Preparation and application of a zwitterionic polymer wellbore stabilizer with catechol group for drilling in natural gas hydrate reservoir

A novel approach to enhance wellbore stability was put forth, based on the wellbore rock properties and instability mechanism of the hydrate reservoir, given the issue of wellbore instability when using water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) in drilling operations, in weakly cemented muddy fine silt reservoirs of natural gas hydrates in the South China Sea. Three main strategies were used to increase the stability of reservoirs: enhancing the underwater connection between sandstone particles and clay minerals, preventing clay hydration from spreading and expanding, and strengthening the stability of hydration skeleton structure. An appropriate drilling fluid system was built with soil phase containing wellbore stabilizer. Sulfonic acid groups and electrostatic interaction were introduced based on the characteristics of underwater adhesion of mussels. Through the process of free radical polymerization, a zwitterionic polymer containing catechol groups named DAAT was prepared for application in natural gas hydrate reservoir drilling. DAAT is composed of tannic acid (TA), dimethyl diallyl chloride ammonium chloride (DMDAAC), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylamide (AM). Experimental results from mechanical property testing reveal an adhesion force of up to 4206 nN between SiO2 and 5 wt % DAAT, demonstrating its ability to bind quartz sand particles effectively. The compressive strength and cohesion of the cores treated with DAAT increased by 58.33 wt % and 53.26 wt %, respectively, at −10 °C, compared with pure ice particle cores. This demonstrates DAAT can significantly enhance the compressive strength and cohesion of the core. Furthermore, the adhesion force between DAAT and hydrate particles reaches up to 344.4 mN/m, significantly improving the structural stability between hydrate particles. It demonstrates excellent adhesive properties to hydrate particles. In addition to adsorbing clay minerals, rocks, and hydrate particles, DAAT also forms hydrogen bonds with argillaceous fine silt particles with its low temperature cohesiveness characteristic. As a result, it improves the cohesion between core particles, and enhances the adhesion between hydrates and rocks, thereby enhancing the stability of hydrate reservoirs. In summary, DAAT is characterized by a simple preparation process, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. It is an innovative and practical material for enhancing wellbore stability in WBDFs for natural gas hydrate exploration in the South China Sea.