1. Tell us about yourself
My name is Silvester Kimathi, a final-year Petroleum Engineering student with a strong interest in drilling fluids, sustainable energy technologies, and applied research. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a passion for solving engineering challenges with practical, environmentally responsible solutions.
2. What is your final-year project about?
My final-year project investigates the potential use of starch extracted from Dutch Robijn potato peel waste as a biodegradable fluid-loss-control additive in water-based drilling fluids. Fluid-loss additives are essential in drilling operations because they help prevent excessive drilling fluid invasion into geological formations while maintaining wellbore stability. The study evaluates how potato peel-derived starch affects the rheological properties and filtration performance of drilling mud under ambient conditions.
3. Why focus on potato peel-derived starch?
The oil and gas industry commonly relies on synthetic and chemically modified fluid-loss additives, many of which are not readily biodegradable. At the same time, large quantities of potato peels are generated as agricultural and food-processing waste. Dutch Robijn potato peels contain significant amounts of starch that can potentially be converted into a valuable drilling fluid additive. By utilising this waste material, the project seeks to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and explore a low-cost alternative to conventional non-biodegradable additives.
4. How are you testing this?
The project begins with extracting starch from Dutch Robijn potato peels using a wet mechanical separation process. The extracted starch is then characterised and incorporated into water-based drilling mud formulations at different concentrations. The mud samples are evaluated for key rheological properties using a rotational viscometer and for fluid-loss control performance using a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) filter press.
5. What are the expected outcomes and Bentworth’s role?
The expected outcome is to determine whether potato peel-derived starch can serve as an effective and environmentally friendly fluid-loss control additive in water-based drilling fluids. The study also aims to identify the optimal starch concentration that provides the best balance between rheological performance and filtration control. Bentworth Energy has played a critical role by providing technical guidance, laboratory facilities, specialised testing equipment, and industry mentorship. This support has enabled the project to move beyond theoretical research and into practical evaluation under realistic engineering conditions.