Abstract: In recent years, restrictions have been established in many areas of the world against the most dominant oil base mud; (diesel). These restrictions came about as a result of the detrimental environmental impact occurring from the use of this drilling fluid. Hence a worldwide trend was brought about, disregarding the use of this mud in drilling operations onshore and significantly offshore where the environmental impact was higher. Oil base mud now faces restrictions of recently passed legislations that require specific disposal methods that are regarded extremely costly. This is forcing the industry to shift away from its use as it is becoming less feasible to operate with. Hence, the need for an integrated alternative solution to oil base mud that will pass the recent environmental regulations thus removing disposal costs and lowering the overall toxicity. Of these solutions, biodegradable oils, particularly vegetable oils have been the focus of many recent researchers. The selection of these oils is based on their low costs of obtaining these oils and concurrently having similar properties of oil base mud. Jatropha oil base mud shows high potentialdue to its abundance worldwide. The laboratory data indicate that Jatropha oil base mud has a more ideal yield point value than diesel base mud, theprepared jatropha base mud will perform the same function as dieselbase mud, but more efficiently with less frictional pressure losses.The experimental work carried out showed high potential of jatropha oil base in comparison to oil base in both physiochemical and rheological properties as an oil and drilling fluid, better thermal stability in HPHT wells, safe due to its fire capacity resistance. Finally jatropha is less expensive than oil base mud with less environmental impact and can be applied in the industry.

Keywords: Jatropha Oil, Oil- Base Mud, diesel, drilling fluid, biodegradable oils, toxicity.