Date Tree Leaflet LCM for Drilling Fluid Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lost circulation materials (LCMs) are costly, time-consuming to import, and pose environmental risks due to non-biodegradability and toxicity, failing to effectively control fluid loss during drilling operations, especially in sensitive formations like naturally fractured and high permeable formations.

Innovation Solution

A method using processed date tree leaflets as LCMs, introduced into the drilling fluid to form flakes that seal and block porous channels, fractures, and cracks, reducing fluid loss by creating a carpet-like mat at the borehole wall, obtained from date tree pruning waste and processed without chemical treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid lossVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of LCM from conventional synthetic materials to natural date tree leaflet material, which fundamentally alters the biodegradability and toxicity parameters while maintaining the physical blocking function for fluid loss control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive, readily available date tree leaflet material that can be disposed of naturally through biodegradation, replacing expensive, persistent conventional LCMs with a sustainable, short-lived natural alternative that eliminates environmental accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of substance

If conventional LCMs are imported to drilling locations, then lost circulation is controlled, but time and cost increase due to purchase and importation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid loss controlVSAvoidimportation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the drilling operation to produce its own LCM from date tree leaflets that can be sourced locally or on-site, eliminating the need for external procurement and importation logistics, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining effective fluid loss control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces date tree leaflet material as an intermediary substance that can be processed into LCM form locally, serving as a substitute for imported conventional LCMs and eliminating the supply chain dependency on external vendors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If processed date tree leaflets are used as LCM, then environmental friendliness improves through biodegradability, but manufacturing complexity increases due to processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the date tree leaflet material into smaller flakes or particles through mechanical processing, which simplifies the material structure for effective LCM performance while maintaining biodegradability, breaking down the complex natural material into manageable, functional units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If date tree leaflet LCM is used in drilling fluid, then seepage control improves in fractured formations, but fluid composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseepage controlVSAvoidfluid composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite drilling fluid system by integrating date tree leaflet flakes into the drilling mud composition, combining the natural blocking capability of the leaflet material with the lubricating and carrying properties of conventional drilling fluid, achieving enhanced seepage control while maintaining overall fluid functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 leaflet LCM effectively reduces fluid loss, demonstrating comparable performance to commercial LCMs, is biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, minimizing environmental impact and operational costs, while providing sustainable and effective seepage control.

Implementation Method 1

The date tree leaflet LCM effectively reduces fluid loss, demonstrating comparable performance to commercial LCMs... seal and block porous channels, fractures, and cracks... creating a carpet-like mat at the borehole wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11053423B2Date tree leaflet-based flaky lost circulation material

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A lost circulation material (LCM) having flakes formed from date tree leaflets is provided. The flakes of the date tree leaflet LCM may be formed by tearing and shredding date tree leaflets from date trees. The date tree leaflets may be obtained from date tree pruning performed by date tree farming industries. The date tree leaflet LCM may be added to o a drilling fluid to mitigate or prevent lost circulation in a well. Methods of lost circulation control with the date tree leaflets LCM are also provided.