Local Burnt Palm Head 

Sponge Powder or the AK-P. Mud systems should be monitored closely through routine test because 

a drop in pH can be caused by acidic fluids, for example H2S, from the formation drilled. Mud 

neutralizing potential can be increased by other alkaline products in the mud such as carbonate ions 

from the local trona apart from the hydroxyl ion in the BPHSP. 

The data collected from the alkalinity test can also be used to estimate the concentration of hydroxyl 

(OH - ), carbonate (CO3 -2 ) and bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) ions in the drilling mud. Knowledge of the mud 

4 Ibid 1 


and filtrate alkalinities is very important in many drilling operations to ensure proper control of the 

mud chemistry. Mud additives, particularly some deflocculants, dispersants, viscosifiers, thinners, 

filtrate control agents, require an alkaline environment to function properly, effectively and 

efficiently 5,6 

The Mud treatment required to neutralize these acid gases are: 

• Using the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder [BPHSP] and the Trona Powder [AK-P] or 

their solutions, which are local Sodium hydroxide [NaOH] and Bicarbonate of Soda 

[H2CO3] respectively to increase the mud pH. 

• Using Caustic Soda, which is foreign or imported Sodium hydroxide [NaOH] to maintain 

high alkalinity [high pH] of mud systems, as shown in the following reactions: 

CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3 

H2CO3 + 2NaOH ↔ Na2 CO3 + 2H2O 

Since by test research analysis, the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder can produce pH of up 

to 12.90, it can easily handle mud problems emanating from these acid gases. Lime [Ca (OH) 

2] or the local Trona as [Na2O or Na2 (OH)] can equally be used to eliminate H2S or CO2 or 

Calcium contaminations in mud systems with a likely reaction as: 

H2CO3 + Na2, Ca (OH)2 → Na, CaCO3 (precipitate) + 2H2O 

Hydrogen –ion [pH] determination and measurement:- 

The degree of acidity or alkalinity of drilling mud is indicated by the hydrogen –ion concentration 

which is usually expressed in terms of pH. 

pH measurement is used as an aid in determining the need for chemical control or treatment of 

drilling fluid [mud] as well as indicating the presence of contaminants such as acid gases [CO2, 

HCO3, H2S], Gypsum [Calcium Sulphate], cement [mixture of Calcium aluminates and silicates 

made by combining lime and clay under heat], and salt. 

The optimum pH for any mud system during Oil Well drilling operations depends on the type of 

mud in use and the nature of the formation being drilled but the normal pH range of drilling fluid is 

kept and maintained between 9.5 -11.5 7 , 8 

There are two ways of measuring or determining mud pH:- 

a) By means of a pH meter (digital or analog): This approach or method is based on the fact 

that, when certain electrodes are immersed in a liquid or fluid system, the voltage 

developed between them varies according to the pH of the liquid or mud system. 

b) By means of Phydrion dispenser, popularly called pH paper: This approach provides a 

series of paper indicator strips that determines pH of mud and other solutions from 1.0 

to14.0. Changes in color or color intensity over the range of each indicator are sufficient 

to allow the operator, analyst or researcher to read to within 0.5 pH unit. 

5 Shell Drilling and Production Handbook Sept.2001 

6 Ibid 2 

7 NL Bariod / NL Industries, Inc., Houston, Texas 77001, 1979 

8 . Roggers W.F et al, Composition and properties of oil well drilling fluids, Gulf Publishing 

Company, Houston, Texas, 1962, USA. 


In this study, the Phydrion dispenser or pH paper and the Digital pH meter model Jenway 3520 were 

used. 

Methodology 

Table 1 

Local Nigerian and Foreign Materials used in this research as pH additives to increase mud pH from 

7.0 -13.5. 

Materials 

Burnt Palm Head 

Research 

code 

Sponge 

sieved. 

Powder BPHSP 

Trona 

AK-P 

Chemical/ Structural Formula Source Comments 

Na2O 

NaOH, source of 

Local 

Sodium hydroxide 

Na20, Na2CO3 

source of local 

Sodium 

Carbonate 

Soda Ash or 

Sodium oxide 

Caustic Soda CS NaOH imported 

Sodium hydroxide 

Quantity 

used 

1.0 – 2.0g 

1.0 – 2.0 g 

1.0 – 2.0 g 

Local Palm Tree A chemical used 

primarily to impart a 

higher pH on mud, and 

for making local black 

Locally mined from 

Enugu,Ebonyi,and 

Abia States of 

Nigeria. 

Imported as 

commercial mud 

additive. 

Lime LM Ca(OH)2 imported 1.0 – 2.0g Imported for use as 

commercial mud 

treatment additive 

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; January 2009 - Vol. 1 5 

soap. 

When added to fluid, it 

increases the pH of the 

mud.Also used for 

preparing some African 

delicacies and meat 

tenderizer 

Used as comparator in 

this research to maintain 

high mud pH. 

Used as comparator in 

this research to maintain 

high mud pH especially 

for mud cement 

contamination treatment 

in the field. 

Soda Ash SA Na2CO3 1.0 – 2.0 g Imported Also used as comparator 

in this research for Mud 

high pH maintenance. 

Table 2 

List of equipments used for the research experiments 

Equipment Source Comments 

pH phydrion paper strip Micro essential lab., U.S.A. For mud pH measurement 

Beakers Pyrex, England. Container for testing 

Weighing balance Ohaus, London. For weighing quantities of materials 

Multi-mixers and cups Gallenkamp, England For mixing. 

Mud cups graduated Bariod Division, Texas For measuring 

Fann viscometer Bariod Division, Texas For mud rheological parameters test in Lab. 

Spatulas and stirrers Pyrex, England Taking samples from containers 

Conical and flat bottom flask Pyrex, England Containers for preparing molar solutions 

Sieve and shaker England and U.S.A. For sieving to talc size. 

A mini hand crusher Locally fabricated, Nigeria For crushing the “akanwu” lumps to powder. 

Mud balance Bariod Division, Texas For mud weight test. 

Local evaporating basin Locally fabricated, Nigeria For Solution concentrate 

pH meter model Jenway 3520 England For mud pH measurement

Experimental Procedures: 

Experiment 1 

Aim: Sample collection and preparation of the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder [BPHSP] and 

the Trona Powder [AK-P], used as the local pH additives to raise the pH values of drilling fluid 

from pH 7.0 – 12.90. 

a) For the burnt palm head sponge powder, the palm head sponge was collected from an oil 

palm mill at Lodu near Uzuakoli, Abia State in a palm farm. The palm head sponge was hand 

shredded to remove palm seeds and dirt and dried under the sun. The dried palm head sponge 

was placed on a neat surface and incinerated into ash powder, without the use of additives 

such as kerosene, petrol or other sources of hydrocarbon to avoid contamination. The 

resultant palm head sponge ash powder was collected, sieved, packaged and labeled. 

Sieving was done with a 200micron sieve size to remove impurities and obtain very fine talc 

size powder of the BPHSP. 

b) To prepare a molar solution of the BPHSP, the NaOH molar weight calculation was used. A 

molar weight [about 40 grams] of the fine talc size powder of the BPHSP was used to make a 

molar solution of the BPHSP and carefully labeled. 

c) The concentrated solution of the BPHSP was obtained by boiling about two molar solution of 

the BPHSP in an open heating evaporation basin and heated to near dryness, to concentrate 

the solution. The concentrated portion was poured into a clean dry container, well packaged 

and labeled ready for use for this research work. 

d) Trona lumps of about 920 – 1200 grams obtained from a local Nigerian market were crushed 

to fine powder with the crusher the crushed AK-P sieved with a 200 micron sieve to obtain a 

fine talc size powder. The sieved Trona powder was properly packaged and labeled, ready for 

use by taking successive incremental weight portion, and adding to the mud sample to 

increased level of mud pH impartation. 

e) Apparently 106 grams of the Trona powder was dissolved in 1000ml of distilled fresh water 

in a conical flask to make a molar solution for use as mud pH additive to increase mud pH in 

this research. 

f) The imported foreign Caustic Soda pellet [NaOH][white flakes], powdered Soda Ash 

[Na2CO3] and lime [Ca (OH)2][white powder] were also provided as comparators 

These were used as standard mud pH additives comparable to the Local pH additives in this 

research. 

i) The foreign Caustic Soda flakes were weighed and added to the mud sample of known 

initial pH and properly mixed. Likewise the Soda Ash, the lime powders, the local 

BPHSP and the AK-P. 

ii) Molar solutions of the Caustic Soda, Soda ash and lime were prepared by using 40 grams 

of NaOH, 106 grams of Na2CO3 and 54 grams of Ca (OH)2 mixed in 1000ml of distilled 

water respectively. 20ml and 30ml volume of each solution were measured and added, to 

the mud samples, allowed to age and tested. 

Experiment 2 

Aim: To prepare Laboratory equivalent barrels of mud with known initial pH of 7.0 with local 

bentonite , 8.0 with aquagel bentonite and 9.5 with Wyoming bentonite respectively, used as 

mud samples for increased pH impartation test with the Local and Foreign pH additives. 

Materials: Local Bentonite, Wyoming bentonite, Aquagel bentonite, fresh water of pH 7.0. 


Equipment used: See Table 2 

Procedure /Method: 

Various concentrations of laboratory equivalent barrels of mud of 17.5g, 21.0g, 24.5g of beneficiated 

local bentonitic clay mixed in 350ml of fresh water in a mixer cup using the multi-mixer, were 

prepared and poured into different containers and properly preserved and labeled. The initial pH of 

this mud concentration was 7.0. The same laboratory equivalent barrels of mud was again prepared 

with a standard Wyomming bentonite and aquagel bentonite respectively, properly preserved and 

labeled. The initial pH of these two mud types were 9.5 and 8.0 respectively. To prepare these mud 

samples, the 17.5g, 21.0g and 24.5g of the different bentonites [local and foreign] were weighed out 

with an Ohaus chemical weighing balance. 350ml of fresh water of pH 7.0 were measured out with a 

measuring cylinder and poured into the mixer cups containing the weighed quantities of local and 

foreign bentonite. The mixtures of bentonite and fresh water were thoroughly mixed, labeled and 

preserved, the initial properties of these mud samples were tested with the rheometer or fann 

viscometer to determine, the rheometer dial viscosity readings of the various mud samples with their 

rheological properties calculated and recorded. The mud weights were determined with the mud 

balance, so also were the mud sand level, the mud water loss, the “k” and “n” factors. These mud 

parameter details are as shown and recorded in the various Tables of result; they are the mud 

parameters values before the pH additives were added. 

Experiment 3 

Aim: To increase or raise the pH of the mud samples from the initial values of pH 7.0 for the local 

bentonite mud, 9.5 for the Wyoming bentonite mud and 8.0 for the Aquagel bentonite mud to pH 

12.90 or 13.5 with the local mud pH additives [BPHSP & AK-P] and the foreign [NaOH, Na2co3, Ca 

(OH) 2] on mud prepared in Experiment 2 above and compare the level of mud pH impartation by 

the local additives with the standard Caustic Soda, Soda Ash and lime pH additives impartation 

respectively. 

Materials: See Table 1 

Equipment used: See Table 2 


With the chemical weighing balance, 1.0g, 1.5g and 2.0g of the Local BPHSP, AK-P, blend of 

BPHSP and AK-P, and the foreign Caustic Soda, Sodium carbonate, Calcium hydroxide respectively 

were weighed and added into different equal laboratory barrels of the different mud types that were 

prepared in experiment 2. The additives were thoroughly mixed into the mud to obtain a 

homogenous mixture aged for 24 hrs and ready to be analyzed and tested for highest increase level 

of pH impartation to the different mud types by the different pH additives from their initial pH level. 

Also 20ml and 30ml of the molar and concentrated solutions of the local BPHSP, AK-P, Caustic 

Soda, Sodium carbonate and Calcium hydroxide were measured and added to the different 

laboratory barrels of the different mud types prepared in experiment 2 and thoroughly mixed with 

the mud. 

The mixture of molar and concentrated solutions of the BPHSP, AK-P and that of the different 

foreign additives and the mud types were then tested and analyzed for pH increase with the pH paper 

and the digital pH meter respectively. 


Note: The molar and concentrated solutions diluted the viscosity of the mud by some negligible 

amount. 

Experiment 4 

Aim: Determination of the level of increased mud pH impartation by the different local and foreign 

pH additives using the pH paper strip and the digital pH meter model Jenway 3520 at 26 o C. 

Materials: See Table 1 

Equipment: See Table 2 


Mud samples as prepared in experiment 2 and as indicated in Tables 3 to 10 were arrayed on a work bench in 

the laboratory [mud laboratory] and properly labeled and preserved. 

Each of the mud samples in experiment 3 were then tested for levels of pH increase with a 1-inch strip of pH 

paper indicator. 

Note: The time it takes the pH paper strip to absorb the fluid and change color will vary from 

a few seconds to a few minutes. 

The color change of the pH paper strip after it has absorbed sufficient fluid was matched with reference chart 

colors provided. The pH value of the color indicated by the mud samples in turn were read and recorded as 

the pH values of the mud samples being tested, as shown in Tables. 

On the other hand, equivalent back up samples tested with the digital pH meter model Jenway 3520 operated 

at 26 o C were used as comparism to those obtained using pH paper strips. 

Tables of Results: 

Table 3 

Parameters 

Tested. 

Initial mud pH 

Paper 

Digital 

Increased mud pH 

Paper 

Digital 

Rheometer dial 

readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

a) PV 

b) AV 

c) YP 

d) Gel 

strength 

Qty of 

pregelatinized 

stzrch in gms 

a) 1.0 

local bentonite mud 

without pH modifier (4) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

46 64 70 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 


with 1-2g BPHSP (5) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.89 12.89 12.89 

46 64 72 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 


with 20-30ml BPHSP 

Soln. conc. (6) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

12.5 12.5 12.5 

11.98 11.98 11.98 

40 48 54 

31 38 45 

9 10 14 

20 24 27 

22 28 36 

30 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 

local bentonite 

mud with molar 

Sol. BPHSP 20- 

30ml 

(7) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

12.5 12.5 12.5 

11.98 11.98 11.98 

40 48 54 

31 38 45 

9 10 14 

20 24 27 

22 28 36 

30 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 

Local bentonite mud 

with 1-2g 50/50 AKP 

(Trona)/BPHSP 

(8) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.80 12.80 12.80 

46 64 72 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 

Sand content% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.85 0.85 0.85 

Water loss ml 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 10 10 10 10 10 10 8.0 8.0 8.0 


Mud weight Ib/gal 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 

“k” factor 14.67 20.42 34.81 14.67 20.42 34.81 15.71 23.21 34.43 14.67 15.42 28.32 14.67 20.42 34.81 

“n” factor 0.40 0.40 0.34 0.40 0.41 0.34 0.37 0.34 0.30 0.40 0.40 0.26 0.40 0.41 0.34 

Table 4 

Parameters 

Tested. 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

e) PV 

f) AV 

g) YP 

h) Gel 

strength 

local bentonite mud with 

1-2g AKP (Trona) (9) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.86 12.86 12.86 

46 64 72 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 


with 20-30ml molar 

soln AKP (Trona) (10) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.88 12.88 12.88 

40 48 54 

31 38 42 

9 10 11 

20 24 27 

22 28 36 

30 40 49 

Std Aquagel bentonite 

mud with 1-2g BPHSP 

(11) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.90 12.90 12.90 

45 55 80 

35 44 65 

10 11 15 

22.5 27.5 40 

25 33 50 

35 45 55 

Std Aquagel 

bentonite mud 

with 20-30ml con 

soln . BPHSP 

(12) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

12.5 12.5 12.5 

12.15 12.15 12.15 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 


mud with 20-30ml 

molar soln BPHSP 

(13) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

12.0 12.0 12.0 

11.90 11.90 11.90 

32 50 67 

23 40 54 

9 10 13 

16 25 33.5 

14 30 41 

25 45 50 

Qty of stzrch in gm 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 - - - 

Sand content% 0 8.5 0.85 0.85 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Water loss ml 8.0 8.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.0 10.0 10.0 


“k” factor 14.67 20.42 34.81 15.71 23.21 34.43 13.95 35.08 51.08 6.77 13.40 27.80 25.13 27.8 39.88 

“n” factor 0.40 0.40 0.34 0.37 0.34 0.30 0.36 0.30 0.30 0.45 0.35 0.32 0.48 0.32 0.31 

Table 5 

Parameters 

Tested. 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

i) PV 

j) AV 

k) YP 

l) Gel 

strength 



stzrch in gms 

b) 1.0 


mud with 50/50 

BPHSP/AKP (Trona) 1- 

2g (14) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.85 12.85 12.85 

45 55 80 

35 44 65 

10 11 15 

22.5 27.5 40 

25 33 50 

35 45 55 

Std Aquagel mud with 

1-2g AKP(Trona) (15) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.82 12.82 12.82 

45 55 80 

35 44 65 

10 11 15 

22.5 27.5 40 

25 33 50 

35 45 55 

Std Aquagel mud with 

20-30ml molar soln 

AKP(Trona) (16) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

12.0 12.0 12.0 

11.89 11.89 11.89 

32 50 67 

23 40 54 

9 10 13 

16 25 33.5 

14 30 41 

25 45 50 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Std Wyoming 

bentonite mud 

with 1-2g BPHSP 

(17) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.86 12.86 12.86 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 

_ _ _ 

Std Wyoming bentonite 


molar soln BPHSP 

(18) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.88 12.88 12.88 

28 40 48 

20 31 38 

8 9 10 

14 20 24 

12 22 28 

20 30 43 

_ _ _ 

Sand content% 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Water loss ml 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.0 10.0 10.0 


“k” factor 18.95 35.08 51.03 18.95 35.08 51.03 25.43 27.80 39.88 6.77 13.4 27.8 4.96 15.71 23.21 

“n” factor 0.36 0.30 0.30 0.36 0.30 0.30 0.48 0.32 0.31 0.45 0.35 0.32 0.49 0.37 0.34 


Table 6 

Parameters 

Tested. 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

m) PV 

n) AV 

o) YP 

p) Gel 

strength 



stzrch in gms 

Std Wyoming mud with 

20-30ml conc. Soln 

BPHSP (19) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.85 12.85 12.85 

28 40 48 

20 31 38 

8 9 10 

14 20 24 

12 22 28 

20 30 43 


1-2g AKP(Trona) (20) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.75 12.75 12.75 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 

_ _ _ _ _ _ 


50/50 1-2g 

BPHSP/AKP(Trona) 

Soln. (21) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.8 12.8 12.8 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 

_ _ _ 

Std Wyoming mud 

with 20-30ml 

AKP(Trona) molar 

soln. 

(22) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

12.5 12.5 12.5 

12.0 12.0 12.0 

28 37 46 

20 26 34 

8 11 12 

14 18.5 23 

12 15 22 

15 20 30 

_ _ _ 


with 1-2g NaOH flakes 

(23) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.86 12.86 12.86 

46 64 72 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 

Sand content% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Water loss ml 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10 10 10 10 10 10 8.5 8.5 8.5 


“k” factor 4.96 15.71 23.21 6.77 13.4 27.8 6.77 13.4 27.8 4.02 5.36 5.51 14.67 20.42 34.81 

“n” factor 0.49 0.37 0.34 0.45 0.35 0.32 0.45 0.35 0.32 0.49 0.51 0.44 0.40 0.41 0.34 

Table 7 

Parameters 

Tested. 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

q) PV 

r) AV 

s) YP 

t) Gel 

strength 



stzrch in gms 

c) 1.0 


with20-30ml molar soln 

NaOH (24) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.98 12.98 12.98 

40 48 54 

31 38 45 

9 10 11 

20 24 27 

22 28 36 

30 40 49 


with 1-2g Na2CO3 (25) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.89 12.89 12.89 

46 64 72 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 



soln of Na2CO3 (Soda 

Ash) (26) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.98 12.98 12.98 

40 48 54 

31 38 45 

9 10 11 

20 24 27 

22 28 36 

30 40 49 

Wyoming 

bentonite mud 

with 1-2g NaOH 

flakes (Caustic 

Soda) 

(27) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.61 12.61 12.61 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 

1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 _ _ _ 

Wyoming bentonite 

mudwith 1-2g Ca(OH)2 

(28) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.62 12.62 12.62 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 

_ _ _ 

Sand content% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 

Water loss ml 10.0 10.0 10.0 8.5 8.5 8.5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.0 10.0 10.0 


“k” factor 14.67 15.42 28.32 14.67 20.42 34.81 14.67 15.42 28.32 6.77 13.4 27.80 6.77 13.40 27.80 

“n” factor 0.40 0.40 0.26 0.40 0.41 0.34 0.40 0.41 0.34 0.45 0.35 0.32 0.45 0.35 0.32 

Table 8 

Parameters Wyoming bentonite mud Wyoming bentonite Wyoming bentonite Wyoming Aquagel bentonite mud 


Tested. with 1-2g Na2CO3 (Soda 

Ash) (29) 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

u) PV 

v) AV 

w) YP 

x) Gel 

strength 



stzrch in gms 

d) 1.0 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.68 12.68 12.68 

30 42 50 

22 33 40 

8 9 10 

15 21 25 

14 24 30 

17 40 45 


molar soln NaOH (30) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.86 12.86 12.86 

28 40 48 

20 31 38 

8 9 10 

14 20 24 

12 22 28 

20 30 43 

mudwith 20-30ml molar 

soln. Na2CO3 (31) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.92 12.92 12.92 

28 40 48 

20 31 38 

8 9 10 

14 20 24 

12 22 28 

20 30 43 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

bentonite mud 


molar Sol. Ca 

(OH)2 

(32) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

9.5 9.5 9.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.89 12.89 12.89 

28 37 46 

20 26 34 

8 11 12 

14 18.5 23 

12 15 22 

15 20 30 

with 1-2g NaOH 

(Caustic Soda) 

(33) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.80 12.80 12.80 

40 55 80 

35 44 65 

10 11 15 

22.5 27.5 40 

25 33 50 

35 45 55 

_ _ _ _ _ _ 

Sand content% 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.65 0.65 0.65 

Water loss ml 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.0 10.0 10.0 


“k” factor 6.77 13.40 27.80 4.96 15.71 23.21 4.96 15.71 23.21 4.02 5.36 5.51 18.95 35.08 51.03 

“n” factor 0.45 0.35 0.32 0.49 0.37 0.34 0.49 0.37 0.34 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.35 0.30 0.30 

Table 9 

Parameters 

Tested. 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

y) PV 

z) AV 

aa) YP 

bb) Gel 

strength 



stzrch in gms 

e) 1.0 

Aquagel bentonite mud 

with 20-30ml molar soln. 

NaOH (Caustic Soda) 

(34) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.50 12.50 12.50 

32 50 67 

23 40 54 

9 10 13 

16 25 33.5 

14 30 41 

25 45 50 

_ _ _ 


with 1-2g Ca (OH)2 (35) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.8 12.8 12.8 

40 55 80 

35 44 65 

10 11 15 

22.5 27.5 40 

25 33 50 

35 45 55 

_ _ _ 


with1-2g Na2CO3 (36) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7. 9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.8 12.8 12.8 

40 55 80 

35 44 65 

10 11 15 

22.5 27.5 40 

25 33 50 

35 45 55 

_ _ _ 

lAquagel 

bentonite mud 


molar soln 

Na2CO3 

(37) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

13.0 13.0 13.0 

12.82 12.82 12.82 

32 50 67 

23 40 54 

9 10 13 

16 25 33.5 

14 30 41 

25 45 50 

_ _ _ 



soln Ca (OH)2 

(38) 

17.5, 21.0, 24.5 

8.0 8.0 8.0 

7.9 7.9 7.9 

12.0 12.0 12.0 

11.65 11.65 11.65 

32 50 67 

23 40 54 

9 10 13 

16 25 33.5 

14 30 41 

25 45 50 

_ _ _ 

Sand content% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Water loss ml 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10 10 10 10 10 10 10.0 10.0 10.0 


“k” factor 6.77 13.40 27.8 18.95 35.08 51.03 18.95 35.08 51.03 25.13 27.8 39.88 25.13 27.8 39.88 

“n” factor 0.42 0.35 0.36 0.34 0.35 0.36 0.34 0.35 0.36 0.41 0.34 0.35 0.41 0.34 0.35 


Table 10 

Parameters 

Tested. 


Paper 

Digital 


Paper 

Digital 


readings: 

Θ600 

Θ300 

Rheological 

Properties: 

cc) PV 

dd) AV 

ee) YP 

ff) Gel 

strength 


pregelatinized stzrch 

in gms 

a) 1.0 


with 1-2g Ca (OH)2 

(39) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.59 12.59 12.59 

46 64 72 

35 50 57 

11 14 15 

23 32 36 

24 36 21 

35 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 



soln. Ca (OH)2 (40) 

17.5 , 21.0, 24.5 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

6.98 6.98 6.98 

13.5 13.5 13.5 

12.98 12.98 12.98 

40 48 54 

31 38 45 

9 10 14 

20 24 27 

22 28 36 

30 40 50 

1.0 1.0 1.0 

Sand content% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Water loss ml 8.0 8.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 

Mud weight Ib/gal 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 8.65 

“k” factor 14.67 20.42 34.81 15.71 23.21 34.43 

“n” factor 0.43 0.43 0.35 0.37 0.34 0.30 

Graphical presentation of mud types with equal amount of local and foreign pH additives 

(Powdered form) 

Different Mud 1 - 2g 1 - 2g 1 - 2g 1 – 2g 1 - 2g 1 - 2g 5/50 

Types BPHSP AKP NaOH Na2CO3 Ca(OH)2 AKP/BPHSP 

Local Bentonite 12.89 12.86 12.86 12.89 12.59 12.8 

Aquagel Bentonite 12.9 12.82 12.8 12.8 12.8 12.85 

Wyoming Bentonite 12.86 12.75 12.61 12.68 12.62 12.8 


pH 

Mud types 

Graphical presentation of mud types with equal amount of local and foreign additives (molar and 

concentrated solutions) 

20 - 30ml 

molar soln. 

BPHSP 

20 - 30ml 

conc. Soln. 

BPHSP 

20 - 

30ml 

AKP 

20 - 

30ml 

20 - 

30ml 

20 - 

30ml 

Different Mud 

Types 

NaOH Na2CO3 Ca(OH)2 

Local Bentonite 11.98 11.98 12.88 12.98 12.98 12.98 

Aquagel Bentonite 

Wyoming 

11.9 12.15 11.89 12.5 12.82 11.65 

Bentonite 12.88 12.85 12 12.86 12.92 12.89 


Results Analysis and Discussions:- 

Two local Nigerian pH additives used in this research [Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder and Trona 

powder] increased or raised the pH of the various mud types from pH unit of 7.0 to 12.90, 

comparable to the highest mud pH of between 7.0 to 12.98 imparted when foreign standard Caustic 

Soda, Sodium Carbonate or Calcium hydroxide were used as mud pH modifier on the same mud 

types, see Tables 3 to 10. 

In all the tables, three laboratory barrels of mud of low, medium and high viscosity had initial mud 

pH of 7.0, 8.0, 9.5 with paper strip and 6.98, 7.9, 9.0 with the digital pH meter. This pH values 

increased to between 11.98 to 12.90 when 1-2g of the burnt palm head sponge and the Trona were 

added to the mud. 

In Table 3, both powder and solutions of BPHSP raised mud prepared with local Nigerian bentonite 

clay from an initial pH of 7.0 (6.98 with digital meter) to 13.5 (12.89 digital meter reading) with all 

mud properties unaffected. 

Table 4, showed that Trona (AKP) increased the same mud pH from 7.0 to 12.88 on digital meter 

and 13.0 with the pH paper strip, all mud properties remaining the same, except for slight decrease in 

viscosity when the conc. and molar solutions were used. In the same Table 4, 1-2g BPHSP increased 

mud pH of Aquagel Bentonite mud from 8.0 to 12.90, while Trona of the same quantity imparted 

12.82 pH unit to the Aquagel mud, see Table 5. 

On the Wyoming mud type, 1-2g BPHSP increased mud pH from 9.5 to 12.86 with its molar 

solution raising the mud pH to 12.88. Blend of Trona and BPHSP 50/50 increased Aquagel from 8.0 

to 12.85 pH unit, local bentonite and Wyoming mud from 7.0 to 12.80 respectively. 

This meant that local pH modifiers [additives] in fine powder and solution can increase the pH of 

fresh water base mud from 7.0 to 12.90 pH units, without affecting other mud properties of all three 


mud types. In the powdered form the two local mud pH additives are more impartive on mud of 

Local and Aquagel types, see graphical presentation on pages 12 and 13. In solution form the Local 

additives are best on mud of Local and Wyoming Bentonite respectively. 

Comparing the degree of pH impartation of the two local pH additives in powder or solution BPHSP 

imparted more than Trona, BPHSP increased mud pH from 7.0 to 12.89 while Trona gave 12.88 

with 1-2g on local bentonite mud, BPHSP increased Aquagel Bentonite mud from 8.0 to 12.90 while 

Trona gave 12.82, BPHSP increased Wyoming Bentonite mud from 9.5 to 12.86 while Trona gave 

12.75, these comparism are clearly seen on the peaks of the graphical values on pages 12 and 13. 

On the other hand comparing the pH values of the BPHSP and Trona in tables 3, 4, 5 and 6 with the 

pH impartations by foreign pH additives on all mud types in tables 7, 8, 9 and 10, it was observed 

that NaOH and Na2CO3 gave the highest impartation with 12.98 respectively (See Table 7) than 

BPHSP that imparted 12.90 (See table 4) this indicates that the foreign mud pH additives are only 

0.08 pH unit more impartive than the Local. 

In a nutshell, the pH impartation values of the BPHSP and Trona on all three mud types lies with 

the range of 7.0 to 12.90 in powdery form comparable with the highest pH impartation on all same 

three mud types by the foreign pH additives that lies between the range of 7.0 to 12.98 in solution 

form. The foreign pH additives impartation on three mud types is only 0.08 pH unit higher than the 

local. It is only in solution that the foreign additive imparted more than the local additive. See 

graphical presentation. In other words the Local pH additives are more pH imparting than the foreign 

in powdered form. 

This study therefore proves that BPHSP and Trona (AKP) can increase mud pH from 7.0 to well 

above 12.90, as high as Caustic Soda, Soda ash and lime can impart on most fresh water base 

drilling fluid used for oil well drilling in the oil and gas industry, both in Nigeria and other countries. 

All local pH additives used in this study are very effective in increased pH impartation and 

compared favorably, at par with the values of pH imparted to the sames mud types by the foreign pH 

additives. 

Conclusion 

From the result analysis of this study, it can be concluded that all two Local Nigerian pH mud 

additives can increase the mud pH of water-base mud from 7.0 to well over 12.90 pH unit. Out of the 

two local materials, the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder gave the higher mud pH impartation of pH 

7.0 to 12.90, followed by the AK-P and the 50/50 blended AK-P and BPHSP that gave mud pH 

impartation of 12.88 and 12.86 pH units respectively. 

These imparted pH values are comparable to standard imported foreign pH additives like NaOH that 

gave about 12.98 pH units, Ca (OH) 2 gave about 12.80 and Na2CO3 that imparted about 13.0. All 

foreign pH modifiers are only 0.08 pH unit more mud pH impartive than the Local pH modifiers. All 

Local pH modifiers have tendencies of being biodegradable and environmentally friendly if tested 

since they are locally used in our local towns to prepare edibles, thus can be used as a very efficient 

and effective water-base mud pH modifier serving as a good substitute to the commercial foreign pH 

modifiers [Caustic Soda, Soda Ash and Lime]. 


The “Trona” Powder [AK-P] and the Burnt Palm Head Sponge Powder [BPHSP] can be used in two 

forms, either fine powder or in solution. In which ever form they are used, pH level as high as from 

7.0 to 13.0 is impart able on drilling fluid [mud] system in which they are used. 

They are therefore recommended for use in the oil and gas industry for drilling fluid pH maintenance 

as this will effectively reduce importation of Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, and Lime for use as mud pH 

modifiers, since most of these imported foreign pH additives stated above may not quite be as 

environmentally friendly and biodegradable as could the discovered local materials. 

The Federal Government and her representative organs should encourage the field application of 

these discovered local mud pH materials to boost her local Nigerian content drive, and 

implementations not only in Nigeria but also in West African Sub-region.

Modification of Drilling Fluid pH with Local Nigerian Additives

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