Evaluación experimental de saponinas de Agave mapisaga en fluidos de perforación: comparación con carboximetilcelulosa (CMC) en el control de filtrado

This study experimentally evaluates the performance of saponins extracted from Agave mapisaga as a natural biosurfactant, assessed as a fluid-loss control and rheology-modifying additive in water-based drilling fluids, through direct comparison with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The methodology included extraction and purification of the material, formulation of drilling fluids at equivalent concentrations (0,25 lb/bbl), and evaluation according to API RP 13B-1 procedures. Under standard conditions, saponins increased yield point by 18% (65 vs. 55 lb/100 ft²), indicating improved solids suspension capacity, and exhibited slightly higher API fluid loss than CMC (3,4 vs. 3,1 mL; +9,7%). Under thermal evaluation at 350°F, fluid loss with saponins increased by 24% (3,4→4,2 mL), whereas CMC increased by 61% (3,1→5,0 mL). The results indicate that saponins are technically competitive and show greater thermal stability where fluid-loss control and solids suspension are critical.