Title: Assessment of the Feasibility of Mucuna Solannie as a Novel Bio-Additive for Water-Based Drilling Fluids Formulation
Authors: Eniye Oguta, Sunday Igbani, Humphrey Andrew Ogoni
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 39-55
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
This review examines the application of Mucuna solannie as a bio-additive in water-based drilling muds (WBM), addressing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional drilling fluid additives. Traditional additives, including synthetic polymers and plant-based gums, often face challenges such as high cost, variable performance under extreme downhole conditions, and environmental concerns. These limitations highlight the importance of identifying bio-based materials that can deliver consistent technical performance while reducing ecological impact. The study explores the chemical composition of Mucuna solannie and its influence on key drilling fluid properties, including rheology, filtration control, thermal stability, and lubricity, drawing from laboratory investigations, experimental results, and field-relevant data. Economic factors such as extraction, processing, scalability, and potential cost savings are assessed, alongside environmental considerations including biodegradability, low toxicity, and opportunities for circular economy applications. The findings indicate that Mucuna solannie effectively enhances viscosity, yield point, and gel strength, supports cuttings transport, and contributes to the formation of low-permeability filter cakes while demonstrating stability under moderate thermal and chemical stresses. Compared to conventional additives, it offers advantages in operational flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. This review emphasizes the multifunctional potential of Mucuna solannie for WBM formulation and provides insights that can guide future research, industrial application, and the development of bio-based drilling fluids with improved performance, economic efficiency, and ecological compatibility.