Laboratory and field evaluation of polyurethane foam for lost circulation control
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
A two-part polyurethane foam has been tested in the laboratory and in the field to assess its utility in controlling lost circulation encountered when drilling geothermal wells. A field test was conducted in The Geysers in January, 1988, to evaluate the chemical formulation and downhole tool used to deploy the chemicals. Although the tool apparently functioned properly in the field test, the chemicals failed to expand sufficiently downhole, instead forming a dense polymer that may be ineffective in sealing loss zones. Subsequent laboratory tests conducted under simulated downhole conditions indicate that the foam chemical undergo sever mixing with water in the wellbore, which disturbs the kinetics of the chemical reaction more than was previously contemplated. The results indicate that without significant changes in the foam chemical formulation or delivery technique, the foam system will be ineffective in lost circulation control except under very favorable conditions. 4 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/CE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5532917
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-89-0791C; CONF-891031-3; ON: DE89014551
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Annual meeting of the Geothermal Resources Council, Santa Rosa, CA (USA), 1-4 Oct 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PLUGGING AGENTS
TESTING
WELL DRILLING
LOST CIRCULATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTROL
FIELD TESTS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MEDIUM TEMPERATURE
POLYURETHANES
SEALING MATERIALS
TOOLS
DRILLING
MATERIALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
POLYAMIDES
POLYMERS
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
WELLS
Geothermal Legacy