Aplicação de biossurfactantes em fluidos de perfuração

Abstract

Drilling fluids are fundamental in the operations of the oil industry, responsible for maintaining the stability and safety of wells. However, the use of these fluids can lead to environmental impacts due to the toxicity of the chemical additives commonly employed. In this context, the incorporation of biosurfactants into drilling fluid formulations has emerged as a sustainable alternative. These compounds, with their amphiphilic nature, offer properties such as reduced interfacial tension, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Therefore, this work reviews the literature on the potential of biosurfactants in various functions within drilling fluids, such as emulsifiers, anti-aggregants, and lubricants. The six reviewed studies demonstrated that biosurfactants improved the stability of fluids, prevented hydrate crystal formation, and were effective as lubricants, potentially replacing traditional additives with a lower environmental impact. The analysis reveals that the application of biosurfactants can enhance the stability and efficiency of fluids, promoting safer and more environmentally responsible drilling operations. However, despite presenting themselves as a promising alternative to synthetic additives, there are still technical challenges to be addressed for their widespread adoption in the industry.