OPTIMIZING THE USE OF LCM (LOST CIRCULATION MATERIALS) TO MITIGATE LOSSES IN WELL-X

Abstract

Drilling in the oil and gas industry brings a diverse range challenges that consume time and precious resources. Wellbore instability-related issues account for 40% of Non-Productive Time (NPT) during oil and gas well drilling, including loss circulation, pinched pipe, uncontrolled flow, kick, shale sloughing, and wellbore collapse. Lost circulation is one of the biggest headwinds, contributing significantly to NPT. Lost Circulation Materials (LCM) are rapidly emerging as an effective solution to solve this problem. This research involved laboratory testing of various concentrations of LCM, including Granular LCM (CaCO3 F/M/C, PF-NUT F), Fibrous LCM (PF-FRACSEAL F/M, QUICKSEAL C), and a combination of both. Tests using Particle Size Distribution (PSD) Laser Diffraction, Particle Size Distribution (PSD) Sieve Screen Shaker, and Permeability Plugging Apparatus with 20 and 35 micron ceramic discs to address seepage to partial losses, and 2540 and 5000 micron slotted discs to address severe to major/total losses in Well-X. The research results show that the use of a combination of Fibrous and Granular LCM in the Background LCM (BGLCM) formulation is effective in dealing with Seepage-Partial Losses, and LCM Pills are effective in dealing with Severe-Total Losses, showing MET SPEC results that are able to plug up flow of fluid through fractures and rock pores. The concentration and distribution of particles affect the effectiveness of LCM formulations. High concentrations give better results on a laboratory scale, while varying particle sizes are required for optimal effectiveness in the field. The research also evaluated the cost-effectiveness of using LCM, finding effective BGLCM and LCM Pills formulations at varying costs depending on the type of circulation losses being addressed.