Lost Circulation Mitigation with Formation Aperture Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mitigating lost circulation events during wellbore drilling are inefficient due to a lack of accurate assessment of formation properties, leading to costly and time-consuming trial-and-error use of loss circulation materials (LCMs).
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes mechanical specific energy, hydraulic models, and aperture models to identify formation features causing lost circulation, enabling timely and targeted application of LCMs by determining the size and extent of fractures or voids, and recommending appropriate mitigation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trial-and-error methods are used to apply loss circulation materials, then mitigation can be achieved, but downtime and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and characterization of formation features (fractures, voids) before lost circulation events occur by analyzing mechanical specific energy data during drilling. This advance knowledge allows for proactive mitigation planning rather than reactive trial-and-error LCM application, significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drilling parameters including mechanical specific energy, pressure, and flow rate to provide real-time feedback on formation conditions. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of drilling parameters and early detection of potential lost circulation risks, allowing preventive action before complete circulation loss occurs.
2Reliability
If traditional trial-and-error methods are used to apply loss circulation materials, then mitigation can be achieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By characterizing formation features in advance using mechanical specific energy analysis, the system enables selection of the most appropriate LCM type and application method before circulation loss occurs. This eliminates wasteful trial-and-error spending on ineffective LCM products and reduces overall mitigation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mechanical specific energy parameters to identify formation characteristics and predict lost circulation risks. By monitoring changes in MSE and other drilling parameters, the system can adjust LCM selection and application parameters to optimize mitigation effectiveness and reduce costs.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical specific energy analysis is used to identify formation features, then accurate identification is achieved, but measurement and analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing drilling data (mechanical specific energy, pressure, flow rate) that is already being collected during normal drilling operations. By processing this existing data through analysis algorithms, the system achieves accurate formation feature identification without requiring additional complex measurement devices or sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
Lost circulation events are mitigated by determining a size and extent of a formation feature causing the loss of circulation. The formation feature may be determined based on surface drilling parameters, and can apply one or more of a mechanical specific energy, hydraulic, or aperture model. Using such model(s), the size of a fracture/void/aperture can be estimated and a treatment plan for a lost circulation vent can be determined. For instance, a mechanical specific energy of zero can indicate the presence of a void, the pressure at the standpipe can an extent of a formation feature, or the size of the formation feature can be estimated using drilling fluid flow rate, volume, pressure, or rheology. Determining a treatment plan can include selecting or designing a lost circulation material, a volume of lost circulation material, or alternative drilling methods.