Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Drilling Fluid Rheology and Cutting Disposals.

The need, consumption, and extraction of oil, coal, and gas is contrary to each other’s. The prime source of all power generation the world needs and relies on today, comes from petroleum resources but the extraction and production of the same doesn’t fall on the same page. The polluting agents produced by the drilling and production operation of are not negligible. This thesis addresses the evaluation of the environmental impact associated with variations in drilling fluid rheology and assesses the efficacy and sustainability of different cuttings disposal methods. Drilling fluid, a vital component in the drilling process, influences wellbore stability, lubrication, and the overall efficiency of drilling operations. Similarly, the proper management of drill cutting disposals, consisting of rock fragments and drilling fluid residues, is crucial to mitigate potential environmental consequences. The environmental impact assessment consider factors like water quality, soil contamination, and ecosystem disruption resulting from drilling fluid discharges and cuttings disposal. Special attention is given to the potential toxicity of drilling fluids and their impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The research also investigates innovative drilling fluid additives and technologies that aim to reduce environmental footprints. Furthermore, the study evaluates the environmental performance of various cuttings disposal methods, including traditional onshore disposal, offshore discharge, and sustainable alternatives such as cuttings re-injection and thermal treatment.