Date Tree LCM Pill for Total Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lost circulation materials (LCMs) are not effective in controlling severe and total loss of circulation during drilling operations, particularly in severe loss zones, due to technical limitations and variable success rates.
Innovation Solution
A novel LCM composition and method using date tree trunk fibers, date tree seeds, acid-soluble particulate material, marble particles, scrap tire particles, calcium carbonate flakes, and synthetic polymer fibers, which are mixed and introduced into a wellbore to form a fluid pill that reduces fluid loss by sealing and plugging pores and permeable channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing LCM products are used to control severe and total loss of circulation, then some fluid loss control is achieved, but the success rate is variable and technical limitations prevent effective control in severe loss zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple LCM components (fibers, particles, granules) with different properties into a single integrated pill formulation. This composite approach allows the system to address multiple loss mechanisms simultaneously, improving reliability in severe loss zones while maintaining manageable complexity through pre-formulated composite structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs segmentation by dividing the LCM system into distinct functional components (fibers for bridging, particles for plugging, granules for absorption) that are segmented within the pill structure. Each component targets specific loss pathways, and the segmentation allows for optimized placement of different material types to address varying severity levels within the same treatment zone.
2Reliability
If combinations of various LCM products are used to prevent severe and total loss of circulation, then some mitigation is achieved, but placement difficulties and other disadvantages remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LCM products into a single integrated pill formulation, combining fibers, particles, and granules in predetermined ratios and configurations. This merging eliminates the need for separate placement operations for each component, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the effectiveness benefits of using multiple material types together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal LCM pill design that can address multiple types of loss conditions (severe, total, intermittent) with a single product formulation. The multi-functional pill contains components that can simultaneously bridge fractures, plug pores, and absorb fluid, allowing one placement operation to handle various loss scenarios that would otherwise require different specialized products.
3Loss of substance
If LCM materials are used to seal and plug pores and permeable channels, then fluid loss is reduced, but the materials may cause pipe sticking and formation damage due to plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different LCM components with specific size and property characteristics targeted at specific loss mechanisms. Fibers with particular aspect ratios are positioned to bridge larger fractures without migrating into smaller pores, while particles of specific size ranges are used to plug permeable channels without completely blocking formation pores. This localized quality differentiation prevents harmful over-plugging while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials and materials with controlled porosity to create seals that allow controlled fluid flow while preventing excessive loss. The LCM components are designed with porous structures that can absorb excess fluid while maintaining permeability pathways, preventing complete plugging that would cause pipe sticking while still reducing fluid loss to acceptable levels.
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 effectively reduces fluid loss by forming seals and plugs in lost circulation zones, preventing mud loss and improving well control, with the ability to be degraded and removed via acid treatment to restore hydrocarbon flow.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a fluid pill into the wellbore such that the fluid pill contacts the lost circulation zone and reduces a rate of lost circulation into the lost circulation zone
Implementation Method 2
the ability to be degraded and removed via acid treatment to restore hydrocarbon flow
Data Source
AI summary
A date tree product lost circulation material (LCM) is provided. The date tree product LCM includes date tree seed particles, a first group of date tree waste fibers, a second group of date tree waste fibers, scrap tire particles, 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.