Micronized Date Tree Particle Mix for Drilling Fluid Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The oil and gas industry faces challenges in controlling lost circulation during drilling operations due to excessive fluid loss, which can lead to well control issues, borehole instability, and formation damage, especially in permeable formations, where existing loss control materials may not be suitable and delay in addressing the issue can escalate the problem.

Innovation Solution

A micronized date tree particle mix is introduced into the drilling fluid, comprising particles from date tree seeds and trunks, with specific size ranges, to form a seal or plug in loss zones, preventing fluid loss without altering mud properties or rheology, and can be easily mixed into the mud system to address fluid loss immediately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional loss control materials are used, then fluid loss can be controlled after occurrence, but the response is delayed and the problem may escalate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss control effectivenessVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-micronizing date tree particles to a specific size range (1-150 microns) and pre-blending them with drilling fluid before encountering the loss zone. This preparation ensures that when the drilling fluid reaches the permeable formation, the particles are ready to immediately plug pores and fractures without delay, transforming the reactive loss control approach into a proactive preventive measure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of substance

If loss prevention materials are added to control fluid loss, then fluid loss is reduced, but mud properties and rheology may be adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid lossVSAvoidmud properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the particle size parameter of date tree particles to the specific range of 1-150 microns. This size parameter is optimized to be small enough to enter and plug pores and fractures effectively, yet large enough to maintain structural integrity. The micronized particles are blended at controlled concentrations to achieve fluid loss prevention while maintaining acceptable mud rheology and drilling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a composite drilling fluid system that combines conventional drilling fluid components with micronized date tree particles. This composite material leverages the natural fibrous structure and surface properties of date tree particles to provide fluid loss control, while the overall composition is balanced to maintain stable mud properties and rheological characteristics necessary for successful drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of loss control materials are used to address different formation types, then coverage is improved, but material selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation type coverageVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by demonstrating that micronized date tree particles with size range of 1-150 microns can effectively control fluid loss across multiple formation types including permeable formations, fractured formations, and cavernous formations. The particles' natural fibrous structure, flexibility, and surface properties enable them to adapt to different loss mechanisms and formation characteristics, providing a single versatile material solution that replaces the need for multiple specialized materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 micronized date tree particle mix effectively reduces or prevents fluid loss in highly permeable or unconsolidated formations by forming seals in fractures and openings, minimizing mud loss and maintaining drilling operation stability, outperforming conventional LCMs in preventing partial loss circulation.

Implementation Method 1

Selection of proper loss prevention materials (LPMs) or lost circulation materials (LCMs) having the appropriate type of particles, particle size distribution, particle stiffness and flexibility is important for efficient sealing and blocking of the pores, pore throats, permeable channels, and inter-particle gaps in a loss zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical blocking:

Data Source

PatentUS11118093B2Micronized loss prevention material (LPM) for preventive loss control

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A micronized date tree particle mix loss prevention material (LPM) is provided. The micronized date tree particle mix LPM includes date palm seed particles produced from date palm seeds and date tree fiber particles produced from date tree waste such as date tree trunks. The date palm seed particles may have a size in the range of 1 micron to less than 150 microns. The date tree waste fiber particles may have a size in the range of 1 micron to less than 250 microns. Methods of loss prevention and manufacture of a micronized date tree particle mix LPM are also provided.