Journal of Petroleum Science and Technology

Journal of Petroleum Science and Technology

Root Cause Analysis of Loss Circulation Problem and Designing/Customizing Wellbore Strengthening Materials in One of the Middle East Oil Fields- A Case Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Mahdi Nazarisaram
Faculty of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22078/jpst.2023.4925.1830
Abstract
In the drilling industry, one of the most important parameters to improve the drilling of new wells is studying the previously-drilled wells to find major common problems and use new methods to prevent them. This article has aim to discover the root cause of loss circulation and its consequences problems right in one of the Middle East oil fields. Also, it will be discussing customizing solutions to cure or prevent such problems. Previous problems are interpreted based on lithology, hydraulic and rheological parameters. Loss circulation volume and rheological parameters (eg gel strength) were analyzed in 12 drilled wells in the specific field. Based on the results, in 5 wells, the loss problem was severe, and the cause was the creation of induced fractures due to the high volume of gel strength. Also, using the geo-mechanical models revealed that induced fracture was expected to develop approximately 36 microns through drilled formations. that the reducing gel strength is sometimes not affordable due to hole cleaning issues. Hence, it has been customized for loss prevention. Accordingly, the wellbore strengthening materials with a mean size of 36 microns were proposed to increase the fracture gradient of formations pressure to drill with high-density muds. By implementing recommended materials in two new wells with high-gel strength, fluid losses, and related problems were considerably showed a reduction. Thereafter, Nonproductive time compared with previously-drilled wells was reduced between 71 to 89%. Also, fluid loss volume dropped from 511 bbl to 75-100 bbl in each nominated well. Meaning an 80-85% reduction in fluid loss, indicating reasonable achievements.
Keywords
Mud Loss Circulation
Drilling Problems
Drilling fluids
Induced Fracture
Loss Preventative Material
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