Optimum particle size distribution design for lost circulation control and wellbore strengthening

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 836-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid Razavi ◽  
Ali Karimi Vajargah ◽  
Eric van Oort ◽  
Munir Aldin ◽  
Sudarshan Govindarajan
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Circulation Control ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening

Assessment of Lost Circulation Material Particle-Size Distribution on Fracture Sealing: A Numerical Study

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Lu Lee ◽  
Arash Dahi Taleghani
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Fluid Loss ◽  
Material Particle ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Fracture Sealing ◽  
Discrete Element Methods ◽  
Lost Circulation Materials

Summary Lost circulation materials (LCMs) are essential to combat fluid loss while drilling and may put the whole operation at risk if a proper LCM design is not used. The focus of this research is understanding the function of LCMs in sealing fractures to reduce fluid loss. One important consideration in the success of fracture sealing is the particle-size distribution (PSD) of LCMs. Various studies have suggested different guidelines for obtaining the best size distribution of LCMs for effective fracture sealing based on limited laboratory experiments or field observations. Hence, there is a need for sophisticated numerical methods to improve the LCM design by providing some predictive capabilities. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element methods (DEM) numerical simulations are coupled to investigate the influence of PSD of granular LCMs on fracture sealing. Dimensionless variables were introduced to compare cases with different PSDs. We validated the CFD-DEM model in reproducing specific laboratory observations of fracture-sealing experiments within the model boundary parameters. Our simulations suggested that a bimodally distributed blend would be the most effective design in comparison to other PSDs tested here.

Particle Size Distribution Improves Casing-While-Drilling Wellbore-Strengthening Results

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick D. Watts ◽  
Micheal Rodney Greener ◽  
Stephen O. Mckeever ◽  
Paul Daniel Scott ◽  
David Hale Beardmore
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening

Screening of Lost Circulation Materials for Geothermal Applications: Experimental Study at High Temperature

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Cesar Vivas ◽  
Saeed Salehi
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Thermal Degradation ◽  
Particle Size Distribution ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Granular Materials ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Sealing Pressure ◽  
Lost Circulation Materials

Abstract This study presents a laboratory experimental research to determine the characteristics of lost circulation materials (LCM) capable of addressing thermal degradation, providing bridging, and sealing in geothermal conditions. Eleven different materials were tested; Walnut Fine, Walnut Medium, Sawdust, Altavert, Graphite Blend, Bentonite Chips, Micronized Cellulose (MICRO-C), Magma Fiber Fine, diatomaceous earth/amorphous silica powder (DEASP), Cotton Seed Hulls, and a Calcium Carbonate Blend. The filtration and sealing pressure of the LCMs were measured with HPHT equipment up to 149°C (300°F). Besides, the particle size distribution (PSD) of fine granular materials was measured. The results show that the performance of some LCM materials commonly used in geothermal operations is affected by high temperature. Characteristics such as shape and size made some materials more prone to thermal degradation. Also, it was found that the PSD of LCMs is a key factor in the effectiveness of bridging and sealing fractures. The results suggest that granular materials with a wide particle size distribution PSD are suitable for geothermal applications.

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