A comprehensive review of lost circulation: Principles and treatments

• Main Authors: Al-Delfi, Ali K., Al-Mahdawi, Faleh H. M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circulation; Drilling; Laboratory tests; Performance evaluation; Permeability
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0167937

Lost circulation is considered as one of the difficult troubles which handling during drilling operations. It may create a variety of concerns, including increased non-productive time and drilling costs. The degree of the results varies based on the extent of the loss. It might begin with just losing fluids and progress to blowout. The losses occur when the fluid passes through a geological formation such as a high permeability zone, a vugular or cavernous region, or a natural fracture. To reduce mud losses and prevent related difficulties, many kinds of lost circulation materials have been created and are being employed. Each solution has advantages and disadvantages. As a result, no universal lost circulation material therapy has yet been developed which would be efficient in all zones and operational environments. Before a new kind of LCM can be used in the field, it must first undergo thorough laboratory testing. The LCM performance of treatments is evaluated using permeability plugging apparatus as well as fluid loss devices in combination with slotted or tapered discs. There has yet to be devised a single standardized testing technique or interpretation that assesses LCM’s performance. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the lost circulation in conjunction with its consequences, the encountered lost zones during the operation drilling and the degrees of losses. In addition, various types of lost circulation materials are also discussed with the evaluation of lost circulation materials in the laboratory before using them in the field.