Study of the performance of LCMs in fractured formations

• Autorzy: Galves L. , Miska S. , Ozbayoglu E. , Ziaja M.

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.7494/drill.2017.34.1.103

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

This study focuses on modeling three phenomena that greatly affect the performance of lost circulation materials (LCMs) in sealing thief zones: the process of construction of the LCM seal, the final flow rate after its creation, and the fractability of this seal to the pressures inside the wellbore. To model them, concepts related to fluid mechanics, and geomechanics become of the utmost importance. To help the validation of the models presented in this work, an experimental facility to simulate lost circulation was constructed. The facility makes use of a real limestone core drilled with the Tulsa Drilling Research Projects (TUDRP) drilling rig. This experimental setup represents progress in the reproduction of overall field conditions in comparison with other setups found in the literature. Several tests were performed with walnut at different sizes and concentrations, as well as with distinct fracture openings, inclinations, and orientations. As a result, a D90 as large as the size of the fracture aperture ends up to being effective in the plugging process. In addition, a D50 the size of 1/3 of the fracture opening also provides of a good seal. Depending on the concentration, smaller sizes can be applied - the smaller the size is, the larger the concentration must be. Finally, a computer program has been developed. Estimations of particle size distribution (PSD), plug time, and flow rate after seal formation are outcomes. This method of LCM selection can be used to assess the performance of different LCMs in the field. Hence, cost, time, and energy can be saved in dealing with lost circulation.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

lost circulation; LCMS

• Wydawca: AGH University of Science and Technology Press
• Czasopismo: AGH Drilling, Oil, Gas
• Rocznik: 2017
• Tom: Vol. 34, no. 1
• Strony: 103--122
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 10 poz., rys., tab., wykr.

Twórcy

autor

Galves L.

• The University of Tulsa, Drilling Research Projects

autor

Miska S.

• The University of Tulsa, Drilling Research Projects

autor

Ozbayoglu E.

• The University of Tulsa, Drilling Research Projects

autor

Ziaja M.

• The University of Tulsa, Drilling Research Projects

Bibliografia

• [1] Alsaba M., Nygaard R.: Laboratory Evaluation of Sealing Wide Fractures Using Conventional Lost Circulation Materials. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, October 27-29, 2014, SPE 170576-MS.
• [2] Alsaba M., Nygaard R.: Lost Circulation Materials Capability of Sealing Wide Fractures. SPE Deepwater Drilling and Completions Conference, Galveston, TX, USA. September 10–11, 2014, SPE 170285-MS.
• [3] Ivan C., Burton J., Bloys B.: Lost Circulation Can Be Managed Better Than Ever. World Oil, June, 2003.
• [4] Lietard O., Unwin T., Guillot, D., et al.: Fracture Width Logging While Drilling and Drilling Mud/Loss-Circulation-Material Selection Guidelines in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs. SPEDC, vol. 14, No. 3, SPE 57713.
• [5] Majidi R.: Modeling of Yield-Power-Law Type of Drilling Fluid Losses in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs. TUDRP Advisory Board Meeting Report, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2009.
• [6] Mitchell R., Miska S.: Fundamentals of Drilling Engineering. Richardson, TX, Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2011.
• [7] White R.: Lost-Circulation Materials and Their Evaluation. Spring Meeting of the Pacific Coast District, Division of Production, Los Angeles, USA, May, 1956.
• [8] Whitfill D., Wang H.: Making Economic Decisions to Mitigate Lost Circulation. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, TX, USA, October 9-12, 2005, SPE 95561.
• [9] Whitfill D., Wang M., Jamison D., Rogers A.: Preventing Lost Circulation Requires Planning Ahead. SPE International Oil Conference and Exhibition, Veracruz, Mexico, June 27–30, 2007, SPE 108647.
• [10] Zeng H.: Study of Effectiveness of Lost Circulation Materials. TUDRP Advisory Board Meeting Report, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2014.

Uwagi

PL

Opracowanie ze środków MNiSW w ramach umowy 812/P-DUN/2016 na działalność upowszechniającą naukę (zadania 2017).