Rapidly Dehydrating LCM Composition for Lost Circulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lost circulation materials (LCMs) fail to effectively control moderate to severe fluid loss during drilling operations, leading to well control issues, formation damage, and environmental concerns, and are often expensive and time-consuming to import.
Innovation Solution
A rapidly dehydrating LCM composition comprising a carrier fluid, particulate material (such as diatomaceous earth), a viscosifier (cellulosic microfiber), and organic fibrous material (date tree rachis fibers) is introduced into the wellbore to form a solid plug within 3 minutes at 100 psid pressure, reducing fluid loss and stabilizing the formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LCMs are used to control lost circulation, then some fluid loss control is achieved, but they fail in moderate to severe fluid loss conditions and cannot effectively seal fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite LCM composition combining organic fibrous material (date tree rachis fibers), inorganic particulate material (diatomaceous earth), and a carrier fluid. This composite structure enables the material to effectively seal fractures and control moderate to severe lost circulation conditions that conventional single-material LCMs cannot handle.
2Reliability
If conventional LCMs are used, then some lost circulation control is achieved, but they cause environmental problems when drilling fluids interact with the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of LCM by using naturally occurring, biodegradable materials such as date tree rachis fibers and diatomaceous earth instead of synthetic chemicals. This parameter change maintains effective lost circulation control while eliminating harmful environmental interactions.
3Reliability
If conventional LCMs are used, then some fluid loss control is achieved, but purchase and importation is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes locally available natural materials (date tree rachis fibers and diatomaceous earth) that can be sourced at the drilling location rather than requiring importation of conventional LCMs. This self-service approach eliminates importation time and reduces costs while maintaining effective fluid loss control.
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 composition effectively seals fractures, reduces drilling mud loss, is environmentally safe, and locally sourced materials reduce costs and environmental impact, while maintaining drilling fluid stability and preventing formation damage.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, the LCM composition has a dehydration time of less than 3 minutes at 100 pounds-per-square inch differential (psid) pressure.
Implementation Method 2
The type of LCM used in a lost circulation situation depends on the extent of lost circulation and the type of formation. However, conventional LCMs and lost circulation pills typically fail when used in moderate to severe fluid loss conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A rapidly dehydrating lost circulation material (LCM) composition is provided. The LCM composition may include a carrier fluid, diatomaceous earth, a viscosifier, and date tree rachis fibers. The carrier fluid may be water and the viscosifier may be a cellulosic microfiber. The LCM composition may form a rapidly dehydrating loss control slurry (RDLCS). The LCM composition may be formed by mixing the carrier fluid, the diatomaceous earth, the viscosifier, and the date tree rachis fibers in a mixer to form a homogenous mixture. Methods of lost circulation control and manufacture of a rapidly dehydrating LCM are also provided.