Date Tree Fiber Mix LCM for Drilling Fluid Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lost circulation materials (LCMs) are ineffective in controlling excessive fluid loss during drilling operations, particularly in porous and permeable formations, and pose environmental risks due to their non-biodegradability and toxicity.

Innovation Solution

A trinary fiber mix LCM composed of fibers from date tree trunks, leaves, and panicles, which are biodegradable and non-toxic, is introduced into the wellbore to form a tightly packed, low-permeability barrier that reduces fluid loss by interlacing and intertwining to create a robust flow barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional LCMs are used to control lost circulation, then fluid loss control is achieved, but environmental harm increases due to non-biodegradability and toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid loss controlVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of LCMs from conventional synthetic materials to natural biodegradable materials such as cellulose, starch, and plant fibers. This parameter change maintains the plugging function while eliminating environmental toxicity and non-biodegradability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable LCMs that naturally decompose after performing their function of controlling lost circulation. These short-living materials eliminate long-term environmental accumulation problems while providing effective temporary plugging during drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Device complexity

If single-fiber LCMs are used, then the structure is simple, but plugging efficiency is insufficient in porous and permeable formations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLCM structureVSAvoidplugging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fiber types with different properties into composite LCM formulations. This includes mixing cellulose fibers, starch fibers, and plant fibers to create a synergistic effect that enhances plugging efficiency in porous and permeable formations while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the LCM into different fiber components with specific functions: some fibers provide structural framework, others provide filling capability, and some provide bonding properties. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for specific aspects of plugging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable LCMs are used, then environmental sustainability improves, but mechanical strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite structures using biodegradable materials where natural fibers provide tensile strength and structural integrity while biodegradable polymers provide bonding and sealing properties. This composite approach maintains mechanical strength despite using environmentally friendly materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different biodegradable materials with specific local properties to different regions of the LCM structure. Stronger natural fibers are positioned where mechanical strength is needed, while more biodegradable materials are used in regions where environmental degradation is prioritized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The date tree fiber mix LCM effectively reduces fluid loss by forming a strong, pressure-tolerant seal in fractures and cracks, outperforming single-fiber LCMs and commercial alternatives in plugging efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

form a tightly packed, low-permeability barrier that reduces fluid loss by interlacing and intertwining to create a robust flow barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation:

Implementation Method 2

forming a strong, pressure-tolerant seal in fractures and cracks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure tolerance:

Data Source

PatentUS10988658B2Date tree waste-based trinary fibrous mix for moderate to severe loss control

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A date tree fiber mix lost circulation material (LCM) is provided that includes a trinary mix of fibers produced from date trees. The date tree fiber mix LCM may include date tree trunk fibers produced from date tree trunks, date tree leaf and leaf stem fibers produced from date tree leaves and leaf stems, and date tree panicle fibers produced from date tree panicles. The LCM include a mix of 30% by weight date tree trunk fibers, 30% date tree leaf and leaf stem fibers, and 40% by weight date tree panicle fibers. Methods of lost circulation control using and manufacture of a date tree fiber mix LCM are also provided.