Avaliação do potencial e desempenho de carbonato assimétrico e ésteres de babaçu como base orgânica em fluidos de perfuração não aquosos

Abstract

Low toxicity and considerable biodegradability are responsible by the inclusion of vegetable esters-based fluids as an altern ative environmentally correct for oil wells drilling, according to environmental agencies regulations. However, its physicochemical properties result in limited applications, making it necessary to search for a more technically dependable and high performance ester source to be used as organic base. In this context, asymmetric carbonates derived from the transesterification of decan-1-ol with dimethyl carbonate were synthesized and tested as potential substitutes, since they are structurally similar to fatty esters and present themselves as a viable alternative with several advantages as a viable alternative with several advantages, such as greater thermo-oxidative stability and compatibility with elastomers. In addition, the products formed during its hydrolysis are not detrimental to rheological properties of fluids. Babassu esters were also synthesized and tested in this work for comparison. The absorption spectra in the infrared region of the synthesized materials provided characteristics relevant to carbonates and esters. A strong band of the carbonyl group (C═O) and the presence of intense absorption of the CꟷO stretch. The gas chromatography and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance analyzes confirmed the synthesis of the obtained products. The low values in the pour of point and kinematic viscosity allowed the use of these in the formulation of synthetic based fluids, which probably will not freeze in the regions near the Blowout Preventer (BOP) during deepwater drilling. The high values of flash points indicates that the storage and use of these materials are considered safe. The performance of the fluids, evaluated from rheological parameters, electrical stability and filtrate, showed that the asymmetric carbonate-based fluid presented a superior performance to that formulated with babassu esters, representing a real alternative for the application in non-aqueous drilling fluid.