Environmental and Technical Assessment of HVO-Based Renewable Drilling Fluid

Renewable drilling fluids have attracted considerable focus due to their impact on marine ecosystems. Regulatory agencies utilize environmental evaluations to oversee the use and discharge of chemicals in marine environments. Common non-aqueous drilling fluids are derived from n-paraffin and internal olefins, with research highlighting biodiesel and ester-based fluids for their non-toxicity and biodegradability under anaerobic conditions, although their performance may vary. This study focused on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a base fluid, comparing it with an olefin fluid. Commercially sourced HVO was evaluated at a 60/40 oil-to-water ratio, typical of inverse emulsion fluids. The analysis included rheological properties, filtration, electrical stability, and ecotoxicological aspects. The HVO-based fluid exhibited strong electrical stability (>200 V), appropriate rheological behavior, thixotropic properties, and promising biodegradability, achieving 75% biodegradation in 28 days. The data show HVO’s potential for formulating effective non-aqueous inverse emulsion drilling fluids with suitable viscosity and gel strength.