Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WELL-SEAL LCM Fine, Medium and Coarse grades, introduced in 2009 are
designed for use after loss of returns has occurred. WELL-SEAL LCM is a one sack
formula designed to reduce the cost of stocking a variety of LCMs at the rig location
or maintained at a stock point. This product may be used to pretreat known or
suspected loss of circulation zones but may require the by passing of the shale
shakers in order to keep it in the system. Pills of 50-100 ppb of the coarse grade
material may be spotted at a total loss of return zone but require the drill pipe be
open ended. (Pages 20 30)
DYNA-SEAL OBM Fiber Ultra Fine, Fine and Medium grades, first introduced
in 2010, are designed to provide a fine micro-cellulosic fiber that will mostly pass
through a 230 mesh screen and a medium grade that will complement the fine to
give a transition of sized particles to efficiently and effectively stop seepage loss.
(Pages 31 44)
DynaRed Fiber Fine, Medium and Coarse grades, first introduced in 1994, are
designed to provide a seepage loss material that would in the fine and medium
grades largely pass through fine shale shaker screens and not be screened out and
sent to the reserve pit. This makes this product very efficient and cost effective.
(Pages 45 57)
Diaseal M LCM, first introduced in 1964, was designed to seal fractures after
they were induced or encountered and standard LCMs such as cedar fiber had been
tried but failed. Effective over a wide range of mud densities this material makes a
pill that may be custom designed to fit the loss of return problems on your well.
Diaseal M LCM is always placed with a hesitation squeeze technique. (Pages 58
93)
SUSTAINABLE VS UNSUSTAINABLE
The following products are made from sustainable grown materials and do not
result in the destruction of forests.
TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM
SURE-SEAL LPM
WELL-SEAL LCM F, M, C
DynaRed Fiber F, M, C
DYNA-SEAL OMB Fiber F, M
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM is a new loss prevention material (LPM) for use with
casing drilling operations. Specially formulated this product has a broad range of
particles which cover a wide range of loss zone openings. TORQUE-SEAL
LCM/LPM contains particles in the right size range to achieve both loss prevention
with wellbore strengthening and more traditional loss circulation problems. This
makes TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM multifunctional. TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM first
stabilizes the borehole by plugging minute surface flaws and gravelsize pores. If
fractures begin to develop, TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM acts as a fracture propagation
inhibitor by screening out at the fracture tip. The low density of TORQUE-SEAL
LCM/LPM, with a specific gravity between 1.2 1.4 means it can be recovered and
recycled and still allow drill solids to be discarded using solids control equipment.
This low density allows TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM to be added at lower mud
weights than other heavier materials for unweighted drilling fluids. TORQUESEAL LCM/LPM has a minimal impact on fluid density or rheology even at
concentrations of 50 ppb and can be used in either waterbased or oilbased
systems. TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM also acts as a torque reducer because it is
composed of spherical materials that are hard and act as ball bearings. TORQUESEAL LCM/LPM has been used in Alaska and the Piceance basin with good success.
ADVANTAGES
Product is slightly deformable but not too deformable such that it forms a
better seal and has a lower fracture conductivity value than deformable
materials
Product has a high temperature softening point of between 360 500 F
May be used in high concentrations with minimal impact of fluid density
May be used in either waterbased or oilbased fluids
Product has minimal effects on rheology compared to other LCMs such as
cedar fiber and cotton seed hulls
Cost effective compared to other LPMs currently on the market
APPLICATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Constantly cut sacks through the hopper (not through the grate on top of the suction
pit!!!) so that a 2 ppb concentration is achieved while circulating. If you are
pumping 600 gpm, then you need to mix about one 50 lb sack every 2 minutes. Just
let the mud engineer do the math.
In the Piceance, they found that it was still working if they did this for one system
circulation, and then stopped for one full circulation, and then cut sacks again on the
next circulation. So, alternate full system circulations of cutting the sacks at 2 ppb
and holding off a circulation worked. This was done, in part, to save money or you
might decide to only cut sacks while drilling ahead. That is OK, too, as long as the
LCM is coming out of the bit when you start drilling. Cutting sacks while reaming to
bottom is recommended. For the application of reducing torque, TORQUE-SEAL
LCM/LPM was effective above 60 rpm. These successes were in water-based muds,
but we have reason to believe that it will be successful in oil-based muds, too.
TORQUE-SEAL ADDITIVE
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
<90
+90
+125
+150
+180
+250
Microns
+425
+600
+850
+1000
+1700
% Wt.
300 ml
5g
30 g
3g
2g
6g
0-50ppb
for 12.5 ppg
Procedure:
Mixed ingredients in order as listed above. Sheared for 10 minutes.
Measured rheology at 120F. Measurements performed on FANN 900 with #2 bob.
Rolled for 3 hours at 350F.
Cooled for 1 hour.
Measured rheology at 120F. Measurements performed on FANN 900 with #2 bob.
Results:
ppb LCM:
Initial results
600 rpm
300 rpm
6 rpm
3 rpm
PV
YP
Gels
After Hot Roll
600 rpm
300 rpm
6 rpm
3 rpm
PV
YP
Gels
50
45.9
32.4
0.9
0.7
13.7
18.8
.8/.8
110.7
72.1
6.2
4.2
38.6
33.5
4.5/6.3
32.6
22
0.9
0.7
10.6
11.4
.4/1.2
80.2
48.6
4.8
4
31.6
17
.4/3.8
31.6
30
20
17
10.6
11.4
0.9
10
4.8
0.7
0
0
50
YP
6 rpm
3 rpm
Initial Properties
350
None
As needed
24
20
8
7.8
4
16
11/24
527
9.2
+ Product
350
30
As needed
32
23
6.6
6.3
9
14
11/23
512
9.6
8
CASE HISTORIES
TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM CASE HISTORY
A major oil and gas operator used Drilling Specialties Company TORQUE-SEAL
LCM/LPM on a well in the Piceance Basin of Colorado. Several different lubrication
treatments were applied with these results:
A liquid lubricant was added at 1% concentration to improve the torque with no
benefit. Another liquid lubricant was tried as batch treatments and had only a slight
impact on the torque. A medium grade nut shell was circulated at 2 ppb
concentrations and mixed in alternating two hour stages. Again only a slight benefit
was seen.
The Drilling Specialties Company TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM product designed for
Casing while Drilling was circulated at 2 ppb concentrations. The mixing was
alternated at two hour intervals and a 20% reduction in torque was achieved.
This operator went on to use TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM on another project with
equal success.
PACKAGING
TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM can be shipped in 50lb sacks/ 40 sacks to the pallet,
2000 lb super sacks or in the U.S. in bulk shipments. Pallet dimensions are
40 X 48 X 41-43.
10
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SURE-SEAL LPM is a proprietary natural Loss Prevention Material (LPM) for use in
wellbore strengthening procedures. SURE-SEAL LPM significantly increases near
well bore formation fracture resistance by inhibiting the initiation and propagation
of fractures before loss circulation begins. LPMs have shown in field applications to
increase fracture resistance by 3-6 ppg and more. SURE-SEAL LPM is a cost
effective LPM and can be used in either waterbased or oilbased drilling fluids.
SURE-SEAL LPM is a highly durable additive that has minimal impact on fluid
density or rheology even at concentrations of 50 ppb.
ADVANTAGES
APPLICATIONS
STRENGTHENING: USING SURE-SEAL LPM
A SIMPLE APPROACH
A method of treating for potential loss of circulation is to slug the hole with very
high concentrations (50 - 100 lb/bbl) of SURE-SEAL LPM but do it by spotting the
high concentration slug across the zone of concern during trips. On trips the swab
and surge pressure would effectively create fractures for a very short time and then
allow them to close. This seems like an obvious best practice and would have the
potential to give the desired result with no increase in cost or time. Spotting a pill of
SURE-SEAL LPM ahead prior to running casing and cement is good practice if there
is a zone exposed that is unlikely to support the cement. Running casing can give a
high surge pressure effectively producing the equivalent of a series of short
hesitation squeezes. This gives the formation a very high concentration exposure
with the potential to seal any fracs exposed.
12
Drill to the predetermined top of the stronger rock (bottom of the weak rock).
Circulate the hole clean at this point. While drilling, build LCM pill volume big
enough to cover entire open hole plus 100 feet up into the casing plus 10 bbls. Add
SURE-SEAL LPM and CaCO3 through the mud hopper to ensure good mixing of the
products. Use the formula below to treat the entire system, except increase SURESEAL LPM concentration to 30 50 ppb. As long as it is well mixed, this
formulation should go through the MWD, mud motor and other down-hole tools
without plugging. Check tool tolerances with manufactures or down hole drilling
service companies to reduce or prevent plugging. This pill should have good
suspending properties to prevent dropout of the large CaCO3 in the drill string.
Spot the pill in the open hole and up into the casing, leaving about 10 bbls in the drill
pipe. Perform a series of FITs to drive wedges of the LCM material into the
wellbore wall at the weak zones. Pump down the drill pipe at a controlled rate of
about bbl/min. Carefully plot pressure vs. time and carefully record volumes
pumped and returned. When the pressure/volume line is definitely bending over,
stop pumping. If the well breaks down, stop pumping immediately to limit the
growth of the fracture. If the fracture gets too far from the wellbore, the method
may fail. Bleed the pressure off over about a minute, if possible. If the zone is
permeable wait 5 minutes to do the next FIT to allow any leak off to occur in the
fracture. Repeat until the desired wellbore pressure is achieved. Some mud should
have been lost to the formation (not returned when pressure released). This
indicates that mud with the LCM blend was forced into short fractures and leaked
off. For a long zone, this might be 2-10 bbls.
This section should now be strengthened. Circulate the pill out of the hole and
either separate it for use as a later LCM pill, or let it mix into the drilling fluid. Put
the 200 mesh screens back on the shakers and drill ahead as per program.
THE FORMULATION OF THE SPECIAL LCM IS AS FOLLOWS
Formula for treating the entire mud system:
1. 15 ppb of SURE-SEAL LPM (250 600 micron) range. For a 1500 bbl
circulating system, this would require 450 50lb sacks
2. 10 ppb of CaCO3 in the (200 600 micron) range = 300 50 lb sacks
3. 10 ppb of CaCO3 in the (50 150 micron) range = 300 50 lb sacks
4. If unweighted, 10 ppb of CaCO3 in the 5 10 micron range. If the mud has
barite in it, then this CaCO3 fraction is unnecessary.
5. For a formation with no permeability (shale, marl, and tight siltstone) the
mud must be ultra-low fluid loss. This would be < 0.5 ml HTHP (high
temperature high pressure) fluid loss at maximum BHT (bottom hole
temperature). This can be achieved in OBM with a combination of
organophillic lignite, Gilsonite, Soltex Additive, or a polymeric fluid loss
14
material, and emulsifiers. The polymeric material may be a key to getting the
low fluid loss. An O/W (oil/water) ratio of no higher than 70/30 is preferred.
Formula for treating a weak zone with a pill:
1. Use the same formula above, except increase the SURE-SEAL LPM
concentration to 30 50 ppb.
2. For an open hole of 1000 feet with a diameter of 8.75 + 10% hole wash out a
pill of 100 bbls is required and will take 60 to 100 sacks of SURE-SEAL LPM.
Remember you must cover all the open hole plus 100 feet of casing plus 10
bbl. for the drill pipe. There must be a complete distribution of particle sizes
from the largest on down so that a filter cake will form on the large plugging
particles at the fracture tip. The SURE-SEAL LPM has been shown to be
important for both its particle size distribution and its characteristic of
resiliency. CaCO3 alone is not as effective, especially in impermeable rock.
When treating impermeable rock use only SURE-SEAL LPM and treat at 50
to 100 pounds per barrel. Using the same example above the number of
sacks of SURE-SEAL LPM would then be 100 200 sacks.
3. Depending on the particle size distribution of available CaCO3, adjust the
formula above. The idea is to have some CaCO3 at the same size range as the
SURE-SEALLPM, and some CaCO3 in the size range between 50 microns and
200 microns to bridge the gap between barite and the SURE-SEAL LPM.
4. Note; that for long hole sections, an applied pressure at the surface exerts a
higher EMW (equivalent mud weight) pressure at the shoe than at TD (total
depth). Calculate the range of EMW that will be applied with various applied
surface pressures.
Note: The method of using SURE-SEALLPM to strengthen a wellbore must be
applied to a wellbore that has not yet broken down. Wellbore Strengthening is a
preventive procedure and treatment. Once an induced fracture has been
initiated and it extends far from the wellbore, this technique will probably not
work! It cannot be used as a corrective method for lost circulation once a
significant drilling fluid volume has been lost! SURE-SEALLPM is not
recommended for use in formations with vugular structures; open fractures; or
in shallow gas zones that are loosely consolidated with gravel and or large
pores.
15
16
30
50
66
Initial
600 rpm
300 rpm
6 rpm
3 rpm
PV
YP
Gels
45.9
32.4
0.9
0.7
13.7
18.8
.8/.8
105
73.5
13.2
12.2
31.5
42
6.6/7.7
126.9
91.6
23.2
19
35.3
56.3
10/13.2
192.4
137
73
71.3
55.4
81.6
52.9/31.1
After Hot
Roll
600 rpm
300 rpm
6 rpm
3 rpm
PV
32.6
22
0.9
0.7
10.6
45.2
28.9
2.4
1.7
16.3
63.3
40.9
6.1
5.7
22.4
132.1
80.2
8
7.5
51.9
11.4
.4/1.2
12.6
.5/3.4
18.5
6.9/8.6
28.3
6.2/12.5
YP
Gels
17
30
50
66
YP
6 rpm
3 rpm
Initial Properties
350
None
As needed
24
20
8
7.8
4
16
11/24
527
9.2
+ Product
350
30
As needed
37
28
9.0
8.6
9
18
12/20
503
11.4
18
CASE HISTORIES
By Allan Cameron
A major international oil company drilled a well in the North Sea. The drilling fluid
was a 12.5 ppg mineral oil mud with 75/25 Oil/Water ratio. 15ppb of SURE-SEAL
LPM was run in the last few hundred feet in the 8 1/2 " section and coarse shaker
screens 10 mesh over 30 mesh were run to maintain LPM concentration in the
system. No mud losses were recorded unlike previous wells in the area (very high
mud losses previously). At casing point the LPM was screened out with fine shaker
screens of 230 mesh. The bottom hole temperature (BHT) was 250 F. The
operator was pleased and plans to use SURE-SEAL LPM again.
PACKAGING
SURE-SEAL is shipped in 50lb sacks/40 sacks per pallet. Pallet dimensions
are 40 X 48 X 62.
19
WELL-SEAL LCMS
WELL-SEAL LCMs are designed to meet your lost circulation needs no matter the
amount of loss. A family of engineered LCMs that are graduated in particle size to fit
specific loss circulation problems, WELL-SEAL LCM products take the guess work
out of treating loss circulation problems. Made from all natural ingredients, WELLSEAL LCMs offer the best solution to losses in the drilling industry.
WELL-SEAL LCMs are made from combinations of proprietary fibers, flakes, and
granular materials tested to perform well in a wide variety of loss situations. This
combination makes WELL-SEAL LCMs stand alone products and reduces the need
for a multitude of LCM products to be maintained in the warehouse and on location
at the rig. This reduces inventory costs and the cost of freight, restocking fees, waste
from breakage, wet or damaged sacks. WELL-SEAL LCMs may be used in both
water-based and oil-based drilling fluids. WELL-SEAL LCMs come in the
following grades: Fine, Medium and Coarse.
ADVANTAGES
20
SUGGESTED TREATMENT
TREATMENT LEVEL
10 25 LB/BBL (28.56-71.33kg/m3)
25 40 LB/BBL (71.33-114.2 kg/m3)
D50 is 15 mesh
Suggested screen sizes that may be used: None; by pass the shale shaker when
using this grade material.
WELL-SEAL LCM Coarse is blended for the following applications:
FRACTURE WIDTH
TREATMENT LEVEL
10 25 LB/BBL (28.56-71.33kg/m3)
25 40 LB/BBL (71.33-114.2 kg/m3)
25 50 LB/BBL (114.2-142.7 kg/m3)
D50 is 8 mesh
Suggested screen sizes: None; by pass the shakers when using this size.
21
A
280
B
280
10
C
280
25
D
280
E
280
10
25
F
280
G
280
10
25
F
336
5.4
G
323
4.6
Property/Sample
600 rpm
300 rpm
6 rpm
3 rpm
PV
YP
Gels (10s/10m)
ES
HTHP FL ml
A
33
30
13
13
3
27
16/32
1410
6.4
B
45
33
13
13
12
21
24/36
716
3.6
C
84
52
40
30
31
22
24/38
469
3.8
D
45
38
13
13
7
31
22/36
448
4.4
E
92
51
30
30
41
10
22/36
347
3.8
22
Notes:
Values from the Fann 35 Viscometer were erratic and it is probable that they cannot
be replicated due to inconsistent particle interaction. A B2 bob was used in an
attempt to accommodate the large particle sizes in the material. Particles in the
Well-Seal Coarse material were still too large and obscure to obtain any reading on
the Fann 35.
23
WELL-SEAL LCM Fine and Medium grades maybe added to DIASEAL M LCM
squeezes to boost the sealing ability of the DIASEAL M LCM slurry. Check the
section on DIASEAL M LCM slurry below or youre Drilling Specialties Company
Loss of Circulation Guide for suggestions of additional LCMs to DIASEAL M LCM
slurries. WELL-SEAL LCMs may be used in conjunction with other LCMs sold in
the market and are compatible with other mud additives currently in use by the
drilling industry.
24
25
26
27
28
PACKAGING
WELL-SEAL LCM products come in 40lb sacks for ease of handling and are
stacked 50 bags to the pallet. Pallet dimensions are as follows: 42X 50 X 68
high for Fine and Medium. Coarse is 42X 50X 62 high. International
shipping pallets are 42X 50X 40 high allowing double stacking for a total of
36 pallets (1080 bags or 27,000 lb) in a standard 40 foot container.
29
NOTE: WELL-SEAL LCM material was only available to mix pills, not enough
material was available to completely treat the active system. Additional WELLSEAL LCM in active system could have sealed off zones for a possible longer
time. (Material availability was limited as this was a test well).
LCM Pill Concentration Mix: (Coarse LCM omitted due to MWD Tool)
175 bbls WBM
1 Pallet WELL-SEAL LCM Fine 48 sacks x 40lb/sack = 1920 pounds
1 Pallet WELL-SEAL LCM Medium 48 sacks x 40lb/sack = 1920 pounds
15 Sx DynaRed Plus OBM Fiber Fine 15 sacks x 25lb/sack = 375 pounds
LCM Concentration: 24 ppb
30
ADVANTAGES
Can be mixed rapidly through the mud hopper and does not require
bypassing of solids control equipment. DYNA-SEAL OBM Fiber Fine may
be used with flowline cleaners equipped with screens up to 230 mesh
without shaking out in significant amounts
Seals off depleted zones without excessive build up of wall cake
Works in both water-based and oil-based drilling fluids
Does not need addition of a wetting agent to go into oil based fluids
Is not treated with a wetting agent so it can be used in water based fluids
Unlike competitive materials it does not appreciably increase drilling fluid
rheology see page 39 for more information
Particle size distribution contributes to API filtrate reduction in waterbased drilling fluids
Does not readily degrade due to shear
Resistant to attack by bio-organisms
Works in drilling fluids of any pH
Compatible with other common lost circulation materials
Available in fine and medium grades
The acid solubility is 45.6% in 15% HCl at 150F after a 4 hr. soak
The acid solubility is 48.4% in 15% HCl at 150F after a 16 hr. soak
Density for the fine and medium is 1.01 SG
Does not appreciably reduce the ES of invert oil muds see page 40 for more
information
Thermal Stability is 400F for temperatures above 400F the use of oxygen
scavengers is recommended
31
APPLICATIONS
Material Needs
Fine Grind
Seepage control material
Seal off depleted sands
Improve API filtrate
Lost circulation pill
Medium Grind
Seepage control material
Seal off depleted sands
Lost circulation pill
Mud Weights
7.0 12.5
12.5 15.0
15.1 17.0
17.1+
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
2 10 ppb
5 10 ppb
5 10 ppb
5 10 ppb
5 10 ppb
7 20 ppb
7 20 ppb
7 20 ppb
7 20 ppb
Comments
Add
recommended
amounts to
active system
to control
seepage
32
Mud Weights
7.0 12.5
12.5 15.0
15.1 17.0
17.1 +
10 25
ppb
10 25
ppb
10 15
ppb
5 10 ppb
10 25
ppb
10 25
ppb
10 15
ppb
5 10 ppb
10 40
ppb
10 30
ppb
15 25
ppb
10 15
ppb
30 80 +/ppb
30 75+
ppb
25 50
ppb
20 30
ppb
Comments
Pump sweeps
while drilling
depleted
sands every
connection
then
periodically
as needed to
Total Depth
33
THE DYNA-SEAL OBM FIBER LCM PILL AS AN OIL MUD BASED PILL
Material needed per barrel of pill built:
DYNA-SEAL OMB Fiber medium: 50 60 lb. per bbl
Suggested pill size: 25 50 bbl or larger as needed to stop the losses
Screen
Mesh
5
8
12
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
100
120
140
170
200
230
270
325
400
Particle Diameter
Microns ()
4,000
2,360
1,700
850
600
425
300
250
212
180
150
125
106
90
75
63
53
45
38
34
35
36
37
38
VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
Fluid Properties
Sample
Density
Rheology Measured
600
300
200
100
6
3
Gel Strengths, 10sec/10min
Plastic Viscosity
Yield Point
Fluids Aged, F
Fluids Aged
Temp. Aged, F
Rheology Measured
600
300
200
100
6
3
Gel Strengths, 10sec/10min
Plastic Viscosity
Yield Point
Units
ppg
F
rpm
rpm
rpm
rpm
rpm
rpm
Lbf/
100 ft2
cPs
Lbf/
100 ft2
Hours
F
rpm
rpm
rpm
rpm
rpm
rpm
Lbf/
100 ft2
cPs
Lbf/
100 ft2
Initial
12.2
120
46
29
21
13
5
4
6/8
Fluid A + 2
ppb DYNASEAL OBM
Fiber
Initial
12.2
120
50
30
21
13
5
4
6/8
Fluid A + 5
ppb DYNASEALOBM
Fiber
Initial
12.2
120
46
28
21
13
5
4
5/8
17
12
20
10
18
10
Dynamic
16
150
120
47
30
21
13
5
4
6/7
Dynamic
16
150
120
52
32
22
14
5
4
6/8
Dynamic
16
150
120
48
29
21
14
6
5
6/9
17
13
20
12
19
10
Fluid A
39
ES, Volts
Initial
660
% < Base
-
Post 150F 16
hr. Hot Roll
633
ES, Volts
617
6.5%
588
7.0%
ES, Volts
556
16%
531
16%
Base Mud
400
2 ppb DYNA-SEAL
OBM FIBER
300
5 ppb DYNA-SEAL
OBM FIBER
200
100
0
Initial ES, volts
Mixed 100 bbls LCM sweep in slugging pit with mixing hopper. DYNA-SEAL OBM
Fiber material mixed very well with OBM (O/W ratio 70/30) (No lumping occurred)
Sweep Procedures for 9 7/8 Hole
Prior to reaching know loss zone at 7,000 (Depleted Sand) swept hole every 3
stands (+-90) with 10 bbls LCM sweep until reaching TD, mud weight increased
from 10.5 ppb to 12.1 ppb during interval. At section TD (8,550) pumped an
additional 30 bbl LCM sweep and ran casing.
No seepage losses occurred during this interval and material stayed unto active
system by not going over shakers screens.
Sweep Procedure for 6 hole.
Displaced hole with 15.5 ppb OBM (O/W Ratio 82/18) swept hole every connection
(+-30) with 10 bbls LCM sweep until reaching TD, mud weight increased from 15.5
ppb to 16.9 ppb during interval. At section TD (11,000) pumped an additional 40
bbl LCM sweep and ran casing.
No seepage losses occurred during this interval and material stayed unto active
system by not going over shakers screens.
Results:
No seepage losses occurred during these intervals and material stayed into active
system by not going over shakers screens (King Cobra Screen Size 4 X 255)
DYNA-SEAL OBM Fiber did not interfere with rheological properties or change ES
readings of OBM and did not require additional wetting agent to be used.
Both Operator and Service Company were pleased with overall results.
42
43
LCM was mixed thru hopper at a high mix rate without encountering any mixing
difficulties. LCM mixed well and was very homogenous mixture (No material floated
on surface).
Pumped 20 BBL DYNA-SEAL OBM Fiber pill @ reduced pump rate of 140 GPM and
regained total returns.
Losses returned but slowed to 10 bbl hr while drilling at pump rate of 200 GPM.
Continued to pump 4 DYNA-SEAL OBM Fiber sweeps (20 BBL per Sweep) while
drilling to section TD. (Approx 700 more feet).
Note: By section TD all mud losses stopped
PACKAGING
Packaging:
Domestic shipping: 25 pound multi-wall paper bags, 48 bags per pallet.
Pallet size is 48 X 48 X (35-37 high).
International shipping: the pallet is 44 X 44 X 40 high for a total of 42
bags per pallet. These can be double stacked and two abreast for a total
of 40 pallets (1680 bags or 42,000 lb) in a standard 40 foot container
ORDERING
Orders may be placed by calling 1-800-423-3985 (Houston, TX) or 832-8134563 (Houston, TX), or +322-689-1202 (Rotterdam) or 65-6517-3276
(Singapore)
For more information on Drilling Specialties Company products see our web site at
www.drillingspecialties.com
44
ADVANTAGES
Can be mixed rapidly through the mud hopper and does not require
bypassing of solids control equipment. DynaRed Fiber Fine may be used
with flowline cleaners having screens of 200 mesh without shaking out in
significant amounts
Seals off depleted zones without excessive build up of wall cake
Works in both water based and oil based drilling fluids
Unlike competitive materials it does not appreciably increase drilling fluid
rheology
Particle size distribution contributes to API filtrate reduction
Does not readily degrade due to shear
Resistant to attack by bio-organisms
Works in drilling fluids of any pH
Compatible with other common lost circulation materials
Available in fine, medium and coarse grades
The acid solubility is 28.3% in 15% HCl at 150F after a 4 hr. soak
Density is 1.38 +/- 0.03 g/ ml for fine and medium
Density is 1.23 +/- 0.03 g/ ml for coarse
45
APPLICATIONS
Material Needs
Fine Grind
Seepage control
Seal off depleted sands
Improve API filtrate
Lost circulation pill
Medium Grind
Seepage control
Seal off depleted sands
Lost circulation pill
Coarse Grind
Lost circulation general treatment
Lost circulation pill
7.0 12.5
12.5 15.0
15.1 17.0
17.1+
DynaRed
fiber Fine
4 6 ppb
4 6 ppb
4 6 ppb
4 6 ppb
DynaRed
fiber Medium
4 6 ppb
4 6 ppb
4 6 ppb
4 6 ppb
Calcium
Carbonate
5 10 ppb
5 10 ppb
5 10 ppb
5 10
ppb
4 15 ppb
4 15 ppb
4 15 ppb
4 10
ppb
Mud Weights
Comments
Add
recommended
amounts to
active system.
46
Mud Weights
7.0 12.5
12.5 15.0
15.1 17.0
17.1 +
10 25
ppb
10 25
ppb
10 15
ppb
5 10
ppb
10 25
ppb
10 25
ppb
10 15
ppb
5 10
ppb
10 40
ppb
10 30
ppb
15 25
ppb
10 15
ppb
30 80 +/ppb
30 75+
ppb
25 50
ppb
20 30
ppb
Comments
Pump sweeps
while drilling
depleted
sands every
connection
then
periodically as
needed to
Total Depth.
47
Screen
Mesh
5
8
12
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
100
120
140
170
200
230
270
325
400
Particle Diameter
Microns ()
4,000
2,360
1,700
850
600
425
300
250
212
180
150
125
106
90
75
63
53
45
38
48
49
50
51
52
PACKAGING
Packaging: 25 pound multi-wall paper bags, 48 bags per pallet. Pallet
dimensions are 44 X 44 X (34-37)
permeability to air and the porosity by Boyles Law helium expansion was
determined for each plug.
The core plugs were then saturated with a 35,000 ppm NaCl solution and
each loaded into Hassler core holders and confined at an overburden
pressure of 1,500psi. The permeability to brine was then determined for
each plug.
Each drilling fluid sample was then flowed through a core plug in the
opposite direction to the brine flow. A drilling fluid pressure 50 psi greater
than the pore pressure was maintained for a period of 4 hours. Brine was
then flowed in the original direction and the final brine permeability was
determined after 20, 50, and 80 pore volumes of displacement through the
core plug.
Results:
The results are presented in the following table and in the attached graphs.
Graphical data is presented in two versions:
1. Brine permeability in millidarcies versus pore volumes produced and
2. Normalized permeability versus cumulative pore volumes produced
Sample A
Sample A
Sample B
Sample B
Permeability
Permeability
Normalized
Data
Permeability
Normalized
Data
Initial to air
450.00
Initial to
brine
Brine after
mud invasion
Brine after 50
pore volume
Brine after 80
pore volume
440.0
210.0
1.000
198.4
1.000
74.5
0.355
136.2
0.686
153.5
0.731
159.3
0.803
172.2
0.820
173.5
0.874
Note: The final cleanup return permeabilitys were similar after 80 pore volumes of
displacement. Sample B cleaned up more rapidly.
54
20 pour vol
Sample A
50 pore vol
80pore vol
SampleB
20 pore vol
Sample A
50 pore vol
80 pore vol
Sample B
55
56
57
REACTANT PILLS
Reactant pills are a treatment to regain control of circulation from either lost
circulation or kicks and have been successfully used for many years to seal off zones
or pathways to underground flows allowing the flowing zone to be killed. Reactant
means that the pills final properties will be much different after the pill is spotted
into the wellbore. The three types of reactant pills are: Filtration Activated Pills,
Hydration Pills and Chemical Reactive Pills.
HISTORICAL NOTE!
The first high solids high fluid loss squeeze was performed with diatomaceous earth
in 1956 by Carl Huber, (Phillips Petroleum Company) and John Crocker (Magcobar)
on a Phillips Petroleum Company well north of Pampa, Texas. Drilling Specialties
Company then a division of Phillips introduced the first commercial product Diaseal
M LCM, in 1964. This one sack product combined several ingredients allowing for
a simplified mixing and building of the slurry. Today several companies have
altered the formula slightly and present it as something new to the industry. These
variations cost several times what a Diaseal M LCM slurry costs to build and pump
with little improvement over the original.
58
Most variations add lime to the product. Both Carl Huber and John Crocker talked of
adding extra lime to the slurry if it was deemed necessary so this is not something
new. Lime is inexpensive! The idea behind adding additional lime is to give the
slurry more compressive strength something the industry solved long ago by adding
cement to a Diaseal M LCM slurry. See information on Diaseal M LCM and cement
for more detail. There is a big difference in cost between the original and expensive
imitations. A recent well in South Texas took 600 sacks of the imitation for a series
of squeezes and cost $39,000.00, if Diaseal M LCM had been used the retail cost
would have been approximately $20,000.00. A typical Diaseal M LCM squeeze is
100 bbls and retails for 6,000.00 - 7,000.00 in 2006 dollars for any density. In
addition you can custom blend Diaseal M LCM slurry to meet your loss of
circulation situation with the addition of a wide assortment LCM material.
ADVANTAGES
DISAVANTAGES
Mixing Requirements:
1. Clean, isolated mixing tank or liquid mud plant
2. Cement pump truck needed if low volume pump rate required or
recommended if the squeeze is over 12.0 ppg for ease of handling
3. Oil-wetting agent required to prevent excessive viscosity in weighted oil
slurry
4. Pump through open ended pipe if additional LCM is added to slurry
59
TABLE I
FOMULA FOR PREPAIRING ONE BARREL DIASEAL M LCM SLURRY
WITH FRESH OR SEA WATER
Density lb/gal
9.0 ppg
10.0 ppg
11.0 ppg
12.0 ppg
13.0 ppg
14.0 ppg
15.0 ppg
16.0 ppg
17.0 ppg
18.0 ppg
19.0 ppg
Diaseal M
LCM lb
50 ppb
50 ppb
47 ppb
42 ppb
39 ppb
35 ppb
31 ppb
28 ppb
25 ppb
22 ppb
17 ppb
Diaseal M
LCM sacks
1.25 sacks
1.25 sacks
1.18 sacks
1.05 sacks
0.98 sacks
0.88 sacks
0.78 sacks
0.70 sacks
0.63 sacks
0.55 sacks
0.43 sacks
Barite sacks
0.0 sacks
0.6 sacks
1.2 sacks
1.8 sacks
2.3 sacks
2.9 sacks
3.5 sacks
4.0 sacks
4.6 sacks
5.2 sacks
5.8 sacks
Water bbl
0.93 bbl
0.89 bbl
0.86 bbl
0.82 bbl
0.79 bbl
0.76 bbl
0.72 bbl
0.69 bbl
0.66 bbl
0.62 bbl
0.59 bbl
Note: If saturated salt water is used, decrease barite by 0.6 sacks per barrel
If nut plug is used, subtract 0.12 bbl of water from table for each sack used
Note: Should slurry with an inhibited filtrate be needed to prevent formation
damage
Sea-water, salt water or other fluids high in concentration of electrolytes may be
used in place of fresh water.
Note: If foaming occurs add a defoamer usually one 5 gallon can will treat 100 bbls.
Note: Extra dense Diaseal M LCM slurries may be formulated with Hematite up to
22 ppg.
60
TABLE II
FORMULA FOR PREPAIRING ONE BARREL DIASEAL M LCM
SLURRY WITH BASE OIL*
Density lb/gal
8.0 ppg
9.0 ppg
10.0 ppg
11.0 ppg
12.0 ppg
13.0 ppg
14.0 ppg
15.0 ppg
16.0 ppg
17.0 ppg
18.0 ppg
Diaseal M
LCM lb
44 lb
41 lb
38 lb
35 lb
32 lb
30 lb
27 lb
24 lb
22 lb
19 lb
16 lb
Diaseal M
LCM sacks
1.10 sack
1.03 sack
0.95 sack
0.88 sack
0.81 sack
0.75 sack
0.68 sack
0.60 sack
0.54 sack
0.48 sack
0.41 sack
Barite sacks
0.38 sacks
0.88 sacks
1.38 sacks
1.88 sacks
2.38 sacks
2.90 sacks
3.43 sacks
3.97 sacks
4.52 sacks
5.08 sacks
5.65 sacks
Oil bbl
0.880 bbl
0.855 bbl
0.830 bbl
0.805 bbl
0.770 bbl
0.745 bbl
0.720 bbl
0.695 bbl
0.670 bbl
0.645 bbl
0.610 bbl
7. Run the drill pipe back into the hole slowly, monitoring the weight indicator,
and checking for bridges. Wash to bottom, drilling any Diaseal M LCM plug
if encountered. The Diaseal M LCM slurry will not set-up like cement, so
there is little danger of sidetracking the hole. Any remaining Diaseal M
LCM may be retained in the drilling fluid and will act as seepage loss
material.
If returns are not fully regained with the first Diaseal M LCM slurry, prepare
another of equal or greater size and repeat the procedure. To give the Diaseal M
LCM slurry more compressive strength read the section on Diaseal M LCM with
Cement. For very severe loss returns read Alternative Formulations page 40. These
formulas double the amount of Diaseal M LCM in the slurry and therefore double
the solids content of the pill to be pumped.
63
64
In this next variation cement is mixed in with the Diaseal M LCM slurry to give it
greater compressive strength and have good application where oil based fluids are
in use.
TABLE III
Diaseal
M LCM
pounds
23.40 lb
9.5 ppg
26.31 lb
10.0
ppg
10.0
ppg
11.0
ppg
11.0
ppg
12.0
ppg
12.0
ppg
13.0
ppg
14.0
ppg
15.0
ppg
16.0
ppg
17.0
ppg
18.0
ppg
33.30 lb
Cement
pounds
54.90 lb
Barite
pounds
0
55.91 lb
TXI
78.30 lb
20.00 lb
79.70 lb
TXI
124.80
lb
127.10
lb TXI
175.00
lb
155.30
lb TXI
94.00 lb
22.00 lb
82.50 lb
16.60 lb
83.00 lb
16.80 lb
74.00 lb
13.70 lb
75.00 lb
11.50 lb
54.10 lb
37.50 lb
53.10 lb
59.80 lb
47.00 lb
45.70 lb
0
0
14.20 lb
40.40 lb
158.73
lb
222.20
lb
279.50
lb
342.60
lb
398.00
lb
472.89
lb
Water
gallons
38.53
gal
38.05
gal
37.05
gal
36.37
gal
34.10
gal
33.02
gal
32.16
gal
31.52
gal
32.83
gal
31.38
gal
30.10
gal
28.67
gal
27.26
gal
26.11
gal
250 F
150 F
Compressive Compressive
Strength PSI Strength PSI
215 psi
141 psi
232 psi
137 psi
337 psi
221 psi
265 psi
149 psi
357 psi
317 psi
701 psi
338 psi
441 psi
405 psi
397 psi
365 psi
371 psi
341 psi
368 psi
302 psi
334 psi
250 psi
325 psi
265 psi
328 psi
196 psi
362 psi
143 psi
Squeeze method you will need to use some type of thickening material to reduce
this effect. Materials like bentonite should work well. Additional LCM may be added
up to 25 ppb with little mixture adjustment. The use of a blender truck or a tank
with agitation is recommended and the following procedure followed.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
66
67
300.0%
4.00
250.0%
200.0%
3.00
2.50
150.0%
2.00
100.0%
1.50
1.00
50.0%
0.50
0.0%
0.00
20
30
10 lb/gallon slurry
13 lb/gallon slurry
Cement 10 lb/gallon
40
50
60
70
80
Diaseal M LCM (pounds per barrel of slurry)
11 lb/gallon slurry
14 lb/gallon slurry
Cement 11 lb/gallon
90
100
12 lb/gallon slurry
15 lb/gallon slurry
Cement 12 lb/gallon
68
Cement (sacks/bbl)
Diaseal M (% BWOC)
3.50
Wet samples: As Willie said; take some surface slurry samples to check. However,
many of the Diaseal M LCM slurries have a lot of water in relation to the cement.
They can and do settle after sitting static for awhile. Depending on the bottom hole
circulating temperature and the TT required for the slurry, the surface samples may
still be plastic or even fluid after 24 hours. Dont panic. If slurry is designed for 6
hours TT at 180 F it will take more than 24 hours to set up at room temperature.
Also remember, when you squeeze the slurry into the formation you squeeze the
water out concentrating the solids in the fracture or loss zone. These higher solids
material will set up faster than the neat slurry.
Useful hints and suggestions:
1. With a slurry of this nature it would be best to be placed open ended drill
pipe or with a tubing stinger in place.
a. It can be pumped in placed through a bit but the personal pucker
factor (PPF) registers off the chart. (high risk of getting a squeeze
inside the drill string and not considered kosher)
b. If the operator cannot TOH to stand back the BHA and collars make
sure the TFA of the jet nozzles is at least 1.0 inches.
c. If the slurry is placed with the drill bit in place, displace at 3.0 bbl per
minute. If while displacing, the drill pipe pressure begins to increase
(possibility indicating that the slurry is trying to plug off at the bit)
slow down the pumping rate, DO NOT speed up the rate!
2. Mixing order of components is important.
3. Always and without fail, have the cement company that will pump the slurry
do a thickening time (TT).
4. Always get rig samples of the mix water and the dry blended cement.
5. Always have 3 or 4 wet samples taken so they can be observed as the job
progresses
6. Like Marshall said cementers speak in tongues, so learn to become bi-lingual
in cementeeze! You may or may not be on location to pump these slurries,
but you will have a conversation or two with the lab or cementer.
69
70
Pump slurry at 2 bpm until it reaches the end of the pipe. Before beginning the
hesitation squeeze, check the annulus. If no fluid can be seen, use the fill-up line
and fill the hole. Close annular bop, and pump at 1 ppm. This will direct the
Diaseal M LCM slurry down hole to the point of loss. If unweighted pump the
full open hole volume, plus an additional 20-30 bbls (3-5 M3) leaving the
remainder of slurry in the drill pipe to squeeze with. If weighted pump the
entire slurry volume and squeeze with the drilling fluid as this will prevent the
weighted slurry from setting up in the pipe.
After spotting the slurry pull, the pipe into the casing and continue the squeeze
procedure. Shut down for 2-3 hours to allow the Diaseal M LCM slurry to dewater.
Remember that Diaseal M LCM is a high fluid loss, high solids slurry. If there is any
permeability a thick filter cake can build up on the face of the well bore and stick the
pipe or the drill bit. This will not occur in a thief zone where the slurry is bullheaded into the formation.
After allowing the Diaseal M LCM slurry to dehydrate check to see if the hole
stands full. If the hole stands full then close pipe rams and pump through fill up
71
line at a 1/4 to 1/2 bpm rate until 50 psi is obtained; then discontinue pumping
for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this procedure with the goal to obtain the desired
pressure. The hesitation squeeze allows the loss zone the best opportunity to
become sealed-off. The final squeeze pressure should not exceed the equivalent
maximum mud weight hydrostatic pressure for the interval. Once the desired
pressure is obtained, shut down for 2-4 hours and wait for any additional fluid
left in the slurry to bleed off. Two hours for a non-weighted slurry and 4 hours
for weighted slurry.
Slowly bleed the pressure from the annulus. Circulate and condition the mud,
before tripping back into the hole. Carefully wash and ream back to bottom
while monitoring holes conditions and signs of mud loss. Wash to bottom,
drilling any Diaseal M LCM plug if encountered. The Diaseal M LCM plug will
not set up like cement, so there is minimal danger of sidetracking the hole as
with cement. Any remaining Diaseal M LCM plug material may be retained in
the drilling fluid and will act as seepage loss material.
72
Test Procedures:
The three different slurries were mixed on a multimixer and then tested for
rheological properties.
After the slurries were tested, 1 ppb equivalent of CF Desco II Deflocculant was
added and they were stirred for an additional 5 minutes on the multimixer. The
slurries were then retested for rheological properties. The results are in table I.
Formulations:
12 ppg: 84 g of Diaseal M LCM, 273.5 ml of tap water, and 150.2 g of barite
13 ppg: 78 g of Diaseal M LCM, 262.2 ml of tap water, and 210.6 g of barite
14 ppg: 70 g of Diaseal M LCM, 251.7 ml of tap water, and 271.9 g of barite
TEST RESULTS
TABLE I
Slurry
12 ppg
13 ppg
14 ppg
600
160
165
180
12 ppg
13 ppg
14 ppg
120
123
110
300
200
100
6
100
70
50
30
110
90
63
35
125
95
60
30
3
25
26
20
10
15
13
73
Diaseal M LCM lb
50 ppb
50 ppb
50 ppb
50 ppb
47 ppb
42 ppb
37 ppb
34 ppb
30 ppb
26 ppb
21 ppb
Hematite ppb
0 ppb
60 ppb
120 ppb
180 ppb
230 ppb
290 ppb
350 ppb
400 ppb
460 ppb
520 ppb
580 ppb
Water in Bbl.
0.930 bbl
0.897 bbl
0.875 bbl
0.842 bbl
0.818 bbl
0.795 bbl
0.762 bbl
0.738 bbl
0.716 bbl
0.683 bbl
0.660 bbl
Corrections to the volume of water were made to compensate for the density
differential of barite and hematite.
Corrections in the Diaseal M LCM quantity are estimated based on the difference in
the amounts of solids in the heavier systems. Verification in the field should be
made to ensure that there is no settling. Adequate mixing is also mandatory.
The revised Diaseal M LCM amounts are estimates only at this time and need to be
verified in the laboratory.
74
Diaseal M LCM lb
15.8 ppb
12.4 ppb
10.0 ppb
Hematite ppb
602 ppb
665 ppb
725 ppb
Water in Bbl.
0.645 bbls.
0.611 bbls.
0.583 bbls.
Hematite ppb
672 ppb
730 ppb
770 ppb
Diaseal M LCM lb
10.0 ppb
10.0 ppb
10.0 ppb
Mixing instructions: Mix diesel and surfactant together for about five minutes and
then add hematite, mix for ten minutes, add Diaseal M LCM, mix and add more
surfactant and stir for ten minutes. A total of 30 ml. of surfactant was used, 20 ml.
initially and 10 ml. after the addition of Diaseal M LCM. The surfactant is required
to oil wet the materials otherwise the mix is too thick. The surfactant used was an
ethoxylated alcohol. It is suggested that individual oil mud wetting agents be pilot
tested first to make sure of the correct concentrations needed. Testing was done in
the API filtrate cell without using a filter paper only the screen. There is not a
dramatic rush as with the water base formulations only a slow steady stream.
The 22 ppg Diaseal M LCM slurry is a maybe, we were able to drive the oil out of
the mix but it was slower than the 20 ppg and 21 ppg formulations.
Note: also be sure when doing the 22 ppg slurry to keep your finger over the
discharge port on the bottom of the API test cell because the slurry will start coming
out as soon as you pour the slurry into the API filter press. All test pressures were
100 psi.
75
24C (75 F)
66C (150 F)
3 hour
95%
98%
6 hour
96%
98%
24 hour
98%
99%
From the data, 5.4 gallons of 15% HCl and 2.1% HF acid are needed to dissolve one
pound of Diaseal M LCM. This is a large excess of HCl. According to the literature
the HF concentration of an HCl-HF mixture can range up to 9% thus, much less total
acid would be required. Doubling the HF concentration also roughly doubles the
rate of reaction.
Filter cakes of Diaseal M LCM have very high permeability. Therefore, it is unlikely
that they would ever reduce production if placed in a pay zone. But if an operator
desires to be absolutely sure, he can partially or wholly remove the plug of Diaseal
M LCM additive with HCl-HF acid.
76
77
200
170
140
120
100
80
60
50
40
30
20
18
16
12
10
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
8
Weight % on Screen
Screen Size
Note: 93 % of the Diaseal M LCM went through a 200 mesh (74 microns)
Weight %
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
8
10
12
16
18
20
30
40
50
60
Screen Size
Note: 93 % of the Diaseal M LCM went through a 200 mesh (74 microns) screen
78
Volume Percent
4.00
Run
A1
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
0.0
0.1
1.0
10.0
Particle Size (microns)
100.0
1000.0
80.0
Volume Percent
70.0
60.0
50.0
Run
A1
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
1.0
10.0
Particle Size (microns)
100.0
1000.0
79
The generic-look-a-like squeeze material has broader range of particle sizes than
Diaseal M LCM. Diaseal M LCM has higher concentration of components in the 80
mesh or smaller size. See (Table I, Percent by Weight of Material Retained on the
Screen)
TABLE I
Look-a-like
10 mesh
20 mesh
40 mesh
60 mesh
80 mesh
<80 mesh
1.85
2.0
2.60
2.70
10.70
78.35
6.25
7.95
12.05
7.05
3.95
60.80
X-Ray Refraction Analysis shows that both the generic-look-a-like squeeze product
and Diaseal M LCM to be nearly identical in elemental composition and in weight
percent of each element measured. The increase in silica and aluminum show a
higher concentration of diatomaceous earth in the Diaseal M LCM, while the
increase in calcium indicates a higher concentration of lime in the generic look-alike squeeze sample. See Table II, X-Ray Refraction Analysis
Explanation of the scanning electron microscope images:
The top left image is the Diaseal M LCM or generic material. The pictures next to it
are x-ray elemental dot maps (EDM) of the images. To use the EDM, imagine
stacking the maps on top of the SEM picture to locate the elements within the image.
This will give a sense of what the material are that you are looking at in the SEM
image. (See SEM Images 1- 5)
81
82
TABLE II
Diaseal M LCM
Generic look-a-like
Element
Amount
Element
Al
Ca
Cl
Fe
K
Na
Mg
Mn
P
So
Si
Ti
Sr
3.72Wt %
7.9Wt %
<Wt %
1.6Wt %
0.6Wt %
0.14WT%
0.39Wt %
<Wt %
0.044Wt %
0.073Wt %
15.6Wt %
0.26Wt %
0.043WT%
Amount
Al
Ca
Cl
Fe
K
Na
Mg
Mn
P
So
Si
Ti
Sr
2.69Wt %
33.2Wt %
<Wt %
2.01Wt %
0.27Wt %
<WT%
0.15Wt %
<Wt %
<Wt %
0.063Wt %
33.8Wt %
0.31Wt %
<WT%
Percent Paper
6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00
DM-P
2.00
Generic-P
1.00
0.00
10
20
40
60
80
<80
Mesh sizes
83
Percent
8.00
6.00
4.00
DM-F
2.00
Generic-F
0.00
10
20
40
60
80
<80
Mesh Size
Percent
80.00
60.00
40.00
DM-M
20.00
Generic-M
0.00
10
20
40
60
80
<80
Mesh Size
84
Test procedures:
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope images were done by
Phillips Petroleum Co. analytical branch, as was the X-ray fluorescence
spectroscopy. SEM images were done on one sample of Diaseal M LCM and two
samples of generic product. The images were done using two different levels of
contrast, Grey Scale 1 and 2. Along with the SEM images, elemental dot maps (EDM)
were made of the two materials to help identify the materials seen in each image.
The X-ray Fluorescence was done by scanning for fifty pre-determined elements and
those elements below the detection limit of the instrument were not listed.
The Sieve analysis was done by taking 20 grams of material and sieving it through a
stack of screens that was placed on a Roto-tap. The Roto-tap was run for 20
minutes. The material that was left on the different screens was cataloged as to type
and weight. The screen sizes used were 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mesh.
Less than 80-mesh size material was caught in a collection pan at the bottom of the
stack of screens. The screens were in a stack in descending screen size, 10 mesh on
top with 80 mesh on the bottom. At the start of the sieving process, the material
was placed on the 10-mesh screen.
The percentages and total weights do not add up to one hundred percent. Some
losses occurred while material was being transferred from the sieves.
85
IMAGE I
DIASEAL M LCM
86
IMAGE II
DIASEAL M LCM
87
IMAGE III
GENERIC MATERIAL
Competitor
88
IMAGE IV
GENERIC MATERIAL
Competitor
89
91
Mud Volume
PSI Static
60
30
50
57
200
240
260
340
230
270
58
60
65
PSI Circulating
440
306
440
270
420
70
270
420
280
75
265
80
390
350
330
330
90
372
95
255
100
345
345
265
105
276
110
115
117
370
360
276
407
272
414
92
XTO
DIASEAL-M SQUEEZE
A Dwnhole Density (lb/gal)
A Combined Rate (bpm)
C PS Pressure (psi)
D
20
19
18
17
16
15
PACKAGING
14
13
Diaseal M LCM products come in 40lb sacks for ease of handling and are
12
stacked 48 bags to the pallet. The pallet dimensions are 52 X 42 X 53.
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
00:00
01:00
02:00
03:00
04:00
05:00
06:00
07:00
08:00
3/12/2006
C
20
D
600
18
550
16
500
450
14
400
12
350
10
300
250
200
150
100
50
3/12/2006
Time
Customer: XTO
Well Desc: 1-96 23 #12
Ticket #: 4271667
H A L L IB U R T O N
CemWin v1.7.0
12-Mar-06 10:18
PACKAGING
Diaseal M LCM products come in 40 lb sacks for ease of handling and are
stacked 48 bags to the pallet. The pallet dimensions are 52 X 42 X 53.
93
ADVANTAGES
94
95
96
do the next FIT to allow any leak off to occur in the fracture, if the zone is permeable.
Repeat until the desired wellbore pressure is achieved. Some mud should have been
lost to the formation (not returned when pressure released). This indicates that
mud with the LCM blend was forced into short fractures and leaked off. For a long
zone, this might be 2-10 bbls.
This section should now be strengthened. Circulate the pill out of the hole and
either separate it for use as a later LCM pill, or let it mix into the drilling fluid. Put
the 200 mesh screens back on the shakers and drill ahead as per program.
THE FORMULATION OF THE SPECIAL LCM IS AS FOLLOWS
FOR TREATING THE ENTIRE MUD SYSTEM:
1. 15 ppb of deformable graphite 250-600 micron. For a 1500 bbl
circulating system, this would require 450 50-lb sacks
2. 10 ppb of CaCO3 in the 200-600 micron range
3. 10 ppb of CaCO3 in the 50-150 micron range
4. If unweighted, 10 ppb of CaCO3 in the 5-10 micron range. If the mud has
barite in it, then this CaCO3 fraction is unnecessary.
5. For a formation with no permeability (shale, marl, and tight siltstone) the
mud must be ultra-low fluid loss. This would be < 0.5 ml HTHP (high
temperature high pressure) fluid loss at maximum BHT (bottom hole
temperature). This can be achieved in OBM with a combination of
organophillic lignite, Gilsonite, Soltex Additive, or a polymeric fluid loss
material, and emulsifiers. The polymeric material may be a key to getting
the low fluid loss. An O/W (oil/water) ratio of no higher than 70/30 is
preferred.
FOR TREATING WITH A PILL:
Use the same formula above, except increase the Rebound LCM concentration to
20-25 ppb.
1. For an open hole of 1000 feet with a diameter of 8.75 + 10% hole wash
out a pill of 100 bbls is required and will take 40 to 50 sacks of Rebound
LCM. Remember you must cover all the open hole plus 100 feet of casing
plus 10 bbl. for the drill pipe. There must be a complete distribution of
particle sizes from the largest on down so that a filter cake will form on
the large plugging particles at the fracture tip. The deformable graphite
has been shown to be important for both its particle size distribution and
its characteristic of resiliency. CaCO3 alone is not as effective, especially
in impermeable rock. When treating impermeable rock use only
deformable graphite and treat at 50 to 100 pounds per barrel. Using the
same example above the number of sacks of deformable graphite would
then be 100 200 sacks
99
160
Percentage Rebound
140
120
100
80
Maxi
mum
60
Minim
um
40
20
0
1
Carbon Types
Carbon Types
1-Crystalline Vein
2-Flake
3-Amorphous
4-Petroleum Coke
5-Synthetic
6-Rebound LCM
100
GRADES
Regular: Regular grade particle size is 100% < 40 mesh, 95% > 200 mesh
Fine: Fine grade particle size is 98% < 40 mesh, 40% < 200 mesh
PACKAGING
Rebound LCM Regular and Fine grind are packaged in 50 lb sacks and
stacked 40 sacks to the pallet
ORDERING
Orders may be placed by calling 1-800-423-3985 (Houston, TX) or 832-8134563 (Houston, TX), or +322-689-1202 (Rotterdam) or 65-6517-3276
(Singapore)
For more information on Drilling Specialties Company products see our web site at
www.drillingspecialties.com
101
102
Well C lost 10,000 bbls in the intermediate hole and 700 bbls in the
production hole
Well D lost 4,071 bbls in the intermediate hole and 450 bbls in the
production hole
Well F lost 330 bbls in the intermediate hole only
Well G(29) lost 1,350 bbls in the intermediate hole only
On the subject well, the decision was made to keep the mud clean by utilizing the
shakers and adding granular wellbore strengthening materials continually at the
hopper. Initially 84 mesh shaker screens were installed, these gave way to 70 mesh
for a while allowing for some of the LCM to be maintained in the system. As LGS
begin to build up in the mud system the 70 mesh were traded out for 165 mesh
screens. By TD of the intermediate interval 184 mesh were installed to clean up the
mud system.
The LPM additions were started after topping the Hoxbar formation, at 8,640 ft TVD
RKB. A continuous hourly treatment was decided on and maintained throughout the
drilling of the intermediate interval. The standard treatment was 4 sacks of SURESEAL LPM, 4 sacks of TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM and 2 sacks of DynaRed fiber
medium per hour while drilling. As known severe loss zones were topped, the
standard treatment was increased to 6 sacks of SURE-SEAL LPM, 6 sacks of
TORQUE-SEAL LCM/LPM , 4 sacks of DynaRed fiber medium and 6 sacks of
WELL-SEAL LCM medium. After penetrating the know loss zones the treatment
was reduced to the initial treatment. No mud losses were experienced throughout
the drilling of the intermediate interval!
Utilizing granular LPMs, circulating the mud over the shakers allowed a cleaner
mud with reduced ECDs and minimized the chance to induce fractures causing mud
loss.
For more information on Drilling Specialties Company products see our web site at
www.drillingspecialties.com
This publication is for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of the advice of a professional engineer. The
user acknowledges that all technical information contained in this bulletin is given for convenience only and is accepted and
used at the users sole risk. Before using this product, the user is advised to make its own determination and assessment of the
safety and suitability of the product for the specific use in question and is further advised against relying on the information
contained herein as it may relate to any specific use or application. It is the users ultimate responsibility to ensure that the
product is suited and the information is applicable to the users specific application. Drilling Specialties Company does not
make any warranties, and expressly disclaims all warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose, regardless of whether oral or written, express or implied, or allegedly arising from any usage of trade or course of
dealing in connection with the use of the information contained herein or the product itself. The user expressly assumes all
risk and liability, whether based in contract, tort, or otherwise, in connection with the use of the information contained herein
or the product itself.
103