Industrial machining workshops generate substantial quantities of aluminum wire offcuts and filings that cannot be re-entered into bulk metal recycling circuits, posing both a resource management challenge and a potential environmental burden. This study demonstrates a closed-loop valorization route in which this low-grade aluminum waste is converted into nanostructured aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) by two scalable synthesis pathways (i) chemo-thermal calcination of precipitated Al(OH)₃ at 1000 °C and 1200 °C for 1 and 4 h, and (ii) direct chemical precipitation via AlCl3/Na2CO3 reaction, and then deployed as a functional additive in water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) used by the oil and gas industry. Comprehensive characterization by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the formation of highly crystalline α-Al2O3 with particle diameters ≤ 40 nm following 4-hour calcination at 1000 °C, at an overall yield of ∼80%. When incorporated into a standard bentonite-based WBDF at concentrations of 0.25–1.00 g per 250 mL, the waste-derived NPs reduced high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) filtrate volume by up to 33% and low-pressure low-temperature (LPLT) filtrate volume by up to 40.5%, and lowered the coefficient of friction by 19% at the optimal dose, and outperformed a conventional KCl -polymer inhibitor in suppressing bentonite clay swelling (49% reduction vs. water control). These results establish waste-wire-derived Al₂O₃ NPs as a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable drilling-fluid additive that simultaneously advances industrial waste valorization, natural resource conservation, and oilfield operational efficiency.
The escalating generation of industrial waste alongside the growing demand for high-performance, environmentally sustainable drilling fluids presents critical challenges to the oil and gas sector. Conventional drilling fluid additives are predominantly synthesized from virgin materials, contributing to resource depletion and environmental burden. Objectives: This study pioneers a circular economy approach by synthesizing silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPS) and alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) entirely from locally sourced industrial waste — bentonite clay and aluminum scrap, respectively — and evaluating their performance as functional additives in water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs). Novelty: To the best of our knowledge, this represents th
... Show MoreThe Sadi reservoir is one of the largest and most important unconventional tight oil reservoirs in southern Iraq. However, it suffers from low production rates, necessitating many development strategies that require a correct and reliable characterization of reservoir fluid properties. Whilst these properties are originally obtained from laboratory experiments, measurement errors often occur despite rigorous workflows, which negatively affect the calculation of reservoir fluid properties. This study utilizes the fluid thermodynamics characterization program (PVTp) to generate a reliable model for determining the oil properties of Sadi reservoir. A methodology was developed to simulate fluid thermodynamic tests, including Differ
... Show MoreThe synthesis of nanoparticles (GNPs) from the reduction of HAuCl4 .3H2O by aluminum metal was obtained in aqueous solution with the use of Arabic gum as a stabilizing agent. The GNPs were characterized by TEM, AFM and Zeta potential spectroscopy. The reduction process was monitored over time by measuring ultraviolet spectra at a range of λ 520-525 nm. Also the color changes from yellow to ruby red, shape and size of GNP was studied by TEM. Shape was spherical and the size of particles was (12-17.5) nm. The best results were obtained at pH 6.
This work involved the successful synthesis of three new Schiff base complexes, including Ni(II), Mn(II), and Cu(II) complexes. The Schiff base ligand was created by reacting the malonyldihydrazide molecule with naphthaldehyde, and the final step involved reacting the ligand with the corresponding metallic chloride yielding pure target complexes. FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, mass, and UV/Vis spectroscopies were used to comprehensively characterize the produced complexes. These substances have been employed in this study to photo-stabilize polystyrene (PS) and lessen the photo-degradation of its polymeric chains. Several methods, including FTIR, weight loss, viscosity average molecular weight, light and atomic force microscopy, and energy disper
... Show MoreThe minimization, treatment and disposal of drilling wastes especially oily wastes are important environmental issues.
In this research two fungal isolates named Pleurotus ostreatus and Trichoderma harzianum were chosen carefully f or the purpose of biotreatment of oily drilled cuttings which resulting from drilling oil wells using oil based muds (OBMs).
A relationship of total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in oily drilled cuttings with time has been obtained. The results showed that Pleurotus ostreatus and Trichoderma harzianum can be considered hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms and the used biotreatment is cost effective process since most of the materials used in the cultivation and growth of the present f
... Show MoreNd:YAG laser pulses of 9 nanosecond pulse duration and operating wavelength at 1.06 μm, were utilized to drill high thermal conductivity and high reflectivity aluminum and copper foils. The results showed a dependence of drilled holes characteristics on laser power density and the number of laser pulses used. Drilled depth of 74 ϻm was obtained in aluminum at 11.036×108 W/cm2 of laser power density. Due to its higher melting point, copper required higher laser power density and/or larger number of laser pulses to melt, and a maximum depth of 25 μm was reached at 13.46×108 W/cm2 using single laser pulse.
One of the most important environmental issues is the responsible effective and economic treatment of drilling waste especially oily waste.
In this research two fungal isolates named Pleurotus ostreatus and Trichoderma harzianum were chosen for the first time to treat biologically the oily drilled cuttings contaminated with diesel which resulted from drilling oil wells use oil based muds (OBMs).
The results showed that the fungi under study utilized the hydrocarbon of contaminated soil as a source of nutrient and growth and that both fungi can be considered hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms. The used biotreatment is cost effective process since most of the materials used in the cultivation and growth of the present fungi were av
The oil and gas industry relies heavily on IT innovations to manage business processes, but the exponential generation of data has led to concerns about processing big data, generating valuable insights, and making timely decisions. Many companies have adopted Big Data Analytics (BDA) solutions to address these challenges. However, determining the adoption of BDA solutions requires a thorough understanding of the contextual factors influencing these decisions. This research explores these factors using a new Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, presenting technological, organisational, and environmental factors. The study used a Delphi research method and seven heterogeneous panelists from an Oman oil and gas company
... Show MoreA new nano-sized NiMo/TiO2-γ-Al2O3 was prepared as a Hydrodesulphurization catalyst for Iraqi gas oil with sulfur content of 8980 ppm, supplied from Al-Dura Refinery. Sol-gel method was used to prepare TiO2- γ-Al2O3 nano catalyst support with 64% TiO2, 32% Al2O3, Ni-Mo/TiO-γ-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared under vacuum impregnation conditions to loading metals with percentage 3.8 wt.% and 14 wt.% for nickel and molybdenum respectively while the percentage for alumina, and titanium became 21.7, and 58.61 respectively. The synthesized TiO2- γ-Al2O3 nanocomposites and Ni-Mo /TiO2
... Show MoreWater-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) are the industry-preferred medium for drilling reactive shale formations, yet they remain susceptible to shale swelling, fluid invasion, and cuttings dispersion—all of which compromise wellbore stability. Although oil-based fluids (OBFs) provide effective shale inhibition, their high cost and adverse environmental profile limit their use. Nanoparticles (NPs) derived from waste feedstocks offer a low-cost, environmentally responsible alternative for enhancing WBDF performance, but no prior study has simultaneously evaluated both waste-derived SiO2 and Al2O2 NPs within a single WBDF system. This study synthesised SiO2 NPs from Halfaya bentonite clay waste and Al2O2 NPs from recycled aluminium scrap, char
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