A novel nonionic surfactant for inhibiting shale hydration

摘要: Abstract The demand for cost effective and environmentally shale inhibitor is increasing in drilling industry. This paper reports the first time use of Zizyphus spina-christi extract (ZSCE), a newly developed nonionic surfactant, inhibiting hydration. adsorption behavior ZSCE onto cuttings was determined through conductivity technique. Adsorption isotherm coincides with characteristics Freundlich isotherm. inhibitive property assessed number inhibition evaluation methods. All experimental findings verify that can act as potential inhibitor; nevertheless, its has no significant improvement at concentrations above CMC. Moreover, better performance compared to potassium chloride polyamine. According compatibility tests, compatible conventional water-based fluids (WBDF) additives. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations clearly indicate stability sodium bentonite particles aqueous solution. hydrogen bonding between hydrophilic tail molecules oxygen atoms available on silica surface clay, which results formation hydrophobic shell clay surface, believed be main mechanism ZSCE. research paves way selection implementation surfactants, especially plant-based, inhibitors WBDF.