LCM Characterization via Conical Plug Test Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing drilling fluids laden with Lost Circulation Material (LCM) are limited by the inability to analyze these fluids in detail due to equipment constraints and are expensive and time-consuming, especially when performed in the field.
Innovation Solution
A characterization system comprising a Pilot Testing Mixer (PTM) system, an LCM Stripping system, and a test cell with a conical plug and axial positioning device that simulates various fracture widths and angles, allowing for detailed analysis of drilling fluid performance and LCM behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field tests are performed using standard API configured HTHP filtration device, then lost circulation can be controlled, but detailed analysis of drilling fluid performance cannot be achieved due to equipment limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the testing process into separate functional modules: a HTHP filtration device for fluid loss measurement, a rheometer for viscosity measurement, and an LCM concentration measurement system. Each module can be independently configured and optimized, allowing detailed analysis of different drilling fluid properties without being constrained by a single integrated device design.
2Productivity
If field tests are performed using existing equipment, then lost circulation control is maintained, but the analysis becomes expensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of drilling fluid properties (viscosity, LCM concentration, fluid loss) before actual drilling operations begin. This allows optimization of drilling fluid formulations and LCM additions in advance, preventing lost circulation issues before they occur during drilling, thereby reducing both testing time and operational delays.
3Measurement precision
If standard filtration devices with fixed slot widths are used, then simple fluid loss measurement is achieved, but detailed characterization of LCM particle plugging cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The test cell incorporates adjustable slot widths and angles that can be dynamically changed to simulate different formation fracture conditions. This allows the system to characterize LCM particle plugging behavior across a range of geometric configurations, providing comprehensive data on how LCM particles bridge and seal fractures of varying dimensions without requiring multiple fixed devices.
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
Enables detailed, real-time analysis of drilling fluid performance and LCM behavior, optimizing sealing efficiency and minimizing fluid loss by simulating different fracture conditions, and providing accurate rheological data for hydraulic calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a conical plug and a conical inner wall
Implementation Method 2
the variable gap between the conical plug and the conical inner wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Methods and systems for characterizing drilling fluids laden with LCM (Lost Circulation Material) are disclosed. A test cell (106) for analyzing a fluid is provided with a conical inner portion (306) and an axial positioning device (304) positioned along an axis of the test cell. A conical plug (302) is coupled to the axial positioning device and is movable in and out of the conical inner portion along the axis of the test cell. A fluid inlet is positioned at a first location on the test cell and a fluid outlet at a second location.