Synergistic effects of particle size distribution on lost circulation control
Keywords:
Lost circulation material (LCM), drilling fluid optimization, quartz particle size distribution, fluid loss mitigation, sealing efficiency, fracture sealing technologyAbstract
Lost circulation during drilling is a persistent challenge that can significantly increase operational costs and lead to technical complications. To mitigate this issue, lost circulation materials (LCMs) are employed to seal fractures and reduce fluid losses. This study investigates the application of quartz particles with varying sizes as an LCM additive to improve the sealing efficiency of drilling fluids. The experimental setup utilized a static testing apparatus designed to simulate fractures of different widths under controlled conditions. The drilling fluid tested was a water-based polymer formulation. Three scenarios were evaluated: (1) the use of quartz particles sized 250-280 microns, (2) particles sized 100 microns, and (3) a combination of these particle sizes. Larger particles demonstrated limited sealing capabilities, achieving a maximum pressure of only 0,7 MPa over 20 minutes, insufficient for effective fracture sealing. Smaller particles showed improved performance, reaching a pressure of 0,8 MPa more quickly, but the most efficient sealing was observed with a mixture of particle sizes. The combination allowed for faster bridge formation and higher sealing efficiency, as indicated by steeper pressure curves and reduced fluid losses. The findings highlight the importance of particle size distribution in optimizing the performance of LCMs. Smaller particles effectively fill voids within fractures, while larger particles provide structural stability to the sealing layer. This synergy between particle sizes can significantly enhance the performance of drilling fluids in controlling fluid losses. By tailoring the particle size and composition of LCMs, operators can address challenges in a variety of drilling conditions, including high-pressure and high-temperature environments. These results contribute to the broader understanding of lost circulation mechanisms and provide practical guidance for improving LCM design. This work underscores the need for continued research into advanced materials and innovative approaches to mitigate drilling fluid losses effectively.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Scientific Research Institute "Geotechnological Problems of Oil, Gas and Chemistry"
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
