Date Tree LCM Pill for Partial Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loss circulation materials (LCMs) are not effective in controlling partial and total loss of circulation in highly permeable, fractured, and vugular loss zones, and raise environmental concerns due to technical limitations, variable success rates, placement difficulties, and potential damage to ecosystems.

Innovation Solution

A novel LCM composition comprising date tree trunk fibers, date tree seed particles, acid-soluble particulate material, marble particles, and synthetic polymer fibers, which are designed to form effective seals and plugs in lost circulation zones, with a method of introducing a fluid pill into the wellbore to reduce fluid loss, and an acid treatment to remove the LCM components and restore flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing LCM products are used to control lost circulation, then some fluid loss control is achieved, but they fail in highly permeable fractured and vugular loss zones and have variable success rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccess rate of loss controlVSAvoideffectiveness across different formation types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite LCM composition containing date tree trunk fibers (800-1000 microns), date tree seed particles (1000-2000 microns), marble particles (multiple sizes), calcium carbonate flakes (850 microns), and synthetic polymer fibers. This multi-material composite approach allows the LCM to effectively seal various types of loss zones including highly permeable, fractured, and vugular formations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability across different formation types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing LCM products are used, then some sealing performance is achieved, but placement difficulties occur in highly permeable formations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidease of placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The LCM composition is segmented into multiple particle size ranges: date tree trunk fibers (800-1000 microns), date tree seed particles (1000-2000 microns), marble particles in three size groups, and calcium carbonate flakes (850 microns). This segmentation allows different sized particles to effectively plug various sizes of fractures and pores, improving both sealing performance and placement effectiveness in highly permeable formations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using particles of different sizes and properties in specific combinations: larger date tree seed particles (1000-2000 microns) for major fracture plugging, date tree trunk fibers (800-1000 microns) for intermediate sealing, and smaller marble particles and calcium carbonate flakes for fine pore sealing. This localized optimization of particle properties at different scales resolves the placement difficulty while maintaining superior sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional LCM materials are used, then loss control is achieved, but environmental damage and ecosystem degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs natural organic materials (date tree trunk fibers and date tree seed particles) as the primary LCM components, which are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. These natural materials replace conventional synthetic LCM products that cause environmental pollution, allowing effective loss control while eliminating the harmful environmental effects associated with traditional LCM disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 product LCM composition demonstrates superior sealing and plugging performance, ease of placement, and eco-friendly properties, effectively reducing or preventing partial loss of circulation in highly permeable formations while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

an acid treatment to remove the LCM components and restore flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcid dissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10927281B2Lost circulation material (LCM) pill for partial loss control

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A date tree product lost circulation material (LCM) is provided. The date tree product LCM includes date tree seed particles, date tree trunk fibers, an acid-soluble particulate material, marble particles, flaked calcium carbonate, and polymer fibers. The LCM may be mixed with a carrier fluid, such as a drilling mud, to form a fluid pill. Methods of lost circulation control using the date tree product LCM and manufacture of the date tree product LCM are also provided.