Deep Eutectic Solvents for Enhancing the Rheological Behavior of Polymers and Clays in Polymeric Water-Based Drilling Fluids

Drilling fluids with high suspending capacity without high viscosity are required in drilling operations, such as horizontal wells and highly deviated wells, with the “cutting bed”. Non-viscosifying rheological modifiers that can enhance the rheological properties of polymer drilling fluids are urgently needed. This study reports the application of a choline-chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (Gly-DES) as a rheological modifier for polymeric water-based drilling fluids. The rheological effects of Gly-DES on bentonite/polymer fluids were evaluated by high-temperature rheological testing, rheological model fitting, and rheological parameter (yield point, fluidity index, gel strength, etc.) analysis. The results showed that 2–4 wt % Gly-DES can improve the rheological properties of polymer drilling fluid in the temperature range of 150 °C. The addition of Gly-DES significantly improved the rheological parameters of drilling fluids, such as the yield point, gel strength, low shear rate viscosity, etc. At the same time, the viscosity of drilling fluids was always stable at different temperatures, which means that Gly-DES can help improve the suspension and cutting carrying capacity of drilling fluids without significantly increasing the viscosity of drilling fluids. Mechanistic analysis revealed that Gly-DES was connected to the polymer and bentonite through hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds, which enhanced the cross-linked network structure of the polymer at high temperatures and promoted the formation of weak gels in Na bentonite suspensions. Gly-DES can simultaneously enhance rheology, inhibit clay hydration, and improve filter cake lubricity and has the potential to be a multifunctional drilling fluid treatment agent.