The College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad, represented by the Petroleum Engineering Department, witnessed the public defense of the PhD thesis submitted by researcher Karrar Saad Kadhim, entitled:
“Aphron Drilling Fluid to Mitigate Lost Circulation Problem in High Permeability and Naturally Fractured Formations”
The defense was held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in the Postgraduate Hall of the Petroleum Engineering Department, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Faleh H. M. Almahdawi.
The thesis aimed to design a highly stable colloidal drilling fluid with excellent rheological properties to mitigate the lost circulation problem, minimize fluid loss, and reduce formation damage in depleted, high-permeability production zones.
The experimental work involved designing and constructing a laboratory system capable of simulating the porous medium of producing fields, enabling the researcher to evaluate the performance of the developed drilling fluids under conditions representative of reservoir environments.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The thesis reached several important conclusions and recommendations, including:
- The designed drilling fluids demonstrated high stability under reservoir conditions.
- The fluids exhibited excellent rheological properties, supporting effective cuttings lifting during drilling operations.
- The designed fluids contributed to a reduction in drilling-fluid filtration rates and minimized the formation damage factor.
Examination Committee
The thesis was evaluated by the following examination committee:
- Prof. Dr. Ghassan Hameed Abdul-Majeed – Dean of the College of Engineering / Chairman
- Prof. Dr. Ayad A. Alhaleem A. Alrazzaq – Head of the Petroleum Engineering Department / Member
- Prof. Dr. Rafid Kadhim Abbas – University of Al-Qadisiyah / Member
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Farqad Ali Hadi – Member
- Assist. Prof. Dr. Rwaida K. Abdulmajeed – Member
- Prof. Dr. Falih Hassan Mohammed – Member and Supervisor
Following the scientific discussion, the researcher’s defense, and the committee’s evaluation of the thesis, Karrar Saad Kadhim was awarded the PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Congratulations to the researcher on this academic achievement, with best wishes for continued success in his scientific and professional career.
