Curing Losses with Bio-Degradables: Challenges and Feasability of Particle Size Distribution

Abstract

Lost Circulation currently accounts for loss of approximately around $850-900 million USD per year. Middle East is probably counting for a major part of these losses. This research paper reviews the current practices of LCMs, different polymeric materials used, and this paper will explore new ideas revolving around biodegradables as part of our commitment to make the industry cleaner and greener. Drilling of Oil wells is encountered with a host of technical problems that often makes it difficult to develop some of the fields. Lost circulation is one such critical issue defined as the continuous loss of drilling fluid when it encounters fractures, vugs, highly permeable zones during drilling. If not controlled Lost Circulation can lead to stuck pipe issues, wellbore stability issues and ultimately can lead to blowout endangering life and property. Despite several technological advances in this area, Lost Circulation Materials (LCMs) today has many drawbacks such as damaging the formations, failing to seal the fractures and damaging the environment. This paper presents the feasibility of various lost circulation materials and explains the physics behind the particle size distribution necessary to have an effective sealing and jamming. An analytical model based on CFD-DEM (Couple Flow Dynamics & Discrete Element Modelling) has been developed, calibrated with experimental results and existing models to optimize the parameters. It discusses about the need of new engineering for designing LCM success performance We are focusing on possible use of plant based degradable renewable materials which degrades back to liquid state as a potential lost circulation material in this paper. The engineering analysis will focus on optimizing the LCM in relation to fracture dimensions.