Remedying lost circulation

A composition of epoxy resin, volcanic ash, and a curing agent forms a hard gel to seal off lost circulation zones, addressing the inefficacy of conventional materials and reducing fluid loss, thus minimizing wellbore downtime and costs.

WO2026148311A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-09SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2026/010249
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-01-06
Filing Date
2026-01-06
Publication Date
2026-07-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional lost circulation materials are ineffective in addressing severe lost circulation zones during well drilling, leading to increased costs and downtime due to fluid loss into surrounding formations.

Method used

A composition comprising epoxy resin, volcanic ash, and a curing agent is used to form a hard gel that seals off lost circulation zones, utilizing volcanic ash to enhance viscosity and incorporating emulsifiers for improved mixing, with the setting time controlled by resin and crosslinker type or concentration.

Benefits of technology

The composition effectively forms a barrier to prevent fluid loss, reducing wellbore downtime and material costs by forming a rigid plug at the loss zone, thereby mitigating and remedying lost circulation.

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Abstract

A lost circulation composition is flowed to a lost circulation zone within a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation. The lost circulation composition includes volcanic ash, an epoxy resin, and a curing agent. The curing agent includes nitrogen. The curing agent crosslinks the epoxy resin to form a plug at the lost circulation zone. The plug prevents fluid from flowing from the wellbore into the subterranean formation through the plug at the lost circulation zone.
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