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Comparative Rheological Performance of Cassava Starch and Carboxymethyl Cellulose in Recycled and Freshwater Media for Sustainable Gravel Packing Operations
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Oil and Gas
Abstract
The growing emphasis on sustainability in industrial operations has prompted increased exploration of alternative water sources, notably recycled water. Concurrently, the environmental risks associated with sludge disposal stemming from its complex composition of organic and inorganic contaminants remain a significant concern, contributing to soil and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and broader ecosystem degradation. While several sustainable sludge management strategies exist, such as biological treatment, phytoremediation, and energy recovery through incineration, these approaches are often capital-intensive. This study evaluates the viability of using recycled water in gravel packing during well completion operations, with a focus on its impact on the rheological behavior of two key polymers: cassava starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). A comparative analysis of freshwater and recycled water was conducted to assess polymer hydration and viscosity characteristics using detailed rheological profiling. Results indicate that CMC solutions exhibited comparable hydration rates and viscosity profiles in both water types, suggesting minimal impact from water quality. In contrast, cassava starch showed significantly reduced hydration efficiency and viscosity development in recycled water, with peak viscosity at 60 minutes measuring 4 cP, compared to 13 cP in freshwater. Similarly, plastic viscosity (PV) and yield point (YP) values for starch in recycled water (2 cP and 2 lb/100 ft?) were lower than those in freshwater (7 cP and 5 lb/100 ft?). These discrepancies are attributed to the presence of impurities and salts in recycled water, which hinder the swelling and gelatinization of starch granules. Overall, while recycled water presents a sustainable alternative to freshwater, its compatibility with starch-based systems requires careful consideration to ensure optimal performance in completion fluid applications.
Keywords
Gelatinization, Phytoremediation, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Recycled Water, Cassava Starch
How to cite this paper
@article{1708796,
author = {Ndubuisi, Elizabeth Chinyerem, Kika Ozioma Augustine, Okogbe, Bolaji Bartholomew},
title = {Comparative Rheological Performance of Cassava Starch and Carboxymethyl Cellulose in Recycled and Freshwater Media for Sustainable Gravel Packing Operations},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {11},
pages = {2043-2053},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708796.pdf},
abstract = {The growing emphasis on sustainability in industrial operations has prompted increased exploration of alternative water sources, notably recycled water. Concurrently, the environmental risks associated with sludge disposal stemming from its complex composition of organic and inorganic contaminants remain a significant concern, contributing to soil and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and broader ecosystem degradation. While several sustainable sludge management strategies exist, such as biological treatment, phytoremediation, and energy recovery through incineration, these approaches are often capital-intensive. This study evaluates the viability of using recycled water in gravel packing during well completion operations, with a focus on its impact on the rheological behavior of two key polymers: cassava starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). A comparative analysis of freshwater and recycled water was conducted to assess polymer hydration and viscosity characteristics using detailed rheological profiling. Results indicate that CMC solutions exhibited comparable hydration rates and viscosity profiles in both water types, suggesting minimal impact from water quality. In contrast, cassava starch showed significantly reduced hydration efficiency and viscosity development in recycled water, with peak viscosity at 60 minutes measuring 4 cP, compared to 13 cP in freshwater. Similarly, plastic viscosity (PV) and yield point (YP) values for starch in recycled water (2 cP and 2 lb/100 ft?) were lower than those in freshwater (7 cP and 5 lb/100 ft?). These discrepancies are attributed to the presence of impurities and salts in recycled water, which hinder the swelling and gelatinization of starch granules. Overall, while recycled water presents a sustainable alternative to freshwater, its compatibility with starch-based systems requires careful consideration to ensure optimal performance in completion fluid applications.},
keywords = {Gelatinization, Phytoremediation, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Recycled Water, Cassava Starch},
month = {May},
}