JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DISCOVERY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7064
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JBBD
Start Year: 2016
Email: jbbd@integrityresjournals.org
Experimental investigation of the viability of biodiesel synthesized from moringa seed oil in oil based drilling mud formulation
https://doi.org/10.31248/JBBD2026.259 | Article Number: 6269A6FD5 | Vol.11 (2) - April 2026
Received Date: 02 February 2026 | Accepted Date: 28 March 2026 | Published Date: 30 April 2026
Authors: Obeta, P. O.* and Edo-Osagie, O. S.
Keywords: physicochemical properties, rheological performance, Moringa biodiesel oil‑based mud, sustainable drilling
The environmental and regulatory pressures associated with petroleum diesel‑based drilling fluids have accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives in oil and gas operations. This study evaluates Moringa oleifera seed oil biodiesel as a substitute base fluid in oil‑based mud (OBM) formulations. Moringa seeds were sourced locally in Lagos, Nigeria, prepared through dehulling and grinding, and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using ethanol. The crude oil was pre‑treated via acid esterification to reduce free fatty acids, followed by alkaline‑catalyzed transesterification to synthesise fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Physicochemical characterisation of raw oil, biodiesel, and petroleum diesel was conducted, assessing parameters such as viscosity, density, acid value, flash point, cloud point, and pour point. Two mud systems, Moringa biodiesel‑based mud (MBM) and petroleum diesel‑based mud (PDM), were formulated with identical additives and tested for rheological, static, and filtration properties under varying thermal conditions. Results showed that Moringa seeds yielded 29.45% oil, with a biodiesel conversion efficiency of 91.37%. Biodiesel exhibited reduced viscosity (5.303 mm²/s) and acid value (1.336 mgKOH/g) compared to raw oil, and a higher flash point (121°C vs. 71°C for diesel), confirming enhanced safety and stability. Mud performance tests revealed comparable densities (9.0 ppg) and phase stability across MBM and PDM, with MBM showing slightly higher alkalinity (pH 8.7 vs. 8.09) and marginally elevated fluid loss (3 mL/30 min vs. 2 mL/30 min). Gel strength and rheological profiles demonstrated MBM’s ability to maintain structural integrity across elevated temperatures (up to 170°F), with shear stress and yield point values closely matching those of PDM.
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