Mathematical modelling of the Marsh Funnel for measuring rheological properties of drilling nanofluids for energy efficient environment

The oil and gas industry has recognized the use of nanofluids for improving production rates and also reducing energy demands. Nanofluids function in oil well drilling is to modify rheological and heat transfer properties of the base fluid. Skin friction is reduced by nanofluids which in turn reduces drilling torque and the corresponding power consumption. This also mitigates wear on drilling equipments. The lubrication effects of nanofluids are achieved through enhanced surface energy absorption and ball bearing effects. Marsh Funnel is the practical method to measure viscosity of the drilling fluids with or without nanoparticles. The discharge time is the only measured parameter during operation. In this study, a new mathematical model is introduced for determining discharge flow rate of the Marsh Funnel. Results of the present method are validated against some available experimental data for Newtonian fluids. The present method can be equally applied for nanofluids. Marsh funnel volume discharge rate and the corresponding time are two important measureable parameters that can be used to determine different rheological parameters of nanofluids. The oil well drilling nanolubricants may be promising in an energy efficient operational environment.